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.

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.