Masters Reppin’ on the Road

This Saturday saw some of our Masters players hit the road to get some Masters game time in. Our very own Club Chairman, Ben Smith, made the trip down south to play for United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) against Medway Dragons at The Garrison Grounds, Chatham. On the way down the weather was looking ok but 10 minutes before kickoff the heavens decided to open up and it didn’t stop raining until the final whistle was blown.

For the game Ben was put in at scrum half where he took command ensuring the team was in the correct positions to attack a strong defensive line from the Dragons. A personal highlight for Ben was, off the back of a scrum he spotted an opportunity to get the UKAF Masters over the line. From 15 meters out, Ben feed the scrum and picked the ball from the back to attack the line drawing in two defenders before a slick pass to the winger who then drew in the last defender allowing Ben to loop around to receive the ball again to score in the corner.

After the game concluded with a draw the masters made their way to the Canon pub for the post match festivities Where over £500 was raised for the Soldiers League charity. Master of the match for UKAF picked by Medway Dragoons was our very own Ben Smith who said it was a great honour and a privilege to be named Master of the match for UKAF.

Closer to home, Jase, Goadie, Darren and Gaz travelled over to The Recreation Ground in Whitehaven to take part in David Farrell’s Green Short Celebration match which also raised £500 for Cancer Charity, Maggie’s.

Arlecdon, Carlisle, Maryport, Barrow and Crusaders were spread across two teams. Darren, Goadie and Jase were mixed in with the team headed up by Arlecdon. Whilst Gaz joined the team headed up by Carlisle, which also contained former Great Britain International and Cumbrian Rugby League legend, blue shorter, Paul Charlton.

Paul Charlton who represented Great Britain 18 times.

Jase, Goadie and Gaz found themselves warming the bench at kick off. However just 10 minutes into the game, Jase was deployed to the front row as an Arlecdon player unfortunately took a knock that finished his afternoon. Goadie wasn’t far behind, taking up residency in the second row, pushing Darren up to the front row to join Jase. Gaz, also was short of game time and also found himself in the front row against Jase and Darren.

Comedy moment of the day came at the expense of Jase. Not for doing anything wrong infact quite the opposite. Jase offered himself up to hit the ball up, having caught the ball he deployed his world renowned (honest!!) Marra Shuffle which caught his opposite number flat footed. Unfortunately for Jase it also caught his opposite number flat handed …….. right around Jase’s chops! There was no malice, and apologies and handshakes couldn’t come quick enough, as is the Spirit of Masters.

After pints, pies and peas the Crusaders quartette headed East, stopping at The Chamley Arms in Warcop for a swift one, before ending the day with a curry at Asha in Catterick Garrison. A fantastic day out.

#budgiebomb