The meaty part of our annual review sandwich. Summer is when the club really comes alive and there was soooo much to cover. Is it too much? Read on to find out.

May

MAGIC WEEKEND RETURNED AND WE WERE VERY EXCITED. 560 tickets sold, 80 Rockets making it on the pitch in some form and another record crowd meant it was a great weekend. Check out the vital statistics to bring back some memories.

Before that though, we met Sam Tomkins and Michael Shenton at the launch event and even played our part in giving 100 local charities the chance to get in on the action.

Then, during the main event, as well as the sea of orange in the stands capturing the eye once again, it was U14 Ollie having a dance pitchside that took over the internet, quickly going viral. We also met rugby league’s woman of the year, Lizzie Jones for good measure.

Elsewhere in May, we were pleased to announce Rockets stalwart, Michael Mitchell as Club Captain, also leading the first team to the Thunder 9s final in their first run out of the season.

And finally, it was more good news for ex-Rocket, Lewis Davey who signed for Keighley Cougars.

June

Lewis was back in the news in June when he and fellow Rocket, Martyn Steel were picked to tour Hungary with GB Lionhearts, a tremendous honour.

Starting their rugby league journey were the U8s, who made their debut at Kingston Park with many smiles.

And at the other end of the junior spectrum, the U16s Cup Final was the first silverware up for grabs in the North East this season and our boys took home the trophy with an impressive win against Jarrow Vikings.

We captured the magic of the occasion thanks to a new partnership with MC Media, who made a documentary that has evoked goosebumps and tears, especially if you were there.

June also saw one of the games of the season played out for the first team, travelling to eventual champions Jarrow Vikings with only 14 men and walking way victorious to top the league for the first time that season.

Another new initiative by Rockets Community meant we held our first dedicated rugby camp for the younger end of the club in response to their request for ‘more rugby’. The team also received backing from Sport Newcastle to further expand their activities in the schools.

Rocket Tots was coming along nicely and that man Lewis Davey came on board as a coach to accommodate a doubling in capacity.

July

Junior finals dominated July, with a fantastic four sides playing in the five finals. All sides impressed with the U16s A completing the treble, the U14s Black the double and the U12s lifting the Cup. The U14s Orange missed out on the Shield but were admirable in defeat. It was a phenomenal day for us and the North East.

The school holidays traditionally start and finish with Rocket Camps and this year was no different, the Alnwick camp moving to a new venue to cope with increased demand. The new U7&U8s were also invited along for the first time meaning another excellent turnout.

The summer holiday brings a brief respite for the junior sections, but we still have the U16s NE Origin series to enjoy, with a number of Rockets representing North of Tyne, the first representative honours for many of them.

August

Being able to reveal we had received backing from the Big Lottery Fund was a great relief having excitedly sat on the news for about a month.

The good people of Forty-20 let me share a Rockets view of Magic Weekend from the point of view of U8 Daniel. A very lucky young man.

And finally the Rocket Camps brought the summer to the end in their usual style.

Tomorrow is our final instalment, looking at September to December and focusing on our visits to both the regional and national rugby league awards.