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Crusaders 8 v Sunderland 5

Candy League
Saturday, 28th November 2009

On paper this was a home fixture for the 2nd XV but because of the poor state of the pitches at Carlisle, the game was switched to the north east to ensure the match went ahead.

Having already beaten Sunderland earlier in the season, it was great to do the double over them.

It was a game of committment, excitement and no little skill.

Callum McSkeane touched down for a try and although Luke Graham managed a penalty, he couldn’t add the conversdion to the try.

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West Hartlepool 56 v Carlisle 5

CANDY LEAGUE – Saturday, 31st October 2009

After a great team performance the week before, the Crusaders were unfortunate to be depleted in numbers due to several injuries.

John Bowman was aware of the task ahead and so was the rest of the team. West Hartlepool were a well drilled, fast and powerful outfit , and this showed in  the early stages of the game.

Carlisle matched where they could, but unfortunately The Monkey hangers scored a penalty and converted try in quick succession.

This seemed to gift Hartlepool some confidence – and they began to play with real flair which the Crusaders, despite the best efforts, could not defend. 

However, like many of the games this season – in the second half the Crusaders looked threatening, and strong runs from the likes of Tranter and Watson – gave Carlisle positive positions on the park.

It’s fair to say that in the second half, Carlisle played the most rugby! 

Simon Little gave the Crusaders what they were working for mid way through the half, after persistent pressure in the West Hartlepool half -  Luke Graham spun wide to Little who sold his opposite number a glorious dummy and sailed through the gap for the try.

Unfortunately – perhaps too little too late from the Warwick road men as West Hartlepool ran out comfortable winners. 

But with more men returning from the Physio’s room next week – Richard Liddle will be having a selection head ache as the boys look to get back to winning ways against Morpeth.

Man of the match went to Jack Tranter this week, who was aggressive in defence and creative in attack, other strong performances came from Matt Davis, Ian Watson and Luke Graham.

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Westoe v Crusaders

On the 19th September, the crusaders made the journey over to the north east in high spirits after the convincing win over Billingham in the previous week.

With Richard Liddle sidelined and John Bowman making the step up to the first team, Jack Oddie was handed the arm band.

It didn’t take long before Westoe drew first blood. From a scrum in the Carlisle 22 – the crusaders seemed to be absorbing the pressure well, but then the Westoe back line combined well to find a gap in the defense for an easy try.

From the restart, the Carlisle pack were aggressively relentless to win the ball back. After consistent pressure – the Westoe backs received poor ball, and with an ‘in their face’ style defense from the Carlisle backs – the Westoe full back buckled under pressure spilling the pill in to the hands of Jack Oddie, who ran under the posts for a converted try.

A very even half saw pressure from both parties. Quick ball from the menacing Aron Murray at nine allowed the brain and agility of Matt Rogers to release inside centre Paddy Macdonnell on the Westoe midfield, and a back row of Stew Graham, Callum Gray and especially the young Gary Graham were both aggressive and hard working in their plight to win the ball.

But that wasn’t without Westoe playing some attractive and attacking Rugby football. Carlisle were organized in their defense. And although Westoe came close, Oddie halted an attack down the wing, Joe Harrington and Stew Graham were consistently menacing in protecting the fringes of the breakdown and Chris Fairclough made the tackle of the game by literally putting the Westoe eight on his backside two metres behind where he met the shoulders of the promising front rower, preventing a sure try!

The next twenty minutes saw a battle of the boots, with Carlisle’s Chris Kersop and Westoes ten almost taking turns to convert penalties. As half time drew close, Carlisle looked to keep the ball in hand to see out the half, but Carlisle were penalized for illegal play on the floor. The quick tap penalty saw Westoe expose a gap in the retreating Carlisle defense, then with an overlap; Westoe converted their chance with some handling that defeated the Carlisle men that were working hard to prevent the try.

This certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the Carlisle men, a towering restart from Rogers allowed Gary Graham and Stew Graham to bury the Westoe catcher with Scott Squire and Richard Yardley firing in to turn over the ball. Carlisle began to play now, with Macdonnell skinning his defender and breaking in to space. With this break; the pill went through the hands, but the relentless Westoe defense were tireless in their efforts to prevent the try. Carlisle played fast, punchy phases and soon Westoe were penalized for their efforts to halt the surging Cumbrian attack, as some handling on the floor gifted Kersop an easy three points in front of the sticks.

After the last say of the first half, and the sun behind them; the Crusaders began the second half with a united belief and determination; and this was obvious in the way Carlisle began the restart. An early Kersop penalty brought the boys two points behind. Then consistent forward play proved problematic to the larger Westoe pack, especially with the power and athleticism from the young Gary Graham, the sheer power, chat and organization of Scott squire and Aron Murray bossing his pack around the park. Carlisle continued to make ground with Murray and Rogers releasing forwards like Ross Allan, Rob Cullon and Chris Kersop punching holes.

When the time was right, Rogers demanded the ball and Carlisle began to play wider. Now we could really use our quick lads Jack Tranter, James Armiger and Callum McSKean.

Westoe did well to defend the power of the likes of Squire, Ross and Grey and the blistering pace of Armiger, McSkeane and Tranter for so long. But eventually, the ref spotted an infringement and Carlisle gained a penalty. Unfortunately, this was the one kick the consistent Kersop missed, but Carlisle returned as determined. Rogers played his clever, little balls in the faces of Westoes back line, allowing McDonnel and Oddie to gain valuable yards in midfield. Carlisle had gelled and were looking dangerous. Hard work from the likes of Fairclough, Callum Gray and Stew Graham allowed Murray to continue to unleash Tranter on to the Westoe Defense. Carlisle were bossing the game, as the Cumbrians made ground, Rogers dropped in to the pocket. Murray ordered his pack over and gave the Crusaders 10 the ball in a promising area. Unfortunately, the towering Westoe seven did exceptionally well to close Rogers down and deflect the pill away from the sticks!

The Carlisle boys weren’t finished though, more pressure followed; but the Westoe defence continued to hold their fort. Then, totally against the run of play, Carlisle found them selves isolated in their attack; a quick turnover from the Sand dancers and, once again, slick hands – released the Westoe winger to stretch his legs in space from his own twenty two.

The converted try certainly didn’t dampen the Carlisle spirits, but it raised Westoes.

Liddle made changes to try and give energy to the Carlisle XV. David Benson, Rob Cullon and Dion. These changes injected a tactical boot, hard work and pace to the effort.

Carlisle were now on the back foot, but killing the attack when they could. Graham and Graham were still clearing up at the breakdown. The effort soon became in vein though as Westoe simply sucked the Cumbrians in a little, then played behind the centre’s with the back three – resulting in three tries before the final whistle.

Certainly the score line didn’t reflect the game, and the Crusaders are relishing the opportunity of the reverse fixture.

A lot of positives to build on, and a mention must go to the young lads of Graham, Alan, Cullon and Benson making their impression on the senior game.

The Crusaders will be looking forward to their travels to Darlington next week, but Liddle will certainly be having selection problems after so many strong performances.

Jack Oddie got man of the match, and Gary Graham was a close second.

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Crusaders Lose to Darlington MP

Saturday, 5th September  -  Candy League

Crusaders 27 pts, Darlington MP 31 pts was probably a fair result overall.  Although, Carlisle know it was a game they could and should have won.

At the break the score was 12 pts to 10 pts.  Further tries by Chris Kersop and man of the match Tom Lewis closed things in a bit.

The Crusaders backs were impressive but lacked quick ball supply to go forward in confident attacking mode.  Doubtless they will learn from their frailties, hit the rucks with more thought and aggression, creating momentum, getting the opposition onto the back foot and then move the ball wide.    That would allow the wingment (currently Paddy McDonnell and James Clark) room to operate in effectively.

Joe Harrington at prop had an excvellent match, strongly supported by Gary Graham, Stu Graham and Callum Gray.

There were notable performances to from some old heads, Chris Kersop, Simon Little and Richard Percival and it highlighted the need for a sprinkling of experience to blend with youth and enthusiasm.

15    James Armiger
14    Callum McSkeane
13    James Clark
12    Paddy McDonnell
11    Jack Tranter
10    Simon Little
9      Arron Murray
1      Joe Harrington
2      John Bowman (Captain)
3      Scott Squire
4      Chris Kersop
5      Tom Lewis
6      Callum Gray
7      Stuart Graham
8      Richard Percival
16    Jay Ritson
17    Chris Fairclough
18    Ian Watson
19    Gary Graham

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Crusaders 27 v Darlington MP 31

Saturday, 5th September 2009
CANDY LEAGUE

Both sides started well with plenty of possession, attacking the defensive lines of the opposition and with both defending resolutely.
The deadlock was broken by Carlisle after quarter of an hour when Jack Tranter was first to react to a dropped ball by DMP, fly hacking through and then chasing his kick; a further kick through prior to falling on the ball, had left the defence behind.  But, when looking for support Jack found lock, Kersop, and he ran in for the opening unconverted try.

The home side then leaked two tries quite quickly as the DMP pack battered the Carlisle line,  The home side then had a lengthy period of possession and camped on the DMP line.  Calum McSkeane took a short ball off the shoulder of Paddy McDonnell to break two tackles and score under the posts. Kersop converted.

At half time the the score of Crusaders 12 DMP 19 pts was a fair reflection of the game.

The second half was similar to the first with the only ever a few points separtating the teams and when it finished ad 31 pts to 27 pts in favour of the guests it was a fair result, although Carlisle know it was a game they could, and should have won!
A further try by Kersop and one by man of the match Tom Lewis brought the score close.

Carlisle had an impressive looking back line but suffered from the lack of quick ball when going forward to put them in a

competent attacking position.  The Crusaders need to learn from this, hit rucks with more thought and aggression, creating momentum, getting the oipposition onto the back foot and then move the ball wide, quickyly affording McDonnell and Clark some space to work.

Joe Harrington at prop had an excvellent game, strongly suppoirted by Stu and Gary Graham and Callum Gray.  A notable solid performance by Kersop, Simon Little and “Percyville” highlighted that the future of the club still needs to benefit from the experience of senior players.  The side was made up of youngsters, Gary Graham (17) (who put up an excellent show).  Others like skipper John Bowman, Callum Gray, Jack Tranter, all in their early twenties; but the backbone of the performance came from the senior players setting the platform for the youngters to benefit from.

Star man  -  Tom Lewis

Crusaders XV

15    James Armiger
14    Callum McSkeane
13    James Clark
12    Paddy McDonnel
11    Jack Tranter
10    Simon Little
9      Arron Murray
1      Joe Harrington
2      John Bowman
3      Scott Squire
4      Chris Kersop
5      Tom Lewis
6      Callum Gray
7      Stu Graham
8      Richard Percival
16    Jay Ritson
17    Chris Fairclough
18    Ian Watson
19    Gary Graham

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Hornets Still Sleeping!

The Hornets were left in “their nest” on the opening Saturday of the season.

Not a good start to the first day of the season in the Cumbria Shield League.  They had been due to travel to Whitehaven where St Benedict’s should have been the opposition.

Heavy rain in the west of the county apparently left the Mirehouse pitches in an unplayable condition.  Watch this space for the re-arranged date.

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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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Furness burn at hands of Crusaders

Saturday, 25th April 2009

Cumbria Vase 1/4 Final

The Crusaders travelled to the Strawberry Ground at Barrow on 25th April to play their Cumbria Vase quarter final tie against Furness.  An emphatic victory made it a double for Carlisle, with the senior XV victorious at Wigton.

They romped home thanks to eleven tries and five conversions to secure a place in the semi final, although we don’t yet know who our opponents are.

Tries by;

Chris Kelloch (2)
F.Dixon (2)
Matt Rogers (2) and 4 conversions also
Ian Watson (1)
Martin Plummer (1)
Matt Henderson (1) and 1 conversion
Adam Spiers (1)
Duncan (1)

 

 

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Crusaders draw at Penrith

Saturday, 18th April 2009

The Crusaders travelled to Winters Park and came away with a draw having led for most of the game and allowing the hosts to draw level in the closing minutes of the match.

Scorers for Crusaders:

Tries:        Chris Kelloch (1)

                  Franny Dixon (1)

                  Ian Watson (1)

Cons:        Matt Rogers (1)

Pens:        Matt Rogers (1)

On 25th April the Crusaders travel to Furness to play a game in the Cumbria Vase.

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Durham City 11 v Crusaders 15

Saturday, 28th March 2009

Candy League

Games in the Candy League have been hard to come by since the league was “split” at the turn of the year. It seems as though it is OK for us go travelling to give everyone a game at home, with a marked reluctance to reciprocate.

Not good enough!

Crusaders travelled to Durham on 28th March and got the league points in what was a scrappy encounter  -  end of season stuff!

Tries from Dan Holmes, Chris McSkeane and Richard Bearchell secured the victory with the only retort from Durham being a couple of penalties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There have been rumours around that the Crusaders were to leave the Candy League for next season with the team being entered in the Cumbria League of the English Clubs Championship.

It is fair to say that serious consideration was given to the possibility, and although it was intitially agreed that an application would be made to the Cumbria League, the proposal was not proceeded with after assurances were received that some restructuring of the Candy League would take place next time round; and applications from other clubs to join the Candy League is anticipated.

Top quality second team rugby is essential to the development of any club, and the Candy League provides appropriate competition at the present time.

Although we are staying in the Candy League, sources tell us that Penrith are withdrawing their second string,  if an application to join the north west based Miller Homes Leagues is approved.  Good luck to them  -  but it has to be said that Whitchurch is a long way for second team rugby!

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