There was confirmation, to the rumours, earlier this week that Magic Weekend will return to St James Park, Newcastle, in 2025. All 12 Superleague clubs will converge on St James Park over the Bank Holiday weekend of 3rd and 4th May. St James Park has been a long standing fans favourite venue for the event and after a year at Elland Rd, this year, fans are happy to see it return to the Toon. Crusaders will soon be releasing ticket details for club members who wish to attend and it’s hoped there will be plenty of us there representing the club. At previous Magic Weekends the club has had our Primary Rugby League teams playing on the pitch, club flag holders, ball operatives and team mascots. Keep your eyes open for what we’ll get up to this time!

Crusaders would like to pass on their congratulations to Hope Throw who has recently signed terms with Featherstone Rovers U19’s Ladies team. Hope’s first experience of Rugby League was at Durham Tigers under the tutorage of Scott Quinn. Unfortunately the team folded and Hope focussed on Rugby Union whilst remaining in contact with Rugby League by attending weekly Touch Rugby League sessions at Catterick Crusaders. She played an influential part in the Crusaders side that won the inaugural Weston Beach Tag Festival (mixed team). At the weekly sessions, Hope honed her skills and regularly picked up the Player of the Week or Grafter of the Week Awards. Whilst at Crusaders, Hope followed a suggestion from Jason Grant that she should attend a trial for York Valkyrie U18’s. Hope was indeed selected for the Valk’s. Since that point she has also turn out for Newcastle Thunder Ladies and Castleford Tigers Ladies, whilst always being mindful not to burn her bridges. Hope is proof that you can achieve your goals whilst remaining loyal to your club, as long as you work hard and take your opportunities. Well done Hope. We’ll be following this part of journey too.

Tomorrow, Jason Grant, Ian McKechnie and Darren Cunnington, along with North East Thunder Masters player, Dennis Nowell, will play in the annnual Veterans v Veterans match at Rochdale Mayfield. The annual fixture continues to go from strength to strength, with over 50 veterans turning out tomorrow, making up 3 teams for a round robin format. Although this fixture puts the final seal on the season for our players, planning for 2025 is well underway, with some fixtures already in the calendar. If you are interested in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the website.

Yesterday (27 Oct) Crusaders Masters closed rugby at the club for 2024. The Masters team took on North East Thunder Masters on the college pitch at Gateshead International Stadium. Crusaders were boosted by Geoff and Kev from Carlisle Masters, which afforded the team a sub. North East Thunder boosted their numbers with players from Arlecdon, Maryport and Scottish based players who wished to give Masters a go. The purpose for the fixture was to introduce Masters to the Scottish based players with the aim of raising teams north of the border. The game was very enjoyable and played in excellent spirit. The Scottish players soon picked up the game and a great contest ensued. For the second game in a row, gold shorter, Paul “Snake Hips” Goad, proved more than a speedy handful for the defence. Paul “could get injured yawning” Clarke made his only appearance of the year, but put in a great stint at fullback, shutting down a number line breaks. Mark Throw was another player returning to the fold after a long absence, and definitely made his presence felt. We won’t talk about the occasional forward pass that thwarted a few tries, but we might mention Ben “Forest Gump” Smith who got a little excited and ran the ball clear off the pitch when trying to evade the opposition! When asked what he was doing, he simply replied, “just felt like running!” Despite those minor indiscretions Crusaders played some really good Rugby League. For a team that doesn’t train there are some great combinations coming together, and those combinations led to some great tries. The game was brilliantly controlled by referee Luke Naylor throughout. It was also great to have Tony and Peter from the Masters steering group in attendance also. Post match was taken inside the stadium, thank you to Richie Metcalfe for sorting us a room for refreshment and the free tickets to the Ireland v Scotland match, it was very much appreciated. Crusaders Masters will be upping their game in 2025 with regular training and some new off field gear. We also have a little jaunt planned for late February so keep watching our channels for more details in the New Year! As ever, Crusaders Masters would like to thank our kit sponsors Marstons. We would also like to thank our polo sponsors eCreative Designs, Burties Hair Design, Top Third, iSecure Group and Light Risk Management.

Round 2 Cup Games: Catterick U12s Electrify at Consett! The Catterick U12s were up before dawn, embarking on an exhilarating journey to Consett. With the sun finally breaking through, the stage was set for an unforgettable day of rugby. Fielding an impressive squad, including debutants Jemesa and Tobyn, Catterick was ready to dominate. Match 1: Catterick vs. Gateshead Storm The first clash was a thrilling rematch against Gateshead Storm, their adversaries from last season's nail-biting U12s plate final. Oliver wasted no time, charging in for the opening try. Catterick’s defense was impenetrable, their lightning-fast line speed leaving Gateshead in the dust. Steeno followed up with a spectacular try, and Charlie added two more in the right corner, showing off his unstoppable speed. Gateshead managed to break through once, but Catterick was relentless. Iyzaak bulldozed his way to a try, and Charlie, spotting another gap, dashed in for another. Despite Gateshead’s second try, Catterick wasn’t done. In the final moments, brilliant ball movement set up Steeno for the closing try. Final Score: Catterick 7 - Gateshead Storm 2 Match 2: Catterick vs. Yarm Next up was Yarm, and Catterick showcased their depth by rotating almost the entire team, giving the U11s their time to shine. Oliver once again led the charge with a powerful run through Yarm’s defense. The young Catterick squad held firm in defense, turning the ball over and allowing Iyzaak to storm in for another try against his friends. Yarm crossed the try line, but Iyzaak quickly responded with another electrifying run. Archie, exploiting the wing, sprinted in for his first try of the day. Catterick’s defense was stellar, shutting down Yarm’s advances at every turn. Debutant Tobyn thrilled the crowd with a brilliant run, scoring in the right corner. Moses, with fantastic support from Callum, added two more tries to the tally. Yarm managed a late try, but Iyzaak ensured Catterick had the final say, finishing the game with a decisive try. Final Score: Catterick 8 - Yarm 3 The U11s demonstrated remarkable determination and skill, impressing with their drift defense, line speed, and powerful tackles. It was a day of triumph and teamwork for Catterick, leaving their mark on the league season! Crusaders U12’s would like to thank sponsors, Delaval, Amara Bluegrass Co, Michael George gents hair salon. Match report courtesy of Jamie

A big thank you to Gateshead Storm starts this match report! Early last week Storm stepped in to host the Primary Rugby League Festival after Thunder unfortunately couldn’t. The U10’s travelled up to Winlaton and found themselves encapsulating a few players from other clubs, and so, rather than one team …. they had two! Crusaders camo’ s 1st game was against Rockets. Both teams were awesome and the defence was incredible on both sides. Thayne, Alfred and Sitino all made their debuts for Crusaders. Thayne did some great runs and tackles. Alfred ran the ball in hard. No one was stopping him. Sitino also did some great runs. It was a very even game. Lukas and Junior did some amazing try stopping tackles. Junior was awarded the man if the match from rockets. The secong game against Gateshead Storm. Catterick came out strong with some great defence stopping Gateshead breaking through the defence. Some strong tackling from Noah F and Oscar P. Austin scored the 1st try for Catterick with a strong run. Followed by Bodhi who went the full length of the pitch. Lukas was a tackle machine this game. All players had an outstanding performance, everyone could tell the training is paying off. Bodhi was awarded man of the match from Gateshead. The Catterick/Wallsend/Consett combined team had Lochlan making his rugby league debut, putting in strong tackles on his own and supporting others. He also scored a try in his first match. Archie, out on the wing, was running hard with the ball, taking the tackle when it came and supporting his team mates with their tackles. Tom and Noah B, were super tackle machines and bagged themselves trys in attack too, running forward before backwards and sideways to cross the white wash. There was super plays in attack and defence from Wallsend and Consett contingent too. A great morning of rugby in the sun against Rockets and Storm. Match report courtesy of Shauna and Lynsey. Photos courtesy of Gateshead Storm.

On Saturday, Crusaders Masters hosted North East Thunder Masters in the inaugural Jim Collins Trophy. Despite a couple of withdrawals from both sides there was great numbers for the match and the weather also decided to play ball. As ever Crusaders were thankful to have our medic Jayne on hand to patch up the walking wounded, it’s fair say she was a tadge busy! Infact she was called into action before we’d even kicked off! Whilst waiting for the ref to arrive from a morning reffing in Consett, both teams had a warm up game of T&P. A high ball was lofted and Jeff (running forwards) and Foxy (moving back wards) decided to compete for it, the rest of the Masters aware of what was about to happen, decided Jim and Foxy might work it out for themselves, bad decision!! The ensuing collision left both Yellow shorters seeking first aid and Foxy donning some questionable head wear. When the game got underway it was a great game to witness. Each side guiding their White and Black shorters into the physical stuff and then getting the ball out to the Red, Yellow and Green. Some cracking tries were scored by both teams. Making a return to Masters action for Crusaders were Belly, Daryl and Butch all of whom had cracking games and bagged at least a try a piece (not that we keep count). After Jase decided it would be a smart idea to bend his elbow too far in the wrong direction, Longers took to guiding the team around the park and did a sterling job. In all, the game was a great game played in fantastic spirit. With Rugby League being the winner, in Masters, each player, from both sides, were given a winners memento medal to mark the occasion. The overall Master of the match went to Butch, which in turn meant Crusaders would hold the Jim Collins Trophy for 2024. The Master of the Match was selected by Jim, himself. After the medal and trophy presentations it was down to Tex and Alex from North East Thunder, to announce that Jim would become the North East Thunder Honorary President, a fitting accolade for a legend of the Masters game. Crusaders Masters would like to thank Ben and Emma for sorting out the post match refreshment. During the post match £180 was raised for Alasdair McKechnie and Oliver Redding who both represent Scotland in the coming months. A massive thank you goes to iSecure Group who agreed to sponsor the trophy and medals for the match. Thank you to our shirt sponsors, Marstons. Our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, eCreative Designs, Top Third, iSecure Group and Lighthouse Risk Management LLP. An absolutely fantastic afternoon, to acknowledge Jim’s fantastic Masters career, which as a seasoned Blue shorter (80+) he has now decided to hang up his boots.

On Saturday our U16’s took part in the Spring 6’s, hosted by Gateshead Storm. The team consisted of: 1. Toby-George Clarke 2. Harry Hammond 3. Lewis Roberts-Austin 4. ⁠Jack Buttitta 5. ⁠Lucas Dolan 6. ⁠Josh Gratton 7. Connor Farrelly It was another cracking day out playing in the Spring 6s at Winlaton. The team played 4 games against Storm and Rockets coming out with the following stats. W2 D1 L1 Man of the match - Connor Farrelly playing though every game, in true Crusader spirit and the 4th game with a dead left arm. After the games the lads, being part of the Crusader Family, got together and congratulated and supported Connor. Well done lads it brought a tear to the eye of this old grumpy coach. The 1st game was played in usual Crusaders fashion of being slow out of the blocks and going down to a defeat from a very strong Storm team. However, Harry Hammond did score the last try after a great set of six and a kick and chase which he recovered, so we will take that as a moral victory as Ally McKechnie (asst-coach) shouted ”next try the winner” before he scored. The 2nd game was against Rockets and the lads showed some great play and came away with a victory, spurred on by Jack Buttittia (vice-Captain) rousing speech before kick off. Rockets never gave up and it was agreed by the Rockets coach that it was a really good game. There was then back to back games against two different Storm teams. The 3rd game was won by the lads but at a cost of injuries to Harry, Connor and Joshua. In the 4th game they showed true Yorkshire grit by grinding out a draw even being down in numbers. Coach Ian ended the day feeling really proud of the lads. Out of the Magnificent Seven, there was only 1 recognised forward in Joshua Gratton, so they had to adapt to a different style of play as the majority were backs. Thanks Ian for the match notes. “This is all you need lads” #development #CrusaderFamily

The Rugby League season must have started as we finally had some half decent weather and none of that wet stuff. Saturday saw Catterick Crusaders u12s make a start on their 2024 season with the Spring 6’s festival held by Gateshead Storm. Having 18 players named for the day it was set to be a fantastic day of rugby. Head coach Adam had put out two teams and a few subs for each team. Catterick A was made up of, Iyzaak, Oliver, Callum, Henry, Bobby, Harrison, Steeno, Noah, Cameron. Catterick B was made of, Ben, Sam C, Sam K, Archie, Flynn, Henry F, Sam H, Caleb and Jack. The first game started off with a mostly new set of players from Consett. Consett were a bottom age side (mainly U11’s) but that didn’t put Consett off, as they put in a good game against us, tackling and running hard. With tries coming in from most of the players for Catterick, it was a good game in attack, With everyone working well together, completing sets, tackling and supporting each other. Next up was Catterick B’s first game against Cramlington. Catterick B took a little time to get started with it being the first league game for most of the players but they did fantastically well. A lot grit and determination came from our debutants. Sam K and Archie stepped up to give our debutants the help needed to guide them on the pitch. There was great tackling and runs from all of Catterick B and they never gave up. Cramlington took the win in this game. Catterick A against Gateshead Storm was also under way at the same time. This proved to be a tough game initially but soon Catterick A were all firing and putting in a great shift. Henry P who was also a debutant for Catterick played a fantastic game, getting fully stuck in. The day pretty much carried on the same for Catterick A who didn’t lose a game all day, showing off their skills and determination to keep up the good work for the day. Each player crossing over that try line. Showing off their new skills which they have been working hard on with coach Adam. Catterick B made a few changes letting Noah and Steeno, step up to give them guidance and a confidence boost. There was a lot of determination shown from the B team, who didn’t let their heads drop and keep showing what they can do. Being guided by Coach H throughout the day. Catterick B showed such confidence as the day went on. A lot of support running, ball handling and great tackling. Finishing off their day with a great game against Consett. A fantastic start to the season, with everyone playing in great spirit. Such fantastic sportsmanship from everyone and making sure we support each other throughout the day. Every single player played outstanding. Crusaders U12’s would like to thank sponsors, Amara Blue Grass Co, Michael George Gents Hair Salon and DeLeval. Thank you for your support. Thank you Jamie Coburn for the match notes.

It was a super sunny morning in Gateshead last Saturday for the first Primary Rugby League Festival of the season. Crusaders U10’s turned up with 13 enthusiastic players. Who were joined by 3 equally enthusiastic players from Wallsend. This meant we have 16 cracking players ready to split into 2 teams. The 1st game was Catterick Cammo against Cramlington Rockets. The team showed alot of true determination. Working together. Great defense and attack. The score sheet started with Bodhi doing a cracking full length run to score. A perfect example of how to tackle a player goes to Tom G with some outstanding tackles throughout the game. Archie L had an outstanding game with some secure carries and making metres. Rockets Gave Bodhi there MOM for the 1st Game. The 2nd game of the day was Catterick strips against Rocket 2. Catterick came out all guns blazing after waiting to get on the pinch. Junior scored an amazing 7 tries, Noah B scoring 2 and Ollie making his debut also getting over the try line a couple of times. Lucy showing true girl power, pulling off an amazing try stopping tackle. Lukas, also making his debut, put in some amazing tackles and showed some sportsmanship with his compassion for an injuried Rockets player. Junior got MOM from the Rockets coach. Game 3 Catterick Cammo against Rockets 2. Herny started this off with a great run and try. Then Noah F, with his trade mark jinking runs bagged himself 3 tries in a row. Leonard and Austin showed great example of an all round player showing determination within attack and defence. Oscar D ran some great meters forward and his outstanding leadership qualities shone through, organising the team in attack. Noah F recieved MOM from the Rockets Coach. Catterick striped played the final game against Gateshead Storm. Junior showed true character by encouraging the team to move forward. Off the back of this Neil carried the ball forward and the opposition failed to get Neil down. Noah B stepped up his tacklimg, in this game showing true Crusader sprit in defence. Ollie was awarded MOM. Over the 4 games, both teams played really well. We look forward to the rest of the season. Thank you Shauna for the match notes!

On Saturday Catterick Crusaders U8’s got their playing season underway at a festival, at Winlaton RU, hosted by Gateshead Storm. Max B was the only player that wasn’t making his debut on Saturday. Bertie J had some experience having played the year before for Lancashire club Bank Quay Bulls. However, Benjamin N and the Le Cateau Primary School trio, Beauden C, Edward S and Freddie B were all new to the game. The first game was against Cramlington Rockets, who were a very good team with some strong runners and good skills. The Crusaders boys however, held their own and spurred on by some fantastic tackles from Edward, they grew in confidence throughout. Both Max and Bertie used their pace to gain good metres on the edges, whilst Beauden and Benjamin are always going to be a handful with their jinking runs. Freddie really impressed his coaches with his concentration and technique in the tackle, getting better throughout the morning. Next up was a game against Gateshead Storm who also had a number of players from Consett Eagles thrown in. Coach Jason had only asked that the players try to get more involved by maybe doing 1 tackle each or by always being available to run with the ball. They certainly did as they asked and they were all showing great character as the settled in to what was a great game. With the planned fixtures done and dusted there was still a bit of time left in the recommended playing time, and so, Rockets and Crusaders had a rematch. Again the Crusaders players boost their confidence by playing some great Rugby League and left the field with big smiles. Overall it was a very successful morning for this brand new team. Everyone had lots of fun and it was great to see them grow in confidence as the morning went on. This week Crusaders U8’s have training on Saturday at 10am. Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved.

On Saturday, Crusaders Masters travelled west along the A66 to take part in the excellent Cumbria Masters Festival hosted by Carlisle Masters. On the day Crusaders were backed up by our friends from North East Thunder Masters which allowed us a couple of subs. For our first game, Crusaders took on Barrow Masters. Crusaders look a good while to settle into the game, and struggled to get to the back end of their sets. However, once the team had settled, a great game ensued. The white, black and some of the red shorters, got stuck into each other and Crusaders we’re thankful to their yellow and blue shorters who came up with some timely touches in defence. Unfortunately Crusaders lost yellow (60+) shorter Paul Goad early in the game. It transpires that his hamstrings are as dodgy as his musical taste. Get well soon Paul, you’ve got a month until we play Heworth. After great match, Ben Smith took the Richard of the Day Award for managing to mess up the “3 cheers for Barrow” …… yes folks, we know that is nye on impossible to do, but Ben proved that with hard work, dedication and virtually no brain cells, it can be achieved. Next up was a game against Maryport Masters. Things clicked much better for Crusaders in this game and a great game of Masters took place between the two sides. Guesting for Crusaders were blue shorter (80+) and yellow shorter, George Taylor. Having both now played 5 guest games for Crusaders they recieve their heritage numbers (Jim 032, George 033). Nice one, and thank you, you pair of Masters legends! Making his Crusaders debut was yellow shorter Jeff Williams. Jeff came and watched the Boothtown game, 2 weeks earlier, and decided he wanted in on the action. Thank you Carlisle Masters for, not just, a great afternoon of Masters Rugby League, but also a fantastic spread afterwards. We were also extremely happy to be selected as Team of the Day!! Longers and Foxy, made the point that the posh Cumbrian joke had run its course. We were forced to agree and would like to apologise to their butler, who was so angry at our pre match write up he almost forgot to let the Chateau Lafite Rothschild breathe before the meat course. We take no responsibility, however, for their chef over cooking the Foie Gras, that’s a rookie error! Crusaders would like to thank our shirt sponsors, Marstons. We would also like to thank our post match polo sponsors, Burties Hair Design, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, iSecure Group and Top Third.