WELCOME to the fantastic news that we will be promoted into level 6 next season. Many congratulations to all the lads who have performed heroically to achieve this goal; very well done indeed! Of course we can still go up as champions. That really would be the icing on the cake but before we get ahead of ourselves there is the little matter of our last three matches, starting today, when we offer a warm welcome to our guests from Dinnington, and also to our visitors from Medicals, our Wasps opponents in a CANDY League match.

Let us not forget that it was Dinnington who ended our sequence of victories with a well-deserved 21-7 win back in December. Ours was their last match of 2021, during which they won seven of their 13 games. Unfortunately their form in 2022 has been a little less successful. In 11 games they have won only three, all at home. In their last outing on Saturday they lost 12-21 to Goole, who were so impressive here the week previous. I'm sure that today Dinnington will be straining every muscle and every sinew to improve those statistics.

LEAGUE RUGBY And so to that glorious sunny day a fortnight ago when we enjoyed a splendid afternoon with Goole. They joined us for lunch, which also included a wonderfully lively table of 'Stiffs' – players who turned out for the Extra 'B's back in the day. The table was organised by Jimmy Lawson so successfully there was no room for himself! Afterwards we watched a thoroughly absorbing and tense game which wasn't decided until the very last play. In a match dominated by awesome defence tries were in short supply. Goole scored an early five points and they continued to have the majority of possession before Andrew pulled back three points. That was the last score before half time. With more of the ball after the break Andrew added a further two penalties and we seemed to heading for an edgy win, but with ten minutes on the clock Goole crossed our line again for a one point advantage. In a nail-biting finale we threw everything at our opponents but they stood strong. Then, in the final minute Goole were awarded a scrum in their own 22. We launched our heavy artillery at this one last chance. We took the ball against the head and battered the line until Andrew Sloan, who had made an instant impact off the bench, powered over for the winner. Phew!!

Last week three teams travelled away, two at Halifax, t'other at Richmond; the Colts were at home to Stockton. The 1st team didn't have the best of starts at O Rish, losing Josh to a calf injury during the warm-up. However we overcame this hurdle and by half time had scored a BP try, with Joe, Toby, James and Sloany all touching down; Andrew added three conversions to make the HT score 10-26. After the break Brendan added a fifth and everything looked rosy. But no! Back came Rish with a try and then a penalty try to close the gap, but the only other score was a last minute maiden 1st XV try for Harry Hutt.

NEXT WEEK THE CRUNCH! OUR LAST HOME GAME, AGAINST O CROSSLEYANS,
AND THE WASPS ARE AT HOME TO WESTOE IN THE FINAL OF THE CANDY CUP

CLUB RUGBY The Wasps, also at OR, experienced the game of 'Rish Rugby.' With a high fence on one side of the pitch and a river on the other side kicking to touch was banned; the referee guessed where the kick would have landed - this turned out to be 10m every time. This robbed us of the potency of Simon Moore's boot, and then we lost a second strong weapon when prop Scott Taylor was injured after three minutes, joining fellow prop Josh in sick bay. The HT score was 5-0. The second half saw two tries from Euan T, an injury to Simon M and four tries to Rish, two of them interceptions. And Wes Crowther, one of three players totalling 150 years of agedness (with Jonno and Simon), was joined by son Jack for the first time.

The 'A' team travelled to Richmond who were in great spirits and numbers for their Old Boys day, and unfortunately took a bit of a beating 101-0. However the lads all played well in a great team effort, never giving up, pushing for that score. A huge shout out to Ginger Brad, Peter Silk, Ash Moore and Nathen Hughes who played some great rugby. Thanks to Richmond for lending us players, for the beer after the game and, despite the loss, making it a great day out.

I am pleased to report that our Colts are gradually growing in numbers and strength as Brad coaxes and cajoles them, making training and match-days enjoyable. Although losing a close match against Stockton, they played some good rugby, showing lots of optimism for the future.

N O V E M B E R I N T E R N A T I O N A L S
This Autumn England host Argentina (6th), Japan (12th), New Zealand (19th) and South Africa (26th)
Applications for tickets should be made to Keith Bircham on antidisestablishmentarianism by 30 April

JUNIORS We were joined for lunch today by our U15s who last week beat Beverley, at Beverley, in the final of the Yorkshire Cup. They deserve our acclaim and congratulations for their efforts. It was an emotional day; the lads were determined to win the Cup for the team's scrum half, Jack Ness, who had suffered a supracondylar fracture of the humerus a week earlier and missed the final. But what a tonic! We hope to see you playing again soon Jack! You can see photographs of the team on page 9.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS EASTER COACHING CAMP AT ACKLAM PARK
Wednesday 20 April, 10am-3pm, for boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years old
Cost is £25, with free T shirt and £5 credit
register at www.rugby.camps.co.uk/Falcons or contact Gavin.Beasley@Newcastle-Falcons.co.uk

CLUB NEWS Many congratulations to Aedan Moloney and Sarah who this week have announced their engagement. We wish them every happiness for the future.
Note that the Players Dinner and Awards will take place on 6 May in the clubhouse. Always a terrific evening make sure yo book your place quickly.

SPONSOR Today's match sponsor is Mat McAdams of FourM Drywall, Although his first sponsored match Mat has supported the club for years. The firm offers predominantly drylining and SFS in the residential sector but with a special project team dedicated to data centre and business critical environmental construction. It works closely with local colleges to provide comprehensive apprenticeships and finding new talent.

REFEREE'S CORNER I am delighted to welcome Liam Rogers back to Acklam Park. It seems like only yesterday he was with us – in fact it was three weeks ago for the West Leeds game. He was also in charge of our match with Bridlington back in September and took control of our cup tie at Wensleydale and Roundhegians in November. Liam has been a referee for a number of years, before which he played his rugby as a utility back at Redcar and Guisborough. He is a project engineer. I'm also pleased to welcome back David Ellis, taking charge of the Wasps match, and Mike Ramsden, referee's adviser. I hope the all have a satisfying afternoon.

NEXT SEASON WE CELEBRATE OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY.
We would like you all to help us commemorate this momentous and historic milestone by joining in the many activities planned, including a Grand Reunion on Commemoration Day,
12 November, and a Celebration Dinner on 5 May 2023. Look out for details of other events!