U15s maul the Tigers

Tigers 14 – 28 Rockets

The Rockets struggled to get a team together for this Bank Holiday weekend match away at Shildon. As the U14s were playing on the same day we were lent one U14 player, Fraser, to boost the numbers. The Rockets had 14 players ready to battle the unbeaten Tigers.

Battle commenced with the Rockets kicking to the Tigers, the possession passed between the two teams for a good 7 minutes. At this point, the Rockets had a scrum on their 20 metre line where Charlie broke away from the back of scrum storming through 4 Tigers players to score his first try of the match giving the Rockets the first points on the board. A long conversion from Peter increased the points.

The Tigers kicked off but a series of unfortunate mistakes by the Rockets kept the Tigers deep in the Rockets half. The Rockets defended valiantly for a good five minutes but the Tigers managed to score on the overlap. This was not converted.

The next ten minutes had both teams going back and forth but no one could penetrate each others defensive lines. At one point, Michael (Tigers No.3) managed to skirt around the Rockets wing, but was taken down by a beautiful tap tackle by Peter which put him into touch. From this scrum, the Rockets drove into the Tigers half but lost the ball. The Rockets kept the Tigers in their half when after the fifth tackle, Alex (Tigers No. 6) went to kick the ball but was tackled by Fraser, the ball dropped to the deck which allowed Jake D. to scoop the ball to give possession to the Rockets. The next drive the ball was passed to Charlie who ploughed through the Tigers defence to score his second under the posts. Peter converted again.

Another minute of play and it was half time. (Tigers 4-12 Rockets)

The beginning of the second half had the Rockets dominating running in three connective tries. The first was scored by Thomas W. on the two minute mark who received the ball on the wing and running in the 5 yards to score. A further 8 minutes later Charlie scored his third set up from a third tackle on the set. The third followed a minute later with Fraser (U14) who scooted on the third tackle at the half way line and darted through the defence to score under the post. Peter converted two of the three tries to put the score to 28-4.

The last 15 minutes had the Tigers driving into the Rockets half. Errors made by the tired Rockets side allowed the Tigers to score two tries and a conversion closing the score to 28-14. The final whistle was blown putting to an end the Tigers undefeated record of 2 years.

Congratulations to all those who played. It was well deserved.

A DVD is available of the match. Contact Doug to order. Price £(Donation)

Rockets double up against Vikings

Cramlington Rockets 40 Jarrow Vikings 4

Cramlington Rockets Under 14s made easy work of a potentially difficult match, coming up against a talented Jarrow outfit in the reverse fixture of the first game of the season. Jarrow showed their potential on the comfort of their home pitch 4 weeks ago, but on the neutral ground of Seghill Rugby Club (Cramlington’s backup pitch due to the Sporting Club’s main pitch being waterlogged), Cramlington ran riot in a first half to remember, and one that Jarrow would soon like to forget.

Following a spirited performance against a Wallsend Eagles side that featured just one under 14, the Rockets took a lot of heart from that fixture, keeping their discipline and composure during a loss whilst their opponents lost theirs despite the one sided score line, the young Rockets looked up for the fixture on arrival to Sehgill. Led by assistant coaches Chris Ure and Michael Mitchell, with head coach Matthew Beaty taking a backseat on this game, the Rockets got off to a great start with Jake W scoring straight from a scrum, going around the winger and under the sticks for the score, then adding the extras from under the sticks.

On the next possession it became Jake W 12 Jarrow 0, as he chose the opposite wing to attack and went round the other winger and repeated the feat by converting the score. After some completed defensive sets for the Rockets, the ball ended up in halfback Fraser B’s hands, he then attacked the left wing, feeding the ball to Jake W who drew the winger and fed Jay W who outpaced the fullback to open his Rockets account in the corner. Jake W made the impressive conversion to make the score 18-0.

With the scoreboard ticking over, the Rockets were rotating a lot with Jordan H getting his first run out of the season after injury, and Eric D having an impressive run out on his rugby league debut. This then gave a platform for the forwards to dominate the game, giving Dan B the opportunity to power over just before halftime with Jake W once again converting and sending the teams in to the break 24-0 to the good.

In the second half, Jarrow came out with a sense of purpose after a shell shocked first half. Some strong running from the Jarrow forwards got them close to the line, only for Rockets’ formidable defence to keep them at bay with the first few sets of half. After weathering the storm in their own half, the Rockets marched up the field and gave the ball to Fraser B on 4th tackle, who threw the dummy, hit the gap and went the length of the pitch to score under the sticks. Jake W converting the extras.

From the kickoff, the Rockets got to within the 10 metre line and got stopped on the 5th tackle, resulting in a handover. From the defensive set, they forced a knock on and from the scrum, Dan B jumped from loose forward and scored right to the sticks and double his account. Jake W gave kicking duties to Dan S who missed the conversion.

Jarrow finally opened the scoring with a well worked try, laying the platform with the forwards and moving the ball out wide to the captain who scored in the corner. The conversion was missed.

With a few minutes remaining and the Rockets constantly rotating, the game was starting to become slightly heated, with second rowers Joey B and Tom R getting involved in handbags with a few of the Jarrow backs. From a Rockets penalty, the ball was moved wide to Jake W who completed his hat trick by scoring in the corner after some good work from the halfbacks. Jake W made the difficult conversion to end his tally of 24 points in the match.

It was a great performance from the Rockets and Jarrow can take heart from a spirited second half display and move forward with their season and we wish them the best of luck. Next up for Rockets is Peterlee away in the first meeting between the two sides and hopefully not the last.

Rockets Conquer Vikings

Cramlington Rockets Under 14s 38-30 Jarrow Vikings

Cramlington Rockets Under 14s got their season off to a solid start due to an impressive 38-30 victory over Jarrow Vikings. Due to registration problems, this fixture was put back 3 weeks and both teams were chomping at the bit to play. This proved immediately from the kickoff as the ball found the dangerous Jarrow centre who ran the length of the pitch to score in the corner, under the pressure of debutant Jay W. The conversion was missed as Jarrow started fast with a 4-0 lead.

From the resulting few sets, both teams couldn’t find their feet until Cramlington lost the ball in dangerous territory and Jarrow looked to play out wide early and scored right of the sticks which was converted for an early 10-0 lead.

Jake W found touch with the resulting kickoff and the Rockets looked to march up the field through the forwards. This allowed another debutant in Dan B power his way over from 15 yards out for a try which Jake W hit the post with the conversion.

Finding touch from the kickoff proved to be the flavour of the day for both sides as Jarrow got the ball back in dangerous territory and attacked their favoured right side once more. This led to a forward to be stopped close to the line, resulting in the hooker to scoot over from short distance. The kick was missed leaving the scoreline at 14-4 to Jarrow.

Cramlington had the luxury of rotating players and North East representative Dean H was a constant thorn in the Jarrow side as he came off the bench to pound the ball down the line along with fellow forwards Dan B and Cameron D. Dean H’s persistence eventually paid off and got him over in the corner. Rockets used their momentum to get to fifth tackle on the next set, only for halfback Fraser B to shape to kick but throw the dummy instead and scored left to the sticks. Jake W scored one of the two conversions to level the score at 14.

Rockets were now in the ascendancy and once again got to fifth tackle just before halftime. This time it was in Jake W’s hands and as he looked to get caught in possession, he offloaded to Fraser B who scored under the sticks, the conversion was made with the Rockets leading 20-14 heading in to the interval.

In the second half, Jarrow reduced the score to 20-18 through some strong running and good decision making. Unfortunately for the home side, this was as close as it got as the Rockets ran in 4 straight scores through Fraser B’s hat-trick try, Harry F’s first try of his Rockets career and a Jake W double, with Jake W making one of the 4 conversions.

The game was effectively over as a contest but this didn’t stop the Vikings finishing the match the stronger of the two. Scoring two converted tries in the final 7 minutes made the scoreline respectable, which was nothing less than the Vikings deserved.

Great performance from both sides and looks like another season of this fantastic rivalry to look forward to, with both teams missing some lads that will definitely intensify these fixtures. Well done to Jarrow and head coach Michael Heap who improve on every visit.

A massive thank you to the fans of the Rockets who were fantastic throughout getting behind the lads and to all the debutants playing their first match in a Rockets shirt, you played your hearts out and are going to make massive strides for this club.

Rockets Shop

We have successfully agreed a deal with Raging Bull to provide a Club Shop for a variety of kit and merchandise. If you wish to purchase tracksuits, hoodies, Polo shirts, T-shirts etc. please visit the on-line shop at the following address:

http://www.ragingbull.co.uk/Shop/Cramlington-Rockets-RLFC/380.aspx

Race Night – Sat 10^th March

Rockets are holding a Race night on Saturday 10^th March 2012 at Seaton Terrace Social Club, Wallace Terrace, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0BB

Doors open at 6.00pm with the first race starting at 7.00pm

Bring a plate for the buffet.

All welcome.

If you want to sponsor a race - please contact Doug 07803078445 or Steve 07873744384

Open Day for Girls U12 Team
Saturday 4^th February from 10am-1130am
at Cramlington Sporting Club

Cramlington Rockets RLFC are looking to set up a new girl’s U12 team (School Year 6 and 7). The club already has a very successful U16 girl’s team within the junior section of the club.

If you are interested in playing rugby league outside of school the come along to the Open Day.

Training is always based around learning new skills and developing players to play in a team environment.  A lot of emphasis is on the kids having fun and meeting new friends. Games take place within the North East and nationally throughout the summer months.

If you are interested in joining this set up then please get in touch or just turn up on the open day! 

Lee Carbutt or Doug Kay

Registration Morning on 28th January (and 4th February)

With the new season nearly upon us, we are holding a Registration Morning on Saturday 28th January (and 4th February) starting at 9.30am in the Cramlington Sporting Club. We need to confirm the following:

1. Registration.
Are you registered with RFL? Those who are not registered need to bring one passport photograph and a photocopy of a proof of age document (ie birth certificate or passport)
Those already registered both parent and player need to sign the continuation register confirming that you are still playing for the Rockets. 

2. Consent Form
Have you filled in a Parent/ Guardian Consent Form for this year? See Downloads section for form.

3. Subscriptions
This year sees three ways to pay.

£3 weekly (No free training kit – charged at £30)

£10 Monthly Subs from Feb 12 (Free training kit) (See Regular Payment Form in Download section - Please remember to put the players name as the reference)
[Please forward this directly to your bank or do it online or by phone]

£100 Annual Subs paid by 1st Feb 2012 (Free training kit)

On receipt of the appropriate subs, a set of training kit will be distributed.

4. Kit

As part of the monthly and yearly subscription, we will issue you with a set of training kit. This will be a new black/tangerine hoodie (a change from last year) and one other item (to be confirmed).

We will require the players size to order the appropriate kit.

We will be opening an account with the supplier so further purchases of kit can be made directly by you using our reference.(to be confirmed)

U14s and U16s Girls Festival

The Girls Festival was a great success with three "out of area" teams joining Whitley Bay and Peterlee to a great day of rugby.

The results from U14s Festival are as follows:

For the U16s there were five teams, however, due to numbers it was 

Castleford Panthers vs Combined Team (Cramlington 6, Peterlee 1, Queensbury 1, West Cumbria 2)

This games was made up of 4 x 15mins. Panthers won comfortable.

All teams enjoyed the day and we look forwarded to meeting them in the Festival on 19th November.

Rockets Ready For Final Flourish

Cramlington's U14 & 16 boys sides will be at Gateshead Stadium this Saturday for their respective Final showdowns

On what promises to be an action packed day, Durham Tigers take on Peterlee Pumas in the U12 competition, before the Rockets U14s take the field, against U14 Durham Tigers.  Following that match the second Rockets side in action that day, the U16s, will be facing off against Peterlee Pumas.

After a long and hard season it promises to be a action packed day and we would love for as many club members as possible to get down to support our lads and North East Rugby League in general.

The game will be played on the back pitches of Gateshead Stadium with kick offs as follows:

U12: Durham Tigers Vs. Peterlee Pumas - 10am

U14: Durham Tigers Vs. Cramlington Rockets - 11:15am

U16: Peterlee Pumas Vs. Cramlington Rockets - 12:30pm

Former Rockets Coach takes on Super League Role

Earlier this month Super League Club Huddersfield Giants announced that former Rockets Coach, Steven Beaty will take over as head coach of its scholarship team. Steven, 24, attended George Stephenson High School in Killingworth and learnt his trade in a very successful coaching career here at Cramlington Rockets. It was through this success he became a Community Coach for the North East's only professional side, Gateshead Thunder, and worked to promote rugby league around North Tyneside and Northumberland.

After learning of the community role with Huddersfield Giants earlier this year, Steven made the move South and has been enjoying it ever since. After making a good impression with the scholarship team, he was quickly given the role of head coach.

When asked about his new role Steven was quick to acknowledge his roots: "I was very fortunate to work with some amazing people in the North East and feel very grateful that my home town club Cramlington Rockets supported my move to Huddersfield. It's a big step for me to develop as a coach at one of the top clubs in the country. The club played a big part in my development and I keep in touch with everyone at the Rockets. They are continuing to go from strength to strength and I wish them all the best for the future."

Cramlington Rockets currently have U8s, 10s, 12s, 14s, 15s, 16s and train and play every Saturday at the Sporting Club at Cramlington High School. All abilities and both boys and girls are welcome. For more information contact Jeff Ball on 07809 114 905

The club can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @CrammieRockets.