***STUEY BLAIR MEMORIAL GAME IS POSTPONED THIS SUNDAY***

 Unfortunately we have to postpone the game for this Sunday, the pitches are currently frozen solid and unplayable and the weather forecast doesn’t get any better before Sunday. We have had to cancel it so early because there are a few people travelling distances to play and this notice was only fair to those...

The game will be rescheduled for next year (March / April) so please let us know your availability and interest in the game.

Apologies.

WE WILL BE MEETING IN THE CLUB FOR SOME BEERS FROM 3PM ON SUNDAY ANYWAY, PLEASE POP DOWN AND HAVE A CATCH UP AND A DRINK...

Stuey Blair Memorial Game, 19th December 2010, KO 1PM.

EX-COLTS 2002 Vs EX-COLTS 2009

A rugby game has been organised in the memory of Stuey Blair, which will be played at Middlesbrough Rugby Club on Sunday 19th December 2009. The game will be contested by two of Middlesbrough’s ex-colts teams who were coached and ‘strapped up’ by Stuey and are grateful for all the support, help and friendship that Stuey gave to us all. The vast majority of both squads have made themselves available, and there is a lot of talented players, which will make for some very interesting personal ‘battles’ in what should be a great day.

Aaron v Ruish
Helmy v Benham
Callum v Marty (who will get injured 1st) 

There will be a raffle and a collection on the day with all proceeds going to charity, also there will be a presentation after the game and of course a few light beverages in the clubhouse. 

All are welcome to come and enjoy a showpiece of rugby and to remember all that Stuey did for so many people.

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.