Well done to the U11s for a solid start to the season. Firstly they came from behind and a penalty miss to beat Coates 3-1. After a wonder strike from Eadie Barakat; Esme Scott and Ruby Gerrard also opened their account. Then followed a comprehensive display and 5-0 victory over Central A. Esme added to her tally for the night, along with Francesca Takher and a hat-trick from Orla Callaghan.

The boys went into this game with whispers of despair, knowing they were up against a very strong team, however from the start they were up for the challenge. The game was end to end with both teams looking like they might score, but the best chance fell to Roan Parker who hit a screamer into the top corner to get us off the mark. Meadowdale hit back and then, following a passage of great team play, Josh Grenfell then took his turn to take on a couple of defenders then compose himself to hit a perfect shot over the keeper and into the far corner. Meadowdale again pegged us back to 2-2. Into the second half saw a change of attack and Georgio La Rosa didn’t take long to smash us back into the lead and once again Meadowdale battled back and scored a third equalizer. With the game ending on a knife-edge, Georgio again raced through and scored what looked like the winner, only for the referee to bring it back for a very dubious off-side. However, with honours even at the final whistle I think all spectators would agree that was a fair result. Well done boys!

Our Y8 team got their first taste of competition after some good training sessions in the ‘Shed’. They opened with a victory and a good chance to practice their batting and bowling skills. The girls lost their other 3 games but their individual and team performances improved dramatically as the tournament went on. I was particularly impressed in their last game when they batted very comprehensively, including in the last few overs, striking almost every delivery. Their bowling and fielding skills also showed strong progress. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the girls in action in the summer term when we venture outdoors.

Newminster started immediately on the front foot in this game and dominated possession and chances. The boys were solid at the back and were confident enough to pass the ball around to change the angle of attack. The midfield and forwards were very well balanced and continually created chances from both sides of the pitch and through the middle. Well done to all the lads in this 10-0 cup win and we look forward to the semi-final game against Ponteland later this term.

Goals from – Harvie Gillie (great header!), Tom Wales, Roan Parker, Finlay Coulson, and braces for James McConnell, Georgio La Rosa and Matty Walton (fantastic chip for one).

It was fantastic to see so many Newminster girls wanting to represent their school at this contact rugby event, many of whom were making their Rugby Union debut .We were the only school to put 3 teams in. All the girls played with fantastic determination and developed as rugby players as the tournament went on. Each team played all the others, and it was great to watch the Newminster girls smashing into each other, they definitely weren’t holding back against their friends and classmates! One of our teams recorded 4 wins and a draw, but congratulations and respect go to all our teams for the great progress they made throughout.