WELCOME It gives me great pleasure to welcome Medicals back to Acklam Park. We last met three years ago, before our journeys into darkest Yorkshire, and those games were our first in 54 years – incredible how time flies. We finished that season with what would have been an 11 points and three places advantage over our visitors had they not been in receipt of points deductions. This season to date we are again three places above them, but only three points better off.

They began their campaign at home to Acklam but lost 29-35, before beating Gateshead and Barnard Castle. Although they then lost at Rovers they remain unbeaten since then, with an excellent 35-31 victory over Westoe, followed by a stunning recovery at Northern, where they were 31-14 down with 15 minutes to play but finished 31-31 with a last minute penalty grabbing them a share of the spoils. On Saturday they won the bragging rights over neighbours Novos with a 28-21 victory. It should be a good game, hopefully in celebration of England's progress into the RWC final!

LEAGUE RUGBY Two weeks ago, with Acklam Park bathed in sunshine, enhanced by the colourful glamour of Ladies Day, it was a perfect setting for an open and exciting rugby match. We welcomed North Shields for the very first time and they certainly played their part, particularly in the second half. There were 12 tries in all, with scorelines of 45-5 at half time and 65-5 at the final whistle. It sounds a bit one sided, and it was one-way traffic in the opening period – we were on the scoreboard within minutes, after a bulldozing run by young Elliot and a deft pass to his captain saw Pete streak over for the first of his three tries. By no-side his centre partner Jack had scored a brace, as had winger Brendan. T'other winger Sean also scorched over and replacement winger Andy Mick, impressively fit and fast (for a pensioner) beat his opposite number for speed to add to his tally. Not to be outdone forwards Ali and Myles used their strength to force their way over for an 11-try haul. It was easy to see how Shields finished second in DN2 last year; they had a tough set of forwards, which they used to good advantage after the break when our pack decided to enjoy themselves and keep it tight, but made little headway against a pack well versed in the dark arts of close combat.

Last week we made the short trip to Peterlee to play Horden in a game that was far more competitive than the scoreline suggests. We opened our account with a try from Jack, who crossed after good work at a lineout by the Boro pack. Baggy made it 0-7. And then success and congratulations to that effervescent 'young' old 'un Andy Mick, who scored his 93rd try in his 324th game for the 1st XV, a try set up by by some great hands from the backs. The half time score became 0-19 when Jamie broke away to fly across the line for a magic solo try. Then the news got even better; the welcome return of our very own Charles Atlas, or Richie Lonsdale as he is more familiarly known, for his first run out of the season.

After the break we saw more superb handling from the boyos, with Captain Pete battering his over for a brace, and Shaun Kay running a Sinckler-esque line to cross the whitewash before Brendan finished off our scoring with his own brace, the first one from a pass by Jack between his legs. The final score was 0-52, and although our boys played some wonderful rugby they had to defend with gusto, with praise also due to Horden for never giving up the fight. As a result of recent results we are now the highest scorers in the league with the best points difference.

It turned out to be a great weekend for Boro seniors, especially as only the first team were supposed to have a game. On Friday night the stars of yesteryear once again donned boots in an O35s game at Guisborough coming home victorious (see separate report). Then on Saturday the club fielded three senior men's sides with all of them winning on the road. Following the lead of the 1st team the Wasps travelled to Acklam to play their second team, coming home with an excellent 12-49 victory. Both first teams compete in DN1, but Acklam's 1st team match was postponed so they took the opportunity to give some of their regulars a run out with the Talbots.

The A team travelled to play Hartlepool IIs. Captain Yorkshire's earlier delight at England's victory over Australia slowly evaporated as his confirmed squad of 17 gradually whittled down to a travelling group of 13 warriors. His smile returned as the Hartlepool captain immediately loaned us three players to even up numbers – the true spirit of Corinthian sport. Thank you Hartlepool. As a result the game was always close but young Khalid won us the honours when he dived over the line in the dying moments, although Matty Regan thought he'd already secured us the match, twice picking up the ball from a ruck and diving over the whitewash – only to find it was the 5m line. It earned him the accolade of DoD, just ahead of Joe Matthews, whose attempt at a conversion was a danger to earthworms.

Well done everyone, with a special mention to those behind the scenes namely Wes, Steve Todd, John O'Boyle, Wincy, big Jason, and Eric "Yorkshire" Windross without whose efforts the games wouldn't have been arranged and the squads put together.

JUNIORS The U12s continue to enjoy themselves. With ever-increasing numbers they often play two matches at once, and not just on Sundays. There is a separate piece in this issue about their mid-week game against Nunthorpe School. Unfortunately not all age groups are as lucky with big squads. It has already been reported that our Colts have joined with Acklam and Stockton to ensure the boys get rugby-time. This isn't always the case. On Sunday the combined squad was due to play Rovers here, but the opposition cried off...citing lack of numbers.

LADIES DAY Saturday saw a host of glamorous ladies taking over Acklam Park, in the most delightful way, of course. From the prosecco reception at 1 o'clock until late into the night the place was rocking with their enjoyment. In addition to raising money for the Club there also made over £1,200 for their charities, the Willow Foundation and Zoe's Place; bar-takings didn't do so badly either – gin supplies were distinctly decimated! A huge 'thank you' to everyone who attended, and to organisers-in-chief Jenna Stephenson and Sara Baggett.

CLUB NEWS First an apology. Unfortunately our venerated choirmaster, Jonno, is unable to be with us tonight and therefore our RUGBY SING SONG night has been postponed. It will take place, so watch this space. There are no problems next Sunday afternoon, when the HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR CHILDREN'S FANCY DRESS AND DISCO PARTY will take place. And then next week we're into November, when our fabulous BONFIRE NIGHT will bedazzle you, before our delightful December of fun-filled festivities swing into action.
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REFEREE'S CORNER This afternoon I am delighted to welcome Mark Smith back to Acklam Park; he was last here when we played Keighley two years ago. Mark has been a referee for 14 years having previously played his rugby on the wing for Preston Grasshoppers. He is a maths teacher in Leeds; I hope there are many scores for him to tabulate this afternoon and that he thoroughly enjoys his time with us.