On Sunday, Jase (not playing) and Goadie (playing), attended an event that encompassed everything that is fantastic about Masters Rugby League. Fun, games played in the true Spirit of Masters, new friends made, old friendships rekindled and on this occasion a lot of emotion. The event was hosted by our great friends, Doncaster Toll Bar Masters, in support of club stalwart and Masters Management Board Member, Simon Robinshaw, who is terminally ill. The afternoon consisted of the scheduled game between Doncaster Toll Bar Masters versus Southlands and an additional game between Doncaster Broncos and a Baa Baa’s team. Goadie turned out for the Doncaster Broncos which consisted of Toll Bar gents not involved in the scheduled game and a few selected guests. The Baa Baa’s also had some Toll Bar gents as well as Masters players from Edinburgh Cannons, Carlisle, Barrow, Hull, Hull Warriors and Bentley - apologies if l missed anyone, a brilliant commitment by those involved to show Masters respect to Simon. Fittingly, prior to the scheduled game, Simon was given a massive guard of honor. He also kicked the game off. Finally in a fantastic display of camaraderie Simon was given the final pass of the game, to get over the line to score a try that closed the game. Post Match there was time to socialise with new and old friends before a fundraising auction and raffle, which made over £3000 for Simon and his family, absolutely fantastic. The afternoon was a shining example of what Masters is about, things that Simon passionately advocates. It’s not just about the 60 minutes of game time. It’s about making connections, mental health, days out with your pals, away day stay overs - because you can, supporting your wider community club, socials and supporting individuals through good and bad times. A heart warming and humbling day.

Today (Saturday 08 March), a couple of our Masters players ventured down to Halifax RUFC to take part in the annual Veterans v Veterans Masters Rugby League match. Ian McKechnie (ex RTR and RDG) and Darren Cunnington (ex PWO) made the trip and enjoyed what is always a great game, which not only encompasses to the spirit of Masters but the camaraderie and passion of Forces personnel . This year saw relatively low numbers from Crusaders attending, however, it must be said we have been out about a lot this year. Not only playing our games but also guesting for other clubs, going as guests to be loaned out to whoever at festivals, socialising and also taking part in charity teams such United Kingdom Armed Forces and MND. Throughout the season Darren has been working his in field, positionally, and today enjoyed a great outing at Prop/2nd row. Whilst Ian waited on the wing to strike like a speeding Gazelle if the opportunity arose! 29 Veterans in total enjoyed a great game played in true Masters spirit before adjourning to the clubhouse for an impressive spread and the prizes and raffle. In total over £1000 was raised for Forces Charities. Guesting opportunities will continue until the enforced season break in the middle of November. Keep watching this space for news our participation.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters concluded their season with a home game against Doncaster Toll Bar Masters. Toll Bar travelled with great numbers for the return leg, Crusaders having travelled to them in late July. Crusaders suffered from some last minute availability changes but still fielded 13 players for the fixture. However tight numbers meant not everyone would be playing in their preferred position. Toll Bar, just like the first game, proved to be well organised in their go forward and utilised their Gold shorters really well, and proved very hard to handle. Crusaders kept plugging away and had some great organisation and skill in the form of Andy Gray and Ross Turner. It was great to see Gav Cole make a return and reverting back to his true coloured shorts (Black) having previously been playing in Gold due to injury. He certainly added some grunt to the go forward alongside JT and Den Nowell. The stand out moment had an extra comedy value to it, when deep in Crusaders half, Don Payne found himself with a loose ball, after a trademark jink of the hips he was in the clear and just as we all thought we’d never hear last of it in the bar, he slowed down - clearly deciding a) it was just too far to run or, b) he wouldn’t make it or c) BOTH! Luckily Den was on hand and received Dons pass and race down field for his first ever Masters try! This fact (his first try) is apparently correct, and we have accepted the verification through the 653 times Den mentioned it in the bar! As ever the game was played in great spirit. This has been our first season playing Toll Bar Masters. Both games were very enjoyable and we hope we can sort fixtures with them for next season. For more photos please take a look at our TikTok post. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdtLtBNe/ Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons, our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, eCreative, Lighthouse Risk Management, iSecure Group and Top Third. We’d to thank our training apparel sponsors. The Hildyard Arms, 4 aces, Richie McGrath pre-training and breaking, JDN First Aid and AA First.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters will take on Doncaster Toll Bar in our final game of the season. The match see’s a few significant milestones for the team. Firstly, Jase hits 25 games in a Crusaders Masters shirt. Secondly both Goady and Darren will cement a 100% record of attendance this season and thus receive Masters of Steel Awards at the End of Season Awards in a few weeks. Putting on a Crusaders Masters shirt for the first time is former Open Age player Ross Turner. A number of guest players have made themselves available. Andy Shute and Andy Gray from the UK Armed Forces Masters set up, as well Barry Sharrock, Barry McDonald, Dennis Nowell and Craig Ellis from North East Thunder Masters. Coz we iz down wiv da kids, a link to the full team list can be found on our TikTok account, please give us a like and follow https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdsHBHfu/ Crusaders Masters would like to thank our shirt sponsors Marstons, our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, eCreative, Lighthouse Risk Management, iSecure Group and Top Third. We’d to thank our training apparel sponsors. The Hildyard Arms, 4 aces, Richie McGrath pre-training and breaking, JDN First Aid and AA First. Kick off is 2pm on Saturday at Roberston Rd Sports Pitch.

This Saturday saw the annual National Masters Festival at its spiritual home of Blackpool’s Stanley Park. Crusaders Masters players turned out in great numbers to support our neighbours, North East Thunder. Butch on the break! Plenty of our numbers arrived on Friday evening and met up for a few relaxing quaffettes in Ma Kelly’s Showboat. Everyone had a good giggle and probably ended up a bit too relaxed! A full English and a brisk sea front stroll sorted us out the next morning though! The Festival saw us drawn against Warrington outfit Golborne Parkside and Bradford outfit West Bowling. In the first game, against Golborne, we got off to a great start. Having received the kick off the team clawed its way to the half way line where, on the 5th, Jase put a kick in to the corner. Our defense held tight and gave us a great starting point for our next set. The team tried its best to get a try in that next set but were held out. However, a fumble from Golborne deep in their own half saw Thunder capitalise, moving ball away from the ruck with great runs from Ben, Butch and Alex. Within a couple of plays there was enough room for twinkle toes Don too turn the hips of a couple of Black shorters and crash over, having collected them on route to the line. The game remained open and flowing for both sides and was played in fantastic spirit. Thunders defense held firm until around the 20 minute mark. When, after a fumble from Thunder, Golborne got over the whitewash after a brilliant passing move. After 25 mins of brilliant Masters Rugby League the Match Official blew the whistle and it really was honours even. Thunder had the privilege of a break before taking on West Bowling. Time for a bit rehydration to help us counteract the relaxation fluid from the night before. Again Thunder listened to those pulling strings and every player was keen to get their hands on the ball whether it was just a hit up or pulling off switches, miss moves or wedges. As with the first game, the game was pretty much even throughout and there was some great banter between the teams. Thunder kept ticking away and remaind calm and resolute in defence. The breakthrough came at around 15 mins when Big Foot intercepted a flowing passing moving from West Bowling near Thunders line. There was our no stopping our not so mythical humanoid creature who went the full length to score the only try of the game. The game continued in the same spirit as it started with both teams turning on the style with the ball but were being kept out by dogged defences. After 25 mins the Match Official called time and Thunder were very satisfied with their days performances. After the games, everyone retired to the marquee at the cricket club for food and the awards. It was fantastic that our Hungarian Sasquatch picked up the Masters Moment Award for his great try! Thank you North East Thunder for the invite to guest. Well done the 10 Crusaders who made the trip. Awesome. Next up is our final game of the year, at home, to our new, but great friends, Doncaster Toll Bar. 27 September at Robertson Rd, https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdq7h6d9/

On Saturday, 10 of our refined gentlemen that make up some of the Masters team, will guest with our good friends from North East Thunder Masters. The event in question is the National Masters Festival which takes place in Blackpools Stanley Park. Crusaders Masters numbers this season have been better than ever in only our 3rd full season. Taking away 10 gents to guest is a great achievement especially when 9 of those are staying over, and bringing their better halves. At the time of writing our pre-advance party of Butch is already deployed. The advance party of Ben, Clarkie, Jay, Don, and Goadie have staggered deployments throughout Friday. Leaving Darren, Ian and Gaz as a small but high quality main body! Crusaders Masters are assigned to Pitch 4 and will have a game against Parkside Goldbourne at 1pm and then West Bowling at 2pm. It should be 2 great games. In Masters spirit the marquee at the, next door, cricket will be open from 3:30with the days awards given out at 5:15pm. The start point for an evenings shenanigans!! Please keep an eye on our Socials, for photos. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqMXNGH/

On Saturday 16th August, a small contingent of Catterick Crusaders Masters (Darren & Ian) and North East Thunder Masters (Alex & Barry Mc), travelled north of the border to support Edinburgh Cannons Masters in their first ever game, marking a historic moment for Scottish Rugby League. The quartette arrived at Royal High School in Edinburgh and newly appointed Scotland Masters Head Coach, Ian, dropped into his natural coach role and ensured all were prepared, including 2 lads who had never played any rugby for what would be a tough game against Arlecdon Rams Masters. The game was a cracking advertisement for Masters and was played in great spirit. Arlecdon started the brighter as Cannons got to know each other. “Oooo look, a worm!” Defensively, Cannons worked really well for each other. Alex put in some hard tackles on the strong black and white shorters for Arlecdon, while Barry and his yellow shorts stopped a variety of attacks around the edges. As Cannons grew in confidence, we became more fluid in attack with some really good plays largely started by Ian who was pulling the strings well at 6 as well as some great pep talks at breaks. Although his kicking wasn't up to much, it must have been the heat. Last but not least was Darren’s contribution to the game both in attack and defence, he had a strong game that had him in contention for MoM. The final score was an honourable 0-0 draw as always in Masters. New players and seasoned vets with smiles on their faces. A great day out finished off by our chauffer for the day providing ice creams for the drive home.

Today it was time for Scotland Rugby League to unveil their new Masters Head Coach. Crusaders are extremely proud to see that it’s one of our very own, last years U16’s coach and regular Masters player, Ian McKechnie. Ian cut his Rugby League coaching teeth with our junior set up having coached various age groups. We are unsure whether he’s smiling or had wind! As well as coaching our junior’s Ian joined our Masters side for its first game in 2022, narrowly missing out on a Master of Steel Award in 2023 (awarded for playing every game in a season). Ian joins his son Alasdair in representing Scotland. Al’ recently turned out for the U18’s against the Newcastle Thunder LDP side, having come up from the Bravehearts U16’s who he represented the year before. Rumours were quickly quashed that Ian would be getting a round in to celebrate, reminding everyone that “l’m a true Scotsman!” We look forward to seeing him avoid the bar and complaining about not having Stovies for post match food, at our next home game! On a serious note, it’s great news Ian, well done mate, slainte!

On Sunday, Crusaders were widely represented at U16’s and U18’s, with players representing the very successful Thunder Lions - Lions Development Program. Game 1 was an U16’s game made up of players from Gateshead Storm, Wallsend Centurions and Yarm Wolves. Representing Crusaders was man in the middle, Darren Cunnington. On the playing front Crusaders were first represented in Game 2, which was a great tussle at U18’s. Crusaders juniors. Elijiah Delaidriti, Owen-Tyler Cole, Jack Buttitta, Jake Lerigo and Oliver Rhodes lined up for the Thunder Lions whilst Alisdair McKechnie and Seth Clapham lined up for Scotland. Again, Crusaders were represented in the middle by Masters player, Paul Clarke. Thunder Lions U18’s A fast paced, big impact game thrilled the large crowd, with some superb rugby league on display. Game 3 was a much later kick off and followed the League 1 match between Newcastle Thunder and Dewsbury Rams. The game saw U16’s players come together from Crusaders, Cramlington Rockets and Consett Eagles. The Thunder Lions took a while to settle but once they started to focus on getting the small things right, things really came together for them. Isaiah Delaidriti ran the game very well from scrum half and asked telling questions of the defence whenever he went to the line. Zach Stanley, gracefully made a start from the bench and went on as an outside back, however with only backs as replacements he found himself with a big change in position later on. Zach thrived on being plonked in the middles with some barn storming runs and excellent defence. Also standing out in the middles was Riley Manuel who played some of his best Rugby League of the season. With a lack of a recognised dummy half, Toby George Clarke often got himself at the breakdown and was a handful from the scoot. Both Mackenzie Clarke and Leighton Smith stamped reliability statements all over their game. Ensuring they did all the small parts of the game well to maximise possession and effectiveness in defence. At U16’s and U18’s the Crusaders showed great work rates, great sportsmanship and high levels of Coachability. Taking advice and time on the bench, so others got game time, with good grace. Well done the players and Match Officials representing the club. Finally, not to be outdone Crusaders Masters supported the game from afar by agreeing to sponsor the post match pizzas for all the teams.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters travelled down to new mates Doncaster Toll Bar for what turned to be a great game of Masters Rugby League. This season a small band of Crusaders have started an away day breakfast club. Setting off good and early to take sustenance at an obliging eatery, before taking on the rest of the journey. Don’t panic! Alcohol Free beer! Yellow shorter Gaz, pulled some family strings and got us booked into, the usually none breakfast obliging, Black Bull in Wetherby. Top scranage! Many thanks to the staff at The Black Bull for making us welcome and going out of their way to get our day off to a good start. Double yolker Crusaders arrived to a buzzing Toll Bar club, with a junior festival taking place for various age groups. There was various stalls, including Rugby Discounts who were doing a roaring trade with their NRL stash. Clearly we had to part take, because it’s all about the stash! The game itself was excellent. Crusaders were off to a slow start which allowed Toll Bar over the white wash to maintain a healthy nil all draw. RUN FOREST(TER), RUN!! Crusaders eventually clicked a started to make in roads into the Toll Bar defence. Crusaders started to match Toll Bar with good use our Tag players like Goadie and guests like Barry and Andy. Combining this with crunching runs for Kev, Smudge and Matty and we were well on course to maintain 0-0. The game continued in great Masters spirit, with both teams exchanging tries and displaying great skill. Crusaders would like to thank our new mates at Doncaster Toll Bar for a great day out and a cracking game of Rugby League. We look forward to hosting you in September. Thank you to Jayne for patching us up and verbally clipping our lugs when required. Crusaders Masters would also like to thank the following. Shirt sponsors, Marstons. Polo sponsors, Burties Hair Design, Top Third, iSecure Group, ECreative Designs and Lighthouse Risk Management. Off field sponsors, The Hildyard Arms, Thirsty Work, 4 Aces, JDN First Aid, AA First and Richie McGrath Per-Training and Breaking.

Rugby league’s spirit of camaraderie and competition was on full display this past Saturday as the Catterick Crusaders Masters hosted the Barrow Masters in a spirited clash, with support from a few Doncaster lads and Crusaders’ own JT and Lee helping balance the numbers to an even 11-a-side. Despite the travel miles for Barrow, both squads turned up in great spirits, embracing the spirt of Masters Rugby League. The match kicked off in true masters fashion — with smiles, handshakes, and mutual respect — as Catterick received the ball to get things underway. What followed was a display of entertaining rugby from both sides, marked by intelligent play, strong carries, and creative attacking shape. The teams traded multiple tries, using sharp offloads and strategic ball movement to pierce defensive lines and exploit space. However, Catterick struggled to maintain structure in the latter stages of the game. The absence of club stalwart Jason was felt, particularly when organising the side in crucial field position inside their own 20-metre line. His on-field leadership was sorely missed. The match also saw the return of a familiar face, with former Crusader Dan making his Masters debut. A strong and physical presence, Dan showed glimpses of his old form, laying down a solid foundation that suggests he’ll become a key figure for Catterick once again as he gets more game time under his belt. A special mention must go to referee Matt, who made the trip up to officiate. His consistent handling of both sides’ frequent infringements and his commitment to letting the game flow allowed players to enjoy a fair and competitive contest. His efforts were appreciated by all and he would be welcomed back to officiate future fixtures. While the game officially ended in a 0-0 draw — in line with Masters Rugby’s non-competitive scoring ethos — the real victory was in the spirit of the game. Both sides walked away winners, having embodied everything that makes Masters Rugby League a joy to be part of. Masters rugby is not just about results — it’s about memories, mates, and moments — and Saturday’s fixture delivered all three in abundance. Match Report courtesy of Ben Smith

On Saturday our U7’s, U8’s and U10’s had an action-packed rugby session that combined skill-building with family fun! The day kicked off (for the U10’s) with focused training, where players worked hard on their defensive line structure and line speed, sharpening their awareness and teamwork. A highlight of the session was a fast-paced game called “Climb the Ladder”, which challenged players to react quickly and communicate effectively. After the drills, we shifted gears into a family fun session, and incorporated our U7’s and U8’s, that brought everyone together. The much-anticipated Dads vs. Children Tag Rugby match was full of laughter, friendly competition, and some surprisingly agile moves from the grown-ups! We also played a creative twist on a classic with Rugby Rounders, blending rugby skills with rounders rules for a unique and energetic game. To top it all off, we ended the day with a water fight – the perfect way to cool down and celebrate a fantastic session. Thank you to everyone who joined in and made it such a memorable day. We can’t wait for the next one!