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Crusaders Lose Cumbria Vase Final

Saturday, 9th May 2009

The Crusaders entertained Kendal at Warwick Road in the Cumbria Vase final, and just missed out by 1 point in a tight and exciting match that finished 6 pts to 7 pts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unbelievable weather conditions in the first half saw two teams trying desperately to play a good standard of rugby.

Carlisle took an early lead through a penalty from Matt Rogers and half through this opening period he added a second.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 80 minutes of rugby Carlisle only lost their concentration once when Kendal were awarded a penalty just outside the home 22.  It was quickly taken by the Kendal number 8 who ran at the retreating Carlisle pack and before they had time to adjust to the imminent threat, Kendal touched down for the only try of the game  - converted.

In the second half, the Crusaders did everything but score points – on a couple of occasions Carlisle players broke free only to be dragged down by an efficient Kendal defence just short of the line.  Franny Dixon pounced on a Kendal error with ten minutes remaining, kicking through and going clear; a second kick saw the ball fly away to his left at ninety degrees and a clear chance of a score went begging.

Matt Rogers was unlucky with another two penalty attempts’

Crusaders hooker, John Bowman, had an outstanding game with some strong carries and solid defence;  the Carlisle midfield defence was noticeably strong with Jack Oddie making good ground in the early difficult conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, it was a good hard fought game and competently refereed by Neil Carruthers from Netherhall..

Although the losing side were naturally disappointed it was an excellent advert for 2nd XV rugby and a sizeable crowd appreciated the entertainment on view.

If ever there was an example of the camerarderie and friendship that the game of rugby offers, then it was during this match  -  one of the Kendal lads chose to play in the game surrounded by friends  -  helping to take his mind off the tragic events of earlier in the week when, sadly his girlfriend died suddenly.  The thoughts of all at Carlisle RFC are with him in hour of need.

Finally, Crusaders can take heart from the fact that they all but eclipsed a team of lads on stand by to make a claim for a place in the Kendal; 1st XV  -  National Three North  -  the standard of the rugby was high and hopefully it will be carried forward into the new season.

Squad for the match:

Adam Spiers
John Bowman
Mark Allan
Callum Gray
Stewart Graham
Richard Bearchell
Dan Logan
Richard Percival
Arron Murray
Matt Rogers
Franny Dixon
Martin Plummer
Jack Oddie
Dan Holmes
Max Connon
Ian Watson
Matt Davies
Matt Corrigan
Jack Tranter
Calum McSkeane
Chris Kersop
Duncan

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Coaching Post at Aspatria

Head Coach Required

The Club is seeking a head coach for the coming season.

• Ideally experienced at Level 5 or above

• Should be qualified to RFU level 2 or above

• Detailed Job Description available on request

• Salary negotiable

Please apply by email or letter with your CV to Mark Richardson,  Director of Rugby at irichardson@aol.com or in writing to Mark Richardson at the club address or tel 07711108449 for a discussion.

Incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 Registered in England;Register No – 28712R

Member of the Rugby Football Union

Reg. Office;Bower Park,Station Rd.,ASPATRIA,Cumbria. CA7 2AJ  Tel – 016973 20420   

 Fax & TAD- 016973 23430

Website www. aspatriarufc.co.uk

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Carlisle Players Feature in County Match

CUMBRIA V NORTH MIDLANDS

Workington, 9th May 2009

The County Chmpionship stage of the season is upon us and three Carlisle players featured in key positions in the Cumbria team that entertained North Midlands at Workington on Saturday, 9th May 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Stamper (loose head prop), Matt Charters (open side flank) and Chris Harris (outside centre), all played well.  However, Harris was particularly noticeable on his senior county debut at 18 years of age.  He has had a meteoric rise in senior rugby.   This is his first season of senior rugby, having missed only one match for the club senior XV and he has also featured in the county under 20’s.

Harris crowned his county senior debut with a try, although it was not quite enough to win the game, with the visitors just sneaking the result.

As a result of playing in this match, Matt Charters now qualifies for the award of his county cap.  Congratulations – a well deserved honour for a great lad both on and off the field.

Former Carlisle hooker, Joe Graham, now playing national rugby with Tynedale also played a prominent part in the game.

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Try touch rugby with Carlisle Cougars

Carlisle Cougars ladies rugby team are holding touch rugby sessions on Monday evenings from 11th May.

Lucy Meadley the Cougars Captain said

“Anyone over 12 years old and adults are invited to come along to the sessions. You do not need to have played rugby before. Touch rugby is a great game for the summer for rugby players, but equally can be enjoyed by complete beginners. The basics are very easy to pick up so the sessions will be an opportunity to play the game rather than training sessions”.

Touch rugby is good for fitness, but you don’t need to be fit to come along. You will need sports clothing and trainers.

The sessions will start at 6.30 pm but it would be appreciated if people will be at the rugby club on Warwick Road for 6.15pm.

Text Katie Wilson on 07912 110785 or email carlislecougars@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested in joining in.  

PDF for more info.

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Equity in Sport

Designed to assist current or future coaches in becoming more aware of issues related to the barriers people face when taking part in sport.

The course will be held later in the month in the Allerdale area.

Further details on attached PDF

The usual club conditions (also on this website) apply to those wishing to attend.

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Annual Awards Dinner

FRIDAY, 29TH MAY 2009

Tickets are now available for the Annual Awards Presentation Dinner that will be held in the Club on Friday, 29th May 2009 at 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm.

 

Tickets can be obtained from behind the bar on payment of £10.

 

Hurry to avoid disappointment, because ticketsare limited and once they have gone that’s it!

View poster PDF

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Carlisle to stay in North 2 East league

It has been confirmed that Carlisle will still be playing in the north east next season (2009 – 2010).

The North 2 East League has been renamed and will now be known as NORTH 1 EAST.

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Under 9/10 End of season report

An unfortunate mix of bad luck and bad decisions  put a dampener on the seasons finale – but the players can hold their heads up high after  series of exceptional performances  which could have seen them earn a canbinet full of silverware.

There was an uncertain start to the tournament season with a tough opener at the Vale of Lune. A late withdrawl from Carlisle’s group meant that  narrow defeats to Preston and Liverpool saw us on the bus home after just two games. Scant reward after the long trip to Lancaster. But the team performed well against quality opposition. Plenty of players enjoyed a run out with Bruce Spencer and Chris Green shining.

Closer to home for the next tournament – the Cumbria festival at Aspatria – in which a series of exceptional performances including a one all draw against eventual winners Tynedale – saw the team through to a semi final against Upper Eden. Carlisle dominated the game crossing the Upper Eden line three times  only to see their scores ruled out – through great defence or an unsighted referee. Even a period of extra time which again saw Carlisle camped on the Upper Eden line failed to separate the teams  - leading to a final period in which the first ‘golden try’ would be the decider. Again Carlisle dominated but it was Upper Eden who broke away to score the winner. An heroic effort and a devastating outcome. Superb performance all round – Half backs Bruce Spencer and George Hollings showing real class – Adam Harrison and Sam Low combining tough tackling and silky skills in the centre and Alex Hodgkinson and Gregory Baines tackling and running hard from the wing.

To the Tynedale sevens next  and with George Hollings ruled out with a broken wrist it was Ruaridh Barkers turn to play a blinder at scrum half  - whilst Rory O’Brien adpated well to the fly half role when Bruce Spencer took a nasty knock to the head. After a narrow opening round defeat against Morpeth the team made easy progress from the group to the quarter final – only to come up short against a superb Egremont side  - our nemesis all season and a team which sets the benchmark for us to aim for next year. Carlisle went down 5-1  our biggest defeat of the season – but remained competitive throughout. Egremont went on to win the competion inflicting 7- walkovers in the semis and final.

At the traditional seasonal finale  - the Alnwick festival in Northumberland  - there were more heart stopping moments. In a tight group stage  Carlisle lost their opener against Morpeth 2-1  before dominating a 1-1 draw against Tynedale B – just enough to squeeze into the quarter finals of the main competition. Josh Park was outstanding in the opening games – winning good set piece ball and putting in a series of big tackles. In the quarters Carlisle came up against hosts Alnwick and it was a home town decisions which won the day  - Alnwick winning 2-1 with a try from the wrong from a player who everyone thought was in touch – apart from the home touch judge. It was a bitter disappointment  as Carlisle had done enough to win the game.  On the back of this result Carlisle dipped into the semi final of the plate competition   comfortably seeing of Ponteland  with a 5-1 demolition. William maughn, Tom Percival and Jack Harrison all had a chance to shine in a one sided encounter. In the plate final Carlisle came up against a big  Sunderland side. But despite the wearsiders  size advantage it was Carlisle’s forwards who applied the pressure   – allowing Carlsle to take a 2-0 half time lead. Toby Huggon excelled again at hooker  - but after taking a knock was replaced by ‘Mr perpetual motion’ Luke Finney who always works hard to win good ball for Carlisle. Despite continuing to apply most of the pressure Carlisle allowed Sunderland to claw back one try, and then with time nearly up Sunderland sneaked over again with a last gasp effort to tie the scores at 2 -2.  With no extra time allowed the game was decided on tries conceded throughout the competition – Sunderland taking the trophy   by just one score.

The under 10shave shown great commitment and promise all season and deserve so much more for  their efforts.  Competition for the squad player of the year awards is going to be tough. 

Time now to put the boots away til September – perhaps lady luck will smile on us next season.

Steve Park

Under 9/10 Coach

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Making of Men – Aidan Coyles

It’s always been recognised that (except by the PC brigade) that combative team sports are great leveller and character builder.  The folks in the club youth section will remember AIDAN COYLES who, until he emigrated to Canada last September, was hooker for our under 15’s.

Truth be told, he wasn’t too keen on going to Canada, but it is understood that he has settled well and enjoying life across “the pond”.

Reproduced below is a letter from his dad, Chris, in which he expresses appreciation for what his son has achieved at rugby after first getting his grounding at Warwick Road.  It is indeed, a heartening story, and one that members of Carlisle RFC can take pride in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hi Dave

 I hope you are keeping well.  This is just a note of thanks to Carlisle Rugby Club.

As you are aware the Coyles family emigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in September of last year.  It has been a hard transition for our eldest son Aidan who is 15, as he had so many friends in Carlisle and he was enjoying his rugby playing hooker for the under 15’s, with Mike Howe and Paul Minnet as his coaches.  He started to play at under 12 level and has enjoyed every minute of the last four years. Mike and Paul have created something very special with this team.

Having been as police officer in Carlisle for the last 17 years I can honestly say I have never seen a group of teenage boys so committed to each other and the Club, and be such a pleasure to be around.  Out of this sense of team has come great success with the team winning the county cup twice and only losing a handful of games in four years.

Aidan was struggling to come to terms with the move but has recently had trials for the Alberta under v18′s team and he was taken on, and has since been on a 10 day tour to Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, where they played three games.  Aidan missed out on the first game which they lost but played as a flanker in the second and third games which they won.  His coaches were very pleased with his strength and committment to the game which they had doubted due to his slight build.

Aidan is now hoping to be selected to play in the Canada Games being held at Prince Edward Island in August.

He has also been playing for his school team and the local club, Foothills Lions at both under 16 and under 18 level.

Aidan now has a very positive attitude towards his new surroundings which has come about through his exposure to rugbyu, so thanks again Carlisle Rugby Club and a special thank you to Mike and Paul.

Regards

Chris”

So, there you have it  - a great advert for the commttment and dedication of the youth coaching staff at Carlisle.

We send out best wishes to Aidan and Chris and their family, and we will be rooting for him later in the year at the Canada Games!

Hopefully his family will keep us up to date.