WELCOME and the compliments of the season to you all. I hope each and every one of you – players and supporters, members and visitors – has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And, to kick-start our festivities, I am delighted to welcome as our visitors friends from way back in the dim mists of time, Northern Football Club (Incidentally I’ve always been a big admirer of their classic and classy logo, the intertwined NFC). They started this season with a bang – scoring 64
points against Darlington (ouch) before beating us 38-24 (double ouch) and then Keighley. Unfortunately the wheels then came off the track and they won only one of their next eight games (at home to Pocklington), although they’ve emerged victorious these past two matches against Cleckheaton and Durham City. Last season we won 24-14 at McCracken Park but lost the return 19-21. I hope we each win our homes games this time around, and Northern don’t make it three wins in a row today!

TEAM NEWS Last Saturday, on a cold grey and dank afternoon, we really entered into the spirit of Christmas and were extremely generous to Darlington. It was not our best performance, and yet it took a try scored at the final whistle after a clear knock-on to beat us. We took the lead after Richie B touched down but then conceded a penalty try; we went in at the break after Marty got the touch down, superbly converted by Simon, who scored a dropped goal in the second half to take us to 15-7. However two converted tries put Darlington back in front before Richie B added his second, again converted by Simon. But then a last few frantic minutes of mayhem – we failed with a clearance kick, Richie H was sin-binned, with their extra man Darlington went for a push-over, knocked-on but were awarded the score. Having said that, Darlington were the better team on the day. All I can say is - remember to challenge the challenges that continue to challenge us, and challenge them with all the force at your disposal.

The Wasps were looking forward to gaining revenge for an 18-46 defeat in September, whilst recording their fourth win in a row, at home to Horden on Saturday. They were denied when Horden cried off an hour and a half before kick off, leaving our boyos to have a training session instead. I’m afraid a similar fate befell our ‘A’ team. Due to play Darlington IIs at Blackwell Meadows their opponents cried off on Thursday. Darlington were however quite prepared to fulfil their 3rd team fixture against our Lions. The ‘A’ XV’s magnificent record this season is scaring the living daylights out of opponents. In view of the state of the Tollesby Road pitches, we offered to concede home advantage for the Lions. This was accepted. Of course we weren’t expecting a ‘no-show’ by Horden. So, from a situation of three teams at home on Saturday, creating a busy bustling Acklam Park and cash tills ringing out Merry Christmas, we were reduced to one team at home. I am pleased to report that the Lions returned victorious, beating Darlington 33-12.

On Sunday morning the Colts, following two Cup defeats and then a fruitless journey to York (where you will recall the pitch was ‘fine’ according to the home officials but turned out to be unplayable) were delighted to welcome Selby. The lads gave a good committed display and thoroughly deserved their victory by 33 points to 15.

Please note the early 1pm kick off in the game at Stockton for the Alan Todd Trophy on Saturday 29 December. And also make a note that the league game here between Newcastle Falcons U18s v Leicester Lions is now scheduled for Saturday 12 January with the kick off at 12 noon, before our own league match against Keighley. It was originally scheduled for Sunday.

JUNIORS There were mixed results for our Juniors last Sunday - three Yorkshire Cup quarter finals ended with one win, one loss and one draw, the U15s get back to top form and the Minis have a bumper day on Astroturf. The most important day of the season so far produced highs, lows, drama, tension and the simple exhilaration of being able to play!

Congratulations to our U16s for progressing to the semi finals of the Yorkshire Bowl competition after a keenly contested match with Dinnington ended 22-12. Commiserations to our U14s for whom their quarter final against Pocklington proved to be a game too far. Sympathy to our U13s for going toe to toe with a strong Otley side only to go out of the Cup on the away team rule after a 15-15 draw. In other games, credit goes to both our U15s sides and their opponents. Our two teams recorded 66-0 and 42-17 wins against Skipton and Acklam respectively but much credit goes to our opponents who fought hard from start to finish and did not make things anywhere near as comfortable as the score lines suggest.

Last but not least, big cheers to our minis for playing their first home games of the season on Astroturf against Sunderland. Loads of runs, loads of tackles, loads of tries and loads of smiles all around. Many thanks to all the volunteers and parents in all their different roles and guises for making a very, very busy day of rugby a very, very successful and enjoyable one. Meanwhile our U11s are playing in the Land Rover Premiership Cup 2012 tomorrow at Kingston Park. Games begin at 10.30 with the final at half time in the Falcons v Newport match. Every participant will get a complimentary ticket to the Newport game, with any juniors coming along to support also able to claim a free ticket. And the U7s, 8s and 9s are invited to a post-Christmas ‘Pool Party’ at Splash Stockton on Sunday 13 January at 4.30 – see Lee Walker to book a place.

CLUB NEWS First I have to report the sad news that Ian Laverick died on Tuesday following a brain tumour. He was a swashbuckling player alongside the likes of Phil Horrocks-Taylor, Stuart Foster, Walter Richie and Jack Rowell. He was 74. Details of Ian’s funeral will be announced as soon as they are known. Our condolences go to Sheila and the family.

A Club tour to Malta is being arranged; for detailed information see the Club’s website. It will take place from Thursday 16 May returning Monday 20 May at a cost of £320 with £70 deposit to be paid before 22 December. This will cover four nights B&B 3* accommodation at the Alexandra Hotel in Saint Julian, as well as an end of tournament dinner and fancy dress party. There are only 30 places available so confirm your place ASAP on the Notice Board. Please note that all players must be members of MRUFC prior to departure to comply with players, insurance cover.

Don’t forget the Members’ Christmas Draw tomorrow night…the Annual Acklam Park Pie Baking Competition on Wednesday (see p4)…followed by the Carol sing-a-long the following evening…the Children's Christmas Party on Saturday…and a week on Saturday the Alan Todd Memorial Match at Stockton at 1pm and the Annual Ball on at the Thistle Hotel.

At this joyful time let me say a word or two of appreciation for two of the Club’s many unsung heroes. Once fixtures are arranged at the beginning of the season you would think “that’s that,” just fill in the odd blank date. Oh no. With more and more clubs struggling for players there are an increasing number of cry-offs and new opponents to seek for our various teams. Eddie Scott is diligent in the extreme in chasing, arranging and confirming fixtures – whilst fitting in time to train and play! And then there is Andy Murray. He has been Match Secretary for 25 years; among his responsibilities is not just the confirmation of referees, but, for my benefit and for your information in the programme, he has been known to spend two or three nights chasing officials, sometimes around Europe, to speak to them for background facts and figures. At all times he is determined to present this Club in a welcoming and favourable light. Thanks guys, we all owe you a big debt of gratitude.
REFEREE’S CORNER I am pleased to welcome Jonathan Hill back to Acklam Park for his first visit of the season; he was in charge here twice last season, against Morpeth in September and then again against Wheatley Hills in April. Jonathan has been a referee for 17 years; before that he played in the front row at Old Otliensians and then at Malton & Norton. He is an agricultural consultant who knows some of our country members – Andrew Gloag, for instance. I hope he enjoys his return visit with us this afternoon.