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Catterick Crusaders U12's made the trip to Gateshead Storm on Saturday during the Kings Coronation. It was a lovely morning when the sun decided to make an appearance. Crusaders turned up strong with 15 players making the trip up the A1. Gateshead started of strong scoring first within a few mins of kick off but unfortunately didn't make the conversion. Leaving the score 4 mins into the game 4-0. Catterick gathered around and fought back and forth with Storm for 5 mins before getting themselves on the score board with a great Try from our rugby league newbie Finlay Holmes who after making a break from the half way line decided to convert his try making the score 4-6. After some hard fought sets of 6 Catterick managed to slip through Storms defences allowing Oliver Pickles to slip over the line scoring our 2nd try of the day and successfully converted the kick. Storm got together shortly after this and found a chink in Catterick's defences and scored a great try under the posts and successfully converted it. The score now very close coming up to the end of the first half 10-12. Catterick pushed hard up the middle of the field ending a successful and complete set of six ending with Callum Coburn giving the ball a lovely nudge to the right wing which was caught gracefully by Sebastian Pennington-Foster and after a quick side step which ended with him managing to just make it over the try line even with a valiant effort from storms defence. Sebastian attempted to convert his try but unfortunately was unsuccessful leaving the score at half time 10-16 to Catterick. Catterick gathered themselves during the half time break and after a quick coaches chat from Adam their Captain Cameron Geldard rallied them up for the second half. Catterick kick off the second half with a lovely deep kick off from Callum leaving Storm in there 10m area. It was 5 mins in the second half before there were any points added to the score board and storm once again seen Catterick stacking in too much on the right and storm took full advantage scoring on the left wing. Unfortunately after a good attempt the ball just fell short of the sticks leaving the score shortly into the second half at 14-16 to Catterick. Catterick gave a short kick into Storms half where unfortunatly they knocked on during the attempt to catch the ball leaving Catterick in Storm's half with 6 to go. With a few lovely plays of the ball unfortunately Catterick just couldn't break through a strong Storm defence the ball was turned over. Storm played the ball fast and unfortunatly one of their players just wasn't expecting the ball and knocking into Callum's hands in Storm's try area where he dove for the ground as quickly as possible. Cameron stepped to convert this try successfully leaving the score 14-22 to Catterick with 10 mins to go. After a quick water break during the kick and chat from their coach Catterick got set to receive again. Storm kicked it deep and chased hard into Catterick's 20m area where we stayed for the next 3 tackles. It was then that the ball was passed fluidly through Catterick hands to Finley Holmes who managed to see a gap and took the opportunity to run 80m of the pitch and finishing under the posts with a great try. Elliot Staerck took the opportunity to test his kicking skills and hit the ball beautifully in the centre of the posts leaving the score with 2 mins left 14-28 to Catterick. Storm kick off again with a lovey kick which was unfortunatly knocked on by Catterick leaving us defending our 10m area. We put everything we trained into practice holding Storm off until the ball was turned over after a great rip by Steeno Lewavakula. This then lead to the ball being played quickly through a few players of the ball and on the fourth tackle into Moses Suguturaga hands where he broke through Storms line after a few hand offs finishing placing the ball down between the posts. Callum stepped up to convert successfully for the final points of the game. The day ended 14-34 to Catterick. Everyone played really well on the day and enjoyed just playing some competitive rugby league. Thank you to Gateshead Storm for hosting us and to all the parents for travelling. Man of the Match was Finlay Holmes

Following the Cumbria Festival Crusaders Masters have unveiled their heritage numbers. The purpose of the heritage numbers is to provide some recognition to the gentlemen who look to put their boots back on at the age of 35+ and embrace the spirit of Masters. The criteria is simple and easy to achieve. Register as a Crusaders Master and play a game. None Crusaders Masters can also achieve a Crusaders Masters heritage number, but must play 5 games. Of those receiving their heritage number the vast majority have either played, coached or been associated with the club for many years. The list is as follows; Heritage numbers will be proudly displayed on our new post match polos just below the club badge. It will also go on any future personalised garments the players purchase. We hope that if nothing else, it promotes some chat with other clubs. Thanks again our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, iSecore Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Service LLP and Top Third. We hope you're as pleased as we are that the heritage numbers will be on our first piece of off field apparel, that you helped happen.

On Sunday Crusaders U16's had their first home game against Cumbrian outfit Lowca, in the North East Cup. The weather didn't do either team any favours, very soggy but thankfully warm. Crusaders were able to field 17 players, of which 10 players played their first game of Rugby League. Full credit to hard working coach Gavin Cole who has pulled a good unit of lads together when things weren't looking good in the early weeks of the season. Lowca started the 1st half and applied pressure from the start, Crusaders managed to hold them out and, applied there own pressure with strong runs. Lowca managed to pull Crusaders defence to 1 side then exploted the wing and ran in their 1st try in at the 6min mark which was converted, 0-6. Crusaders didn't give an inch in defence and tackled really well. Unfortunately, a few times they took too long to release which gave Lowca set repeats. Crusaders showed Lowca they could attack as well as defend, pushing hard but falling short a couple of times on the line. For all their hard work, unfortunately Crusaders were not rewarded and went in 0-16 down at the break. Crusaders kicked off the second half and like Lowca did in the first half, they applied pressure by running hard and direct. Harry King got Crusaders on the scoresheet a few minutes in, 4-16, unfortunately the conversion was missed. Lowca didn't seem to be attacking as strong as 1st half, whereas Crusaders seemed to be stronger, attacking and defending well, as though having more to prove. Harry King managed to slot another try and Keiran got the kick, 10-16. With 6mins left Lowca played hard and strong keeping Crusaders out as they attempted to get another try themselves, a massive shout out to Crusaders defence for not allowing this to happen. Post match, Lowca coach Tommo was very complimentary of the Crusaders players and highlighted that after few more games and they will be a fantastic team who can control some strong performances. Final Score Cusaders 10-16 Lowca Well done to debutants Alfie Brown, Kieran Knight, Louis Humble, James Braithwaite, Conall Stone, Harry Hammond, Brayden Lambert, Harry Seagrove, Jack Sygrove and Thomas Smith. Lowca Men of the Match went to Harry King, Owen-Tyler Cole and Noah Bangura. Coach Gav was over the moon with what he saw. Great Rugby League despite the weather. Thank you to Mark who helped set up the pitch pre match. Thanks to Samantha for prepping the chilli and pasta, yes we know it generally goes with rice, but apparently this is a sore subject, and is not to mentioned!

On Saturday Crusaders Masters team, enjoyed their first ever Masters Festival, in the border city of Carlisle, brilliantly hosted by Carlisle Masters. Prior to travelling West some of the Crusaders players had junior coaching commitments to fulfill. Thank you the players and parents who agreed to start early so we could set off on time. Crusaders got things underway on pitch 2 in Carlisle with a festival opening fixture against Maryport Masters. This was a great game from two evenly matched teams. Both teams White and Black shorters got stuck in to each other and the Red shorters didn't hold back much either. Both sets of Yellow, Green and Blue shorters kept us young lads (cough cough) in check giving us some options in defence and allowing us get a roll on in attack. Crusaders opened the festival, but had an unavoidable long wait to play the match that closed the festival, against a well organised and pacey Goldbourne side. Both games were played in true Masters spirit, with some free flowing banter being exchanged, even the referee was dishing it out! Post match pie, pea and gravy was washed down by some much appreciated cold quafettes, before the fun bus departed and carried on the motion from the cool box bevvies! Laughter filled the bus as "howlers" were pointed out and weak excuses were given in response. An fun bus ain't a fun bus unless there's at least one refreshment stop, and The Dog Beck in Penrith was paid a brief visit. In true 'spoons fashion, the 4 day camel ride to the toilets restricted us to just the one (ok 2 if you're Longers and Foxy). Congratulations to Tony Waikari and Adrian Fox who made their Crusaders Masters debut. Many thanks to North East Thunder Masters players, George Taylor, Derek Pocklington, Jim Collins, Barry MacDonald and Barry Sharrock for backing us up with numbers, with Bubble and Chris not making it, due to car trouble, it was very much appreciated. Thanks to our shirt sponsor Marstons. Thank you to our after match wear sponsors, Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, eCreative Design, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP and Top Third. Finally thanks to Ben for getting us organised, getting and driving the fun bus and providing some top tuneage! Anyone wanting to get involved in Masters, you won't be disappointed, you know where to find us!

Cusaders U16 are back in action this weekend, in the North East Rugby League Cup vs Lowca who are travelling across from Cumbria this Sunday 30th April 12:00 KO. This will be our 1st Home game of the season. We have worked hard building a team from 10 to now 23 registered players and we still a few more to sign up. Training sessions have been positive working on the basics and structure, so we look forward to some game time. Crusaders welcome our newly appointed captain Harry King , who has demonstrated leadership skills within the team. Our new starting lineup is : I1. Noah Bangura 2. Brayden Lambert 3. Harry Seagrove 4. Peni Kawa 5. Jake Remmer 6. Alfie Brown 7. Kieran Knight 8. Jack Sygrove 9. Harry King 10. Jake Lerigo 11. Thomas Coldwell 12. Louis Humble 13. Owen-Tyler Cole Replacement 14. James Braithwaite 15. Conall Stone 16. Harry Hammond 17. Thomas Smith If your free we would love your support and encouragement.

On Saturday Crusaders U12's welcome the North East Rugby Leagues new kids on the block, Consett Eagles. Coaches Adam and Mark have given their young charges a tough but enjoyable pre season and Crusaders u12s have worked really hard on their skills. They have worked even harder on their fitness as for most it will be the first time playing on a full pitch. Crusaders welcome Consett down to Robertson Road , where both teams will work hard putting all their training into practise and will, undoubtedly dish up a great game. If your free why not pop by to show your support for the start of their season. KO 1100hrs.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters head across the A66 to take part in the Cumbria Masters Festival. The team seems to be boosting numbers in pairs taking our best away numbers yet. We have a fantastic 12 registered Crusaders Masters and we are bolstered by 4 Masters from North East Thunder Masters. This is a festival first for Crusaders, as a team, and it should be a great day. The team will be restricted to 60 minutes of rugby, which will hopefully mean 20 minute games against 3 of the other 10 teams attending. 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 Designs and Top Third. We look forward to looking smart in the polos after our first home game of the season.

Crusaders Master took a trip down to Guiseley on Saturday to take on Guiseley Masters. For the second time running we travelled to a venue where, just when we started to think "it can't be down here" ........ there it was!! Crusaders took great numbers but were also boosted by 2 great gents who normally run out for Birkenshaw, such is the beauty of Masters, as long as you're registered you can get a hit out with anyone! Ok, who knew about the hill but kept it quiet? Yup the Guiseley pitch is on a bit of a slope (cough cough). That, combined with sticky conditions under foot, both teams were glad of the decision to play 4 x 15 minute quarters! The game was played in fantastic spirit with both teams trying to make best use of the ball. Crusaders were certainly made to work for their yardage, especially for the scrum or tap, with some great positioning of Guiseley gold shorters, who could certainly get up quickly for the Touch. There was of course the usual good natured banter and the odd attempt at straying marginally outside of rules but the Spirit of Masters won the day, and it was a great game with Crusaders showing a marked improvement on their last outing. After a skin peeling hot shower (l might be bending the truth) both sides retreated to the Woolpack Inn (no not that one) for a bit of snap and the odd quaffette. Thank you very much to Guiseley for hosting us, we look forward to reciprocating. A great game played by both sides. Congratulations to Chris Mayhew who made his Crusaders Masters debut.

On Saturday 4 members of our U10's team travelled up to Winlaton to take part in the first festival of the year hosted by Gateshead Storm. Lucy, Oscar, Sam and Faith joined forces with Jerry and Joseph from Storm and they also had players from Rockets rotating in, 2 at a time. The "Barbarians" took on Cramlington Rockets over 2 x 15 mins halves. Despite being thrown together that morning all the players worked together and ensured they passed the ball round and got plenty of runs in each. For Crusaders, Faith was absolutely on fire, with jinking runs and some great tries. She also wasn't scared to let her shoulders do the talking with some great tackles. Oscar built his confidence throughout the game. Offloading the ball when in contact but also making good decisions to just take it in. Again he stuck in some tackles and was always there for the assist. Lucy was dependable as ever, and like Oscar built herself into the game. Usually taking the shortest but most defended route, up the middle, she displayed some great footwork to avoid the defenders. Sam certainly started quiet but after a little bit of encouragement he got himself ready for his first touch of the ball. What a first touch it was, he picked a great gap to run at and crashed his way some straggling defenders to score a try! All 4 of our young Crusaders played extremely well, and clearly had lots of fun. Well done boys and girls!

On Saturday Crusaders U8's enjoyed their first festival of the season, hosted by Gateshead Storm. Max Brown, Henry Lowther and Jacob Lawton all made their debuts for the team. All 3 had cracking performances......... well done boys. The first game was against Rockets 1. The team worked well together and listened to their coach throughout. Both Noah Friend and Tom Gerard bagged a try each in this great game. The next game was a close one against Rockets 2. Crusaders put plenty of scores on the sheet with tries from Austin Gee, Oscar Pennington-Foster, Leonard Waikari and Noah Friend, but it was Tom Geldard who stop Rockets putting on the boosters with some amazing tackling. The final game was against Gateshead Storm. Another great game but despite it end to nature Crusaders were restricted to just one try through Noah Button. This game was definitely one about defence and our youngest Crusaders really showed their tackling skills! Well done Crusaders, a great first hit out!

On Saturday the Crusaders U8's and U10's get their season underway with a festival, hosted by Gateshead Storm. Having got back together in February both sides have been having lots of fun building to the season start. All the players are now excited to take that fun up a level and meet some new faces from the clubs from North East Rugby League. For the U8's Max Brown, Jacob Lawton and Henry Lowther all pull on a Crusaders jersey for the first time, go well boys, we're all rooting for you! In the U10's, Lucy Cawthorne, Archie Lee and Oscar Dorrian all play up as True 9's. Again, boys and girls, everyone wishes you the best at your new age group. Go well, go have fun! The festival is due to kick off at Winlaton RUFC at 10:30am on Saturday. All spectators are welcome. Tea's and coffee's are available but the bacon butties won't be as good as ours! Thanks to Storm for getting the season underway.

Saturday 18 March, see's Newcastle Thunder have their first home game of the season after a month on the road in the Betfred Championship. The great news is, there's plenty for Community Players and Parents to do on match day. Two events precede the big kick off. First up is the Junior Thunder launch which starts at 13:30. Attendees will receive a first team poster, a membership card and 10% discount when they purchase from the club shop. At the event they'll be able to take on first team players at games on the Xbox, or at table tennis, Batak or Corn Toss. Running concurrently with Junior Thunder will be the U12 and U14 SPARC festivals starting at 13:00 until 14:30. Again, Thunder players will be in attendance cheering everyone on and passing on a few tips. For the main event itself Thunder would love you to "Wear Your Colours" to celebrate the start of professional Rugby League at Kingston Park for 2023. Thunder would love to see as many fans as possible in Thunder shirts, or their favourite Superleague, International or Community Club shirt. Let's see plenty of Crusaders colours up there! All juniors involved in Junior Thunder or SPARC will also be involved in pre match activity such as Guard of Honour and flags.