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It's almost time for the Masters season to get going and Crusaders Masters have a full calendar to look forward to, starting in March. Crusaders Masters have been quick to get their player numbers in. The registration link was put out at 10am today (30 January) and less than 12 hours later, they have the required 15 registrations by the RFL before they can play, with more regulars still to register. Crusaders Masters are always on the look out for more players. Playing and training commitments are low. Masters Rugby League is limited contact played in great spirit. There's great banter in each games and a great social atmosphere afterwards. We have a number of options for fees to suite every pocket! So if you are 35+ and fancy something new, or fancy another crack at Rugby League, you won't be disappointed. If you'd like to register with us, please follow the link below. For further info, please drop us a line. https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?aID=27305&pKey=0d13b6f3f28bdf71419d49b02ca685c9&cID=27

Tomorrow night, Catterick Crusaders Masters will close a great season with their End of Season Awards night. Under the enthusiastic drive of Ben Smith, Crusaders have enjoyed what is technically their second season, however having only played a single fixture the year before it is certainly the first season with a structured fixture list. The team enjoyed 6 fixtures against, Boothtown, Guiseley, Carlisle, Morley and Heworth (home and away). They also took part in the Cumbria and National (Blackpool) Festivals. Registrations took a rise, with 23 players getting involved at stages through the season, as well as various guest players. The team has also recognised its players efforts by issuing heritage numbers to any player that registers for the team and subsequently takes to the field. Guest players must play 5 games before being given a heritage number. 27 numbers were issued during the season, with one to be issued tomorrow evening! Tomorrow evening the following awards will be up for grabs; Master of Steel - sponsored by Laser Tattoo Removal and Body Piercing Master of the Season - sponsored by Martin Beaver Comedy Moment - sponsored by Burties Hair Design Clubman of the Season - sponsored by Octopus Solutions Group Ltd Guest Master of the Season - sponsored by Penguin Tailoring and Medal Mounting Servies. Thank you to all our trophy sponsors. Throughout the season Crusaders Masters have always looked on point in their smart kit kindly sponsored by Marstons. We have also been equally smart in the bar whilst sporting our team polos. Thank you to our apparel sponsors, Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, eCreative Design and Top Third. Tomorrow night looks to be great event and much merriment should be had. Please keep an eye on our social media channels tomorrow night to find who our winners are.

Tomorrow Armed Forces Veterans will gather at Rochdale Mayfield to take part in the annual Veteran v Veterans Rememberance Fixture. The fixture is always popular and 40 players have made themselves available for the fixture. 7 players from the North East Masters community will make the journey across the Pennines to take part. Jason Grant, Paul Clarke and Darren Cunnington from Catterick Crusaders Masters will join up with George Taylor, Ken Mason, Craig Ellis and Barry McDonald from North East Thunder Masters. On arrival players are assigned to either team black or team purple for the game. Crusaders Masters would like to acknowledge the huge effort Carl Abraham, from Rochdale Masters, has put into organising this great event again. Not just getting players and kits together but also sourcing sponsors, ensuring we have a good venue to play at, feeding us, securing prizes and securing funds to help all this happen! Great work. Veterans Master Rugby League shirt and apparel can be purchased from Stag Sports. £5 from each shirt goes towards a military charity. https://stag-sports.com/product-category/veterans-masters-rl/ "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."

Last Saturday Catterick Crusaders celebrated the End of Season Awards for their junior section. The season saw some huge successes with the U8's and U10's taking part in all their available NERL festivals as well as the U8's travelling down to Shaw Cross for their festival. The U12's had a great season with the bulk of the team being only true 11 year olds. They played some great matches and secured a Plate Final match against Gateshead Storm. The final was a classic with neither side giving an inch. Crusaders managed to hold their nerve in Golden Point extra time though, to seal the win. Our U14's Girls side took on festival season with all guns blazing. Winning 3 out of the 3 festivals they entered at Shaw Cross, Normanton Knight and Hull FC. The girls made an impression throughout festival season and recieved a lot of praise, as well as making some great new friends. The U16's looked like they wouldn't get a team out this season but after some really hard work from Coach Gavin Cole they not only had a team, they nearly had enough for two. The U16's won the league and played in a great final against Gateshead Storm unfortunately Storm proved to a little bit too strong in an epic encounter. The award winners on the day were as follows: U8's (Mixed) Club Person - Noah Button Most Improved - Max Brown Coaches Player - Henry Lowther Players Player - Noah Friend U10's (Mixed) Club Person - Jacob Thurtle Most Improved - Archie Lee Coaches Player - Sam Harris Players Player - Lucy Cawthorne U12's (Boys) Club Person - Sebastian Pennington Most Improved - Archie Thomas Coaches Player - Bobbie Dulson Players Player - Steeno Lewavakula U14's (Girls) Club Person - Rosalyn Civil and Amelia Hawkins Most Improved - Ruby Anderson Coaches Player - Isobel Banks Players Player - Neve Bangura U16's (Boys) Club Person - Owen - Tyler Cole Most Improved - Jake Lerigo Coaches Player - Jack Buttitta Players Player - Noah Bangura Crusaders are now in off season, but will look to get going again around February Half Term.

Last Sunday Crusaders Masters completed their season with an away trip to Heworth. Thankfully the weather was kinder than it had been in the build which allowed from some fast hobbling Rugby League. Unfortunately both sides were suffering from some end of season number problems. Crusaders had two no shows and the original referee went down with COVID, which meant Paul Clarke had to revert to being the miserable whistle blower. Heworth kindly loaned us across a player which meant we could play 11 v 11. Jason Grant was determined to get through the game without getting pinged for kicking before the 5th and last. This he mastered! However he also produced the howler of the game! On the 5th he wanted to put the ball high into the corner. Jase was confident, things had been going his way until this point, he'd even forced a couple of knock ons from his kicks. The confidence was short lived because as soon as the ball had struck his boot he knew he'd not just spooned it ...... he'd ladelled it, the ball went backwards, all the Crusaders left it (probably due to laughter) the ref, very harshly called "play on" and Heworth ran 80m to score. With ball in hand both teams played some great running rugby. Jay Wainwright remembered to give 5 metres and ran in some decent ball. Christian Button also banged out some great drives, but still can't remember what a drop off/switch is in the heat of the moment! There's always next season. Ian McKechnie did a sterling job as dummy half, this is despite a debilitating cankle injury. Don Payne(intheass) produced a Master of the Match performance, his second against Heworth. Jay Wainwright stood in for him in the pint off, which resulted in possibly the slowest ever drinking race witnessed in Rugby League! Darren Cunnington unfortunately lost his sponsorship deal with Teflon. After a very dropsy start, things started to stick and Teflon reneged on the deal. Crusaders would like to thanks Heworth for the return leg, our only one of the season. It was a great game played in great spirit. We look forward to some more fixtures next year. Crusaders would like to thank their shirt sponsors Marstons. We would also like to thank our polo shirt sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP and Top Third. Crusaders Masters will now wrap up there season with some End of Season Awards. Details to follow.

On Sunday 01 October, Crusaders Masters will make the relatively short journey to York to take on Heworth, in the return leg of a fixture earlier in the season. Despite numbers being affected by those liking a bit of kick and clap ....... and a few other reasons, Crusaders will still field a full team. The game will be the last of the season in Crusaders colours for the team and we hope it's as enjoyable as the home leg. Alex Cook-Smith, Ken Mason, Craig Ellis and Zsikai Balazs have answered the Crusaders call and will guest for us from North East Thunder Masters. Jason Grant and Paul Clarke look set to make it through as the teams only 100% attendee's. Crusaders are far from confident that Jay Wainwright will remember the 5m rule for a kick return, he's not right bright and it's only his FOURTH game, hopefully he'll have it sussed by the end of next season. Jayne Whitby has placed a fresh order of tape for Mr Milk It Christian Button, who's arm is still apparently hurting. We don't wish to judge but the after effects of his MMR jab in school Year 7, should have worn off by now!! Also making the trip are Bossman Ben Smith, Darren Cunnington, Don Payne, Daryl Friend and Ian McKechnie. Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons. We would also like to thank our polo shirt sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, eCreative Design and Top Third.

The festivals of the 2023 Rugby League season may have finished for our Under 8s team, but the fun and hard work certainly hasn't. On Saturday 23rd September the team will set themselves the challenge of walking to the summit of Yorkshire's highest peak, Whernside. The walk will be led by one of the parents, Jon Lowther and supported by Daryl Friend. The Under 8s team will be taking on this challenge and they will be supported on the trek by Mum's, Dad's, brothers, sisters and grandparents. For such young children, this is a wonderful opportunity and a life experience for them take on, not just on a personal level, but to also take on as a team, including coaches, team managers and first aiders. If you fancy joining us, we are meeting at 9:30 at 'The Station Inn’, Ribblehead, Low Sleights Rd, Carnforth, LA6 3AD. We expect the walk to last about 5 hours, with our little legs (and old legs)! All that we ask is that Under 18s are accompanied by an adult. Please could you support our young children with raising money for their team for the 2024 season, every penny helps. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jonathan-lowther?utm_id=1&utm_term=6qJ99w3rk

Last Saturday Crusaders Masters made the trip to Blackpool to take part in the National Masters festival. Richard of the Day, was almost decided before the team had even arrived in the seaside resort, as an over eager Jase yelled out "Blackpool Tower, l saw it first!" whilst speeding down the M55 ...... only to realise it was just a pylon. Crusaders were in the first round of matches that opened the festival and took on hosts Blackpool. Second contender for Richard of the Day came in the formidable form of Phil Sorby, who, not content that a Gold shorter had given him the step and was on his way past him, decided to become a tadge more physical than the rules allow! Thankfully the 65 year old gent recovered sufficiently to keep causing Crusaders lots of trouble. Meanwhile Phil had a short rest on the sideline. The game was evenly matched and very enjoyable. After a half an hour break, Crusaders played their second game against Huddersfield outfit, Underbank. Although these were just 25 minute games, this was probably the best game game Crusaders have played so far this year. Things just seemed to click and the penny dropped with a very large clunk! There was great clashes between the White and Black shorters to set up some great play for our Red, Gold and Blue shorters. Everyone rolling back the years to play some free flowing rugby. Both games were played in true Masters spirit. With lots of banter flowing each way. Congratulations to Daryl Friend who made his debut for Crusaders Masters and earned his Heritage number. It was a massive privilege to have North East Thunder Masters player Jim Collins with us. Blue shorter (80+) Jim had let it be known that the festival was likely to be his final outing of his illustrious Masters career which has also seen him represent his country. Fittingly Crusaders and Underbank formed a tunnel to applaud Jim from the field after their game. Post festival, Ben took the day trippers East in the funless bus (must have been - I wasn't on it!) whilst those staying over headed for the after party in the marquee at the cricket club. After a few hours, Jase, Jay, Darren and Paul headed to a drinking establishment not too far away from their accommodation. It was certainly one of those venues that had everything going on, but nothing you wanted to be part of!! Jay insisted on watching some strange form of rugby where you can whoop a team by just kicking it. The rest of us allowed him, it kept him quiet! Crusaders Masters would like to thank their shirt sponsors Marstons. We would also like to thank our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, and Top Third. Crusaders Masters next outing is 01 October, away, against Heworth.

Saturday Catterick Crusaders Masters make the relatively short trip to West Leeds to take on Morley Knights Masters. Posh Cumbrians John Longden and Adrian Fox, are both unavailable due to pheasant shoot on their estate. Paul Clarke drops out as a 100%'r, when asked for comment Clarkey stated "l'm really gutted but a chippy in Whitby has agreed to share its beer batter recipe with me, opportunities like these are rarer than a Don Payne pass!" That leaves just two 100%'rs remaining who are both making the trip. Ian McKechnie is looking forward to telling everyone is he is calm, despite no one being able to get the full sentence out before he tells them he is calm. Jason Grant will be hoping there are no random sudden bursts of tornado like wind that will send one of his pin point accurate kicks into touch on the full again! Shaun Nicholas is yet to work out it's away, however, the team has a mechanic on stand by for the inevitable car trouble when he does. After missing the last game due to RAF Airfix modellers convention, Chris Anderson is available despite being part way through a 1:72 Lancaster Bomber he was hoping to put the stickers on. Mark Throw has again run out of excuses and with Scott "Flakey" Quinn not travelling there's a distinct possibility he might end up at the 3rd half too. Having broken the record for the most milked scratch on a cankle, Christian "Belly" Button returns to injury about to happen list. Ben Smith, Kevin Forrester, Jay Wainwright, Don Payne, Darren Cunnington, and Gavin Cole complete the Crusaders players making the trip. Gav Barrott makes his debut. Guesting for Crusaders will be North East Thunder Masters players Ken Mason, Craig Ellis and Alex Cook-Smith. Craig will receive his heritage number after the match having guested on 5 occasions for Crusaders. Brian Milner from Birkenshaw Bluedogs will also have a run out as a guest. Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons and our polo shirt sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, eCreative Design and Top Third.

Yesterday saw Catterick Crusaders Masters take on Carlisle Masters. Both sides had their fair share of guest players with North East Thunder Masters bringing an impressive 10 players to back up Crusaders 12, whilst Carlisle were backed up by some marra's from Barrow and a sole Lancashire representative from Heysham! After some decent downpours over the past fortnight the pitch was deemed playable for normal Masters rules by the referee and club representatives. The game was played over 3 x 20 minute spells all of which were tightly contested with some great rugby on display in true Masters spirit. Mark Throw used fellow excuse warrior Scott Quinn as his excuse to miss the third half. We can't remember what Scott's lame excuse was, after he'd uttered the words "we're not coming up the pub ....... " everything turned to white noise. Also displaying great unsociable skills was Gavin Cole, who, having not been put to sleep on the pitch, decided he needed to go home for a kip! Congratulations to Jay Wainwright on making his debut and grabbing himself heritage number 023. Carlisle have asked if we play them again that JAY RMP play in Gold Shorts due to the over bearing smell of bacon in contact ..... and could he please stop asking them for bananas! Unfortunately self appointed bench controller Ian McKechnie has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. There's nothing physically wrong with him, he subbed Jason Grant!! Jase, also figured in the running for Appendage of the Day having shaped for a wide kick on the 5th he beautifully sliced it into the wind and it sailed out on the full! Also in the running were George Taylor, Derek Pocklington and Adrian Fox. George, having beautifully drawn in the defender managed to pass to the opposition, not once, but twice! Derek, took a clean pass from the dummy half got himself into some space and put through a lovely kick, only to be reminded by the suitably low standard referee, Paul Clarke, that it was only the third tackle and you can only kick on the 5th and last! Foxy, although not an on field incident, must take credit for having everyone search their bags and pockets and various nooks and crannies of the pavilion in search of this wedding ring. It even prompted a post on the North East Thunder Masters group. Luckily Foxy found it a short while afterwards. He'd left it in last place you'd look .......... your wedding ring finger!! His fellow posh Cumbrian, John Longden, was awarded Master of the Match. His chauffeur was later seen handing out cheques to the Carlisle team which we can only surmise was in aid of their various charities, very generous Longers, well done! Post match celebrations were taken in Scotton Social, thanks John for hosting, and thanks Team Clarkey for providing the food for the teams. Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons and our polo shirt sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP and Top Third. Our next outing is away to new outfit Morley Knights on Saturday 29 July. New players are always welcome.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters take on Carlisle Masters in their second home game of the season. For Crusaders it's a much changed side from that, that played Heworth a fortnight ago. Kev Forrester is unavailable as he is booked into the White Shops Laundrette to wash his webbing. Chris Anderson is attending the Biggles Trophy for RAF Airfix modellers. Romoi Baselala is, er, dunno, being Bas, let's leave it at that! Christian Button is out with a cankle injury, which his consultant Lynsette Boutoni has said is the most severe case of Milkingititis she has ever seen and she can't see him returning until the 43rd Julember. Christians injury has seen trucker buddy Glenn Redding come out in sympathy pain and has a bad back, there's absolutely no truth this happened in a certain lay-by! Chris Mayhew is donning his bucket hat and flexing his guns at a festival. We don't know if Phil Sorby is playing, he's pretty elusive at the best of times! Tomorrow see's ex RMP Jay Wainwright make his debut. This will make him the second most unpopular man on the pitch closely behind referee Paul Clarke. We look forward to seeing what rule Paul will introduce having already played 45 minutes! Don Payne makes his second appearance of the season, with the whole team crossing their fingers he doesn't bag another Master of the Match. John Longden and Adrian Fox are also in the line up and are being chauffeur driven over from the posh part of Cumbria, but may have to take the helicopter home ..... it's a hard life! Ben Smith returns to the line up after yet another trip to the US of A where his lack of understanding of the local language led to him getting exactly what ordered, but not what he wanted #loadedchips Mark Throw is yet to present us with an excuse to leave early so is in serious danger of playing a full game. Darren Cunnington is looking forward to pulling any number of leg muscles. Ian McKechnie returns to the team for a good chunter about yellow shorters running straight at him. Whilst Gavin Cole hasn't had a good smack to the head for a while so makes himself available. Our friends from North East Thunder Masters join us in the line up tomorrow. Jim Collins, Ken Mason, Craig Ellis, Derek Pocklington, Alex Cook-Smith, Liam Turner, George Taylor, Barry Sharrock, Barry McDonald and Richard Robinson make an impressive guest player line up. Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons. We will be donning our new post match polos after the game and would like to thank Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP and Top Third for their sponsorship. Anyone wishing to pop along to witness a bunch of old guys, who really should know better, attempt to throw back the years, we'll be kicking off at 2pm at Robertson Rd.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters welcome Heworth Masters to Robertson Rd for what will be their first home game of the season, having made trips to Boothtown, Guiseley and Carlisle already this season. Rather fittingly Crusaders played their first ever Masters game at home against Crosfields on the same weekend a year ago! Like last year Crusaders will field great numbers with 13 Crusaders players in the team (our best turn out yet, this year) and 3 guest players from North East Thunder Masters. Making their Crusaders Masters debut are Philip Sorby and Chris Anderson who will receive Heritage Numbers 022 and 023. Guest players Jim Collins, Craig Ellis and Liam Turner all take a step closer to their Heritage Numbers by notching off another one of the required five for guest players. Kev Forrester and Don Payne once again turn out for Crusaders, having not played since our first game last year. Gold Shorter, Paul Clarke will take the boo's after the match as he swaps playing for reffing. Anyone wanting to come and see what it's all about, the match kicks off at 2pm at Robertson Rd. Crusaders Masters would like to thank their shirt sponsors Marstons and their after match apparel sponsors, Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP and Top Third.