I was greeted by Chairman John Simpson and introduced to other members of the committee.
The first thing that had to be done was buy some tickets for the infamous Houghton post-match raffle. There were six prizes including a litre bottle of gin and a meal for two at a venue of your choice, all for ten pence per ticket. The only condition was whatever you win you must take with you.
Houghton are a club on the bounce. A few years ago they were struggling to fulfil their league fixtures and the junior section was in some disarray. Thanks to the hard work of the committee and coaches they are now turning out two senior teams and have a strong thriving junior section, which bodes well for the future of the club.
On the pitch Houghton put up a whole hearted performance but wasted several good scoring opportunities. Newton Aycliffe were much the sharper of the two teams punishing Houghton mistakes to score at regular intervals to run out victors 39 -3.
Back in the club house the bar was full and full of expectation for the raffle draw. There were, as promised, six prizes that included the bottle of Gin, a cuddly toy, tins of out of date lager and the meal for two. This consisted of a tin of potatoes, a tin of carrots and a tin of stew to be cooked and eaten at a venue of your choice.
All this was part of the buzz, fun and enjoyment that seems to be the order of the day at Houghton these days.
This was the first meeting of the two clubs since the tragic death of Terry Parsons while playing for Newton Aycliffe on this ground.
A date for your diary 6th March. As part of the fund raising events in support of Terry's family a Houghton 15 will play a Newton Aycliffe 15 at Kingston Park prior to the Falcons match against Saracens. Please come along and support this very good cause.