WELCOME first of all to our latest member, Isaac Davis, born last weekend to groundsman Steven and his wife Kay. They are very proud parents indeed and I am delighted to report that both mother and son – not forgetting dad! – are doing well. Congratulations on the happy event and also to Steven for the fine appearance of Acklam Park for the County U18s game on Sunday afternoon – a great effort under the circumstances.

We are also delighted to welcome Malton & Norton to Acklam Park. Promoted last year, 13 points ahead of Sheffield, they kicked off this campaign with two wins in their opening three matches, at home to Cleckheaton and Durham City; sandwiched in between was a 20-22 defeat to Wheatley Hills. Since then their record reads lost to Billingham (a) and Morpeth (h), beat Northern (a) and O Brods (h), lost to O Crossleyans (a) and then on Saturday were just pipped by Percy Park at home;
3-0 down at half time and 10-3 behind in the final throes of the game they crossed for a last gasp try but hit the post with the kick to lose 10-8.

I don’t think we’ve ever had the pleasure of entertaining Malton & Norton. We’ve certainly played them twice before, on both occasions at Malton in the National Intermediate Cup. In 2003 we scored five tries (courtesy of Peter Wright (2), Gavin, Andy Micklewright and Brad) in
winning 27-24, although it’s fair to say we were pleased to hear the final whistle. Ahead 27-3 with 10 minutes to go our opponents really gave their supporters something to shout about by scoring 3 goals before no-side. We did have Brad in the sin bin at the time but it was a rocky few minutes. Our meeting two years later was a much more drab affair. We won 8-0 with a first half penalty from Simon Moore and a second half try from Gavin after a dazzling break by Peter Wright.

LEAGUE NEWS Last week against Team Northumbria we had World Cup referee Dave Pearson in charge and former England captain Roger Uttley looking on – wow! There was no stage fright, however, as we eased to a 37-13 win. Despite having Uttley and ex-Scotland lock Stuart Grimes among their coaching consultants Northumbria are struggling to overcome the loss of eight players to Mowden Park. Ashington-based Pearson, who took charge of three World Cup matches, was officiating in his first match since returning from New Zealand. Team North scrummaged well but were otherwise outgunned and we scored three tries from forward drives. The first came after four minutes from Richie B, a late replacement a week ahead of schedule following a knee operation. Penalties were exchanged but the game tilted our way when Richie H scored a 50-metre interception try. Ross then came into the line to finish a good handling move and just before half-time Peter nipped over in the corner. No 8 Jack Aldus and Richie H finished forward drives in the second half either side of a well-worked try by the students. Wrighty landed a penalty and two conversions.

We enjoyed ourselves against Gateshead in our last home match. We were 20-0 up after 30 minutes, with the lively Jack B doing remarkably well to reclaim his kick from halfway after seven minutes and pass inside for Peter W to score. Peter added a penalty then converted Josh’s first try and scored the third himself when he nipped over on the blind side. Gateshead scored a pushover try to make it 20-7 at half-time. They had the benefit of the sun, the slope and the strong breeze to come – memories of Percy Park! But never fear; against the elements we scored another five tries to wrap up our best win of the season so far. First a catch-and-drive took us to the line before good handling sent Jack B over in the corner, then he cleverly exchanged passes with Bellers for the centre to touch down. Jack was on course for his brace when he was pulled back as he raced through after a kick to the line and a penalty try was awarded, before Ross McNeill was rewarded for his jinking runs. Both he and Josh squeezed in at the right corner before Gateshead scored at the death. JB also added three conversions in the half to round off a very good game.

OUR OTHER TEAMS Let me start with the Lions, and a heart-warming tale of three clubs. Two weeks ago Washington said they had only eight players. ‘Come through anyway’ Eddie Scott said. Then Stockton telephoned hoping to pick up a late fixture. ‘Come through anyway’ said Eddie, explaining the situation. They came with a full squad and the three sides mixed and matched with everyone getting a run out. The score? It finished 22-21 to ‘the Boro’ but it was the least important element. The most satisfying aspect of the afternoon was that a group of players got a game they wouldn’t otherwise have enjoyed. And our thanks and good wishes to Washington for travelling with a depleted squad – it is too easy for teams just to cry off, as we’ve discovered to our cost. The ‘A’ team have made it five consecutive wins. On Saturday they beat a spirited Acklam team by 39-17, having edged an absolute thriller at Mowden Park a week earlier where, despite being 24-11 down at the break and trailing with a minute to go they triumphed 38-36. Jonno’s match report is in this issue.

The Wasps lost an enthralling game to Blaydon last week. It’s a long time since such a team of giants took the field against us – I kid you not their backs were bigger than our forwards! A well contested first half saw us 12-10 in arrears and at one stage after the break, with a howling gale at their backs and playing downhill it looked as though Blaydon would dominate the match, They did outscore us but we showed remarkable resilience and determination to score two tries

The Colts returned to winning ways at Baildon a fortnight ago, despite travelling with the bare 15 players and the inevitability that some of them had to play out of position. They scored three tries to win 17-12; Terry Fitz’s match report is on the website with a summary in this issue. Last week they entertained Sandal, playing at Tollesby to accommodate the Yorkshire/Durham U18s match on our main pitch. They moved into second place in the table following a bonus-point 31-5 win.

CLUB NEWS Will Gaudie has completed the C2C, climbing Crawleyside Bank without a pause to boot! In a truly inspirational feat Will has cycled the gruelling 137 miles over the Pennines to raise funds for Whizz Kids, a national charity which provides customised mobility equipment for young people. Will is 17 and has had cerebral palsy since birth. Superlatives cannot do justice to this heroic effort… I am delighted to announce the formation of the ‘Pumpkin Party’ with a 20-strong initial membership, but with numbers rising as we speak. Dedicated to the pursuit of breeding the perfect pumpkin the winner of the inaugural Acklam Park Pumpkin Growing Competition was Gav Joice, who immediately donated his £100 prize to Will Gaudie’s Whizz Kids. The assembled masses gasped in admiration when he unveiled his magnificent offering… Last Sunday we had the pleasure of hosting the U18s game between Yorkshire and Durham. Having started their season with a 30-26 win against Cheshire, Yorkshire gave a good all-round display, scoring 3 tries to 1 to win 22-7. Congratulations to Josh Burridge (Yorks) and Ollie Hodgson (Durham) who represented the Club… Remember, remember, tonight is our celebrated bonfire and fireworks display starting at 6.30. The renowned H&S does require that in the locality of outdoor events all drinks must be served in plastic containers so PLEASE don’t grumble at the staff when you don’t get your favourite glass…On Saturday 19 November there is another Race Night in the Club; see the Notice Board for information and Simon Moore for tickets…The Christmas Party will take place on Saturday 17 December with the Members’ Christmas Draw being held the following evening…And then on 20 December we have the eagerly awaited 3rd Annual Acklam Park Pie Baking Contest, launched in 2009 (in a fit of pique by the then humiliated and distraught ‘Drisco the Leprechaun’ if the truth be told!) and won last year by ‘Bigsy the Banshee’…This will be closely followed by our Christmas Carol sing-along on Thursday 22 December, and then the Annual Ball on 27 December – again see Simon for tickets,

REFEREE’S CORNER I am delighted to welcome Bill Oliver back to Acklam Park this afternoon. That said he has never refereed here before but has played on our hallowed turf, as a
No 8 for Sheffield; I hope he enjoys the experience of our new facilities. Bill is an electrical engineer