JARROVIANS
Friday evening off to Jarrovians for their Friday Night Live tournament where 5 teams play 15 min each way matches on a round robin basis.
I am warmly greeted by several of the committee and recognise the barman as Archie who was a combative prop from the Ams clashes with Jarrovians. He recognises me from my days on the county disciplinary committee - he was a frequent customer.
I am surprised to learn that the club house has been operating for over ten years which means it was at least ten years since I was last there.
The bar reminds me of the one in West's old club house that we left last year and is run by volunteers. Theakston Best Bitter was notable at £1.90 for a pint - not that they would let me pay for anything all night.
Their hard working committee are full of enthusiasm for the near future and are fortunate to have Tamara Thompson the England women’s player as their lead coach, and with 45 regular players they are optimistic that they can turn out two team regularly this season.
A thriving junior section also bodes well for the future of the club, and they have spent heavily in the close season on treatments for the pitches which are much improved.
The committee are in the early stages of negotiations with the local council about the possibility of taking responsibility for and developing the community centre which is next to their club, and managing the whole site which would include rugby and football pitches.
The buzz in the club house after the matches was of a proper rugby club with players from all teams enjoying the post-match crack. (Elmo - food hot dogs and chips)
If this is typical of the reception I am going to receive on my visits I am in for a most enjoyable year.
BISHOP AUCKLAND
Proud to present Bishop's RFU Accreditation certificates to chairman Keith Wilkinson, Dan Lewis accreditation lead and Mark Macnair club president
The club pitches were all very busy with Bishop Auckland Ladies playing Sunderland who win 20-5. Bishop Auckland firsts took on Stockton and went down 29-5 in a useful warm-up game while an annual motor cycle rally was taking place at one end of the ground. Funny how motor bike riders looks so mature these days.
Bishop admitted pinching a few ideas from what has been done in the new West club house as part of their club house revamp. They have removed all the rugby decoration from the main room and put them on to the walls in the dressing room area. The main room has been re-decorated and prints of local land marks hang on the walls to make the facility more attractive to outside functions such as weddings.
Their committee were eager to tell me of the success they are having in increasing the numbers in their junior section, and how their Ladies section was going from strength to strength and attracting good support from the RFU.
Beer Cafferys, food pasta
Next week off to Ryton duty driver daughter Laura.
PS My duty driver for visit to Darlington on 10th December is now unavailable if anyone would like to volunteer they will be made most welcome.