(Thanks for this Report from Redcar's Chairman of Rugby Neil Young)
With Redcar’s senior tour to Manchester it would have been easy to throw the game however, that’s not what rugby is about and with our colts as keen as ever to play, it needed a couple of older heads to oil their joints and a few favours called in and then it was all systems go! Maybe the lure of a bus trip, beers and an end of season celebration got in the heads of the younger boys as Barnard ran us ragged first half however, learning comes at hardest of times and with a mix of newbie’s and the oldies that was needed. Barnard Castle are always a pleasure to play, we have links with them going back for years and at this point we must single out two of Barney’s rugby greats in Junior & Mally who have had a rollercoaster of a few years but will always keep promoting community rugby its values and ethos, it’s great to see and something both sides can learn from.
Back to the game, nothing much can be said about Barney’s dominant first half who seemed to score every time they went wide, so much so that they amassed 45 unanswered points. Redcar were far from at the races and needed something quickly to not only gain pride in the game, but to show our following support and opposition what the future holds at Redcar. Our try scores were Joe Allday, Neil Cook and Jack Cook. MOM - Josh Dixon.
Final Score Barnard Castle 57 Redcar 19
It’s easy to focus on a result and a score line, but as part of a rugby education it’s worth noting these wins. The first being, winning the second half 19-12. The second being, that our U18’s could adapt, change and understand what a difference they can make by sticking to the basics. The third being, George King, who being the last of the class of 2012 to make his 1st XV debut, which is absolutely astounding. A fourth would be hard to beat but having Jack Cook and his coach and father Neil Cook both score, whilst playing their first game together that will take some beating, I’m sure Bob was looking down on both with immense pride and Sue who we wish her well will her health, will be the proudest Nana and Mam this evening. The rest of the game is irrelevant, these colts will come good and in the meantime, we wish…….. Neil Cook, Jay Nicholas, Michael Tucker and Neil Young all the very best in their retirement however, these young men will benefit hugely from your input so please stay around. It’s been a strange season, if I was to sum it up with one word it would be COMMITMENT, however how good would the standard be if everybody understood what commitment meant to playing rugby for RRUFC.
I'm best mates with Barney’s coach and they had their best side out all season, with 7 Durham County call ups, private schools boys, who won't play again. They came all guns blazing, our guns had more rust on them than theirs. Thanks to Jay, Cookie, Youngey, Craig Newlands & Josh Dixon for supporting the boys and ensuring this game went ahead. It’s worth mentioning the travelling support of Coby “AWOL” Philips, Tony Beal, Liam Turner, Andy Rogers, Hugh Bernard and Van King, who eventually joined us from a detour at Bishop Auckland.
Thank you all, it’s been emotional.