FROM THE TOUCHLINE – Saturday 23rd March

 

After a rest week last Saturday, the 1st team travel this week to league leaders Ealing who had a surprise defeat 22 – 15 at Fylde, although they were missing a couple of regular players.  By gaining a losing bonus point, they widened the gap between us to 14 points with 6 games left to play.

 

When we met in late November on a fine bright day, something we have missed in the past few weeks, the scoreline was 35 – 34 to Blaydon in what was one of the most entertaining games seen at Crow Trees for some time.   We scored five converted tries by Gavin Jones, Frazer Wilson, Nathan Bailey, James Hamilton and Charles Incledon with Baggie adding all the extras.   The scoreline at half time was 28 – 17 which we increased to 35 – 17 in the 6th minute of the second half but then the fightback by Ealing saw a tense last ten minutes when we hung on for victory.   Hopefully this week’s game will be as competitive!

 

Last week saw the Grand Slam disappear as England were outgunned in every department with Wales running away in the last quarter of an hour a fact enjoyed by a Welsh stag party from Trimsaran RFC who turned up at the club at midday and left very late!   Thanks for coming – you certainly enhanced the bar take!

 

The past two weeks have seen all our junior sides progress to their respective County Cup Finals.   Blaydon have agreed to toss a coin for venue in each case but already South Tyneside College have refused and the game against our Bricks will be played on 6th April at Ashbrooke.   When decision on the finals are reached, they will be circulated to members and posted on the club website.   Let’s support our sides who currently hold all cups at senior level.

 

Weather permitting, next Sunday 24th March Gateshead Thunder because of pitch problems, will be playing one of their Northern Rail Cup Ties at Blaydon against Gloucester kicking off at 3.00.p.m – all of course if the weather permits.

 

A note for your diary – SATURDAY 4th MAY is LADIES’ DAY AT BLAYDON RFC – TICKETS ARE £30 WHICH INCLUDES 2 COURSE LUNCH, WINE and ENTERTAINMENT – SEE BILL LOCKE OR SHARON FOR TICKETS.

 

Other items for your diary are – PLANET CIRCUS – 24th/30th APRIL

CIRCUS STARR – 6th MAY

EXTREME STUNT SHOW – 21st JUNE

FILLIPPINO FESTIVAL – 6th JULY

BEER FESTIVAL – 9th/11th AUGUST

RUGBY SEASON BEGINS 7th SEPTEMBER

BONFIRE NIGHT – 2nd NOVEMBER

 

Back to rugby – and the next home game is against Cinderford on EASTER SATURDAY 30th MARCH when we will kick off at 2.00.p.m. enabling the visitors to get an early start on their long journey home.

 

Elsewhere, last week several sides played catch up which resulted in Macclesfield recording their 6th consecutive when they beat Coventry 16 – 13 and they are now only one point behind Wharfedale who lost at home to Old Albanian 12 – 15 and just above them are Tynedale who overwhelmed Cambridge 64 – 14 and have created a gap between themselves and the bottom four clubs.   Already, Cambridge and Sedgley Park are in a hopeless position and the three clubs mentioned above are fighting to stay out of the third bottom spot.

 

Jim Huxley