From the Touchline – Sat 19th Oct

Today we welcome Cinderford who make the long treck from the Forest of Deane in search of their second victory of the season having won once against our opponents last week Hull Ionians on the third week of the season, the score being 31 – 7.

Last week, despite being well adrift at half time, Cinderford recovered to force a draw 34 all with Henley scoring in the process, five tries.

Their defeats have been against Rosslyn Park, Coventry, Doncaster and Richmond two of which we have played winning against Coventry and losing in London to Rosslyn Park.

Last season’s results saw each team win the away match and the Cinderford victory at Blaydon ended our ten match winning sequence in the mid season period.

Games between the two sides have always been well contested, being close, and high scoring. Added spice today may well see the inclusion of Sam Hanks in the centre following his transfer to Cinderford in the close season.

Our first visit to Hull for seven seasons last week saw us come away with a healthy

30 – 5 victory gained in difficult wet and dreary conditions. Hull battled well in the forwards but had little to offer elsewhere and despite late changes in the team, we stuck to our task and through the endeavours of Harry Bate, Tommy Banks scored the bonus point try at the death. Other late changes saw Jonathan Hames make his 1st team debut from the bench after joining us from Consett in the close season.

Blaydon Georgians also travelled to Hull to take on the unbeaten Ionians 2nd XV and unfortunately, after leading for most of the game, they conceded a late try and conversion to lose 22 – 17 in the closing stages. However, the trip was enjoyed by all, returning home at the early hour of 7.45.p.m. to enable all to join in the Marty Lonsdale wedding celebrations!

Other results last week saw neighbours Tynedale sneak a late win over Worthing, Coventry returned to winning form against Old Albanian, Rosslyn Park swamped Wharfedale, Esher won the London derby against Blackheath, and surprise side Loughborough Students continued their winning ways over Fylde. The games resulted in Doncaster leading the table by four points from the students with Coventry, Rosslyn Park and Esher just behind. At the other end of the table, Tynedale and ourselves climbed out of the bottom three, leaving Ionians firmly entrenched in last place.

Today we also welcome past players and former members to the Annual Lunch, particularly Bobby Snaith who has travelled over from South Africa on vacation. Bobby played for Blaydon in the 60’s/70’s era and also for Durham County during that period.

A spectator at our last game was Peter Horan now in New York who was here for a family reunion. Peter played for Blaydon in the late 50’s for five seasons and appeared many times on the 1st XV.