From the Touchline – Sandal Game

We welcome today our visitors from Sandal, located on the edge of Wakefield. We lost there in October so now is the time to make amends. Whilst they have had poorer form recently, they have nevertheless in the last three games lost narrowly to Billingham, beaten Rossendale away, and last week lost narrowly to Wirral 28-31. Another close game is therefore expected and it is a pleasure to have their team and supporters with us today.
For our part following a reasonably comfortable win at home to Lymm we went to Harrogate with high expectations for both our 1s and Georgians teams but lost both games. Frankly we were 2nd best on the day and Harrogate deserved their 24-3 win. Let’s put that behind us and see what we can do today
The team bus stopped in Harrogate on the way back and we had a drink or two at Weatherspoons Winter Gardens pub, formally part of the Royal Baths – built so that visitors could relax and stroll in any weather.. During the 1920s, people could relax there, amid potted palms, listening to music from a grand piano. In the 1930s, the Municipal Orchestra played every morning throughout the year, with free admission for the patients of the baths. Nobody had a dip whilst we were there, but I for one enjoyed the experience. It really is a lovely town.
Disappointingly we have been advised that the game against the RAF on 13th March has been cancelled (they are playing a Junior team called Coventry on that date ! ) but we anticipate that they will fulfil their promise and come to Blaydon during the 2019/20 Season .
Money is always tight for us at this time of year, so if anyone can persuade a Sponsor to celebrate a game with his clients and staff at Crowtrees please let me know . They would be made very welcome
Finally we have produced a thorough Safeguarding policy concerning Youth players in particular which will be available on the Web site for all those interested. It is vital that we act in a professional manner to ensure our standards in all areas remain at the highest level
Our next game is on 9th February away to Billingham. Travel is by cars rather than a team bus, but I hope as many supporters as possible can be there for this important derby game

Bill Locke