Super Saturday 2017

SUPER SATURDAY 2017

NORTH EAST GATESHEAD STORM V CATTERICK CRUSADERS CRAMLINGTON ROCKETS V WALLSEND EAGLES MIDLANDS DERBY CITY V SHERWOOD WOLFHUNT COVENTRY DRAGONS V NORTHAMPTON DEMONS EAST RL

KINGS LYNN BLACK KNIGHTS V LUTON VIPERS HEMEL STAGS V BEDFORD TIGERS LONDON

BRIXTON BULLS V SOUTH LONDON SILVERBACKS LONDON CHARGERS V HAMMERSMITH HILLS HOISTS SUPER SATURDAY

Today, the curtain comes down finals day. A fantastic event on a number of community in Bristol saw Gloucester- Rugby League competitions shire Warriors take home the across the country. Plate trophy, as Swindon St George won the Grand Final. The four events taking place across four venues and four I would like to thank all the regions has rightly seen the host venues for their support Rugby Football League chris- today, as well as all of to- ten today: #supersaturday. day’s Match Officials.

We have teams from all over I would also like to give a the country competing; from special mention to Fiona Hemel to Hammersmith, Cov- Allen and the Team 13 Volun- entry to Cramlington, and from teers who are supporting the areas as diverse as Brixton logistics of the finals up and and Wallsend. down the country.

Super Saturday will truly show Finally, good luck to all the best of Rugby League tal- teams participating today, ent across the country. may the best teams win!

All of the teams participating I hope everyone enjoys their today have played in league Rugby League. competitions since May and have then battled through play David Raybould offs to reach the finals day. Competition Manager

As a prelude to this weekend’s fixtures, last Saturday saw the West of England hold their GATESHEAD NORTH EAST SHIELD STORM

This will be Gateshead Storms’ 2nd appearance in the Shield Final. With their last one back in 2014, when they just lost to Whitley Bay and after just missing out on the final in the last two years Storm will be looking to put something right this weekend.

CATTERICK NORTH EAST SHIELD CRUSADERS

Catterick Crusaders have enjoyed another great year of growth both on and off the field. The club now provides playing opportunities from U8's-Open Age, as well as Touch Rugby League. This season, the goal for the Open Age was to consolidate on last season and again complete all our fixtures. Having achieved that, the Shield Final comes as an added bonus to another great season of growth.

This is the first Grand Final for the Rockets, made all the more special by the fact 75% of the squad are ex-juniors and the average age is only 19. Head Coach, Dave Townend, in his first year at the club, has been shortlisted for NE Coach of the Year for how he has developed his players and improved the standard across the whole set up.

After enduring Grand Final heartbreak in 2016, the Wallsend Eagles set out in 2017 to recapture the North East Crown. A successful league campaign, with only a solitary defeat, allowed the Eagles to finish on top of the League for the third year in a row. In addition to this, graduates from the U16 team have made their debuts, ensuring a bright future for the Eagles and NERL. However, things didn’t go to plan in the North East Cup as a rampant Jarrow Vikings inflicted a heavy defeat in the NERL Cup Final. This was followed by a nervous end to the season as this cup final defeat was followed by league loss at the ever improving Cramlington Rockets. Coaches Bradley and Rutherford will be looking to avenge this defeat in the Grand Final and end the summer with another League Championship.

Derby City RLFC was founded in 1990 by three ex-army Rugby League players in the Blessington Carriage pub, Derby. Paul Crowe became Derby’s first coach and the first home games were played on the council pitch at Markeaton Park. Derby City went on to win the BARLA East Midlands Championship in season 1998/9 and in the summer of 1999 was invited to join the Northern Division of the fledgling Rugby League Conference. After a few poor but improving seasons Derby started the2005 season with wins against Mansfield, Thorne Moore and Sheffield to top the table for the first time. This was followed by a two-point loss to Lincoln but wins against Worksop, Rotherham and Mansfield kept City at the top after eight games and the Minor Premiership was clinched with a thrilling 23 – 21 win at Thorne. Unfortunately the hat trick against Thorne in the play-offs was just a step too far for the team and they lost 28 – 16. Derby City moved up to the Midlands Premier division for season 2006 and Nottingham were the team to beat. Derby lost at home but gained a handsome win at Moderns. The season ended in mid-table respectability with five wins out of 12.

With the closure of the Asterdale in 2008, Derby’s long term home, the team relocated to Derby RUFC. Despite excellent facilities the club went into decline but continued with junior teams for two seasons until a re- emergence in 2011. A Move to the Stute and an excellent relationship with Ilkeston RUFC has seen the recruitment of good new players and the fielding of a Merit Side. The Merit team were losing Grand Finalists in 2014 and the first team losing Grand Finalists in 2015. The club is still thriving both on and off the field but have yet to win a major trophy.

Sherwood Wolf Hunt are one of the Midlands’ newest clubs’. Forming in 2014 in North Nottinghamshire they quickly established themselves as a formidable outfit, winning the Midlands Division 1 title in their first full season. This will be the 3rd time they have played in the Midlands finals, having won it in the last two consecutive seasons.

Coach: Glenn Holt Assistant Coaches: Adam Bates / Andy Kinta

Northampton Demons were formed in 2007 as Northampton Casuals. After two initial years in the East region, the club won the 2009 East Grand Final and Harry Jepson Trophy, a feat that was repeated in 2010.

The club rebranded as Northampton Demons in 2010 and moved to the Midland league in 2011. In 2012, Demons one the Midlands Grand Final and the 2nd team narrowly lost the Division 1 final. The club then lost to London Skolars A in the Harry Jepson Final.

In 2013, the club became a founder member of the Conference South, but struggled that season.

With changes in the club to the current coaching team of Patrick Wilson and Matt Jones, the club re-entered the Midland league, winning the 2014 and 2015 Grand Finals.

2016 saw the club lose the Grand Final to Coventry Dragons and then lose in the Harry Jepson Final to West Warriors of London.

Sponsors Bridge Substance Misuse Programme - a charity helping ex alcohol and drug addicts rebuild their lives. Harniss Ltd - a consultant and provider of building services HTC Arbor Services - a local company providing tree surgeon services

Kings Lynn Black Knights was formed in 2012 by Teresa & Reg Dunn and Neil Langley, in order to bring a new sport to the area and get people from different backgrounds and nationalities playing for the team. In our first year we had approximately 80% of Lithuanians playing for us, this was a very exciting year for the team with 5 different nationalities playing. We still have 7 of the original players still with the team, but have lost some members due to work commitments and moving away from the town. However, we still have had a lot of younger players join the team over the last couple of years with a lot of them still being part of the team that we have today.

After initially folding nine years ago, the Luton Vipers Rugby League club sat dormant, silent, until now. Reformed by a handful of passionate RL players from Luton, the club is now well established again the East RL. Having seen off all teams in their league, the Vipers are now into their second final of the year, having seen off Hemel Stags ‘A’ 76-10 in the East RL Vase final in July.

The Vipers is run by a host young, passionate rugby league enthusiasts, who want to see the game grow and develop outside of the traditional RL heartlands up north. Head Coach Ieuan-Rhys Beal has worked tirelessly to ensure the Vipers continue to develop, and with strong leadership given by Captain Matt Jones and leadership members Yousef Richards and Alex Lovell, the club can once again look to the future with promise. EAST RL HEMEL PREMIER STAGS

Rugby League came to Hemel Hempstead on the 5th April, 1981 when Hemel played their first match at Pennine Way against Walthamstowe-based McEntee, losing 38-0. After a series of friendly fixtures during the summer of 1981 the club was formally constituted and joined the Second Division of the South Amateur Rugby League. During the club’s early seasons, success on the field was hard to come by. Nethertheless the club was determined to prosper and in their fourth season they opened their first social club at Pennine Way in February 1985 - a modest self-build affair. In 1991 the club was admitted to the Rugby League Alliance playing the reserve teams of professional clubs. At the same time the Club appointed Chris Tate as their first full-time Development Officer with the task of developing junior and youth players in Hemel. In 1994, the club had its finest day when they played London Broncos in the Regal Trophy. Superbly coached by David Ellis, who went on to become defence coach of the French National Rugby Union team, they led the Broncos 18-6 at half time only to succumb in the final 10 minutes. The club’s playing depth that day was emphaised when, in the curtain-raiser, their reserves won the Southern Counties Cup against the all-Kiwi South London Warriors. Ground difficulties meant the club had to drop down to the Rugby League Conference in 1999 and in 2003 became founder members of National League Three, later to become the Rugby League Conference National. A Grand Final spot under new coach Troy Perkins was achieved in 2006 with the club losing to old rivals Bramley Buffaloes. In September 2008 they obtained planning permission for a small stadium at Pennine Way and in 2010 the first stage was completed with the enclosure of the ground and the opening of an all-weather training pitch and the floodlighting of the main pitch. Joining the semi-pro ranks in 2013 saw the erection of a 406 seat grandstand at Pennine Way.The current East Premier side was founded in 2015. Mostly playing friendlies and merit league fixtures unit their were added to the East Premier in 2016. This was a successful year for the Stags, as having only been accepted in that year, they went on to be crowded Champions.

The premier grand final is a repeat of last season which Hemel won. This is the 4th meeting of the clubs this year. Hemel with 2 wins, Bedford with 1.

Bedford formed in 2004 are the most decorated club in terms of

East RL honours with:

• 3 League Titles 2006 2007 2015 • 3 cup wins 2015 2016 2017 • East 9s winners 2015 2016 • East Merit league winners 2013 2016 (2nd team)

This year we have branched out with juniors by starting a Bedfordshire juniors comp at U15s, setting up 2 new clubs in the process. LONDON BRIXTON DIVISION ONE BULLS

Brixton Bulls RLFC was established in 2004 as a junior club, yet only ran an open age side for the first time in 2016. This year the open age side has seen an influx of players from the club’s u17s team, which won the London Junior League in 2016. The Bulls side has also been bolstered by a number of former Croydon Hurricanes juniors and ex-University RL players amongst others, which allowed the club to field two open age sides for the first time this season. After narrowly losing out to Richmond in the 2016 London and South East Championship Final, the Bulls are looking to go one better this year.

After three successful but difficult seasons with the Beckenham Bears, former committee members Michael Farrow, Christian Loveday and Jody Freeman decided to form the Silverbacks in 2015 to create a fresh start for Rugby League in South London area. Starting afresh eventually took eighteen months of planning but the club successfully launched this season, with its colours and styling attracting attention far beyond London and the South East. More importantly, players from across the region have descending upon us and bought into the project.

TEAMS CURRENTLY RUNNING Open age Masters Touch Rugby League

If you are interested in finding out more about the club check out our website www.slsilverbacks.com.

COACH - JUNIOR PAUL | COACH - CARL TIBBETTS CHAIRMAN/PHYSIO JODY FREEMAN LONDON LONDON PREMIER CHARGERS

The Hammersmith Hills Hoists RLFC was founded in 2008 by a bunch of travelling Aussies with the objective to provide players of all nationalities, backgrounds and ability the chance to make new mates and play some competitive rugby league in and around London. The club found immediate success with 4 successive London Merit League titles from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 the club also made the step up to the London Premier Division and won back to back titles. Unfortunately the Hills Hoists have not won a premiership since 2012 falling at the final hurdle in the 2013 and the 2016 grand finals. As the majority of the team are antipodeans on a 2 year visa the team roster is continually changing with only 3 players remaining (Lynton Allen, Vince Spurr and Nathan Mann) from the 2012 heroics. The club has recruited well this year with Sam Broomhall and Lennon Bartlett both having an immediate impact while Jordan Ford and Brody Baker are having strong seasons during their second year at the club. Hammersmith finished the regular season in third place but appear to be clicking at the right time after putting in their best performance of the year to beat last year's premiers, the Wests Warriors, 16-12 in the semi final. Co- coaches Nathan Mann and Jared Warren are pleased with the Hoists preparation leading into the grand final.

1. Lynton Allen | 2. Russell Kelleway | 3. Lennon Bartlett 4. Jamie Payne | 5. Luke Beehag | 6. Kasey Martin 7. Vince Spurr | 8. Brody Baker | 9. Byron Creighton 10. Jared Warren | 11. Nathan Mann | 12. Jordan Ford 13. Sam Broomhall | 14. Blake Mackay | 15. Lee Harrison 16. David Shutte | 17. Dan York TOUCH RUGBY LEAGUE It is a minimal contact recreational Touch Rugby League is a fast moving sport that is about playing the game on minimal contact evasive game that is the field and also the social atmosphere played throughout the world by men & afterwards. women of all ages and skill levels. Touch is a great way of meeting people This fast, simple and exciting game or involving partners or friends. promotes the fundamental skills of Touch is a non-contact sport so is almost running, handling, evasion and support completely injury free, It is a fun, easy and play, developing basis principles of attack active way of keeping fit. It is a very social and defence, without the fear of getting sport, and a great way of team building. hurt.

Touch Rugby is suitable for both VISIT playtouchrugbyleague.co.uk beginners and experienced players. CONTACT [email protected]

WHEELCHAIR of both sexes and a wide age range the RUGBY LEAGUE opportunity to compete both with and against each other on a level playing field Rugby League has always tried to be created by the use of wheelchairs and inclusive and now Wheelchair Rugby some slight adaptations of the rules of League has made it probably the most Rugby League. inclusive team sport in the world. Fast, dynamic and exciting, it makes for a great Wheelchair Rugby League is unlike most game playable by all… wheelchair sports in remaining faithful to the rules of Rugby League. Wheelchair Rugby League was invented in France and introduced in the UK in 2005. The game is unique in that it offers CONTACT [email protected] both disabled and non-disabled players www.wheelchairrl.co.uk MASTERS version of the sport and the rules are RUGBY LEAGUE slightly modified to cater for the older gentleman. There are no winners, no Masters Rugby League started in New champions and no cup finals. Masters Zealand in 1992 and progressed to is all about the spirit of the game and Australia, before coming to the UK in everyone experiencing the enjoyment of 2008, where it is enjoying great success playing, and, after the match, the most and currently engaging hundreds of important rule is “Everyone has to buy a players. It’s a fantastic sport to be drink for their opposite number”. involved in, both on the field and in the after-match social. YOU DON’T STOP PLAYING BECAUSE Masters Rugby League can only be YOU GROW OLD | YOU GROW OLD played by persons aged 35 or over BECAUSE YOU STOP PLAYING with our eldest player now 82 years of age. Masters is open to all whether you VISIT www.mastersrl.co.uk have played rugby league before or not and you don’t have to be super fit or CONTACT super league to play. It is strictly a social [email protected]

TAG RUGBY LEAGUE Tag Rugby League is a minimal contact Registration for leagues, taster sessions version of Rugby League, generally and events is open for teams, part teams played in the 7-a-side format. and individual players.

Try Tag Rugby have mixed, men’sMen’s and Tag Rugby has a lively social scene and ladiesWomen’s weekday weekday evening evening or weekendor weekend it’s a great place to meet new friends, leagues running across London, The there’s also one-day tournaments and Thames Valley, Yorkshire and Manchester festivals which feature post-match parties. year round. Matches last 40 minutes and Leagues VISIT trytagrugby.com vary in standards, ranging from those aimed at beginners who’ve never CONTACT touched a Rugbyrugby ball, ball, to to experienced experienced [email protected] players.

If you have never played before, why not give it a go at one of our FREE Taster Sessions. HARRY JEPSON TROPHY GIVEN EXCITING NEW FORMAT

For the first time, this year’s Harry passion our players have for the sport. Jepson Trophy will be contested by four This is the first time in my experience that regional representative teams. London clubs have come together in this form and there have already been very The West of England, Midlands, East, positive conversations and discussions and London & South East have been among the management group.” undertaking selection trials as their regular season draws to a conclusion Dave Raybould, competition manager at the for the Trophy clashes, which are due to Rugby Football League, noted: “There is start at the beginning of September. a real appetite for regional representative rugby league in England and the 2017 The Trophy is named in recognition Harry Jepson trophy is seen as an ideal of one of the sport’s greatest opportunity to showcase it. Preparations administrators and a passionate have begun in earnest for what should be expansionist, who passed away a year an exciting climax to the community season ago. in these regions.” Each region will play the other once and the top two will then contest the final at HARRY JEPSON TROPHY Hemel Stags on Sunday 24 September 2017 FIXTURES (kick off, 2pm). Weekend of Saturday 2nd September “I had the privilege of participating in Round 1 the Harry Jepson Trophy with Wests West of England Warriors last year, and am very excited London and South East to be part of the brand new structure Midlands this year,” said Shun Tamura, senior East RL manager of the London & SE side. Weekend of Saturday 9th September “I was thrilled to see not only the top clubs competing in London Premier Round 2 coming forward, but a lot of Merit West of England League players and staff putting their London and South East hand up to be a part too. We have had Midlands a healthy amount of player nominations East RL and I am very excited to see how the squad shapes up over the next couple Weekend of Saturday 16th September of weeks. Round 2 Tamura added: “The intention is to West of England showcase how much London has to London and South East offer in terms of the calibre of rugby Midlands league played in the region and the East RL

HARRY JEPSON TROPHY FINAL - SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2017 (PENNINE WAY, HEMEL) WEST OF ENGLAND FINALS WRAP

WEST OF ENGLAND GRAND FINAL WEST OF ENGLAND PLATE FINAL SWINDON ST GEORGE 36 GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS 42 OXFORD CAVALIERS 18 SWINDON ST GEORGE A 10

The final game of the West of England Gloucestershire Warriors emerge season was a an high quality affair with victorious in this West of England Plate both teams showing lots of skill and flair Final, as they had too much fire power in tough conditions in Bristol. for the Swindon A team, who deserve huge credit as the first club in the West St George finally came out on top, of England to have a second team reach however with 30 seconds remaining the finals day. of the first half they trailed their gutsy opponents. In the second half their Swindon started as underdogs but took greater ball control was rewarded when an early lead through Dec Ladbrosse, they pulled away to claim the spoils. however this stirred the Warriors in to action, who scored 20 unanswered Charlie Burnett, Andre Bonnacelli and points with tries from Justin Lee, Matt Ben Bridsons late try saw them lead 18- Jones, Josh Llewelyn, Jake Thompson 14 at the break. For the Cavaliers Freddy and two conversions from Ash Lewis to Myatt, Ross Lewis and Harry Gillet had make the half time score 20-6. seen them establish a lead. With Lewis directing his troops well the In the second half Connor Tomley and Warriors scored first in the second half Rich White tries in quick succession through Ollie Cooper, Swindon hit back extended Swindon’s lead to 30-14 and when Sven Grove scored this proved to took the game away from Oxford. Myatts be their final points of the day. Further second gave them brief hope however tries from Ryan Tanner, Dean Cooper Swindon had the last word when Greg and Ash Lewis added the gloss to the O’Brian crossed with five to go. performance. The Dean Cooper try was a classic, as he supported a neat chip Stand off and player of the match kick from Lewis to cross beneath the Tomley kicked 6 from 6. posts, he also converted two tries.

Ash Lewis collected the player of the match award for his all-round performance.