On Saturday, Crusaders Masters hosted North East Thunder Masters in the inaugural Jim Collins Trophy.
Despite a couple of withdrawals from both sides there was great numbers for the match and the weather also decided to play ball.
As ever Crusaders were thankful to have our medic Jayne on hand to patch up the walking wounded, it’s fair say she was a tadge busy! Infact she was called into action before we’d even kicked off! Whilst waiting for the ref to arrive from a morning reffing in Consett, both teams had a warm up game of T&P. A high ball was lofted and Jeff (running forwards) and Foxy (moving back wards) decided to compete for it, the rest of the Masters aware of what was about to happen, decided Jim and Foxy might work it out for themselves, bad decision!! The ensuing collision left both Yellow shorters seeking first aid and Foxy donning some questionable head wear.
When the game got underway it was a great game to witness. Each side guiding their White and Black shorters into the physical stuff and then getting the ball out to the Red, Yellow and Green. Some cracking tries were scored by both teams.
Making a return to Masters action for Crusaders were Belly, Daryl and Butch all of whom had cracking games and bagged at least a try a piece (not that we keep count). After Jase decided it would be a smart idea to bend his elbow too far in the wrong direction, Longers took to guiding the team around the park and did a sterling job. In all, the game was a great game played in fantastic spirit.
With Rugby League being the winner, in Masters, each player, from both sides, were given a winners memento medal to mark the occasion. The overall Master of the match went to Butch, which in turn meant Crusaders would hold the Jim Collins Trophy for 2024. The Master of the Match was selected by Jim, himself.
After the medal and trophy presentations it was down to Tex and Alex from North East Thunder, to announce that Jim would become the North East Thunder Honorary President, a fitting accolade for a legend of the Masters game.
Crusaders Masters would like to thank Ben and Emma for sorting out the post match refreshment. During the post match £180 was raised for Alasdair McKechnie and Oliver Redding who both represent Scotland in the coming months.
A massive thank you goes to iSecure Group who agreed to sponsor the trophy and medals for the match.
Thank you to our shirt sponsors, Marstons. Our polo sponsors Burties Hair Design, eCreative Designs, Top Third, iSecure Group and Lighthouse Risk Management LLP.
An absolutely fantastic afternoon, to acknowledge Jim’s fantastic Masters career, which as a seasoned Blue shorter (80+) he has now decided to hang up his boots.
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