Rockets celebrate a big year of success
THREE hundred people gathered at Kingston Park Stadium to celebrate another successful year for Cramlington Rockets.
Held a year to the day since the Rockets were named RFL National Club of the Year, the presentation night celebrated another season of growth and on-field achievements.
With all the junior age groups from under-eights to under-16s present, the evening recognised the efforts of players, volunteers and coaches.
Among those honoured was the under-16s’ Black squad, who spent the season playing in the Yorkshire Premier Division, finishing third.
The team also reached the quarter-finals of the National Cup and the Yorkshire Challenge Cup.
With more than 20 players featuring in the Newcastle Thunder Academy set-up, the Rockets also celebrated a England Youth call-up for Nathan Clemmitt.
Fellow under-16 player Alex Donaghy was named a Sport Newcastle Rising Star, an honour previously won by the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Gascoigne.
Among the North East competitions, the under-14s transformed their winless 2017 season into one where they reached two finals and the under-12s won the North East Cup.
It was not al about silverware, though, with the night equally celebrating the fantastic number of Rocket Tots who have progressed to the under-eights’ set-up and the under-10s, of which 75% had never played rugby league before this season.
The club’s Community Champion Award went to Phil Stephenson for his work across all age groups.
The President’s Award went to under-16s’ team manager Stephen Lamb for his work with both under16s age groups.
Club chairman Jeff Ball was full of praise for the efforts of everyone involved.
He said in his address: “It is because of how enthusiastically you support rugby league both at Magic Weekend and generally that the rest of the UK is looking at us and the North East, which I am incredibly proud of.”
Among the junior honours, under-eight players’ player of the year was Ollie Jones, coaches’ player Matthew Jordan and Rocket Man Ewan Maddison.
Under-10s’ players’ player of the year was Leon Stackhouse, coaches’ player of the year Thomas Brogan and Rocket man Liam McAll.
Under-12s’ players’ player of the year was Alfie Taggart, coaches’ player Ryan Shaw and Rocket Man Charlie Potts.
Under-14s’ players’ player of the year was Matthew Webster, coaches’ player Bobby Young and Rocket Man Owen Hayton.
Under-16s’ Orange players’ player of the year was Ciaran Conlon, coaches’ player Corban Langwell and Rocket Man Kieran Robbis.
Under-16s’ Black players’ player of the year was Alex Donaghy, coaches’ player was Jack Allen and Rocket Man Isaac Nokes.
ROCKLIFFE Rugby Club remain top of Durham and North/land League Division Two after a 31-19 victory at Hartlepool.
Niall Stokes, Harry Ramage, Andrew Webster and Dale Harrison claimed the tries.
Rhys Johnstone added two penalties and Michael Hansen a conversion and a penalty.
■■TYNEDALE enjoyed a 54-27 victory over Morpeth in Division One of the Northumberland Winter Netball League’s Ladies League.
In Division Two Astley defeated Seatonians 80-11 and Wansbeck C were 28-19 victors at Morpeth B.
■■WALKING football sessions are being held at the SAFC Beacon of Light on Thursdays (11.00-noon).
First sessions are free with a £2.50 charge after that. For more details go to the Foundation of Light website.
■■THE North East Midweek Cricket League holds a management committee meeting at Newcastle CC on Wednesday, November 14 (7.00).
■■NEWCASTLE United Foundation, the SAFC Foundation of Light and Middlesbrough Foundation teamed up to win the ‘Uniquely North East’ prize at the fourth annual North East Charity Awards for their positive impact throughout the region.
■■MY Club Group has announced the launch of the first grassroots funding portal aimed at helping sports clubs raise the vital funds they need to survive.
For more information visit www.myclubgroup.com, email info@myclubgroup.com or call 01883 772 929.
■■NORTH Shields Jets and Newcastle East Griffins are the early pacesetters in the Eagles Community Central Venue Basketball League’s Under-18 Division.
The Jets defeated Walbottle Wizards 32-15 while the Griffins claimed a 63-13 success against Morpeth Magic.
■■HEBBURN-based St Aloysius Judo Club’s Felciity Moon (10) and Trevor Sullivan (47) achieved their first dan and second dan black belts respectively.
The club meets at St Aloysius Parish Hall on Mondays (7.008.00) and Thursdays (7.30-8.30) For more information ring Dave on 07877 700 612.
■■PONTELAND saw off Astley 12-5 in the Northumberland Winter Netball League’s Under-12 Division.
At under-14 level, Morpeth B accounted for Astley 12-9 and Ponteland were 26-1 winners against Morpeth B.
■■SNORTING Lisbon Academy top the Consett Soccer Sixes Premiership by a point from Pink Panthers and Dave’s Under-11.