Tomorrow 7 of the Masters squad will get playing activity underway but not by having a game of Rugby League Masters. During the off season a couple of the Masters players have enjoyed getting involved in Walking Rugby sessions which have been really well run, and hosted by Richmondshire Rugby Union. Richmondshire have a game lined up next weekend against Pocklington RU and have asked our Masters team if we could give them a practice hit out this week, in preparation, who are we to let anyone down? Walking Rugby is a great low impact conditioning game as the game doesn’t stop at all, unlike League there’s no scrums or Play the Ball’s and unlike Union there’s no rucks, mauls, scrums or line outs. So despite it only going at a fast walking pace, the ball and bodies never stop. Our Masters team often use it at training as it is a great way to warm up but also encourages communication, creating space, support and push. Tomorrow, Jase, Goadie, Darren, JT, Gaz, Jay and new Masters recruit, Ally will enjoy providing opposition for the ‘shire as they prep for their first game the following week. We will also look forward to having a few quality beers and food at the Holly Hill afterwards. If you’re an over 35 male and fancy seeing what Masters is all about, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Match Report: Relentless Crusaders Overpower Storm in Commanding Display Final Score: Catterick Crusaders U14 – 38 | Gateshead Storm U14 – 4 On a blustery morning at Wavell sports pitches , Catterick Crusaders U14s delivered a statement performance, overwhelming Gateshead Storm with a dominant 38–4 victory built on precision, discipline, and relentless intent. From the opening whistle, the Crusaders set the tone with cold, calculated execution. Completing their sets with purpose and applying early pressure through sharp kicking and aggressive defence, Catterick quickly seized control of the game. Their structure was sound, their communication tight, and their decision-making showed the mark of a team growing in confidence. Gateshead struggled to contain the tempo, and it wasn’t long before Catterick’s patience turned into points. Crisp ball movement through the spine and strong carries up the middle opened gaps in the Storm defence, allowing the Crusaders to cross the whitewash multiple times. Although Gateshead did manage to register a solitary first-half try—capitalising on a momentary lapse in defensive focus—it was the only blemish in an otherwise clinical opening 30 minutes for the hosts. With a solid lead going into the break, Catterick emerged in the second half looking even more dangerous. There was no let-up in intensity. They tightened their grip on the match, controlling territory and possession with composed, intelligent rugby. The wide channels were exploited brilliantly, stretching the Gateshead defence and creating space for wingers to finish with style. Defensively, the Crusaders were near impenetrable. Line speed was sharp, tackles were stick-on, and support play on both sides of the ball underlined a squad in sync with one another. The few times Gateshead threatened, they were met with a red wall of resistance. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected Catterick’s dominance—38 points to 4—a scoreline built on hard work, discipline, and smart rugby league. This performance wasn’t just about scoring tries; it was about team growth. Set completion, field control, defensive grit, and expansive attacking play all came together to paint a picture of a side beginning to reach its potential. The Crusaders march on, their momentum building, their identity clear into the League final on 13 July 2025 at Kingston Park.

As we move toward the 2026 season Catterick Crusaders are looking for a series of ALL JUNIOR TEAMS sponsors for their on field and off field kits. The playing shirt sponsorship packages come in 3 different levels. Bronze Package - £300 Your logo on the sleeve of ALL junior team’s playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Junior Most Improved Player, End of Season Award. Silver Package - £600 Your logo on the lower back of ALL junior teams playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Junior Coaches’ Player of the Year, End of Season Award. Gold Package - £1200 Your logo as the main sponsor on the front of ALL junior team’s playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Junior Players’ Player of the Year, End of Season Award. Your logo displayed on pitch side banners at home games. The off field apparel opportunities also come in 3 different packages and have the same benefits, albeit with different Junior End of Season Awards sponsorship. Bronze Package - £300 Your logo on the sleeve of ALL junior team’s playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Top Volunteer End of Season Award. Silver Package - £600 Your logo on the lower back of ALL junior team’s playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Junior Clubman of the Year, End of Season Award. Gold Package - £1200 Your logo as the main sponsor on the front of ALL junior team’s playing shirts. Recognition on social media and website pre and post match reports for ALL junior teams. Sponsorship of the Junior Player of Steel, End of Season Award. Your logo displayed on pitch side banners at home games. If you are interested in this unique sponsorship opportunity please do not hesitate to contact via the websites contact link or email us on info.crusadersrlfc@gmail.com Crusaders Juniors will have teams at U8’s, U10’s, U12’s, U14’s, U16’s. Providing recognition and links to sponsors within multiple teams, with multiple weekly reports over multiple forums.

Jason Grant MBE : Red Shorts “It’s no secret life has been pretty tough since early June. I have had to step away as club Chairman due to family reasons. I’m lucky to have a loving family and a supportive working environment. The other group that has my back, is my Masters mates. Providing support, but most of all distraction and a great deal of fun and laughter.” GAME DAYS: On the pitch, we have had our biggest season to date. With a total of 10 games. Our first outing happened as soon as contact games were sanctioned again, against our near neighbours North East Thunder Masters. A great turn out, but at a cost as we didn’t see posh Cumbrians, Longers and Foxy, again due to long term injury’s. Allegedly Longers now has a Harrods Gold Card after consuming his own body weight in Foie Gras and Truffles. Official launch weekend saw us combine with NE Thunder and travel to Kippax for their festival. April saw back to back games, firstly against Boothtown at home and the Barrow away. The Boothtown fixture was most memorable for the ear pearcing shrieks of pain from Jay as he was bundled into touch by 3 of Boothtowns biggest guys, sustaining an injury that he was lucky to come back from ……… ok, he actually had an ickle muscle tweak whilst running but we wanted to big him up! At the Barrow game, there was a rare weather phenomenon that dropped the air pressure at 10ft above the pitch! This meant that Jase’s usually dialled in kicks in general play sailed out on the full, not just once, but twice! May was relatively quiet with just a single outing at the Cumbria Festival, again in Barrow. For this one Goadie actual travelled home from a holiday in Spain a day early to play! June saw the return legs of the Boothtown and Barrow games. The Barrow game produced the End of Season Comedy Moment, when Don looked up and decided to pop the ball to Ben just in front of JT (playing for Barrow) who was sporting a menacing smile, before, during and after smashing Ben into the following week. The first outing of July saw us take part in the North East Festival at Yarm Wolves. Darren provided the comedy moment for this one, having been ill advised the legal tackle height had been changed to just below the eyebrows. Ouch. Double ouch, when it transpired his victim happened to be one of the best Masters Match Officials who just fancied a run out! The second outing was against our new friends Doncaster Toll Bar. We tend not to play in August, as that’s when most people take holidays so our next outing was supplying massive support (10) to NE Thunder for the National Festival at Blackpool. Our final outing of the season was the return leg of the Doncaster Toll Bar match. Paul Goad: Yellow shorter with Tags. “Discovering Masters in my 60’s has given me a new lease of life. In the short time I’ve been playing I have made countless friends from all over the country and know that in the coming seasons I will make many more.” RUGBY ON YOUR TERMS: The ethos of how we approach Masters has greatly improved this year. Some players choose to travel for the game only which is always appreciated. Some players have decided to make a full day of it. “The Breakfast Crew” set off early for away days and take in breakfast on route and are always the last to leave having had great hosting by our opposition. On a number of occasions players have stopped overnight, post match. Whatever players choose to do, on match day, we have shown we can and do, turn up with great numbers for each game. SOCIALS: Outside of the usual post match socials, we have had a number of other social events. The Breakfast Crew is most definitely a social event. On top of this some of us stayed over in Barrow after our game against Barrow Masters. WAGS were invited to Blackpool which made for a great weekend of laughter, with Ma Kelly’s Showboat on North Shore making a tidy profit that weekend. Again a small number of us headed of to the Grand Final and an overnighter in Manchester. Finally a number of us took in the Cumbria v Nigeria game. Paul Clarke: Yellow shorts no tags. “When I finished reffing that awful masters game between Crusaders and North East l was more than happy to quit Masters all together then some of you talked me in till still doing both I could have quite easily stopped there and then but l’m glad my Masters team mates talked me round. The rest of the season was great both playing and reffing.” GUESTING AND REPRESENTING: This year our players have taken lots of opportunities to guest for other teams, either at Festivals offering themselves up or by turning out for a specific club in one of their planned fixtures. We also achieved our first representative accolade, with Ian McKechnie taking the reins as Scotland Masters Head Coach. Ian McKechnie: Edinburgh Cannons, Veterans, Scotland Head Coach. Jason Grant MBE: North East Thunder, MND. Darren Cunnington: Edinburgh Cannons,Veterans, MND. Adam Thompson: Blackpool Scorpions, Beverly, Eastmoor Dragons and Hull. Gareth Smith: Blackpool Scorpions, Beverley, Eastmoor Dragons, Blackpool Stanley and Morley Knights. Don Payne: North East Thunder and Carlisle. Paul Goad: Morley Knights, Doncaster Toll Bar, North East Thunder, Carlisle, Brixton Bulls, Chester Gladiators, Barrow and West Warriors. Ben Smith: Blackpool Scorpions, Blackpool Stanley, Doncaster Toll Bar, Crosfields, Morley Knights, North East Thunder, MND , United Kingdom Armed Forces. Jay Wainwright: Doncaster Toll Bar. SUPPORT TO THE WIDER CLUB AND RL COMMUNITY: Two key elements to our Masters from its conception was firstly, it should have no financial impact on the club at all and secondly it should help suitable worthy causes where possible. In April Jase set up a Crusaders Inclusion Fund so anyone needing support, had direct access to funding. To raise money, Jase set up a Go Fund Me and set out to complete a cold water dip for every day in April. This challenge was heavily supported by the Masters team, with some of them even joining him at Couldron Force for a dip. A total of £557.12p was raised (£580 in actual sponsorship but GFM take a cut) which was handed over to the club. The Masters team also sponsored former junior Owen-Tyler Cole as he transitioned over to York Acorn U18’s. Scottish representatives Alasdair McKechnie and Oliver Redding also received small donations. The team also financed the post match(es) food for the Newcastle Thunder LDP v Scotland games. Finally, the team were quick off the mark to towards Doncaster Toll Bar’s support to Simon Robinshaw. Not including the Go Fund Me money, that was an impressive £700 worth of support! Something we are really proud of. Gareth Smith: Yellow shorts no tags. For me it was the random message from Jase, “Go on Gaz, Masters, you know you want to” Me, “nah, ankles broke blah, slipped disc blah!”Before l knew it l was sat in the car with Olivia, ready to set off for first session and still trying to talk myself out of it but away we went. The first person I saw was Don, “**** you doing here?” “Me dad (Jase) asked me,” was my response. The rest is history, I’ve met a great group of lads off back of it and the Breakfast Crew days out are stuff of legends! SPONSORSHIP: To maximise the use of subs and to not have a financial burden on the club. the team has had to source a number of sponsors. These sponsors have not only provided playing kit, but also polo shirts, off field and training gear and the end of season awards. A big thank you to Marstons, Burties Hair Design, e-Creative Designs, Top Third, Lighthouse Risk Management, The Hildyard Arms, iSecure Group, JDN First Aid, Inkorrections Laser Tattoo Removal, Ripon Garden Maintenance, Thirsty Work, 4aces Catering Solutions, Richie McGrath Pre Training and Breaking andAA First Water Coolers. Also a massive thank you to Emma the club Treasurer for managing our funds via the club account, which keeps us in line with the club constitution. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdonL4nh/ Darren Cunnington: Red Shorts “I have found confidence and found a family I lost the day I left the Forces, but I had found it again and I have been in a happy space .” 2025 season has been awesome. Registrations are up, players per game are up, yet again we didn’t drop a game. We’ve had so much fun along the way. 2026 looks to be even better, with interest from new players already coming in and a bigger fixture schedule already confirmed! If you fancy getting involved please get in touch!

On Saturday (15 November), Jase, Darren (both playing) and Ian (groupie) made the trip down to Farnley Falcons RLFC, to turn out for the MND Masters team. Well done Farnley for getting the game on in very wet conditions. The MND side was made up of players from far and wide, all of whom had the common goal to come together, enjoy a great game of Masters and raise money to help fight MND. The opposition was a side from Farnley Falcons Masters and a combined side from Leeds Underdogs Masters and Guisley Rangers Masters. The first game was a cracker between Leeds/Guisley and MND. Jase started at scrum half with Darren on the wing. The game was end to end despite the damp conditions and was a great start to the afternoon. Both sides Black and White shorters got ripped into each other, whilst the Reds and above ensured good movement of the ball and defensive stability when without it. The second game saw MND take a breather as Farnley and Leeds/Guiseley played a very physical game, with both sides being White, Black and Red short heavy. In the 3rd game (MND v Farnley), MND fielded a team heavily laden with Gold shorts and above which did a great job of cancelling out Farnley’s physicality from its Black and White shorters. However Farnley, with “youth” on their side were also on pace, defending against MND. A close game ensued. The final game of the day was a mix and match from all the sides pitching together to make two teams with plenty of subs. This was a very enjoyable game played in great spirit. Post game there was a raffle and auction, which, combined with the subs from the day, raised over £750. A big well done to Jason Myers for pulling a very enjoyable and worthwhile event together, raising money for a great cause.

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.