On Sunday 8th January, eight of our strong Academy were selected in the matchday squad for Durham County Under 18’s to face a physical Cumbrian side away at Lymm Rugby Club. This was part of the U20’s North of England selection series, so Cheshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland and Lancashire were also involved. More details to follow on this front in due course.

Congratulations to Jamie Lane, Max Gordon, Josh Chapman, Aidan Ferguson, Ewan Brown, Lloyd Hall, Ben Harrison, Leo Suliman, and Rhys Burt who were all involved in the match which was played in the best of conditions following the earlier downpours!

What a match Durham got off to a fast start, dominating the first half resulting in a 29-7 lead at half time. A multiple of changes at half time seemed to disrupt our play for the first 20 minutes of the second half, with Cumbria scoring straight from kick and dominating the play ending up with score being 29-24 with 20 minutes to go. Thankfully the Durham lads got themselves organised working through the phases powering on and getting the ball out wide to take advantage of the overlaps on both flanks.

The final score was Durham 44 Cumbria 29!! All the Blaydon lads put a huge shift in and this is the first time in many years that Durham Colts have ended their campaign unbeaten following their 19-17 victory over Northumberland before Xmas.

A special congratulations also needs to go to Paul Vinnicombe who has been drafted into the County Coaching squad. Paul has developed some of the older colts since they were at Primary School and many are still involved, which just shows how much the lads have enjoyed their time at Blaydon.

BRFC are delighted to announce that Frazer Wilson is joining the Academy Coaching Team this season as an Assistant Coach to work alongside Justin, Steven, Keith and Paul. Frazer is a familiar face to most around the club and a first team regular. For those of you who don’t know Frazer well, here is an excellent Q&A to give you an insight into the new addition to the Academy set up.

-Name: Frazer Wilson

-Age: 27

-Position’s Played: Wing, centre, back row, currently hooker

-Highest level played: Falcons A team

-Clubs Played for: Gateshead, Ryton (Both Juniors), Blaydon

-Role Model & Why: Dorian Yates (6x Mr Olympia).

People may roll their eyes at a bodybuilder.

But as a guy who grew up in Birmingham in the 60’s & 70’s with very little. He decided to turn his energy into bodybuilding which requires huge self discipline and dedication.

He went about his business quietly training in England, then burst on to the stage in America and shocked the world with his incredible physique and his story to go with it.

His attitude to life alone, is why i see him as a fantastic role model for whom I have looked up to for years.

-Coaching philosophy: Work hard. Give your all. Don’t be scared to try something outside of the box.

-What do you like about Blaydon?

Coming from Gateshead, Blaydon isn’t my hometown club. However it certainly feels that way. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly.

Failure or success in any team at Blaydon feels like it affects the club as a whole, because we are so tightly knit.

-Why did you take this role? I think development as rugby players and as young people at this particular age is so important. I hope I can have an impact on everyone involved to not only become better rugby players, to learn, love and enjoy the game, but to become better people along the way.

-Any other comments?

I can’t wait to get started as this is my first official coaching role.

Thank you

BRFC would like to wish Frazer all the best in his new role and we see this as a great appointment moving forward with the Academy.

Sunderland RFC U17 7 – 51 Blaydon RFC U17 – County Cup Quarter Final – Sunday November 10th

Match summary from Steven Davidson

Today we got all of our u17s together who were fit or able to play. We were pleased to welcome Tristan back who was able to help us out in the centres (he did more than that scoring 2 of our fist 3 tries) and setting our tempo which we were able to keep throughout the game.
The forwards were immense today winning scrums against the head and annihilating a much bigger pack in all aspects of the game. The two Props Kieron and Kelvin played the full game and made hard yards and big hits throughout. Hooker Sabbi had a great game scoring a try from a lovely Liam kick through, but also showing excellent physicality in defence.
The 2nd rows Matty Woods and Ethan both notched and Ethan managed a hattrick. Both very powerful and brave throughout.
The back row of Joey, Richie and Jacob, who was my star player today, were absolutely everywhere tackling, bashing the ball up, popping up in the backs and generally breaking up anything Sunderland tried.
Liam linked play well and sniped when needed. His kick for Sabbi ‘s try was class and he even survived an attempted decapitation.
Harvey did us a solid playing the whole game out of position at fly half but you’d think he played their all of the time. He kicked well and often the timing of his passes for people to run onto was superb and kept us hitting the gaps.
Jack and Kerem two of our top team wingers ended up playing together for a while in the centres and made some good breaks, but the best bit was their tackling which stopped Sunderland’s main weapon in attack straight away.
The wingers and fullback Kris, Ewan and Nathan, ran back all of Sunderland’s desperation clearance kicks with interest and defended well.
The coaching team are really chuffed with the performance from the lads as there were no rests for anyone and they put in a tremendous shift.

Details of the Semi Final to follow soon

Points- Tries Ethan x 3, Jacob, Matty Woods, Sabbi, Tristan x 2 and Harvey. Plus Harvey 3 conversions