Peter Clarkson

Sadly, Peter died on Tuesday, 6 July.  He was returning from a holiday in Scotland with his wife Meta when he slipped and hurt himself.  He was taken into Carlisle Hospital and although he appeared quite comfortable he died two days later. His funeral will take place at 11.30 next Friday, 16 July, at St Botolph’s Church, Carlton-in-Cleveland

Peter was been associated with this Club for over 70 years and was a much revered Honorary Life Member.  He played for the Club before the war, and on returning from the forces became 1st XV Vice-Captain and then Captain, before serving as Team Secretary, selector, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, Trustee and President. 
Despite living out of town in Carlton-in-Cleveland and no longer able to drive he continued to regularly attend our games last season.  It is impossible to over-state how important Peter was to this Club and I cannot imagine anyone ever again giving the Club so much of their time, support and enthusiasm for so many years.  He will be sorely missed.  It is the end of an era for Middlesbrough Rugby Club.

Jonno

(On behalf of all at MRUFC)

We have just heard that our friend and former development officer Lee Rust has recently lost his mother Anne.  Can we  express our condolences and best wishes to “Rusty” and his family at this difficult time.

Next years U15's will start pre-season training at the Tollesby Road Ground at 6.15-7.45 on Friday 2nd July. Once the season starts we shall revert back to the normal training night of Wednesdays 

I would just like to  congratulate Mddlesborough RFC (u14's) for retaining the Yorkshire Cup on Sunday. My son no longer plays for York due to school commitments, but we both went to watch the game and were very pleased we did. It was truly one of the best games of rugby anybody could wish to watch.
Both sets of players gave everything and were a real credit to their clubs, coaches and parents. Although both sets of players showed no mercy in tackles the game was played in a magnicent spirit and this I feel was very much down to the respect they had for each other. Both sets of coaching staff also deserve  great deal of praise for their great example, and also all the parents who stood side by side and just marvelled at the standard of rugby they witnessed without any criticism of any of the players or the
ref. It is nice to see a succesfull club also being a very friendly club. Good Luck for the future, hopefully next season the 2 clubs have a chance to repeat this match.

Congratulations to all involved with the great results over the weekend.

Well done to the U14’s on retaining their title as Yorkshire cup champions !.  Well done to the U15’s who have now reached the Plate final and well done to the Colts for retaining their title as the best club team in Yorkshire !

Furthermore not to be outdone I understand that the Minis at u10’11’s and 12’s too had successes in the Durham tournaments.  A great day for the club.

Great stuff boys !

Supporters WANTED Sunday 18th April 2010 

 12.30 @ York RUFC to cheer the under 14s on in their Yorkshire Cup Final and then at 14.00 to cheer the u15s on oin their Yorkshire Plate semi final.

Good luck this weekend for three under 15 players who on Sunday are in the 1st 15 for Yorkshire against Lancashire at Sedgeley Park. Jack McTeirnan, Josh Walters and Josh Burridge all start in the side that has already beaten Cardiff Schools and Cheshire.

 It is a great acheivement for the u15 coaches and players as the team already has Paddy Todd, Fola Ajekigbe, Zach Kibirige & Ollie Hodgson in the Durham U15s.

 May 3rd could see an intersting battle as the Leeds Carnegie JDS (Junior Development Squad) are due to meet Newcastle Falcons JDS at the National Acadenies 12s festival at Broadstreeet RUFC and this will see the 2 Joshs playing against team mates Olly and Zach. Next years England u16 selectors will be in attendance...so who knows!!!. 

Good luck to all, and very well done on the achievements so far.

In a week that has been tinged with Sadness I think all the boys on Saturday did Stuey proud!.  Starting from the top a great win by the first team putting 30 points passed any team in the national league is impressive.  Follow that up with a first ever win at Blaydon for the Wasps, and not just a win, taking the bear bones of a squad a 33 point to 22 victory puts the wasps in second place in the Candy league.  The A team march onwards to cup glory again comprehensively beating Wharfedale to reach the semi’s of the north Yorkshire trophy and capping it off was a victory for the colts over table topping rivals Malton and Norton in the Yorkshire cup 24 – 7.  4 tremendous team efforts well done to all concerned coaches, players and supporters alike !

Stu Blair
Was a gentleman of the highest order, always having a tale to tell and a smile on his face along with it.  I will certainly miss seeing his ponytail around the place.
On behalf of all at MRUFC, juniors, seniors and social members alike rest in peace Stu and thanks.

Many thanks to all those members that supported the club by selling the RFU raffle tickets.  Despite being severely hampered by the weather we still managed to sell approx £440.00 worth of tickets , giving around £400.00 back to the club.  Particular thanks to the U13’s who collectively raised over £120.00 ! 
This money will go towards improving and maintaining the facilities at both the Green lane and the Tollesby road sites. Benefiting us all.    Thanks again !

Website
I have been having problems uploading and correcting articles from the website with the server I use. To cap it all, our computer crashed having been attacked by a virus that got through the safety net.. I was consequently not able to upload the latest team selection. We have got the computer up and running again, but it will take a few more days before it's fully restored and running to its maximum capabilities. Sorry guys

Hi all 
I enjoyed a wonderful 6 months playing for the borough in ’99. Always wanted to follow the lads and came across the website now. Send all my best wishes to all who can remember me. and tell Richie Horton he should retire now.

Willis has always been a forking legend.  It was a great weekend of rugby which was helped by the excellent condition of the 2nd pitch. 5 weeks of not being used and no junior training on it really has paid dividends. Hopefully the weather will stay dry and the pitch will see the season out in good health.

Can I thank Mark Willis and the other volunteers who spent so much time over the weekend forking the pitches at Tollesby allowing the games to go ahead.  I know for a fact the fourth team were very grateful. 

As an aside MRUFC put out 18 competitive teams across the juniors and seniors this week.  Very few clubs can  do that. Well done guys !

All Senior and Junior games at Acklam Park have been cancelled this weekend.

Tthe Senior's intend holding a Training / Keep Fit session at Tollesby Road on Saturday afternoon at 1330 All welcome.

I would like you to convey my best wishes to Paul Sills and his family as they celebrate Christmas in their home from home.  I read their messages and wish them well in their efforts.  What an education!

I agree with Tim. The coverage of Rugby in general and Middlesbrough in particular in the local Media is a disgrace. When was the last time Radio Tees managed a mention on a Saturday? ...........Their efforts deserve more coverage

John Burridge

Safeguarding Officer

Sideline behaviour
There have been incidents in Yorkshire of problems on the touchline. The YRFU has produced the following document to assist clubs in dealing with any issues.
To view click here (pdf file)

John Burridge

Safeguarding Officer 

Could I just remind all players, parents/carers to read the "Imortant Notice" on the Junior and Mini home pages. It refers to NOT  buying bladed boots and making sure any studs are kite-marked rugby studs. I remind all of this as an under 12 parent was recently witness to an horrific laceration injury that was caused by bladed boots in a school football match.  

So sorry to hear about the untimely death of Peter Griffiths on Friday after a short illness. We had become good friends with Peter over the years.
Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Just a quick note to say thank you to all that supported the Darts night on Saturday.  It was a great success with over 30 athletes taking on the challenge, and many more people staying around to watch the competition.  The eventual winner was Eric “ The Mighty Physio” beating Paul “OWZAT” Gaynon in a tense final.  Eric wanted to display his  trophy on his mantelpiece at home.  Sadly he couldn’t reach though !

Just a message to say thanks to all the senior players who turned out at the weekend.  We did manage to turn out 4 full teams, with Subs.  Sadly results didn’t go our way in the A team and the Lions but they will come.  Well done boys and keep smiling. 

Annual MRUFC Darts night - Sat 10th October

Whole club fundraiser – Cash Prize and trophy for the winning player. 

All competitors need to bring, 5 pounds, a  theme tune on CD and be wearing a darts shirt !!!!   Qualifying rounds start at 7 p.m in the team room.

Altogether now !!!>  Lets play Darts  !!!!

Many thanks to Wes for his hard work over the last 2 seasons with the A team.  Unfortunately he has stepped down as A team captain.  In the short term, Jonno and Eddie will be organising the social teams for the weekend.  We are aware of a number of little issues that need looking at , including communication, but as individuals and as a club, we are committed to putting things right in  order to get the A team back on track, and back onto winning ways.  Lets work together to move forward, putting out 4 competitive teams every week on a Saturday. 

Another note to the 20+ coaches and helpers that gave up their time  and attended the Safeguarding Children Course held by the YRFU at the club last night. A very worthwhile course.

"Paul Sills aka Sillsy first week as a VSO in Gambia"
14th – 23rd  August

I am sending you a resume of the week as you may be interested to know how we are getting on. The journey went more smoothly than I had feared; all the stages came together and all of luggage arrived with us without having to pay for excess baggage. The hardest part was the bill for all the toiletries, sun block, mosquito repellent and medicines we bought in the Airport Boots (because they were too heavy to fit in our hold luggage) that set us back £80, a baggage excess might have been cheaper but there was a danger that we wouldn’t have been allowed any extra weight if the plane had been full.

 The welcome at the airport was friendly as Gambians lined the bottom of the staircase and then porters hustled the arrivals to take bags and then beg for payment to either help or to leave us alone! On arrival at the hotel I found myself having to put up mosquito nets because the caretaker had gone home and no other African would dare to take on another’s job.

We needed an early night and went to bed at 9.30, we later found out that Gambia had changed their time zone but hadn’t told the airline - who told us not to change our watches, so we were really in bed at 8.30! I’ve never done that before on a Friday.

After a poor night’s sleep (much too hot) we were awoken by loud bird song which made us feel better immediately. We enjoyed a breakfast of melon and bread before visiting the school to which we hope to send the children. Then we took a walk on the beach. We met many more incredibly friendly Gambians who all wished to speak to us and tried to help us find the VSO office, as well as help Abigail recover from a jellyfish sting.

After lunch I was faced with my greatest Saturday afternoon nightmare – shopping – I much prefer to be running around a rugby pitch! I set off with my umbrella, as I had heard thunder, and found myself caught in a torrential tropical downpour. The roads ended up covered with water and I ended up wading along paths with water up to my knees; unfortunately this led to an infection in a cut I had acquired putting up the aforementioned mosquito nets

On Sunday I had suggested we should visit a wildlife park but Abigail asked if we could visit the place where I will be working so we decided to go to the town of Brikama. With some trepidation we found ourselves in a “bush taxi”- a mini bus packed full with Gambians but with no set bus stops to get on or off just a general direction which is shouted out of the window by the fare collector. We travelled 30 miles through the farmed countryside past numerous roadside markets for the princely sum of 85p(five of us).

The market in Brikama was a mass of stalls with garish plastic sandals and fly covered meat creating the extremes. The town is famed for its craft market which we set off to find using our guide book – never has a map been more wrong, a mile later and on the other side of the road we reached the home of the woodcarvers; it lived up to expectation and we were lucky not to have been hassled into buying more than we needed.
While searching for the market we did find Gambia College, my workplace, and asked the security guard if we could look around. He gave me a guided tour, Denise and the children were mesmerised by the wildlife in the college grounds – beautiful birds, three foot long lizards/iguanas, 6 inch centipedes etc. I’m now worried that I will find it difficult to teach when there is so much wildlife about; where in the UK we might get excited when its snowing outside I might look silly getting excited about a lizard running up the wall!
 It was a good outing for the day as I got my wildlife, Abi & Mum saw my workplace, Bradley wowed the market with his musical interpretations and Denise went shopping.

The week of in country training (ICT) has felt leisurely but intense. A mass of forms were required on the first day as well as a visit to immigration to be registered as an “alien”. The other volunteers are younger than Denise and myself (the oldest by 10 years) and were amazed to see a typewriter in use, instead of a computer keyboard. We’ve also had a number of language lessons; Mandinka for me and Wolof for Denise; its hard going trying to learn new sounds and words with double consonants that break the rules I am used to teaching.

We were also given a mission akin to military training; taken to the capital and told to find a way back to our hotels before the locals turned out of work and swamped the public transport system. After our Sunday ‘gelleh-gelleh’ trip to Brikama it should have been easy, but then the rains came and things came to a standstill so we had to join the ‘rush hour’ chaos. Denise and I survived and returned by the cheapest possible route, 25p each, while the others “wimped out” in an expensive taxi, £1.50 each.   

When I had learnt from existing volunteers where we were due to live I took a walk down the intended street. I didn’t know the address but was a little worried when I noticed vulture circling overhead in the vicinity!

On Friday we moved into the house that will be our home for the next two years. It is a 2 bed room bungalow much smaller than we are used to and we have to share it with at least three different varieties of ants; the biggest are about a centimetre long. The kitchen consists of a sink (one tap) a cupboard unit, a fridge, a 2 ring gas stove and 2 shelves; so not really enough room for the two of us to work together. We share a large compound that is a good size for the children to play, with plenty of shade from the trees; coconut, orange, mango, lime and pear. The adjoining properties belong to the landlady, ‘Aunty’ Lucy, and another volunteer John Deane but yesterday we had vultures sitting on our compound wall and roof yesterday afternoon; we don’t think they’re big enough to carry off Bradley!

We went to a welcoming party on Saturday evening, at the home of a well connected Philippine volunteer. The food was oriental and superb, and the entertainment provided with a karaoke machine; cue Chinese karaoke style crooning apart from my signature Steppenwolf’s Born to be wild. The walk home was a very noisy affair as the bullfrogs sat croaking in the puddles in the streets making a fearsome din. It sent me to bed thinking what new experience I will have tomorrow; I have learnt today that I will probably have to change my normal diet if I am going to live off the allowance VSO give me – Denise and I will certainly return slimmer.

Dear Parents of Players aged 11 or under on September 1st 2009

Welcome to the new Mini Midi Rugby Season. I hope you had an enjoyable summer holiday.

Training in September

Rugby training for the Mini Midi section will begin on Sunday August 30th at Tollesby Road. Start times will be between 10:15 and 10:30 and finish times between 12:00 – 12:30 depending on the age of your son/daughter. We are very hopeful that the vast majority of players will return for the new campaign and are also looking forward to welcoming those of you that are joining Middlesbrough for the first time.

Training will be held at the same time throughout the whole of September but please be aware that the venue will change on September 6th, for one morning only, as a result of the 10k road race, when we will meet at Acklam Grange School via the Heythrop entrance.

Our first fixture will be at Guisborough on Sunday October 4th.

New Coaches

I am pleased to announce that we have a number of new coaches working with our players this season. New head coaches for teams are Eddie Scott who will run the tag teams and Julian Ellis/Kevin Jones who will jointly run the under 10’s. Steve Watts will continue running the Under 9’s as they start contact Rugby; Jason Malcolm the under 11’s and Geoff Bean the under 12’s. You will be introduced to a number of assistant coaches and team mangers when the training gets underway.

I’m sorry to hear about the death of Mike Keenan who was a loyal and committed supporter of Teesside sport, most notably of course the NY & SD Cricket League and an honorary gateman at Middlesbrough Rugby............ RIP

To Parents of under 13's and below (season 2009/10)- Kit Orders for next season

We are aiming to process a kit order for the new style shorts and socks over the next few weeks to ensure that they arrive in time for the new season (next years under 10's have these already I believe but all other ages up to and including under 13 do not).  
If parents of players up to and including under 13 wish to purchase the new style shorts and socks I can be found in the club on any of the following dates/times:
 
Friday June 19th 7pm - 9pm
Saturday June 20th 1pm - 4pm
Tuesday June 23rd 7pm - 7.30pm Friday June 26th 7pm - 10pm (summer social evening)

Shorts will cost £17.00 and socks £7.50. We have some samples available so the players can try them on. Please be prepared to pay by cheque. Parents of players in other teams will hopefully be able to purchase items in September from the club shop. We are only doing this order in advance because it is a bulk purchase.

Jonno,  You are such a girls blouse!

 On a serious note; it was a great night, The room was superb and the food surprisingly decent. A great job by Tilly standing in for Sick Note and a great motivational speech by Richie Horton.
As you say, ONE CLUB, working together is the way forward. Rather than waffling on can I just say a massive "Thank You" from those that I represent for the fantastic work that you have done for the Juniors and Minis.  It is only when one becomes involved at an organisational level that one realises how much you actually have done

 Thanks Jonno

Could I just express my thanks for the kind words and thoughts expressed to me on Saturday night at the junior dinner.  It was very unexpected and as you are aware a little emotional for me.  However can I repeat what I said on the night which is a huge well done to all the players, coaches and supporters and lets strive forward as ONE club, seniors and juniors alike, in tandem working together for the good of ALL.

I would just like to congratulate Middlesbrough Colts on winning the Cock O The North competition which was held at Wigan rugby club today. Very well done lads!!

It’s been a wonderful end to a great season. May I also wish the older colts all the best as they move into senior rugby in the club.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

‘THE STUART FOSTER MEMORIAL TROPHY’

     TUESDAY 16TH JUNE For more details, click here

Frank/Andrew
Angus and I had a great day when we popped up to Duns for the day.  Little tours like that are great for bringing both parents and players together What a great side the U11's are turning into, and we had a great laugh was had with the parents.

 Note to Self: Remember my ear defenders for the next time I watch  :-)

This years annual ball is to have a change of venue to hopefully encourage more participants date this year will be Saturday 26th December 09, venue  Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough. The room has been saved for two weeks where i will then be booking the room. Maxium numbers it can hold will be 150 and the price will range between £25 - £35 depending on numbers, i will require a £5 non refundable deposit asap. The format will be the same as previous years.

Please can all that read this pass on the message to others, numbers will only be reserved with the deposit.

Kevin Davey

Fixture Secretary

Sandal Juniors (and under 13s parent)

To John Burridge and the under 13s

 Very well done Middlesborough for your outstanding victory in the Yorkshire Cup Final. The boys played superb rugby with your travelling band of supporters cheering good rugby from both sides. From the Sandal perspective your boys were far too strong on the day and are fantastic ambassadors for 13s rugby in Yorkshire. We look forward to a return fixture when hopefully we will improve on what was a disappointing performance. Taking nothing away from MRUFC, a thoroughly deserved and emphatic win.

 Finally, thank you to your physio who looked after our injured lads with expertise and compassion. Very much appreciated. 

Well after my sarcastic post below I thought I should redress the balance. A massive thank you to the legions of supporters who came down to Hull Ionians to watch the u13's in their magnificent victory in the Yorkshire Cup final V's Sandal. The same goes to The Club; the mention of our victory in the Official Club Opening Speeches, and the reception that the team got upon their return was quite special. Most of the squad stayed for the afternoon and had a great time. Thanks also to Rory Underwood who took time out  to congratulate and chat to some of the boys.

MRUFC - You did us proud

All the Colts would like to wish the under 13’s success on Sunday in the Yorkshire Cup final. A great achievement, lads, well done.

Not having had any contact from the Allickadoos and Officers of the club regarding a place on the coaches going to the Under 13 Yorkshire Cup Final at Hull Ionians RUFC, Vs Sandal, KO 10 am (another plug), then I presume they will all be travelling by car.  I take this opportunity to remind them that the behaviour standards when supporting junior and mini rugby are far removed from what they will be used to on Saturdays when baying for the blood of opposition and referee. Please find below the Club Policy on the standards that we expect, and indeed are used to:

 Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct:

UNDER 13's YORKSHIRE CUP FINAL 

It will be on the morning of Sunday 26th April - KO 10.00am at Hull Ionians RFC.
The Club has kindly given us some money towards a bus, but it looks like we may be able to fill 2 coaches.  All players have been contacted but if ANYONE wants to go then please contact me on 07736 824800. The support would be greatly appreciated. 

Burridge you need to get a proper job like Sillsy or Bubbles if you have the time to post so many messages. Great to read and catch up with news from the Boro and to see all the same old names. Not sure about the photo of Toddy at the St Patrick’s night he looks a bit bloated to me. Next time I am up I will call in for a pint. By the way did you ever sew that original non rip American Football shirt back together? PS. Who does Noels pre match talks for him these days.

STUART FOSTER 

Stuart, who was an ex - 1st XV dynamic tackling winger and former Chairman of the Club,
suffered a heart attack and died on Tuesday evening.

His funeral will take place at

2.30pm on Thursday 26th March 

at Middlesbrough Crematorium

and afterwards at the Club.

So sorry to hear about the untimely death of Stuart.  I knew him from the end of his playing days, which coincided with the start of mine, through the club socially, in his various club official roles, and through work.  He was the type of person that made the club a better place to be; kind, considerate and a consumate gentleman.

On sunday morning he broke with Alickadoo tradition by helping out at the u12 county cup on sunday and then watching grandson Matthew play in the competition. They gave a display that he would have been very proud of
My deepest sympathies to Sheila, Simon and the whole family. Stuart will be greatly missed.

A big Thank you to all those organising the u12 county cup at Acklam Park this weekend.  I saw Mark Willis (Wincie), Paul Johnson (Jonno) and Colin McNeill (Fat bloke with funny accent) all beavering away to make it happen and to get it finished on time.  It was a great weekend of rugby at the club, any of those doubting the importance of mini and junior rugby had only to watch the current joy that is the 1st team and the wondeful transformation that is taking place.

Thanks also for those that came to watch the U13's in their victorious semi- final clash with Otley.  It sems like from top to bottom it is starting to come together for the whole club.  Many of the under 13 parents and players have shown interest in the Colts progress in the National Cup and expressed a desire that the club should perhaps support them in droves in the final stages.

Finally, it was observed that Martin Lang took some flak from parents in the u12 cup when some players didn't get to play. As a coach I can say that I would fing this very upsetting. We try to be inclusive throughout the season, but there comes a stage where cup competitions are for winning.