Wearing their brand new kits, courtesy of sponsor, Chris Young Roofing, the Cramlington Rockets U8s enjoyed their first match action in a festival ahead of the Newcastle Thunder match against Toulouse.

Despite a few being away, an impressive 16 players pulled on the orange and black for the first time, taking part in a morning of enthusiastic and exciting rugby league against other North East clubs.

With coaches, Steve Taggart and Phil Tomlinson having grown numbers steadily since the age group launched earlier this year to be the biggest U8s set up in the North East.

After a great day of rugby, the U8s were given the added bonus of being mascots for the Toulouse team and running out of the tunnel with the players.

“It was brilliant to see so many new faces wearing a Rockets shirt” said Chairman, Jeff Ball.

“We have never had an U8s group before and to have so many already suggests it is a really fun set up to be a part of.”