Blaydon RFC - Offical Site

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Match Reports
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Saturday 8th May - Cinderford 24 Blaydon 19 Blaydon's best ever season in League One disappointingly ended in defeat at Cinderford but they had more then enough opportunities in the closing stages to have secured the win they deserved. Playing with the driving wind and rain behind them they took the game by storm and opened the scoring in the 12th minute from a short scrum with a typical No8 effort from Jason Smithson. Andrew Baggett added the conversion and Blaydon continued to press but the home side hit back on quarter time when their fly-half Tim Stevenson stepped through to score under the posts, Dan Trigg converting. More Blaydon pressure then brought them a second try finished off by second rower Chris Wearmouth after phase upon phase of good possession, and Baggett's conversion made it 7-14 at the break. That lead was extended early in the second period by centre James Fitzpatrick, who in the process became leading club try scorer for the season, but Cinderford now had their turn of the conditions and gradually came back into it. From a driving maul Ed King forced his way over to pull it at back to 14-19 and then on 60 minutes right wing Robert Winchle was on hand to complete a smart move. Trigg improved both scores to put Cinderford in front for the first time and then added a penalty but in the closing minutes Blaydon scorned chance after chance to clinch victory. John Brennan Saturday 1st May - Blaydon 140 Manchester 0 With just one game remaining Blaydon are on course to finish in their highest ever position in League One, a highly successful season, whilst the unfortunate Manchester club must be breathing a sigh of relief that their annus horribilis is coming to an end. When the sides met at Manchester earlier in the season Blaydon ran in a massive 145 points, and yesterday were remarkably just a try short of emulating that feat. It was still however a club record score at Crow Trees, achieved with 22 tries from 16 individual players and 15 conversions from fly-half Andrew Baggett. They played it 'sevens style' throughout, running everything from everywhere on the park. By the interval it was 74-0, and the fate of the hapless but brave Mancunians was never better emphasised then when try number 13 was touched down by winger Kevin McShane within 30 seconds from the re-start. Earlier McShane had scored the try of the half on a mazy run from his own 22, beating man after man on route to the line. An outstanding score but almost matched 3 minutes later by Aiden O'Brien who blasted in from a similar distance. Director of Rugby, Tom Rock, scored twice to become leading club try scorer for the season with 14, whilst McShane, O'Brien, Adam Dehaty and James Fitzpatrick also grabbed a brace. Other try scorers were Gavin Jones, Keith Laughlin, Alex MacKenzie, Simon Barber, Chris Wearmouth, Paddy Dias, Jason Smithson, Matt Hall, Andrew Archibald and Scott Riddell, who provided most of the ammunition in the second period. Ironically the game ended with Manchester in the Blaydon 22 for the only time, and only then from a kick to touch. John Brennan. Saturday 24th April - Otley 36, Blaydon 12 Saturday 17th April Blaydon 68 Nuneaton 18 Quite literally it was men against boys at Crow Trees on Saturday with Nuneaton on the receiving end of a 10 try hammering after having to field 3 of their colts to replace late withdrawals. Although they stuck to their task and deservedly picked up a couple of consolation tries they were no match for a powerful and incisive Blaydon side for which this was a 6th successive home win. The writing was on the wall as early as the 4th minute when Tom Rock took a quick penalty for the home side and the backs shipped it along the line to outside centre Paddy Dias who simply checked and cut back inside to score under the posts, Andrew Baggett landing the first of his 9 conversions. By the interval it was 21-6 after further scores from second row Chris Wearmouth and scrum-half Rock and Huw Thomas putting over a brace of penalties in response, and then the floodgates really opened. Baggett touched down within 2 minutes of the restart, quickly followed by fiery centre James Fitzpatrick who only seconds earlier had lost possession over the line, and then came the first Nuneaton consolation. Having been gifted a Blaydon scrum ball they ran it up field searching and searching for an opening until it finally reached Oliver Smith on the right wing. Back at the other end however Blaydon were running in tries at will through Simon Barber plus Wearmouth, Fitzpatrick and Rock each grabbing a second. Nick Smith, a Nuneaton replacement, scored from close range but fittingly it was Blaydon that had the last word when a lightening breakout from their own half saw flanker Mark Wilson outstrip the defence to take the try count into double figures. John Brennan Esher 31 Blaydon 12 Esher clinched the league championship with this latest win in a highly successful season but were taken all the way by a spirited Blaydon side. Two tries in a 3 minute spell after the break effectively sealed the result for them but it was Blaydon who went on to dominate, and the Crow Trees men were pressing for a bonus point when a breakaway try made it a somewhat unrealistic score-line for Esher. A catch and drive by Esher lock Rob Anderson opened the scoring on 18 minutes and he was soon followed over the Blaydon line by flanker James Tubasei after an excellent break from winger Tom Loizides. Neither effort was converted and Blaydon were back into it before half-time, a good spell of pressure leading to a Tom Rock tap penalty and lots or re-cycling finished off by skipper Matt Hall. The opening 6 minutes of the second half proved to be the crucial period of the game with firstly Seb Jewell, the highly effective Esher centre, chipping through for Loizides to score with Ross Chisholm adding the points. The dust had scarcely settled when scrum-half Garrick Crowley also touched down and 10-5 had suddenly become 24-5. Another substantial home win was on the cards but Blaydon had other ideas. Mark Wilson stormed in from 12 metres, Andrew Baggett converting, and it was one-way traffic in the Esher half. With Blaydon winger Kevin McShane leading the way with a number of probing runs anything seemed possible until Esher replacement Joe Marler spoiled the come-back when he intercepted a looping pass and galloped clear, Chisholm converting John Brennan Monday 5th April - West Hartlepool 24, Blaydon 49 Blaydon beat West in the Durham cup to set up a tie against the winners between DMP and Gateshead. Saturday 3rd April - Blaydon 35, Launceston 26 For the second game in succession Blaydon were involved in a try-fest, losing out by 6 scores to 5 at Cambridge last week but yesterday triumphing by 5 tries to 4 in a monumental encounter with 3rd placed Launceston. It was end to end stuff in the opening 28 minutes with score after score being cancelled out, and then strangely nothing until 15 minutes from time when it all started up again. Scott Riddell got the scoreboard rolling in the 3rd minute with a brilliant solo effort when he went clear over half-way to chip the full-back and touch down in the corner. Andrew Baggett added the conversion, the first of all 5, but scarcely had the dust settled when some poor tackling let in Tom Rawling for the visitors, Tony Yapp converting, the first of his 3 successes. No8 Jason Smithson got Blaydon back in front from a rolling maul following a penalty to the corner only to then see an identical effort at the other end by Sam Hocking. Launceston found themselves in the lead for the only time when Neil Bayliss went in from close range but Kerry Wood soon righted matters when he stretched over the line after James Fitzpatrick had stormed into the 22. Leading 21-19 at the break Blaydon grabbed their bonus point try courtesy of Baggett after Andrew Archibald had been held up on the line under the posts. Predictably however Launceston hit straight back with tremendous pressure on the home line resulting in a try for Nathan Hannay. It was back to a flimsy 2 point lead going into time added on but Blaydon continued to go forward. A tap penalty and a short scrum took them deep into the 22, the forwards took it on and it was second row Chris Wearmouth who emerged successfully from a pile of bodies over the Launceston line. What a game! Saturday 27th March - Cambridge 42 Blaydon 31 In an 11 try thriller Blaydon scored the opener and were later to add another 4 but in between allowed the home side far too much leeway and failed to make best use of their own possession. Gavin Jones scored for them in the 5th minute, racing clear from his own half, but generally they were poor at the line-outs and Cambridge hit back with scores from Darren Fox and then No8 Dave Archer, both efforts converted by Tom Wheatcroft who was to have a 100% record, improving all 6 home scores. Blaydon stemmed the flow when they broke out of their own 22 for Kevin McShane to score from long distance, Elliott O'Brien converting, but were then hit by a double whammy in the closing minutes of the half. Will Martin, the flying Cambridge right-wing crossing the line twice in quick succession to give his side a deserved 16 point advantage at the break. Within seconds of the restart he was at it again to complete his hat-trick but once more Blaydon recovered to pull back 7 points when Kerry Wood went over in the corner and O'Brien landed an excellent conversion. When Garath McCoombe, a substitute, grabbed a 6th Cambridge try it looked all over for Blaydon but instead the visitors at last began to impose themselves, and playing some of the best rugby of the game ran in 2 fine tries and could have taken the scoreline even closer. Mark Wilson crossed near the flag and then scrum-half Tom Rock put the seal on the revival when he took a quick tap penalty to storm over the line with O'Brien once more on target. John Brennan Saturday 13th March - Blaydon 41 Sedgley Park 8 It took Blaydon quite some time to find their feet, during which which they had to defend for their lives, but once they got going it was one-way traffic at the other end with Jim Fitzpatrick leading the charge. The centre put out the final pass for Adam Dehaty to score the opener on 18 minutes after Tom Rock, Adam Armstrong and Scott Riddell had finally got them on the front foot. Armstrong neatly put over the conversion and was in business again 2 minutes later. This time a crunching Fitzpatrick tackle led to the ball going loose, a Blaydon boot hacked on and Armstrong easily won the race, also adding the extra points to his effort. A 13 minute purple patch ended with a third try following phase after phase of excellent possession, Rock and Gavin Jones combining to send in Scott Riddell near the posts. Sedgley meanwhile had opened their account with a Stephen Nutt penalty, and from a fine spell of dangerous running in the last 10 minutes of the half scored through Bill Runciman courtesy of a jinking run from their fly-half Richard Wainwright. The visitors began the second period as they had the first but the effort soon fizzled out in the face of another 3 try blitz from Blaydon with Fitzpatrick involved in everything, punching holes in the defence at will and generally causing havoc. Prop Robbie Kalbraier was driven over from a line-out after Fitzpatrick had been hauled down inches short and then flanker Mark Wilson broke off from a short scrum to dive over. Winger Armstrong, who was only on the field because of Simon Barber taking ill during the warm-up, finished things off in style with a try under the posts to make it a personal tally of 21 points from his 2 scores, 4 conversions and a penalty. John Brennan Saturday 6th March Blackheath 39 Blaydon 17 Blaydon's good run of 4 consecutive wins came to an abrupt end at Blackheath where they were not only outplayed for the most part but also contributed greatly to their own downfall with a series of errors. They competed well enough for 20 minutes but then the floodgates opened and the home side were 17 points clear at the break, a yellow card for Blaydon flanker Kerry Wood not helping the cause. Growing in confidence Blackheath went ahead with a Humphrey's penalty who then added the points after speedy winger Tyson Lewis, one of the leading try scorers in the league, had shot over for the first of his 2 successes. The full-back was also on target to improve the next score from prop-forward Harry Allen and it was a well deserved interval lead. The second half started little better for Blaydon as they conceded firstly another try from Lewis and another penalty from Humphrey's but eventually they got their act together and Adam Dehaty was on hand to finish off a flowing movement. From then on it was rapid scoring at both ends with Humphrey's crossing for the Blackheath bonus try, converted by himself, and then Blaydon prop Robbie Kalbraier driving over from close range to make it 32-10. Back came Blackheath through replacement Jack Knight with a 5th try, this time converted by Henry Staff but Blaydon were to have the small consolation of completing the scoring, and with a fine effort. It appeared that it was Scott Riddell who had stormed in from 25 metres but after some confusion it transpired that the flanker's shirt was on the back of No8 Paul Vinnicombe whose own had been ripped apart. Adam Armstrong then landed the conversion - small consolation indeed. John Brennan Blaydon 13 Tynedale 11 Blaydon retained their local bragging rights with this 3rd win from 4 encounters since Tynedale joined them in League One but it took some considerable effort to achieve. For most of the second period they were under the cosh and unable to get out of their own half, yet still defiant in defence when the bruising battle was finally brought to a halt after 10 minutes of time added on. Given the horrendous conditions it was never going to be a classic but the honours were fairly even in the first period when all the points were scored. Adam Armstrong got the board moving with a 3rd minute penalty for Blaydon but Gavin Beasley was soon to level with a similar effort and then again from close range to put Tynedale in front. When Kerry Wood, a Blaydon flanker, was yellow carded for handling in a ruck the game sprang into life, but surprisingly in favour of the home side. The Blaydon pack had marched a rolling maul well over half way before Andrew Baggett released James Fitzpatrick with a neat lay-off. The centre cut loose with a dazzling run, the highlight of the game, deep into the 22 for Tom Rock on his shoulder to finish it off under the posts, Armstrong converting. Tynedale were stung into action and after hounding Blaydon into touch in their own 22, the forwards drove it on from the line-out for lock Andy Murray to dive over. Crucially the conversion was missed, by the interval Armstrong had put over what was to be a match winning penalty, and as the weather worsened so did the prospects of any further scoring after the interval. John Brennan Half time 13-11 Full time 13-11 Star man: James Fitzpatrick (Blaydon) Saturday 20th February - Newbury 25 Blaydon 33 A spirited all-round team performance saw Blaydon leapfrog near rivals Newbury who had started the day 1 point and one position above them in National Division One. The early play revolved around penalties, one for Newbury's Michell Burton and a brace for Blaydon's Adam Armstrong, before the home side grabbed the first of their 3 tries. Missed tackles and generally poor defence letting in scrum half Jack Avery, Burton converting, to make it 10-6 after 17 minutes. Good work from flanker Kerry Wood set up a response from the visitors with Andrew Archibald producing a half dummy to cross for a try but it was Newbury that finished the half much the stronger. Their wing forward Josh Ovens caught Blaydon napping when he chased a through kick to score easily, and at the break it was a 15-11 scoreline. Newbury stretched their lead early in the second period through centre Matt Humphreys, Burton converting, again from indifferent tackling but the Blaydon forwards were starting to dominate. Half time replacement Scott Riddell made an immediate impact, galvanising the pack whilst some driving play from front-row Robbie Kalbraier led to an opening for Tom Rock who raced in from 25 metres, Armstrong on target to add the extras. Armstrong and Burton exchanged penalties to leave Newbury ahead 25-21 with time running out but Blaydon with a grandstand finish stormed to a 3rd consecutive victory, running in 2 late tries. The best of the game on 75 minutes came from slick handling by the backs with Adam Dehaty bursting clear to send in Andrew Baggett, the reliable Armstrong once more converting. Blaydon were deservedly back in front and man of the match Riddell finished it off in great style when he broke from a rolling maul to romp home down the left. John Brennan Saturday 13th February - Blaydon 19 Stourbridge 10 Having been savaged by Tynedale 8 days earlier Stourbridge would not have relished a return to the north-east, and for the opening 15 minutes at Crow Trees it must have felt that a repeat was on the cards. Blaydon with all the possession had scored twice and were looking comfortable when the Stourbridge forwards at last got their act together and for the next 50 minutes it was a one-sided game in favour of the visitors. Tom Rock had scored the opener from a neat pass by No8 Paul Vinnicombe at a short scrum in the 3rd minute, Andrew Baggett converting, and then full-back Adam Armstrong was the end of a slick handling move to score in the corner after James Fitzpatrick had set it up with a powerful break. Stourbridge at this point introduced the rolling maul to their repertoire pinning Blaydon in their 22 for long spells and eventually something had to give, and it did due mainly to the efforts of Ben Hughes. The big lock proved unstoppable from close range and stormed over in the 2222nd and 29th minutes to make it just a 2 points difference at the break. Blaydon were still nowhere to be seen in the opening 25 minutes of the second period with the visitors ominously dangerous on the break, but they survived. A penalty to touch finally got them up field and with a re-organised front row making a difference, were back on the front foot. At two short scrums in succession they marched the Stourbridge pack backwards before clinching the win at a third scrum when Rock fed Fitzpatrick for the centre to score near the posts and Armstrong added the points. Saturday 6th February - Nuneaton 20. Blaydon 24 Blaydon made a terrific start, scoring 3 tries in the opening 15 minutes, but after building a comfortable lead then made the fatal error of taking their foot off the pedal. So much so that with a try and a penalty in the last 10 minutes Nuneaton reduced the deficit to just 4 points and at the end it was the visitors who were more grateful to hear the final whistle. Winger Adam Armstrong scored the opener in the 3rd minute after a typical break from defence by Adam Dehaty and then some good interplay between the rest of the backs. Hugh Thomas responded with a penalty for Nuneaton but Dehaty was at it again in the 7th minute, this time completing the move himself. The blitz continued with the forwards now taking over to challenge the home line, and No 8 Gavin Jones went in for try number 3 from excellent re-cycling, Armstrong adding the conversion points. With the score at 3-17 Blaydon were deservedly well on top but warning signs started to appear when when Thomas landed 2 more penalties before the interval, followed by a David Johnston drop goal shortly after the restart. Chris Wearmouth's surging run regained the initiative for the visitors and after the other loose forwards had taken it on Andrew Baggett sneaked in for a 4th and bonus point earning try, with Armstrong once more on target to restore a healthy 12 point advantage. And then it all went wrong for Blaydon, as errors crept in and they began to lose their pattern of play, allowing the home side to come back strongly with a Griffiths try and a Thomas penalty taking them perilously close to a shock result. John Brennan Saturday 30th January 2010 - London Scottish 46, Blaydon 20 High flying London Scottish duly completed the double over Blaydon but the Crow Trees outfit were in contention until the final 10 minutes when they ran out of steam, conceding 3 tries in quick succession. Even then a try scoring bonus point was on the cards when Chris Wearmouth stormed clear down the wing in the dying seconds only to be disappointingly recalled for a foot in touch. Adam Armstrong put the first points on the board for Blaydon with a penalty but the Exiles were soon in front through good efforts from Rory Dament and Charles Broughton, and both players were to score again before the break. In between however Blaydon centre James Fitzpatrick had put his mark on the game with a typically powerful break, handing off all challenges to score near the posts, Armstrong converting. Trailing by 24 points to 10 Blaydon were quickly out of the blocks in the second period and following some excellent work by Kerry Wood slick handling resulted in a fine score by winger Simon Barber. Scottish then restored their advantage through full-back Frank Neale who capitalised on a Blaydon error and then added the points with the last of his 3 conversions. In what was now becoming a ding dong struggle Blaydon showed no signs of accepting defeat and when full-back Adam Dehaty finished off another flowing move with a try in corner the deficit was back to 31-20 with everything still to play for. Unfortunately second placed Scottish had other ideas and went on to finish much the stronger with further scores from Simon Amer, Stuart Peel and Ian McEnroe. John Brennan Saturday 23rd January Blaydon 42 Redruth 10 Blaydon returned from an enforced five week lay-off in tremendous style, completely outplaying their Cornish visitors and running in six tries in the process. After Adam Armstrong had opened the scoring with a penalty, wing forward Scott Riddell collected a clearance in great style to run it straight back for James Fitzpatrick to send in winger Simon Barber for a superb score. Armstrong was on target with the conversion and then another penalty before try number two arrived on the half hour. Tom Rock made the initial break and after four more pairs of hands had taken it on flanker Kerry Wood stormed over to make it 18-0. Having dominated the half the excellent Blaydon defence was breached in the second minute of time added on when they failed to cope with a bullocking run from Redruth second row Luke Collins, and prolific try scorer Lewis Vinnicombe finished it off. The second period however saw Blaydon go from strength to strength, Fitzpatrick on the rampage to put Armstrong over in the corner, the same player also converting, and then Wood grabbing his second from a multi-handling movement to clinch the bonus point. In a rare attack Redruth replacement Richard Carroll was driven over from a rolling maul but Blaydon going forward were unstoppable. Andrew Baggett added try number five and then in the final minute after a storming run from defence by full-back Adam Dehaty some more good handling let in No8 Gavin Jones with Armstrong landing the conversion, his third of what had been a memorable performance from the home side. Star man: Kerry Wood (Blaydon) Scoring: Blaydon: Tries: 11 Barber, 30 Woods, 45 Armstrong, 52 Wood, 61 Baggett, 82 Jones. Cons: 11, 45, 82. Armstrong. Pens: 5,29 Armstrong See Match Report Archive for previous ganes

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From the Touch Line
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VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE:  - SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY

CINDERFORD v LONDON SCOTTISH:
 
Scottish have not yet given up hope of catching league leaders Esher, and having had the luxury of being able to rest key players in last weeks 87-7 win over Manchester, will be in good shape to keep their slim title hopes alive for another week. - AWAY WIN.
 
MANCHESTER v STOURBRIDGE
 
Stourbridge have only won 2 of their last 9 games and now sit just outside the relegation places, with that in mind they are unlikely to lose focus against a Manchester side which should provide them a much needed 5 league points.  There is no doubt that Manchester will battle admirably for 80 minutes as they have done all season, but their lack of quality means this will once again be in vain. - AWAY WIN.
NUNEATON v BLACKHEATH
 
By all accounts Nuneaton played well up at Corbridge last week, as they did when we travelled to them a few weeks ago, however they are likely to struggle against an improving Blackheath side.  Blackheath have suffered recent narrow defeats to title contenders Esher and London Scottish and will view this as an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways. - AWAY WIN.
 
OTLEY v REDRUTH:
 
Other than wins against fellow strugglers Manchester and Nuneaton, Otley have not won since the middle of October.  However they will target this game in the hope that bad travellers Redruth will find the trip to Cross Green too much.  A hard one to predict but away wins seem to be the order of the day so will follow suit  - AWAY WIN.

ESHER v SEDGLEY PARK
 
Sedgley enjoy the accolade of being the only side to get the better of league leaders Esher this campaign, a 21-20 win back in October.  Esher will not enjoy that one blemish on their otherwise perfect record and will be keen to settle the score.  This will mean a tough day at the office for Sedgley, and they could well be on the receiving end of a big scoreline - HOME WIN
 
WHARFEDALE v NEWBURY:
 
6th placed Wharfedale are still many peoples surprise package for the season and will fancy their chances of a good win against a Newbury side making the long trip up to North Yorkshire.  Newbury may well edge the contest up front but even with the majority of possession I cannot see them creating enough to out score a dangerous Wharfedale side, especially if they are as ill-disciplined as against us last week.   HOME WIN
 
LAUNCESTON V CAMBRIDGE
 
With eight wins in their last ten games, Launceston sit comfortably in third position.  Cambridge have responded well to recent adversity, and will take confidence from back to back wins.  A trip to Launceston may well see the Cambridge Phoenix having it’s feathers trimmed.  HOME WIN

Saturday 23rd January

Saturday we welcome Redruth, currently in sixth place in the table 8 points above ourselves but having played two games more.

This will be our visitors third visit to Crow Trees and they have yet to record a victory, losing 25 - 0 in 2007/8 and drawing 16 all last season.

No doubt today they will be looking to open their North East account having also lost twice at Tynedale.

This will be our first game since 12th December when we lost to league leaders Esher 29 - 17 having led 12 - 6 at the interval and no doubt the players will be pleased to get back into action.

Last week with Manchester's home game with Wharfedale called off on the Friday, we arranged for them to travel to Crow Trees for their outstanding league match to take place on Sunday only to be 'jocked off' by Wharfedale who somehow managed to get a second inspection of the Manchester ground on the Saturday - a system not catered for in the NCA rules.   The result was 45 - 23 to Wharfedale which was Manchester 's best performance of the season.

Nevertheless, our loyal spectators witnessed a competent Georgians side win 59 - 7 against West Hartlepool in a Candy League game.

Whilst we have been inactive, our opponents have played twice winning comfortably last week 34 - 3 against Nuneaton and losing 9 - 7 during the holiday period to local neighbours Launceston.

Last week there were also victories for Blackheath, Launceston, Tynedale and Wharfedale.

With the recent match postponements, officers of the NCA and the RFU have agreed that any matches scheduled for after 24th April which do not affect promotion or relegation, need not be played but accordingly travelling expenses already received by the clubs will need to be reimbursed to the RFU - no Christmas pressies!!!

Tynedale have asked for a postponement under the current regulations of their match on Saturday 27th February as they have three players in the English Counties side that day - we of course have two players on the Friday appearing at Kingston Park for English Students against their Ireland counterparts, namely Mark Wilson and Andrew Archibald - many congratulations to both players!

Welcome back to normal service and hope everyone has survived the Arctic weather!!!

Jim Huxley

Page 2

ANALYSIS OF TODAY'S LEAGUE GAMES:

CAMBRIDGE v TYNEDALE:

The home side are slipping in the promotion race and are now ten points behind the leaders and with Tynedale now in superb form having accounted for Sedgeley Park 41 - 0 last week, one must fancy their chances today in the Midlands - AWAY WIN.

ESHER v STOURBRIDGE:

League leaders Esher easily accounted for second placed London Scottish 38 - 15 and are now five points clear at the top with a game in hand and Stourbridge, who lost 26 - 22 at home to Launceston, are inconsistent in mid-table - HOME WIN.

LAUNCESTON v NEWBURY:

The Cornish side are going well with four successive victories over Nuns, ourselves, Redruth and Stourbridge and seemingly will take account of the inconsistent Blues who struggle to put two wins together - HOME WIN.

NUNEATON v LONDON SCOTTISH:

After last week's defeat, The Exiles will be looking to get their season back on track and hope that possibly Esher may slip up but no doubt they will take care of a home side who, having lost handsomely away to Redruth, look destined for relegation now being twelve behind the fourth bottom club - AWAY WIN.

OTLEY v MANCHESTER :

Looking at Manchester 's result against Wharfedale, are they going to have a better second half to the season?   I am sure that all in the league wish them well, however, Otley, whilst having won once in the last eight games, will have this down as a home banker - HOME WIN.

SEDGLEY PARK v BLACKHEATH:

The Club's big pack are now 'on song' and they will be looking for successive away victories after defeating Newbury 25 - 23 last time on their travels.   The Tigers will be struggling after their 41 - 0 thrashing at Tynedale but the visitors, with several useful backs to add to their pack, will be in charge - AWAY WIN.

WHARFEDALE v CINDERFORD:

The Dalesmen, after a good start to the season, have slipped of late and despite having all their players return from injury, they well find Cinders who are on a roll, difficult to stop particularly in the forwards and a narrow away victory is forecast - AWAY WIN.

Saturday 12th December - VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE:

Today we welcome Esher, currently leading the table by six points from second placed London Scottish with our last home opponents Cambridge, a further five points behind the Exiles.

This will be Esher’s first ever visit to Crow Trees and we hope that players and supporters enjoy the long trip to the North East.

However, this is not the first fixture between the two clubs as we met previously in the National Cup when we lost a close game at Esher 17 – 11 in January 2008.

Last week, Esher won handsomely over Nuneaton by 67 points to 5, scoring in the process 11 tries with 8 before the interval and 6 conversions from their kick Sam Ulph, who is the top scorer in the league this season with 194 points from his boot and an additional 8 tries and it’s not yet half way!!   In fact, Sam has nearly scored as many points as their last week’s opponents who have only totalled 279.

Our trip last week to Launceston was most enjoyable apart from the result which surely flattered the home side whose rugby seems to thrive on a nearly square pitch, long grass, and water.   Although we were 17 – 3 down at half-time having already lost Mark Wilson through illness in the 16th minute, we had a much improved second half and only dogged defence before two late tries, one a knock on and the other dribbled 70 metres down the field, eventually widened the gap.   Another point against us was the fact that the wind changed 180 degrees at half-time so we played into it for the whole of the game.   The star of our show was back row Shaun English who came on for Mark Wilson.

Tonight is the club’s Christmas Party and all are welcome.   Come and compete in University Challenge with Swalwell University taking on the posh boys from over the water.

Last week there were also victories for Tynedale over Redruth, Cinderford who surprisingly won at Blackheath, Cambridge who overcame a 21 point gap to beat Wharfedale and Stourbridge, Sedgley Park, and London Scottish who overcame Otley, Manchester and Newbury respectively.

Today’s match ball sponsor is JAMES BUCHANAN and we thank him for his continued support.

Next week we travel to Nuneaton for a 2.00.p.m. start and the transport will leave Crow Trees at 8.00.a.m. with a limited number of spectator spaces available.

Finally, as this is the last programme before the festive season, may I wish players and supporters of both clubs a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Jim Huxley

ANALYSIS OF TODAY’S LEAGUE MATCHES:

CINDERFORD v SEDGLEY PARK:

The home side’s win last week at Blackheath may kick-start a revival as they move out of the bottom three for the first time this season.   The Tigers have had an inconsistent season winning at Launceston and beating our opponents today 21 – 20 in a ‘nail biter’ and apparently it will be a battle of two packs with probably home advantage telling – HOME WIN.

LONDON SCOTTISH v TYNEDALE:

With several players now back from injury, Tyne are looking much stronger and have now won two on the trot following a four match losing streak.   Last week they despatched Redruth with ease but can they cope with the well-drilled Exiles who just keep on winning – HOME WIN.

MANCHESTER v CAMBRIDGE:

The home side are to be congratulated in staying in the race despite heavy defeats every week and today will be no different – AWAY WIN.

OTLEY v NUNEATON:

A ‘must win’ for both sides as Otley slip into the bottom three for the first time in two months and the Nuns try to recover from their mauling at Esher last week where they shipped 11 tries and now, apart from Manchester, have the highest points total against – 367 – HOME WIN.

REDRUTH v BLACKHEATH:

The Club are gradually slipping into the danger zone and a trip to The Duchy is generally not a way of kick-starting your season.   However, Redruth, having lost several players due to financial problems, are themselves not the power of last season but with home support they should win – HOME WIN.

STOURBRIDGE v NEWBURY BLUES:

A difficult one, with both sides promising much, but failing to deliver on occasions.   Last week the Blues held the Exiles until late on and the home side gained a hard earned victory over Otley but possibly the visitors are now a little more consistent – AWAY WIN.

WHARFEDALE v LAUNCESTON:

The Dalesmen are the surprise package of the season currently in 5th place one point behind the Cornishmen.   Generally teams travelling long distances struggle, particularly at Threshfield, and home support may earn a victory – HOME WIN.

Saturday 28th November

Today we welcome visitors Cambridge, currently lying in third place four points ahead of ourselves and we hope that they and their band of followers enjoy the day at Crow Trees.

Cambridge are currently ten points behind leaders Esher, having lost to them 28 - 7 on their last away trip. An early season draw at Redruth 13 all and what must be considered as a surprise 17 - 12 defeat at Otley, has seen them left with a lot of ground to make up on the two clubs above them but there are still four games left, including today's, before the half-way point.

However, they did return to winning ways in their last home game with a 28 - 6 victory over Nuneaton. Meanwhile, our season gets better, four successive wins have seen us recapture and improve on September's form with victories over Newbury, Tynedale away, Blackheath, and again last week at
Sedgley Park by the narrowest of margins in a tremendously hard-fought game.

A useful quartet of victories showing a huge improvement on October's form despite squad injury problems and our defence and discipline has certainly got better.

Only nine penalties were conceded last week together with one try on a day when the whole team played for each other in the most desperate of conditions. The final five minutes of rear guard action was brilliant, continually destroying the home side's possession in a series of five metre scrums. It would be unfair to mention anyone in particular but that conversion from the touchline was definitely one to savour - congratulations!!

Last week there were also victories for Esher, Stourbridge, Tynedale, Blackheath, Newbury (3 - 0) over Cinderford - what did the reporters write about! and London Scottish over Otley.

The recent Past Players' Lunch was a great success with Ken Sykes and Alan Slater (Of The Yard!) travelling from Cambridge and many old faces re-appearing. Also on the same day, our Bonfire Night Celebrations with over 3,000 attending, was an outstanding event and mention must be made of 'Special
Brew' who performed in the Derwent Suite but pride of place must go to the Event Controller (today relegated to sharing Fourth Official duties) John Archibald and John Pacitti's team of youth parents who controlled proceedings with their usual dedication - many thanks to all.

Since that night, a de-briefing meeting has been held with Whickham Police who congratulated on the general running of the event but did highlight a couple of arrears for improvement which we need to take on board next year.

Today's Match Ball Sponsor is HOWIE GILFILLAN (2nd Team Manager) and the Match Sponsors are CROMWELL TOOLS LIMITED. We hope that Derek Robinson and his Guests enjoy the day at Crow Trees continuing their support for Blaydon Rugby Football Club.

JIM HUXLEY

LONDON SCOTTISH v STOURBRIDGE:
Chasing the League leaders and four points adrift, the home side who are certainly the best to visit CrowTrees this season, are on a roll and with home advantage it is difficult to see how the visitors will get anything out of this match - HOME WIN.

BLACKHEATH v MANCHESTER:
Fourth bottom "The Club" today get their chance to improve their points total against a Manchester side who have shown slightly better form in their points against total and rumour has it, they are expecting three Kiwis in the near future but once again they will struggle - HOME WIN.

CINDERFORD v TYNEDALE:
Mid-Table Tyne, on 29 points, take the long trip to Gloucester knowing that a defeat will bring Cinderford into a mid-table position. Last season Cinderford won the home match and in the end finished a very creditable fifth in the table. Home advantage could be important but remember Tynedale have had virtually two weeks off, having played Manchester last time out - HOME WIN.

LAUNCESTON v NUNEATON:
The inconsistent "All Blacks" losing by only 10 - 6 to Esher last time out, have the advantage of their large support and although The Nuns are very competitive, having never been thrashed this season, they are presently second bottom with only fifteen points. Unless they string some results together, they have
that 'bottom three' look - HOME WIN.

OTLEY v ESHER:
With only one defeat, and that by the narrowest of margins at Sedgley Park, the Southern side could be destined to return to the Championship although others, including our opponents today, will dispute this.

Otley, after a relatively poor start to the season, are improving losing two close games 33 - 29 and 11 - 10 to Launceston and Redruth respectively and beating Cambridge 17 - 12 but class must tell - AWAY WIN.

REDRUTH v NEWBURY:
Who would have thought way back in early September that the Cornishmen would be in 11th position, although with 27 points they are still struggling to put a winning run together. They have lost three out of the last four matches to Cinderford, London Scottish and last time out to Stourbridge 22 - 20 with only an
uninspiring 11 - 10 win at home to Otley on the positive side.

Newbury are inconsistent but are 6th in the table - however, home support, they win the points - HOME WIN.

WHARFEDALE v SEDGLEY PARK:
The Dalesmen, who have slipped of late after their initial six wins on the trot at the beginning of the season, although they were extremely lucky to win here, may find the Tigers with their strong pack, difficult to handle. However, the visitors, after three wins on the bounce did lose last week at home to Blaydon 11 - 12 and they find the awsome scenery too distracting! - HOME WIN.

Saturday 7th November

Today we extend a warm welcome to our visitors Blackheath or as they are more universally known "The Club".

Blackheath are the oldest open club in the world, being founded in 1858 and their history is long and illustrious.   They are the only club to be both a founder member of the RFU and the FA.

Administratively, "The Club" has provided many well known personalities and was involved in the founding of the Army Rugby Union as well as The Barbarians.

Currently, they are second bottom of the league table after a very poor start to the season but last week's emphatic 37 - 17 victory over Nuneaton, promises better things to come.

Last season each side won the home encounter and at the end of the campaign, Blackheath finished sixth and Blaydon were in tenth position.

Top scorers for Blackheath last season were Steve Hamilton and penalty tries each with nine!

In all last season, 27 penalty tries were awarded and Blackheath achieved 33% of that total courtesy of their tremendous pack which continually destroyed opposition throughout the season.

Unusually also this season, Blackheath have yet to get a yellow card and last week Redruth got their first yellow card for two seasons.

Our victory last week described rightly by John Brennan on our website as "glory days" was certainly one to remember - a five pointer, Tynedale's fourth defeat in a row, the sour face of a certain second row forward, and Blaydon leap-frogging up the table to fifth place making us now the 27th club in the country - well done Tom Rock, his support staff and most importantly, the team!!   Never before have we heard Blaydon Races sung in the stand at Corbridge and thanks must be given to the tremendous support by the Crow Trees faithful on the day!!!!

Elsewhere last week there were victories for Sedgeley Park over league leaders Esher, London Scottish over Cinderford, Newbury, Stourbridge, Redruth and Cambridge.

Today we have the annual Players/Members Reunion Lunch and six members of that team which played against Blackheath on their Easter Tour in 1972 will be present.   Namely, Robbie Bartle, John Cowans, Dick Parry, Russ Teasdale, George Groom and Jim Hurst.

Also today we have our Annual Bonfire Extravaganza with funfair, fireworks, bonfire and live music by Special Brew in the Derwent Suite.   Hopefully, the weather will be as kind as last year when between 2/3000 people supported the event and we again thank John Pacitti and his Junior Section and all club volunteers who are helping this evening.

Next week we make the short travel to Sedgeley Park with the bus leaving Crow Trees at 9.30.a.m. for a 2.30.p.m. kick-off and limited spectator places are available.

Jim Huxley

Page 2 - ANALYSIS OF TODAY'S LEAGUE GAMES:

CINDERFORD v STOURBRIDGE :

The home side put up a good performance last week at London Scottish and could be fancied at home but generally the team who played Manchester the week before, come out top in their next game.   Consequently Stourbridge will be difficult to beat - AWAY WIN.

ESHER v CAMBRIDGE :

The 'match of the day' with ambitious Cambridge travelling to the league leaders who will still be smarting after succumbing to a 78th minute penalty in last week's match at Sedgeley Park, losing out by the smallest of margins.   Whilst the Fen Men won, according to their website, a lack-lustre game against Launceston, they may well pose a few problems.   However, the professional home side should get back on track - HOME WIN.

MANCHESTER v NEWBURY:

Congratulations to the home side for battling on but again today they will see no joy - AWAY WIN.

NUNEATON v SEDGELEY PARK :

Back-to-back wins over Launceston and Esher have kick-started the Tigers' season and although the Nuns battle hard at home, their current results have a bottom three look about them - AWAY WIN.

OTLEY v LAUNCESTON:

Otley have recently beaten Cambridge at home 15 - 10 and lost by only one point last week at Redruth.   The question is - can they keep it going and confine the visitors to mid-table.   It is always hard against the Cornish sides but maybe Cross Green advantage will tell - HOME WIN.

REDRUTH v LONDON SCOTTISH :

Another hard game with the Exiles keen to progress their cause against a fanatically supported home side who are proving very inconsistent this season.   Last week the visitors sneaked home against Cinderford in the last few minutes and surely they will have too many heavyweights for the Cornish side - AWAY WIN.

WHARFEDALE v TYNEDALE :

A 'Dale of Two Cities' with both sides looking to get back to winning ways.   The home side losing last week to Newbury 20 - 17 and Tynedale losing their fifth game out of six when they lost to Blaydon 28 - 22.   It seems therefore that in view of the visitors' injury situation with James Hoyle unfortunately breaking his other thumb in his come-back game, may cause Tynedale problems.   Wharfedale at home must be favourites - HOME WIN.

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