North East Masters Festival- a great success
- Jason Grant
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On Saturday, Crusaders Masters had their first hit at hosting the North East Masters Festival.
3 weeks prior to the event things were not looking good, with only two other teams interested. It was looking likely that the festival would be cancelled and revert to a 3 way fixture at Robertson Rd.
However, the Masters world galvanised and responses started to come in, eventually it was apparent that we could continue with our plans and run a 5 team format.
Crusaders availability was great and despite losing a player on the day, we still fielded 14 players.
Crusaders first game was against Morley Knights, a team our Masters lead, Smudge, regularly guests for. Crusaders kicked straight into gear guided expertly around the park by Andy and Longers which created plenty of space out wide to be exploited by Pete and Mike. In defence Crusader were settled and communicated brilliantly to keep the Knights at bay. It’s been a long time since we’ve played Morley Knights but it was worth the wait, great game.
Crusaders had a bit of a break in the second round of fixtures but a few players backed up for Carlisle in their game.
Round 3 saw Crusaders take on their Cumbrian neighbours Carlisle, always a good match up. Crusaders were equally as potent in attack as the first game. In defence we suffered from a little less communication and some over-read for Carlisle to exploit. The game saw an incident that would ultimately lead to Smudge recieving Richard of the Day! Not for this exploits in a Crusaders but for one in merry whistle blowers shirt. 10m from the line, Carlisle fumbled and appeared to knock on, indeed Smudge even blew said merry whistle, only to then shout “play on,” playing to whistle Crusaders had very much stopped, unfortunately the canny Cumbrians hadn’t and strolled over the line.
At this stage John “l kick on the 3rd” Longers Longden burst out laughing, knowing he’d been let off the hook, alongside Pete “haveahandoff” Newton!
It was another great game against Carlisle during this season.
Waterbreaks, common sense and patience was the order of the day throughout. So after a rehydration break Crusaders were ready for their final game against classy Cumbrian outfit Arlecdon Rams.
The game, again, was a great advert for Masters Rugby League. Played in fantastic spirit with plenty of highlights. Arlecdon were very well organised throughout in attack and defence with Crusaders equally holding their own.
It was with big smiles that after a hot afternoon of rugby we were able to start the rehydration process by offering each and every player a super chilled tinnie to enjoy. Post match food was supplied by Hamilton’s Butchers in Richmond, a great selection of Pork Pies and Sausage Rolls ……. a Crusaders recommendation!! The fantastic bar staff from Richmondshire RUFC continued to take care of the rehydration process for us, we were in good hands!
Indeed big thanks needs to go to Richmondshire RUFC who allowed us to use their superb facilities. They had pitches cut and marked, had a car park attendant as well as bar staff from arrival until departure.
Thank you to the clubs kit suppliers Pronto Teamwear https://prontoteamwear.co.uk/product-category/club-shops/rugby-club-shops/catterick-crusaders/
The must have stash item being the Crusaders budgies! Get yours while stocks last!
Finally, the positive feedback we have recieved from the event has been outstanding. Lots of praise for how well organised it was and a great desire to see us host it again in 2027! “Oh go on then!”
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