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Blaydon take the Festive Cheer in the National 2 North East Derby

Blaydon got off to a phenomenal start with fantastic try by Nathan Bailey in the first minute of the game. The try was created by a fantastic break by Jonny Ashman who turned a loose pass behind into a 50 metre break and a quick recycle and a few passes later Blaydon had crossed the line.
The next score followed just 8 minutes later, which came from a charge down on the Tynedale 22 which led to 5 minutes of Blaydon pressure which ended with Ethan Clarke crossing the Tynedale line. Both Blaydon tries were ably converted by Nathan Horsfall.
On 14 minutes it was Tynedale’s turn to attack Blaydon’s line and eventually it was Chris Wearmouth who went over from short range.
In complete contrast the remaining 25 minutes of the first half was much more of a war of attrition with the main events being Blaydon losing back row Paddy Cooper and then unbelievably his replacement Matt Charlton 5 mins later.
In this sustained period where both sides effectively cancelled each other out Tynedale went the closest to breaking the deadlock when hooker Dan Lowdon went over but he was brilliantly held up over the try line by James Cooney. And that ended up being the last excitement of the first half.
Half Time Blaydon 14 v Tynedale 7
The 2nd half continued like the end of the first, with 10 minutes of rugby between the two 22 metre lines with neither side breaking the others line.
After 15 minutes Tynedale found themselves in the Blaydon 22 but 10 -15 minutes of pressure came to nothing through culmination of excellent Blaydon defence and a few Tynedale handling errors.
25 minutes into the 2nd half it was Blaydon who nearly broke the deadlock with a Nathan Horsfall penalty which sailed just wide.
But five minutes later the deadlock was well and truly broken by a brilliant backs move which led to Jonny Ashman running a great line to again break the Tynedale line and this time it was Austin Phillips who was on hand to score an excellent try. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed but at 19 – 7 the home support were hoping that had sealed the game.
But frustratingly for the home side just 2 minutes later Tynedale kicked to the corner and a catch and drive led to ex-Blaydon player Chris Wearmouth scoring his 2nd try of the game. Which was again converted by James Blackett for his second conversion of the game.
Unfortunately for Tynedale that was too little too late and that ended up being the last score of the game, so Blaydon finished worthy winners.
Full Time score Blaydon 19 – Tynedale 14
Blaydon: Bailey, Cooney, Marshall, Ashman, Appleton, Horsfall, Clarkson, Dodds, Gray, Brantingham, Wright, Varley, Cooper, Harrison, Clarke.
Replacements: Pyle, Laidler, Phillps, Charlton, Clark
Tynedale: Cooke, Todhunter, Clark, Miller, Pike, Blackett, Outson, White, Lowdon, Haigh, Dunn, Wearmouth, Cousin, Bell, Wainwright
Replacements: Carmichael, Scott, Hanning, Robson, West
REFEREE: Alan Chandrichud
ATTENDANCE: 682
STAR MAN: Blaydon – Jonny Ashman
Scorers:
Blaydon 19
Tries: Bailey 1, Clarke 9, Phillips 57
Conversions: Horsfall 2, 10
Penalties:
Tynedale 14
Tries: Wearmouth 14, 75
Conversions: Blackett
Penalties:
BlaydonvHull

BLAYDON RFC 19 V 38 HULL RFC

Hull’s power was the difference as they steamrollered over Blaydon’s line on 6 occasions to take a bonus point win.
Hull started early and two early penalties led to Hull’s first score which came from a catch and drive scored by Hull Hooker Jobling which was unconverted.
The next 10 minutes was honours even until on 13 minutes another Hull Penalty and kick to the corner led to another catch drive from a 5m line out with Jobling again the scorer.
Blaydon reacted well to that try and Ethan Clark stole the restart and 2 phases later Marshall put in Nathan Bailey 20 yards out for the homes sides first try which was ably converted by Horsfall to make it 7-12.
Unsurprisingly another Hull kick to the corner led to yet another yet other catch and drive, and again it was Jobling for his hat trick.
Blaydon nearly replied quickly through Ethan Clarke but he was adjudged to be held up over the line on 34 minutes, following that led to a scrappy period where Blaydon lost two from their front row to injury and those two substitutions were closely followed by a Red card for head high tackle by Hull’s number 6 Makaafi on Blaydon Centre James Cooney.
Half Time Blaydon 7 – 17 Hull
Hull started the second half pressing hard at the Blaydon line and after 8 minutes they finally crossed the line with Kivalu going over from close range.
After 10 minutes of stalemate and exchanging of errors Blaydon ran the ball from their own try line, an excellent kick ahead by Nathan Bailey was picked up by winger Jack Appleton who ran in from 70 yards out for the best try of the game by far.
BRFCvHull
A Blaydon missed touch in attack led to Hull finding themselves back in their own 22 and from a 5m scrum the massive Hull pack drove over the Blaydon line which was easily scored by number 8 Will Hall.
Blaydon looked to respond positively but a loose pass by Blaydon winger Appleton led to an interception try for Hull Winger Naylor.
Blaydon played all the open rugby and on 75 minutes they were rewarded again and Nathan Bailey went over for his 2nd score of the game after Blaydon built a number a phases in the Hull 22 which stretched the Hull defence.
Unfortunately for Blaydon that was the last score of the game as they searched for a bonus point try.
Full Time Score Blaydon 19 – Hull 38
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEXT HOME FIXTURE IS A NORTH EAST DERBY MATCH AGAINST TYNEDALE RFC ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 18th, kick off 2pm.
Blaydon: Bailey, Mongan, Cooney, Marshall, Appleton, Horsfall, Clarkson, Dodds, Pyle , Thompson, Wright, Phillips, Cooper, Hall-Lyon, Clarke.
Replacements: Gray, Beattie, Varley, Swede, Ashman
Hull: Dean, Naylor, Heard, Johnson, Turner, Humberstone, Harding, Beech, Jobling, Kivalu, Jones, Regardsoe, Makaafi, Cowen, Hall
Replacements: Crane, McColl, Cullen, Evans, Dias
REFEREE: Elliott Lewis
ATTENDANCE: 212
STAR MAN: Hull – Michael Jobling
Scorers:
Blaydon
Tries: Bailey 16, 76 Appleton 57
Conversions: Horsfall 17, 77
Penalties:
Hull
Tries: Jobling 4, 13, 23 Kivalu, Hall, Naylor
Conversions: Humberstone 14, 50, 68, 73
Penalties:
U16s CC SF

Date for the Diary – 16th January 2022 – County Cup Final

U16’s Power Through to County Cup Final
On a wintery Sunday morning our fantastic U16’s side beat Durham City 29-13 at BRFC in the Semi Final of the County Cup. A hard fought contest between two strong sides, well done to both teams for battling on in the horrendous weather.
The final is being held on 16th January 2022, however the venue has yet to be decided as the other semi final (Darlington RFC v Stockton RFC) was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Thank goodness we have the AGP!!
The other Semi Final has now been rearranged for Sunday 12th December, so no doubt Scott Gordon will keep me posted on the result and venue for the Final as it would be fantastic to see some travelling support!!
Well done men!!

Saturday 18th December 2021 – Presidents Christmas lunch at Blaydon RFC

Arrive at 12:00 for 12-15 for table served 2 Course Christmas Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas Pudding and heaps of Christmas Cheer

 

Dress code – Christmas Jumpers,

the louder the better…..

 

Event Costs:

  • Meal cost is £10.00 to be paid prior to the lunch – please advise when paying for your booking if anyone in your party needs vegetarian option, in place of Turkey.  

  • Game Entry is £10.00, free to Season Ticket holders  

  • Selection of wines are available for the table, please assist by pre-booking the wine

Tables seat 8 to 10 people. Please provide list of names on your table to Barry at the club, via Face book on Blaydon Rugby Club Functions or by email to functions@blaydonrfc.co.uk

1st team game against Tynedale follows, KO 2-30pm.

 

Last President’s lunch was an event to remember, so, for a great time to catch up with past team mates and cheer on the current Blaydon 1st team, book early!

 


Blaydon RFC v Fylde Match Report – Saturday 30th October

Fylde’s class out wide is the difference

Blaydon started well with an early Nathan Horsfall penalty following two early infringements at the breakdown by Fylde.

Fylde responded quickly with good break blind by centre Forster putting in winger Sam Fisher for unconverted try.

Blaydon’s response came from a clever short line out to 2nd Row Phillips, who provided a good quick return to hooker Sean Pyle who finished well in the corner.

Blaydon continued to compete well and a sustained period of Blaydon pressure led to a yellow card for number 8 Fairbrother and penalty by Horsfall, taking the score to 13-5.

Fylde replied quickly and slick backs move put centre Forster through the middle and ex Blaydon winger Tom Grimes finished off well.

Then straight from the kick off openside Phil Mills made a strong run and put in Winger Fisher for his 2nd try again unconverted.

Half time 13-15

Fylde started the 2nd half brightly and were attacking the line when Blaydon 2nd row Phillips was yellow carded and from the resulting scrum, scrum half Matt Sturgess went over for their first converted try of the game.

Blaydon replied brilliantly, Jonny Ashman putting in Owen Chaplin under the posts for another converted try bringing Blaydon back to with in 2 points

A long period of Blaydon pressure frustrating resulted in nothing for the home side but a couple mistakes resulted in Fylde having an easy penalty for Greg smith which was quickly followed by another penalty by Smith.

Fylde continued in the ascendency and a produced a well worked 2nd try of the game for Tom Grimes.

Blaydon pushed hard for a score running out of their 22 and lost the ball under the posts leading to an easy score for Tom Carleton.

From Blaydon’s perspective a frustrating afternoon coming away with nothing when their performance deserved so much more.

Final score 40 – 20

Blaydon Bailey, Richards Cooney, Clark, Appleton, Horsfall, Clarkson, Dodds, Pyle , Thompson, Wright, Phillips, Cooper, Chaplin, Clarke.

Replacements: Beattie, Inglis, Hodgson, Foreman, Ashman

Fylde: Carleton, Fisher, Forster, Rawlings, Grimes, Smith, Sturgess, Barrow, Gregory, Bowker, Parkinson, Garrod, O’Ryan, Mills, Fairbrother

Replacements: Kyle-Clay, Lewis, Blake, Partington, Lanigan

 

REFEREE:  Michael Harris

ATTENDANCE:  135

STAR MAN: Fylde – Phil Mills

 

 

Blaydon go down against Houghton-le-spring – No rockets but plenty of sparkle

Houghton-Le-Spring 34 v Blaydon Spartans 22 by Nicholas Eatch SR-News November 5th 2021

 

Photos: CLICK HERE! 

 

A very windy day saw Blaydon go down despite a spirited fight back in the second half by twelve points.

 

Whether the walk to the far pitch sapped early strength from Blaydon was debatable, but certainly a string of early penalties – three in the first five minutes – and playing against the wind, saw the Spartans under massive early pressure.

 

This lack of discipline was compounded by a series of missed tackles that saw Houghton open the scoring. A fact not lost on Blaydon prop Chris Davison who reinforced the need for tackle bags in the warm up at the next fixture.

 

However, despite the opening run of play Blaydon bounced back when Davison smashed through two Houghton defenders and Joe Jenkins – who was arguably Blaydon’s man-of-the-match, as well as young colts Luke and Max with Luke going on marauding runs throughout the game as did Max. The two young guns would both be rewarded with tries.

 

Spartans captain James Murray, 26, slotted home the conversion from the Jenkins try. It was a great kick, with a deal of class in the boot against the wind, putting Blaydon into the lead 5 to 7.

 

This unfortunately for Blaydon’s fans would be the last time they would hold the lead.

 

After 17 minutes the opposition again broke through a weak Blaydon D, when one of their experienced players, cheered on by his windswept son and wife –  who was holding onto her skirt for dear life from the sidelines, went over. Their MOM, playing at ten, duly slotted over to make it 12 to 7 to Houghton.

 

Shell-shocked from that defensive  breech the opposition then quickly went over again, this time after five Blaydon missed tackles. The conversion saw then stretch their lead to 19 points to 7.

 

Blaydon were unfortunate not to reduce the deficit when young colt Luke playing 8 and in only his second senior game made a great run with some intuitive  off-loading in contact. However, the oppositions ferocious tackling saw that attack filter out.

 

The scrums were well contested all day, with two heavily experienced front rows going head-to-head, and at times literally.

 

On 31 minutes after a great drive from Blaydon centre Peter, who was always looking to run forward as ever, saw Blaydon get into the oppositions 22. Then some great interchange play up the right saw young Max,  go over for the first of his two tries.

 

“I was absolutely made up to score” he said after the game, face beaming with youthful enthusiasm.

 

With the wind now blowing into Blaydon’s faces, with gusts up to 60mph Murray’s conversion was almost impossible from the right touch line. 19 to 12 to Houghton.

 

With the gap now only seven points and with Blaydon playing with the wind behind them second half, things were looking up. Especially after Jenkins went on a powerful and jinking  run up the right for 30m or more, but then got white line fever when an inside pass with good support from Blaydon’s back line, would have been a better option. This would be his only mistake though in a glittering display.

 

Then from the line out a penetrating kick by the Houghton ten, and a run and chase led to problems. Max was deemed to have taken the ball over his own try line resulting in a Houghton scrum five out. Houghton took full advantage going over in the corner. Missing the conversion but still increasing their lead to 24 to 12.

 

Almost from the kick off, poor Blaydon play at the breakdown –  which was a major concern throughout the game – led to the ball being lost and Houghton went over again.

 

After the conversion was missed this meant that Blaydon trailed by 17 points at half time.

 

29 to 12 halftime

 

After an 18 month lay-off through injury, it was great to see the towering presence of Jimmy the Horse back in Blaydon red.

 

The experienced second rower summed up what was letting down Blaydon down at half-time. “We are getting isolated, then we are not securing the ball at the ruck and they are just coming through and taking it” he said. He was not wrong. This must have happened ten times at least during the 80.

 

Now Blaydon had the wind behind them and hopefully in their sails as the second half commenced.

 

Hold on!                   Wind?

 

The weather Gods were against the Spartans, as the wind power certainly dried-up in the second half.

 

What didn’t dry-up though was solid Houghton D and there was no score in the first ten minutes of the second half, this despite constant Blaydon pressure.

 

A beautiful intelligent  cross field kick by Murray nearly paid off. Then Jenkins on the opposite side of the pitch on 54 minutes thought he had gone over, only for the touch judge to signal with a late flag that he had put a boot in touch.

 

Ashley Merrit was certainly fired up and was another Blaydon player who was incredibly strong with the ball.

 

The penalty count mounted against  Houghton. Surely a yellow would be brandished soon as they continually were on the wrong side at the breakdown or deliberately slow to release in the tackle. Persistent fouling would see their lanky second rower later sin-binned.

 

Then on 62 minutes, Merritt smashed through four Houghton players and over their line, only to drop the ball at the key moment one handed from two feet. No try.

 

In those two moments, there were 14 potential points, with Jenkins errant boot and Merritt’s errant grip, which would have dramatically closed the gap.

 

Houghton couldn’t hold out forever in a scene akin to Zulu Dawn at Rourkes Drift, Blaydon’s talented young number eight – who looks some player, got a deserved try, smashing through the Houghton defence. Murray missed the conversion. but Blaydon edged closer at 29 to 17.

 

However, yet again the loss of the ball on the floor at the ruck was Blaydon’s downfall. Tempers started to flare and Jimmy the horse was to see yellow, although to many onlookers, this seemed rather harsh.

 

Houghton also had a player binned for consistently being off side at the breakdown; seemingly thinking the gate was a five bar gate; not a garden gate!

 

From Jimmy’s dismissal the Blaydon forward line was weakened and Houghton went over to go 34 to 17 in front.

 

Blaydon were not to be denied a second half victory though. Brilliant handling and quick interchange between Max, Murray and back to Max, with great quick handing, saw the young colt bag his second try of the game.

 

Murray was magnanimous in defeat and thanked his troops for a spirited display.

 

A very good game in very demanding meteorological conditions saw Houghton win by 12 in the end. 34 points to 22.

 

With a little more composure near the try line, better security at the breakdown, attacking in pods rather than solo runs and better, lower tackling, this surely would have been a Blaydon W.

 

It certainly bodes well for their next fixture though. A few tweaks and we should see the Spartan score count…rocket.

 

The Blaydon faithful hope they don’t have to wait until the next celebration of Guy Fawkes failed attempt to blow up the central pillars of British government, before they see those tweaks. Blaydon Fireworks are then surely coming to a rugby pitch near you soon no doubt.

 

  1. Chris Davidson
  2. Kieran Duffy
  3. Ashley Merritt
  4. Jim Houghton
  5. Cameron Neil
  6. Michael Wharton
  7. Peter Andrew
  8. Luke Tonks
  9. Liam Stamper
  10. James Murray  (C)
  11. Paul Dingley
  12. Kieran Sheen
  13. Joseph Jenkins
  14. Matt Robertson
  15. Max Robinson
  16. Kevin Lamb

 

Potential Future Scottish Stars in the Making

Good Morning All,
More good news coming from our Youth Section, two of our u16s players, Max Gordon & Andrew Gray have been invited to a Scottish Exiles ‘Development Day’ at Barnard Castle School this Sunday.
This is for Scotland Qualified players living and playing in England and could potentially lead to International honours for these players, so another good recognition of the hard work and talent in this squad and Blaydon Youth Section.
As a club we wish Max and Andrew all the best in this trial, what a fantastic opportunity!!
The rest of the U16 squad are playing at home against Stockton RFC on Sunday on the AGP, kick off 11am. Honestly this group of players are exciting to watch and all supporters would be welcome.

Blaydon RFC Fireworks display – SOLD OUT!

Saturday 6th November 2021

SOLD OUT!

Tickets for the 2021 have reached the event limit

No entry will be granted without pre-purchased tickets

 


 

 

Under 16’s and Academy Back to Winning Ways!!!

Two of our older youth sides were in action today, our fantastic U16s side were playing a County Cup match away at Westoe RFC. They won 40-5 and the game was finished 10 minutes into the second half, no pictures unfortunately as it was monsoon season in South Shields this morning!!
They’ve secured a Semi final at Home 28th November against the winner of Durham v Billingham! Either way, that’ll be tasty fixture!!!
Blaydon Academy had a home league match against Bishop Auckland this afternoon. The squad has lost a number of players this week to injury/holiday etc, but thankfully they managed to put out a team although they were short in the forward ranks, so two backs had to play at 6 and 7.
A tight game in the first half ended 5-5, but our boys came out strong in the second half with four quick tries from Mason McDonald, Joe Barron, Charlie Lodge and Scott Aiston!!
The lads secured a superb 31-17 victory, which was very satisfying to all involved bearing in mind how many of the squad were missing!! They all stepped up 👍🏉
Next week they are playing away to Aspatria Junior Colts in Wigton, Cumbria.

A Full Weekend of Rugby Ahead!!

Good Evening Folks,
Halloween at the weekend, the clocks go back so the nights draw in even earlier, on a brighter note the Autumn Internationals are almost upon us and there is loads of rugby planned involving our Blaydon sides!!
Our First XV look to secure their first home win of the season against Fylde RFC, kick off 3pm on the AGP on Saturday. A Second XV make the trip down to Billingham RUFC for a Candy League fixture, looking to bounce back after the home defeat to Alnwick.
As always, Sundays are jam packed with Youth Fixtures. The highlights are our strong U16’s side are playing a County Cup round away at Westoe RFC (KO 11.15am), our Academy team are looking to bounce back from two defeats in Conference A of the North East & Cumbria Colts League, with a tough test against Bishop Auckland at home on the AGP (KO 1pm) and finally our U13’s have a local derby against Ryton RFC (KO 11am).
Finally our fantastic Red Kites First XV suffered their first defeat of the season away to Sandal RUFC last Sunday. They are resting this weekend, however the Second XV are playing Winlaton Vulcans at home on the Riverside pitch (KO 2pm).
Wherever and whoever you are playing/watching your rugby fix this weekend, enjoy and remember all teams really do appreciate the support. Good Luck and Go Well!
Happy Halloween and don’t forgot about those clocks!!!