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!

The Catterick Crusaders U12s showcased their passion, teamwork, and rugby league spirit at their home festival this past weekend, hosting an exciting morning of junior Rugby League action that brought together teams from across the region. Held at Wavell Rd, the U12s Festival welcomed young athletes, coaches, and supporters for a morning packed with energy, sportsmanship, and development. With a focus on participation and enjoyment over competition. The festival celebrated the growing talent and enthusiasm in grassroots rugby league. The Catterick Crusaders U12s played with heart and determination throughout their matches. Their impressive ball-handling skills, tackling effort, and teamwork were on full display as they went head-to-head with other spirited clubs from the area. Head Coach Baz praised the team’s performance: “The kids have worked hard in training, and it showed on the pitch. It’s not just about the score, today was about playing with confidence, supporting each other, and having fun. I’m proud of every single player.” The festival atmosphere was enhanced by the fantastic support from parents, volunteers, and the local community. As the day came to a close, every player left the field with a smile, a sense of pride, and a reminder of why rugby league continues to thrive at the grassroots level. The Catterick Crusaders U12s now look forward to building on this momentum as they continue their season, developing both their skills and love for the game.

On Sunday, a couple of our Masters players played in the inaugural match of MND Masters. A fantastic concept, to raise money for MND through the spirit of Masters Rugby League. Jase was eagerly awaiting the game only to be reminded he had a mandatory RFL Tutors meeting on, on the same day, DOH!! So that left Ben and Darren to represent Crusaders Masters. The game took place at New Earswick All Blacks RLFC in York, against a combined York Masters and Prostate RL team. The theme for the day was set well in advance, the objectives were clear. Have a great amount of fun on the pitch, raise a great amount of money off it. The game itself was a great contest between the two teams. As usual the game was played in fantastic Masters spirit. Both teams gave just as good as they got in an end to end affair. Well done Ben and Darren for getting out on the park and representing yourselves and Crusaders Masters. Crusaders next play as a team, at home, on Saturday, against Barrow Masters.

Match Report: Catterick Crusaders U14 vs Consett Eagles U14 Final Score: Crusaders 26 – 0 Eagles Venue: Robertson Road Catterick Crusaders U14s continued their strong run of form with a composed and clinical 26–0 victory over Consett Eagles at Robertson Road. The first half was a tight and physical battle, with both sides looking to gain the upper hand. Consett came out firing, putting the Crusaders under early pressure, but the home side’s defensive line stood firm. Strong tackles, excellent communication, and committed goal-line defence kept the Eagles out. Catterick responded with their own attacking sets and managed to break through Consett’s defence once, taking a narrow lead into the break. The second half saw a shift in momentum as Crusaders introduced fresh legs, and the impact was immediate. From the restart, Catterick played with greater tempo and structure, stringing together cold, calculated sets that began to pull Consett apart. The Crusaders dominated the territory battle, forcing errors and capitalising on field position. Utilising the width of the field and identifying overlaps, Catterick punished the visitors out wide with a flurry of second-half tries. Their discipline and ball control were key, as they kept their composure and applied sustained pressure. Every player stuck to their role, and the team’s ability to execute their game plan sealed a well-deserved shutout. A strong all-round performance with plenty of positives to build on – Crusaders continue to develop into a disciplined, well-drilled unit.

A formidable trio from the Catterick Crusaders Masters — Adam, Ben, and Gareth — made their mark at the Yorkshire Masters Rugby Festival hosted by Doncaster Toll Bar ARLFC this weekend. Their contribution across multiple teams showcased not only their talent but also the true spirit of Masters rugby. The day kicked off with the Catterick trio pulling on jerseys for the Blackpool Scorpions in their opening fixture against the hosts, Doncaster Toll Bar. From the first whistle, Adam, Ben, and Gareth made an immediate impact with powerful runs, aggressive defence, and cohesive teamwork. Their presence was felt in both attack and defence, giving Blackpool an edge in the contest. In the second fixture of the day, the Catterick lads split across teams to take on Beverley Braves Masters. Ben remained with Blackpool Scorpions, while Adam and Gareth switched over to bolster Beverley’s lineup. The match was a balanced affair, full of passion, physicality, and sportsmanship — hallmarks of Masters rugby. The contributions from all players, including the Crusaders contingent, made it a highlight of the festival. Next up was a tough test against Eastmoor Dragons, where Adam and Gareth pulled on a third different jersey of the day. Despite the fatigue beginning to set in, the duo remained undeterred, playing with commitment and composure. The game was hard-fought, but filled with positive rugby and mutual support between teammates and opponents alike. For the final fixture, Ben and Adam laced up for a fourth outing, this time representing the Hull Masters in a rematch against Doncaster Toll Bar. Noting from their earlier clash, the Catterick pair anticipated a physical encounter — and it delivered. Doncaster came out strong with aggressive carries, but Adam responded with unmatched defensive effort, registering the highest tackle count of the game and setting the tone for a determined Hull defence. A special mention must go to Ronnie Braithwaite, former Wigan player now playing for the Blackpool Scorpions. A true standout of the day, Braithwaite dazzled spectators with blistering pace and impeccable lines, scoring multiple tries — including several from within his own half — and earning the unofficial title of the fastest gold short in the West. The festival concluded on a high note for Blackpool Scorpions, who were awarded Masters Team of the Festival in recognition of their spirited play and sportsmanship — not just encouraging their own but also uplifting their opposition. Ben capped off a stellar afternoon by being named Master of the Day for his all-around performance — commanding in defence, relentless in carries, and an ever-present influence across the pitch. The Catterick Crusaders can hold their heads high after a day of outstanding rugby, team spirit, and shared camaraderie — embodying everything the Masters game stands

On Saturday our Masters side travelled down to ‘ali-‘ali-‘ali-‘ali-‘alifax! to take on our great pals at Boothtown Terriers Masters. The two teams met earlier in the season in Catterick and the fixtures have now become part of the season plan each year. Crusaders travelled with good numbers for the game but also recieved a welcome boost in the form of some Kippax Welfare Masters, who were originally going come as a team. This ensured we had plenty of subs for the conditions which ranged from scorching sunlight to tropical rainforest, hard work either way. A fantastic game ensued with two fairly even matched teams. Boothtown must take credit for an excellent support game with stacks of push which caused Crusaders no end of trouble. The guest players for Crusaders played out of their skin and really helped with the go forward. Some great tries were created and Crusaders weren’t afraid to throw the ball around. For one such try, Don cut across line to pull off some sort of mind boggling juggling act eventually getting enough control to get it to Jase who cut back on the inside to release one of the guests who cut a path through the line to score. The game was played in fantastic spirit and everyone acknowledged what a great game it was post match. Disappointingly though, the Away Day Breakfast Crew was inactive as other commitments meant they had to travel separately. However some of the car craic in Jase’s car still meant for a high level of laughter and the usual wierd level of conversation topic! Hopefully the Away Day Breakfast Crew can reform for the Donny Toll Bar match next month. The experience of Saturday was exactly where we wanted it to be though. Masters mates treating it as good day out with each other. Good rugby, good craic, much laughter!” Crusaders Master of the Match - Butch Masters Moment of the Day - Don Crusaders Masters are next in action at home against Barrow Masters on Saturday 28 June. All new players are welcome.

Match Report: Cramlington Rockets vs Catterick Crusaders Saturday, 14th June 2025 Final Score: Cramlington Rockets 14 – 56 Catterick Crusaders Catterick Crusaders delivered a statement performance on the road as they overpowered Cramlington Rockets 56-14 in a commanding display on Saturday. From the opening exchanges, the Crusaders were in complete control, asserting themselves both physically and skillfully across the park. Their forward pack laid a dominant platform, consistently winning the battle in the middle, while the backs capitalised with sharp, fluent attacking play. The Crusaders’ defence was equally impressive, repeatedly shutting down Cramlington’s attacking efforts and forcing mistakes that were swiftly punished with points at the other end. Even when the Rockets managed to cross the line, Catterick’s response was immediate and emphatic, never allowing the home side to build any momentum. What made the victory even more satisfying for the travelling supporters was the performance of the club’s debutants. Several new faces took to the field for the first time in Crusaders colours, and they rose to the challenge, bringing energy, confidence, and no shortage of quality to the team’s effort. It was a dominant, all-round team performance that highlighted the depth, physicality, and skill within the Crusaders’ squad. With this result, Catterick continues to build strong momentum heading deeper into the season. Match Report courtesy of Coach Ollie.

The sun shone brightly on a fantastic day of junior rugby league at the Yarm Wolves Festival, where both Catterick Reds and Catterick Blacks proudly represented their club and put on a brilliant display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Although the Reds and Blacks didn’t face each other, they both walked away with impressive records and turning heads with their performances. Defensive Dominance Both teams built their success on solid defensive foundations. Catterick Reds were particularly efficient in two of their matches, not conceding a single try — a rare feat at festival level. Their line speed, communication, and discipline made it incredibly hard for opposition teams to break through. Not to be outdone, Catterick Blacks also held firm throughout the day, with countless tackles and well-organised defensive sets that frustrated their opponents. Try-Scoring Highlights While defence was strong, the attack was equally thrilling. Spectators were treated to a string of superb individual tries — dazzling footwork, powerful breaks, and sharp finishing were on display from both sides. However, it was the team tries that truly stood out. Swift ball movement, smart support play, and offloads under pressure showed just how well-drilled and connected both squads were. Coaches’ Players of the Festival Otis (Catterick Blacks) – Often going unnoticed by the crowd but never by his coaches, Otis earned his recognition for his selfless work that helps his teams play great rugby. From relentless running lines to smart positioning and defensive support, he was the glue that held the team together. Lucas (Catterick Reds) – A tackling machine all day long, Lucas impressed with perfect technique and commitment in defence. His timing, posture, and control made him a standout performer and a key part of the Blacks’ defensive wall. From the Coach’s Corner Us coaches weren’t just coaching — we were refereeing too, which meant we had a front-row seat to all the action. It was an absolute privilege to watch these teams grow in confidence, resilience, and skill. They’re listening. They’re learning. And most importantly, they’re enjoying every moment of rugby league. As coaches, we are so proud — not just of the results, but of the attitude, effort, and spirit shown by every player in a Catterick shirt. An unforgettable day at Yarm Wolves, and plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead! Match report courtesy of Coach Christian and Coach Daryl.

On Saturday our U7’s and U8’s travelled to Yarm Wolves to take part in their festival. Unfortunately there was, again, not enough U8’s to facilitate a contact game, so the boys mixed in with the U7’s to play Tag. Ollie going for the space Crusaders had enough to form their own team and borrow a player across to the other teams when they played them which meant everyone played, no one on the side lines. The players were rotated every 5 minutes. Alfie going for the direct approach! Crusaders first game was against a Yarm Wolves and Gateshead Storm mix. Teddy was the first to offer himself across to the opposition for a 5 minute spell. An absolutely cracking 5 v 5 game ensued. Both sides were managed well, ensuring everyone got plenty of time with the ball, turn on turn. In defence both sides maintained discipline until “go” was given and then they were out of the blocks like mini lightening bolts. Teddy hot stepping to space. Henry patiently waiting for his turn to jink through the defence. The game was a low scoring scoring affair. This had nothing to do with a lack of skill or not finding space. Both sides passed and identified space well, but, in equal measure both teams defended with dogged determination. Highlight of the match was a great full length try from Spencer, who, with a quick step, created a gap to cut through the line. Beauden turning on the gas The second game was against Cramlington Rockets. This time there was no need to loan across. Crusaders made sure they got the best out of each turn they had, individually, with the ball. Showing fantastic grip, carry, catch and pass skills, never losing the ball throughout. In defence it was a little more difficult for Coach Jase to hold them back but after a gentle reminder they were soon back to listening for the trigger. Stand out player in this game was Henry, pace personified! Just when you think “oh they’ve got him!” they haven’t and he’s through the half gap. Crusaders all improved massively in their core skills since the last outing and it was again a joy to witness. We are always looking for new players to come and join the fun. Just get in touch.

Match Report: Cramlington Rockets U14 vs Catterick Crusaders U14 Final Score: Rockets 28 – 20 Crusaders In a high-paced, hard-hitting contest, Cramlington Rockets edged out Catterick Crusaders 28–20 in what was one of the most exciting matches of the season so far. The Rockets hit the ground running, finding their rhythm early and racing to a quick two-try lead. That fast start sparked the Crusaders into life, with a rallying call from the coaches and vocal leaders on the pitch firing the team up. The response was instant. The first half turned into a thrilling end-to-end battle, packed with powerful tackles, slick ball movement, and a showcase of raw determination from both sides. The second half saw Catterick claw their way back into the contest, applying relentless pressure and gradually narrowing the gap. But a couple of costly errors and a stroke of fortune saw the Rockets cross the line one final time, sealing a narrow victory. Despite the result, this was arguably the best rugby Catterick Crusaders  U14s have played all season. The intent, effort, and attitude were first-class. Lessons were learned—sometimes the hard way—but that’s part of the journey. Mistakes make better players. One player who truly rose above the rest in such an intense level of dedication and effort from everyone was Ryan Wills , whose work rate, decision-making, and all-round impact were outstanding from start to finish. A well-deserved Man of the Match performance in a game full of heart. The Crusaders may not have taken the win, but they left the field with pride, progress, and a hunger to come back stronger.