Rockcliff have made it four out of four in the league in October, with the only set back being the narrow defeat at Bishop Auckland in the Powergen Vase. Two away wins, at Whitby and Guisborough, were added to with home wins against Winlaton and Houghton, with the 40-38 win against Houghton being one of the best games seen at Rockcliff for some time. Neil Thornton scored a dramatic last minute  equalising try,  which was converted by Terry Macauley for the win. Rockcliff now have a break until November 12th when they are on the road again, this time away to Seaton Carew in the league, followed by a home game against Wallsend.

Malcolm Flockton Cup 

November 26th is a date for the diaries at the second Malcolm Flockton Cup game will be played, this time away at North Shields. Shields will be looking to avenge last years narrow defeat and it promises to be a cracking match.

The Vikings have had a mixed month, starting with defeat at home to Border Park, followed by an unlucky loss at Ryton and then a well deserved victory at home to Tynedale. On top of this there were two cancelled games one against Winlaton and the other against Consett.

Call ups to the first team, injuries, and unavailability have wreaked havoc on the Vikings line up, but they are looking to get things back on track starting with the home league game against  Ponteland on 5th November, and then for the busy run in up to Christmas.

There were only two games for the Rangers in October, and both ended in heavy defeats as the Rangers travelled with 12 men on both occasions.

Bill Reynolds has volunteered to take over as manager in order to make sure the Rangers get back on track. 

There were mixed fortunes for the Juniors as the Under17’s, playing a number of under 16s to make up numbers, lost at Wallsend and Chester le Street. The under 15’s recorded a comprehensive win at North Shields

Subs for 2005/06 are now due.

Senior Players pay £50, Vice Presidents £30 other (non voting) members pay £10, this includes University Students, Junior members (U12 –U19), Lady Members, Country and Social Members. Cheques should be made out to Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC and can be paid over the bar. Direct debits are also available.

Contact Michael Routledge for further information

Nov 19th – Comedy Night tickets £7.50 from Eric Brooks and Michel Routledge

Dec 3rd-Quiz Night

Dec 31st—New Years Eve Party

Jan 21st —Race night See Geoff Bowman and Barry Beck for details

With the arrival of young Oliver  (Mam and boy doing well thanks) time will be at a premium for the Chair but as mentioned last time round I know I can rely on a few good men (and women) to keep the show running until normal service resumes.

One or two issues that need mentioning are congratulations to the first team for their great run in the league, the home game against Houghton was testament to their resilience and attitude.

The Vikings seem to have turned things round, the Rangers are rallying and the Juniors are playing some good rugby.

On the social front, the Dinner Dance was another success, many thanks to Ian Firth for that.

Which brings me onto my final point, fund raising and keeping the club going is hard unrewarding work for all those concerned. There has been a lot of time and effort put in to keeping the club afloat over the last few years, and for some of you with short memorieswe only just avoided going under four years ago. So it pains me to see the results of those efforts being taken for granted.

So far this season we have lost two training tops, two first team shirts, 2 match balls, and put on a bus to an away game with only 10 people on it. All this cost the club over £750 and to put this into perspective the club only made £2000  the year before last so it is a lot for the club to be expected to cover.

We are all responsible, committee members alickadoos, and players alike,  for looking after the club, whether that be from checking the changing rooms are locked, flood lights are off after training, kit is counted in, club events are supported, and that any fund raising is directed to the club.

This is club with a long and proud history and it is up to us all to make sure we have a club in place for the next generation to inherit.

The Chair

Fixtures are coming up fast for the Junior teams and some good rugby has been played, with the under 15’s scoring a resounding win at North Shields.

More help is needed with coaching so as mentioned previously if any senior players who can spend a Wednesday evening or Sunday morning helping out it will be much appreciated. There is a list on the rugby board in the club, please put your name down on the chosen date.