Rugby Club ISSUE 83 | Page 52

Northern FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Present “The 1st team is performing exceptionally well thanks to the efforts of the players, head coach Dave Guthrie and assistant coach Jim Pollock and the Wanderers (our 2nd team) is also doing well. We are even putting an occasional 3rd team out with the numbers available each week, thanks mainly to the efforts of Ryan Moore and Dan Coates who took over the 2nd team manager’s job this season after career ending injuries. We are into the second season of Colts rugby, which is brilliant as we sometimes struggle to get the Sunday mini-rugby numbers to make the transition to senior, Saturday rugby (Saturday school rugby and the Falcons academy are a big drain). The aim is for the 1st team to gain promotion back to NE1, the league we were relegated from last season. We would also like the Wanderers (our 2nd team) to do well in their league and to win a cup. We want the 3rd team to play more regularly and for the colts to finish the season well and for some of them to progress to senior rugby. Off the pitch we are looking to make some building alterations and to create a ‘players lounge’ for the members.” Youth “Youth rugby is well supported up to the age of 16 when we occasionally struggle to get teams to progress to U18 (Colts) and then into club rugby. We provide excellent facilities and youth rugby is an important element of the club’s rugby structure which we would like to become a regular conveyor belt of players into the senior club. There is also now a drive to encourage rugby for girls and this season we have provided training sessions on Friday evenings under floodlights.” Integration “When a Colts team comes through from the mini section, we encourage them to play Saturday fixtures against other Colts teams so they can experience the difference between Sunday mini- rugby and Saturday club rugby. This allows them to meet and mingle with senior players and when they are old enough (and with parental permission) a few of them play for 87mm the second or third teams to get a taste of what senior rugby is like. This season I believe we have had three or four Colts playing for a club side. Our 1st team has had up to 11 ex youth and Colts players represent the club at this level which is an excellent return.” Community “Northern is definitely a community club. Our McCracken suite is used for many different private functions (weddings, christenings, birthdays etc.) and club functions (entertainment nights, New Year etc.) as well as being used for pilates classes, the Welsh society, a bridge club, local council community meetings etc. 01665 830783 One of the directors, Alistair Johnson, has a long-standing relationship with Northern RFC. Alistair first played for Northern as a school boy in 1964 and then went on to represent the first team in 1967 for several years. Alistair also had a second spell with the club in the 80s under the captaincy of George Longstaff. NCCC are delighted to sponsor Northern RFC, this long- standing and highly respected club. Over 500 handpicked holiday cottages in prime locations throughout Northumberland Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd - How did we become involved? Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd The largest and longest established local holiday lettings agency renting quality cottages in prime locations throughout Northumberland stretching along the magnificent Heritage Coastline and venturing inland to the stunning Northumberland National Park, Cheviot Hills and Scottish Borders. Established in 1981, Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages offers a superb selection of over 500 personally inspected 52 Issue 83 www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk holiday cottages to choose from. With offices in Alnmouth and Seahouses, our friendly local team are always happy to help you choose your perfect location for your holiday whether you are looking for a small cottage or a large family get together property. Over two-thirds of our cottages accept well behaved dogs, so treat your four-legged friend to a holiday too.