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.

On Saturday Crusaders Masters will travel to Carlisle for the Cumbria Masters Festival. Unlike last year there's no fun bus on offer, which has left posh Cumbrian's Longers and Foxy with a dilemma, of whether to get the chauffeur and Bentley ready, or take the helicopter! Smudge makes his return as his kick and clap game has been moved. Having watched the devastating foot work of some dazzling halfback called Jase, against Boothtown, Jeff Williams will make his Crusaders debut. Darren missed the Boothtown game but makes himself available after a morning of coaching the Crusaders U8’s in their festival, where he’s hoping to pick up a few tips on catching the ball. Paul Goad makes his second appearance as a gold shorter and has responsibility for the tuneage for our post festival social media posts. We’re not sure Beethovens 5th symphony will go down well wiv da kidz, but we’ll give it a whirl! As ever we must thank our Masters brothers at North East Thunder for backing us up.

On Saturday, 4 of Crusaders Junior sides will get their seasons underway at multiple festivals being hosted by Gateshead Storm. The U8's and U10's will play in seperate Primary Rugby League festivals. The U8's have gathered together 4 plucky players wanting to play. Benjamin, Teddy and Beauden will be taking to the pitch for their first ever Rugby League festival. Max, our True U8, adds some experience. The U10's take a fantastic 13 players for their festival with the the majority of the players being True U9's. The U10's also have a good smattering of debutants. The U12's are entering the Spring Sixes. A fantastic concept used to get players playing game whilst early season numbers are low. The U12's will be taking 18 players and fielding two sides. The squad includes 7 debutants. The U16's travel relatively light with just 6 players for their Spring Sixes but are raring to go, have most of the players already having bagged some game time in the Thunder Lions Programme. It's great to have teams back out playing games again and we look forward letting everyone know how they got on, during next week. Crusaders are always on the look out new players please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to join us. With mixed Touch Rugby (14+), Cubs, U8's, U10's, U12's, U14's, U16's and Masters (over 35's) we have something for everyone!

Yesterday, Crusaders Masters took on Boothtown Masters in the opening game of the season. Numbers were a bit tight for the fixture due to work commitments, illness, family commitments and Darlington Rugby Union's Cup fixtures. However with help from our Masters brothers from North East Thunder Masters we assembled a squad of 14. As ever the game was played in great Masters spirit with both sets of white and black shorters getting stuck into each other as well a few red shorters who clearly indicated they were happy "their terms" were not passive terms. Longers had a cracking game putting himself around park and scored a beautiful try off the back of some slick hands. We'd have loved to have had a drink with him afterwards but his butler was waiting impatiently in the Bentley to whisk him back to his mansion in Cumbria as he had guests staying in the converted stables. Lee Kelley gave us some great go forward with some barnstorming runs, well, the ones not pinged by the ref for using a hand off were anyway!!! He'll get used to it. Two players made their debut yesterday. Simon Priestley, who previously coached Crusaders Open Age alongside Jase. Paul Goad also made his debut and played an absolute blinder. Guest player Alex Cook-Smith was awarded his Crusaders heritage number, having now played 5 times for us as a guest. Guest player George Taylor took the very well deserved Master of the Match Award. His devastating side step was even on display in the bar, where he dodged the pint off with the opposition MoM. Crusaders Masters would like to thank Boothtown for travelling up for what was a great game. Thank you Paul Clarke for not only reffing the game but also for providing the aftermatch snap. The best Currywurst you'll get outside of Germany!!! Thank you to John and the staff at The Hildyard Arms for hosting us after the match. Thank you to our kit sponsors Marstons and our after match polo sponsors, Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, eCreative Design and Top Third. Crusaders Masters are next in action at the Cumbria Festival on 27 April. For more photos of yesterday please visit the shared gallery on our Website.

Crusaders have a long history of its club coaches putting their skills into action in other settings. One coach doing exactly that, currently, is U12’s Head Coach, Adam Coburn. Adam is the current Army Rugby League Women’s Head Coach and this week he has had the side together for a pre season training camp in Chester. The ladies have had a tough but enjoyable week under Adam’s guidance, honing their skills in preparation for another season in the Superleague South competition. They will also be focussed on retaining the Inter Service Trophy in September. A competition the ARL(W) team has never lost. Speaking about the camp, Adam said "it's been a really good week and we've achieved a lot. We're setting our sights high, and want to push for a place in Women's Superleague." Adam will be back with our U12's on Saturday morning, and would love to hear from any new players that might be interested.

On Saturday 6 of our Masters team took the opportunity to guest for our pals North East Thunder Masters. The Spirit of Masters allows players to play as guests for other clubs as long as they are registered with their parent club. Thunder have had a resurgence in interest and activity in recent months and are going from strength to strength. In total they had 20 players available to them on Saturday, the majority of which were their own. The fixture on Saturday was lucky to go ahead, after initially being cancelled on Friday morning it was back on again in the afternoon after tremendous work by hosts, Carlisle Masters, to shift the game south to Penrith RU and their AGP surface. The Crusaders guesting for Thunder were, Jason Grant, Lee Kelley, Darren Cunnington, Jay Wainwright, Ben Smith and Kev Forrester. Each of them getting plenty of playing time. The match was played in great spirit by both teams, and despite the blustery conditions there was some great Rugby League on display. That is if you discount the kicking game, the wind ruined many a good kick often seeing the ball sail straight into touch. Regular fans of the page will now be putting Jase’s name against these boot to ball mishaps ........... not this time sports fans, not this time. Jase had only the one kick and it stayed well within the field of play! North East Thunder Masters, Master of the Match went to Graham Lupton on his Masters debut, very well deserved. The game was brilliantly officiated by Luke Naylor. Thank you to Carlisle Masters for working so hard to get the game on. Thank you to North East Thunder Masters for letting us be part of the day.