Information 13 Mar 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: BREAKING NEWS! Following some quality applications for the post of DCRFU Ladies XV Team Manager, we can now announce that the successful candidate is......(drum roll)....COLIN DAVISON! Many thanks to the other applicants and congratulations Colin!

Information 13 Mar 2020:🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Thornton Hickeys Ladies Touch Winter League

No changes at the top of the league or top scorers list - what will it look like by the 25th April

Information 26 Mar 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Durham County Schools’ Union Newsletter (PDF) Durham County Schools Update March 2020

Information 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Positions in Leagues at close ofPlay

Information 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Consett Newsletter Other clubs do a regular newsletter post on their social

media or website for example HoughtonPhoto 15 Mar 2020: 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: CONSETT RFC DURHAM /

NORTHUMBERLAND DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS, MARCH 2020BY GEORGE LEDGER

Photo 15 Mar 2020: 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Pictures from County U20 Match v Yorkshire at Stockton More Pictures

- 10 Mar 2020: 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SET TO TEAM UP WITH DURHAM UNIVERSITY BY TOM BULMER Darlington Mowden Park (DMP) is delighted to announce a new lead partnership with Durham University in respect of women’s rugby.

DMP Sharks were one of only ten teams to be granted an inaugural place in the Premier 15s following its formation in 2017, with the league now widely regarded as the worlds leading domestic competition. The Sharks inclusion has seen them compete alongside the likes of Saracens, Harlequins and Wasps over recent years in the dawn of a women’s professional era.The new partnership with Durham University is set to provide transformational benefits to the Sharks rugby programme including: additional investment; access to thenew £32m Maiden Castle facility development; support from leading university sport, medical, performance and strength & conditioning practitioners; integration to the universities global network; and scholarship support for international standard student-athletes. The new partnership will also see the programme rebranded as DMP Durham Sharks to reflect the relationship and a significant combined commitment to develop a leading women’s rugby programme in the North East.The news coincides with the RFU’s re-tender process for the 2020/21 Tyrrells Premier 15s season, which will see the Sharks and 3 other Premier 15s sides re-tender for their place in next year’s competition in the coming months. The new partnership is set to begin over the summer in advance of the 2020/21 season.Lee Rust, Group Managing Director for Darlington Mowden Park RFC commented:"Behind the scenes there’s been an enormous amount of work going on to develop the Sharks programme in line with the game’s progression and competition. Over recentyears the programme has secured some key strategic partnerships including the likes of the initial Durham (University) relationship and more recently the SRU player agreements. We’ve taken some significant steps forward which is reflected in our current 6th place league

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DCRFU NewsletterSpring 2020

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position, the highest the Club has ever held.""We’re delighted to be taking our partnership with Durham University to this next stage. Durham University is a leading global education provider and brand with the largest university women’s rugby programme in the country alongside some truly world-class facilities and sporting resources. It is a transformational partnership to secure for the Club and North East rugby which will complement the overall programme plan and other education partnerships that we hold.""The Sharks have been the leading team in the North East for nearly 15 years, having developed more than 500 players including multiple internationals, and we want thatlegacy to continue and indeed grow. Whilst the recent news that we weren’t automatically granted a new positionin the league was disappointing, we are excited to be working with Durham University towards another significant step change for women’s rugby in our region."Mark Brian, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Durham University, commented:"We’ve been working with DMP since 2017 and the partnership has naturally and professionally developed to this exciting new stage. Over the past 6 months in particular we’ve spent a lot of time planning how we can collectively take the programme forward longer-term and we felt it was important to announce the partnership at thisearly point in order to progress and implement some aspects in time for the new 2020-21 season.""The university has a proven track record with various high profile sport franchises and we’ve recognised this as an outstanding opportunity to play a key part in the leading domestic women’s rugby competition in the world.""Specifically from a student-athlete perspective, our dual career offer will provide world-class education alongside aworld-class sporting platform, with the view of developingand retaining international standard student-athletes in ourregion as well as attracting them from across the globe.""We’re also pleased to be able to work collaboratively andshare our various resources with the programme and the non student-athletes. Ultimately we believe there are combined assets to deliver a sustainable women’s premiership rugby programme in the region that can be competitive with leading clubs from the south."🔖

- 14 Mar 2020: 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: Durham Pioneers of Young Refs Programme

Durham RFU Game SupportGreat to see our work with the Durham Schools Union getting recognised in this months Touchline magazine.

Over 250 Young Referees have completed their refereeingqualification since the programme began in 2017 and haveused their skills to officiate the Vic Young Motors Durham Schools County Cup, local tournaments, as well as school and club games.

A big thank you to the schools, society volunteers, sponsors and of course the dedicated YMO's for helping make it happen.

https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/durham-pioneers-of-young-refs-programme🔖

- 31 Mar 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR CLUBS – CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) There have been a number of enquiries from clubs regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) in organised competitions. The RFU’s advice is that clubs use government and PublicHealth England’s guidance to inform their knowledge as the latest information is available on the government’s website and is updated daily. Click here.The government announced on Thursday there is no change in advice regarding sporting events at the moment i.e. they can continue. Given this, league and cup games planned for this weekend will played as usual. However we recognise that competition organisers, players and clubs are seeking advice on specific details, so the RFU’s position is that in the event of situations where:

(a) Covid-19 case or cases have been reported or suspected in relation to player and/or individuals connected to a club (or closely connected to a club, player or such other individual connected to a club); and/or(b) such individuals are subject to the Governmental advice to self-isolate;

Postponements of fixtures involving the clubs will be permitted as a justifiable reason for postponement, subjectto clubs notifying the opposition and the competition organiser of the postponement (in accordance with competition organisers’ instructions). The RFU regulations will continue to apply.The RFU will keep this under continual review and will beassessing the situation over the weekend in line with latestGovernment advice. If there are any planned changes to the future playing of the league and cup programmes this will be communicated to clubs and participants as soon as possible

Clubs may also find this information useful:• Guidance on educational settings - Read more• NHS overview - Read moreIt is up to individual clubs to decide internally if, how or what they communicate to their members.As tour season is approaching we advise clubs to monitor the government’s website for an update on your proposed tour destination - Click here.With spring around the corner many clubs will be finalising their plans for the tour season. This year with the arrival of the Cornonavirus there’s an increased need to ensure that everything that needs to be in place is, especially whether the tour can go ahead and also check travel insurance. Make sure you are prepared:

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• · Keep a daily eye on the government’s adviceon Coronavirus.

• · Monitor the government’s website for an update on your proposed tour destination - Read

• · Check out the useful tour page - Read • · Check your club’s travel insurance policy is

adequate – here's the link to our insurance page - Read

• · Ensure you have adhered to the safeguardingpolicies - Read

• · Make sure you have undertaken the risk assessment required - Read

🔖 🔗RFU SUSPENDS ALL RUGBY 16 March 2020

- 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Stay Connected Despite this looking like an NHS post, it isnt! There is a link to couch to 5k on it but this is just one of the suggestions!This may help with ideas on how to stay connected with your rugby family, your friends and stay fit and well mentally as well as physically in the next few weeks!I'm loving the ideas that rugby people are sharing (via the Women's Rugby Network) to maintain physical and mental health...1) Pre-season warm up (see sheet)2) Fitness challenge - a daily fitness challenge. Video evidence has to be shared via WhatsApp group3) Facetime chat4) Online yoga class5) Wine Wednesday - post a photo of you with the drink of your choice6) Online board games7) Abbey Ladies RFC have started a Corona Championship! Divvied the squad up into 3 teams competing against each other and posting fitness evidence on a main post in our Facebook group Couch to 5K (9 week programme) https://www.nhs.uk/live-…/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/9) Virtual 'match day' - dressing up, eating burgers and watching a replay of a rugby game10) Fantasy FitnessDa rules1. You must provide some sort of evidence, pic/video ect on the group2. You must be honest about what you do (integrity is a key principle of rugby)3. Round 1 is for 28 days starting on Tuesday the 17th March to Monday the 13 April inclusive4. The top 3 point scores will receive a prize and ultimate rugby respect obvs5. The ref has the final and overall say (I’m the ref).Point system1 point per minute exerciseThe minutes are multiplied by intensity level which are as follows;X 1 Brisk walking, jogging, light cyclingX 2 vigorous cardio, game play eg badminton or body

weight exercise (you must be sweating)X 3 HIT or strength/weights exerciseX 0.5 if any of the above are done in a group setting.The referee may choose to update the rules as required andmay deduct points for continued backchat......let the gamesbegin Couch to 5k link🔖

- 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Activate Injury Prevention Exercise Programme The contact nature of rugby union means that injuries do occur, through the research the RFU carries out the understanding of what type of injuries and why injuries occur continues to advance. There are a number of factors that can affect the risk of injury including player technique, coaching behaviours and how the game is officiated. Through the RugbySafe initiative the RFU are working across all of these areas to improve the safety of players, furthermore the research into the Activate Injury Prevention Exercise Programme provides evidence that the conditioning of players significantly contributes to reducing the risk of injury. http://www.englandrugby.com/rugbysafe...🔖

- 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Hartlepool:- Balls for Min's and Juniors

Just shy of 100 balls purchased for our Mini & Junior players who don’t have one so they can continue to practice their skills while at home

Snapshot of just some of our happy Mini & Junior players who collected their free rugby balls from us today Stay home. Stay safe. But keep on practicing those rugby skills! Big thank you to@r444dcw for organising this fantastic intiative 46fh🔖 ️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🔗Tweet Link

- 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: ENGLAND RUGBY INVITES CHILDREN TO SCHOOL OF RUCK

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These will provide learning based activities that will help support home education during the coronavirus pandemic and provide content to assist teachers looking after the children of key workers.

• Grand Slam Challenge - Key Stage 1 (5-7 years) • Grand Slam Challenge - Key Stage 2 (7-9 years) • Grand Slam Challenge - Key Stage 2 (9-11 years)

Titled ‘School of Ruck’, the free resource packs targeting primary school children aged 5-11 years old, will be issued every Monday moving forward over the coming weeks, allowing children to still have access to education, new learning and consolidating former learning while at home. All activities will meet the national curriculum standards and fall in line with the new Ofsted framework. The resources are family-friendly and activity-based, with a weekly theme each week to keep children engaged. The diverse range of activities can be accessed from home via computers, laptops and mobile phones directly from the World Rugby Museum website at http://worldrugbymuseum.com/school-of-ruck. Parents and teachers are encouraged to share their children’s creations at @EnglandRugby and @wrugbymuseum, withEngland Rugby showcasing a selection of the images eachweek.

Ben Venus, Education Officer, World Rugby Museum commented: “At a time when parents across the country are adapting to home schooling, we thought we could givethem a helping hand and offer a variety of easy-to-follow, fun activities for children to get involved in. We hope theyenjoy taking part and don't forget to check in each week for a brand new, rugby-themed pack.” The resources have been put together with the help of the team at Twickenham Stadium’s World Rugby Museum. The museum has run an award-winning education programme for many years and pride themselves in providing enhancing and enriching learning through their out-of-the-classroom experiences. They are backed by the Sandford Award for Education and recently gained the ‘School Travel Award’ for 2018/2019. 🔖

- 1 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Durham County Schools Union Schools Compertitions Although the abrupt end to the rugby season has saddened us all, it gives us time to reflect on the successes and enjoyment that we have had so that we are excited to plan for next season and come #backstronger Despite the cancellations, it was another successful year for the Durham Schools Union county cup competitions which provided a regular playing competitive playing opportunities for hundreds of boys and girls and saw over 200 young referees gain a referee qualification and actively. A big thank you to the school staff, Schools Union, Referee Society, club volunteers, sponsor (Vic Young) and YMO's that made it possible. ☺ 🔖

- 1 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Apr 2020: Keep Your Players

Engaged

Despite there being no organised rugby activity, there are plenty of excellent examples of clubs using various initiatives to keep their players and members fit and engaged with the game during the playing suspension.

Some great ideas from our colleagues in Northumberland, which we are only to happy to share.

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Feel free to comment below if you have any other ideas you have that you think that other clubs may want to try. Examples🔖 🔗Blaydon - Guess the Playere example 🔗Blaydon - Pub Quiz 🔗DMP Sharks Daily Workouts🔗 England Rugby Daily Workouts

- 3 Apr 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: AN UPDATE ON COVID-19 SUPPORT AND PLANNING - BILL SWEENEY, CEO RFU My thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU continue to be with everyone impacted by the difficult and exceptionalsituation we are all facing, both across the country and within our own rugby union community.Earlier today we held a virtual board meeting and I am writing to advise you of the actions that have been agreed to offer a support package directly funded from the RFU worth £7m to provide support for community clubs in England.

IMPACTTo support clubs we are today announcing that the RFU will be providing a £7m relief package for community clubs. The package includes monies ring fenced and diverted for the community game as well as additional funding. These measures include:• An early release of £800,000 cash due to clubs through the ticketing fund. • Early release of final funding payments (£600,000) to Constituent Bodies and suspension of the activity plans against which this was allocated, enabling them to utilise this to provide “immediate support grants” to clubs most in need. In addition £400,000 will be made available to Constituent Bodies who elect to match fund from their own reserves.• A suspension of the Quarterly loan repayments for clubs with outstanding loans due in April (£335,000). • The creation of a £5m support loans programme, offering loans of between circa £2k and circa £10k to clubs, with deferred re-payments for six months and repayable over three years. We will be providing more details on this financial package in the coming week. We will also be issuing regular club recovery updates with practical advice on how government grants can be accessed as well as other business management advice. We welcome government interventions which will providebusiness rate holidays and grants for clubs.The RFU will continue to provide a free helpline to assist clubs with legal and tax related matters: https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/legal-and-administrationSignificant progress has been made on the process for considering the implications of ending the season early. We will ensure a fair and balanced outcome for the game and are now committed to update on this by the middle of April.No one can predict every possible outcome of the COVID-19 outbreak particularly with regard to the

duration of this crisis and we are managing in the unknown. We have modelled three potential scenarios andare working on an assumption based on a medium term impact with a view to a return to rugby in the autumn. We will continue to monitor against this assumption and review and revise planning where necessary.The RFU had budgeted for a loss making year within a four year cycle due to the costs of the 2019 RWC campaign and hosting only two home Six Nations games. The loss will now be considerably more as we face challenges similar to businesses across the country. The RFU’s biggest asset is also a major cost and the closure of Twickenham Stadium has a significant impact on the revenues we can generate to re-invest back into the game. In that sense we are like every other club in the Union, when we do not stage matches and events we do not generate revenue.Based on our planning assumption we estimate RFU revenue losses over the next 18 months to be approximately £45-£50 million and have a firm plan in place to mitigate this. The RFU Executive Team will be taking a cut in remuneration in excess of 25%. In addition,combined Board fees will be reduced by 75%.

WELFARE We are continuing our support to ensure colleagues and communities are given help to follow government advice and are providing recommendations on how to stay fit andhealthy and a range of new content will be made available to players and fans across our social media channels. We are discussing with government and the NHS the role the RFU and Twickenham Stadium can play in providing volunteers as well as support for the NHS including accommodation, parking and meal provisioning.I am confident that rugby will play a big role in energisingcommunities across England after this difficult period. In the meantime, we are working hard with the wider rugby community to take the necessary measures to safeguard a financially resilient Union so that we can.🔖

Barnard Castle 🗞️ - 10 Mar 2020: - 8 Mar 2020: ROVERS HEUGHERS 55 - 21

BARNARD CASTLE 2S BY IAN SMITHRugby is the winner thoughFirst of all great credit to Barney who travelled with 10 players. Secondly just as much credit goes to the Heugherswho played for them so a game of rugby could go ahead. In all there were a dirty dozen of Rovers who donned Barney shirts at some stage throughout the game.Pictures🔖

Billingham📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 29 Feb 2020: Billingham v Bishop II by KarenCapenhurst 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 19 Mar 2020: BILLINGHAM 3TM 67 V SOUTH SHIELDS 1ST 19 HOME 14/03/20BY JOHN ROBERTSON Match Report From Shields 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 26 Mar 2020: COUNTY CUP - DURHAM

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CITY V BILLINGHAM COLTS 8TH MARCH 2020BY SARAH DUELL ✍ R️eport 26 Mar 2020: HIPPOS PROGRESS INTO THE FINAL IN HARD FOUGHT WINBY MIKE BROWN #vetsrugbyBillingham HIPPOS were back in action on Friday night in the semi final of the County Cup against Darlington Dinosaurs...🔗Pictures BY CARL HAMLETT

✍ -️ 14 Mar 2020: BRFC U16s Win the County Cup Final Congratulations to our U16s team who won the County Cup Final at a blustery Billingham RFC on Sunday 15th March 2020, beating West Hartlepool RFC 43 – 12. Well done to all the players, coaches and parents, your boys are a credit to you all and BRFC! A thoroughly professional performance was witnessed by a decent crowd. This squadalong with the U14s and U15s at Blaydon have all made the County Cup Final, which shows there is strength coming through the Youth ranks at the club, onwards and upwards!! Let’s hope this is not the last live rugby game for Blaydon RFC this season, although the way things are going, you never now!! #pumpthecrow #blaydonyouth #rugbyfamily🔖

Bishop AucklandResults📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 29 Feb 2020: Billingham v Bishop II by KarenCapenhurst ✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: SARACENS BASH BISHOPS TO KEEP UP PRESSURE ON BILLINGHAM AT TOP OF CANDY LEAGUE BY TERRY WILSON - Stockton15 tries in an 85-0 victory at GrangefieldA home game prior to an England International proved very popular especially when the KO was moved forward from 3 pm to 2:15 to allow folks time to change after the game and still be on time for the start of the game in the club ...

Blaydon ✍ -️ 14 Mar 2020: Blaydon RFC U14s make it to

County Cup Final BRFC U14s made it to the County Cup Final yesterday after beating Stockton RFC 27-17 at their ground on a very heavy pitch!!The other semi final was due to be played at the same time between Darlington RFC and Bishop Auckland RFC, however BARFC cancelled all

rugby due to Co-vid 19. The final is scheduled for 26th April and updates will follow in due course.

This success means the U14s, U15s and U16s have all made it to the County Cup Final!!Many congratulations toall the players and coaches involved across all three teams,this is a fantastic achievement!!🔖 🔗Pictures from Stockton

✍ -️ 14 Mar 2020: BRFC U16s Win the County Cup Final Congratulations to our U16s team who won the County Cup Final at a blustery Billingham RFC on Sunday 15th March 2020, beating West Hartlepool RFC 43 – 12. Well done to all the players, coaches and parents, your boys are a credit to you all and BRFC! A thoroughly professional performance was witnessed by a decent crowd. This squadalong with the U14s and U15s at Blaydon have all made the County Cup Final, which shows there is strength coming through the Youth ranks at the club, onwards and upwards!! Let’s hope this is not the last live rugby game for Blaydon RFC this season, although the way things are going, you never now!! #pumpthecrow #blaydonyouth #rugbyfamily🔖

Consett📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 15 Mar 2020: CONSETT RFC 35 - 21 STOCKTON RFC, MARCH 2020BY GEORGE LEDGER 🔗Stockton-BRAVE STOCKTON FALL TO UNBEATEN CONSETT.

🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: - 20 Mar 2020: SO, A GREAT SEASON IS OVER!!BY BARRY COOK See all the photos and the season stats. from the last game of the season

What a season!!! BARRY COOK So, the season is over. It may have been officially cut short, but it has been a remarkable effort by the senior players at CRFC who contributed week in week out to maintain a 100% record, 22 games 22 victories! There can’t be too many teams across the country who have wrapped up their league championship by the middle of March with a 100% record. Thanks to official Club photographer George Ledger we have pictures of the presentation of the League Championship Shield by Mark Short representing our main sponsor Amethyst Homes. Receiving the trophy is Captain Courageous, Connor Petch, who gives 100% every week and has played all 22 games along with the other 100%’r Dave Adams. It remains to be seen what will happen following the current crisis but, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’, and I’m sure whatever the RFU decide to do with the leagues the lads will be up for the challenge and all our players will be ‘champing at the bit’ to get back on the field.Photos of the presentation can be found by clicking here

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and the excellent match photos can be found here. Finally, you can check out all the accurate 1st team squadstatistics here, revealing the 100% record with an averageof 40.4 points per game scored and 13.1 points against. In addition, individually to Connor Petch and Dave Adams playing every game, Adam Pearson scored an incredible 29 tries in 20 games and Nicholas Cook scored 202 points in 15 games. Our senior playing squad was made up of 39 players who all deserve a massive pat on the back for this accomplishment. Let’s hope they all stay fit and healthy and they are raring to go when the RFU lets them ‘off the leash’.🔖

Darlington✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: DARLINGTON CLIMB ANOTHER SPOT IN THE LEAGUE AFTER 17-7 VICTORY OVER BISHOP BY DARREN HOARECOPYDarlington climb to 9th spot after defeating Bishop Auckland 17-7. Bulls narrowly miss out against Hartlepool BBOB 24-29.Report from BBOB ✍R️eport 26 Mar 2020: HIPPOS PROGRESS INTO THE FINAL IN HARD FOUGHT WINBY MIKE BROWN #vetsrugbyBillingham HIPPOS were back in action on Friday night in the semi final of the County Cup against Darlington Dinosaurs...🔗Pictures BY CARL HAMLETT

Durham CityResults📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 26 Mar 2020: COUNTY CUP - DURHAM CITY V BILLINGHAM COLTS 8TH MARCH 2020BY SARAH DUELL ✍R️eport 1 Mar 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL V DURHAM CITY U16S BY PHIL SPOONERBY DAVID GARRITYShare viaFacebookTwitterhttps://www.pitchero.com/clubsCOPY Well, what can you say?WEST HARTLEPOOL vs DURHAM CITY – SUNDAY MARCH 1st 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL 26 – DURHAM CITY 12✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: DURHAM CITY 29 SUNDERLAND 34 City Saracens lost 29-34 (five tries each) to a better Sunderland team after a game of City errors and Sunderland application.

📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: - 11 Mar 2020: Durham University Ladies Rugby II v Bangor

ITS OFFICIAL!! Our 2nd XV are NORTHERN CONFERENCE CUP WINNERS 2020 so very proud of⚡ ️all the girls and the work they put in to get there,

congratulations one and all #faceup #bleedpalatinate Photographs from the matchDurham II Rugby 31 v 0 Bangor

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HGQdEbvtgR3hVEibADurham University Women's Rugby Football Club🔖

📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: - 11 Mar 2020: Title Required ITS OFFICIAL!! Our 2nd XV are NORTHERN CONFERENCE CUP WINNERS 2020 so very proud⚡️of all the girls and the work theyput in to get there, congratulations one and all #faceup #bleedpalatinate

Photographs from the matchDurham II Rugby 31 v 0 Bangorhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/HGQdEbvtgR3hVEibADurham University Women's Rugby Football Club🔖

Gateshead📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 9 Mar 2020: HOUGHTON U15'S V GATESHEAD U15'S 1ST MARCH 2020BY IAN PRICE

Hartlepool✍R️eport 1 Mar 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL V DURHAM CITY U16S BY PHIL SPOONERBY DAVID GARRITYShare viaFacebookTwitterhttps://www.pitchero.com/clubsCOPY Well, what can you say?WEST HARTLEPOOL vs DURHAM CITY – SUNDAY MARCH 1st 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL 26 – DURHAM CITY 12✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: DARLINGTON CLIMB ANOTHER SPOT IN THE LEAGUE AFTER 17-7 VICTORY OVER BISHOP BY DARREN HOARECOPYDarlington climb to 9th spot after defeating Bishop Auckland 17-7. Bulls narrowly miss out against Hartlepool BBOB 24-29.

Report from BBOB ✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: MAROONS SCORE EIGHT TRIES IN AN EMPHATIC VICTORY OVER HORDEN & PETERLEE BY STEWART HIND Six tries from Michael Smalley, Shaun Strudwick, Adam Williamson, Alex Winter, Graham Wilson and Zac Ivey secured the points for Hartlepool on Saturday.

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✍R️eport 13 Mar 2020: MAROONS SCORE EIGHT TRIES IN AN EMPHATIC VICTORY OVER HORDEN & PETERLEE Hartlepool A made it back to back wins with a stunning victory over Horden & Peterlee, comprehensively winning 10-50 on Saturday.✍R️eport 14 Mar 2020: HARTLEPOOL ROVERS 18 SOUTH SHIELDS WESTOE 29 🔗March report from Westoe

Hartlepool Rovers✍R️eport 14 Mar 2020: HARTLEPOOL ROVERS 18 SOUTH SHIELDS WESTOE 29 🔗March report from Westoe

🗞️ - 10 Mar 2020: - 8 Mar 2020: ROVERS HEUGHERS 55 - 21 BARNARD CASTLE 2S BY IAN SMITHRugby is the winner thoughFirst of all great credit to Barney who travelled with 10 players. Secondly just as much credit goes to the Heugherswho played for them so a game of rugby could go ahead. In all there were a dirty dozen of Rovers who donned Barney shirts at some stage throughout the game. Pictures 🔖

✍ -️ 8 Mar 2020: RUGBY WAS THE WINNERBY DARREN SMITH

Rovers LADIES 58 - 19 Ryton in a Friendly

Rovers welcomed Ryton for a development game on SundayRyton traveled to Rovers for a development game. For a few of the Ryton players this was their first ever game of contact rugby. The game started with 12 a side and brokeninto 4 x 20 mins to allow for changes and a breather. Rovers started brightly and scored in the first few minutes but Ryton hit back with a try of their own. The game was evenly contested but Rovers just had that little bit more experience and were able to move the ball wide to exploit the space on the large Rovers pitch. The game was played in good spirits by two committed teams. There was one serious leg injury to a Ryton player who twisted her ankle in a tackle. We all wish her well with her recovery. This game was a good exercise for both teams. It gave Ryton some valuable contact experience and they held their own for large periods. This was also a chance for Rovers to try players in different positions and work on what they have been practicing. Ryton are looking to enterthe RFU leagues next season and we wish them well with that. More local teams is what we need and with their thriving and successful junior teams they will have a bright future in the ladies game. Rovers continued their momentum with this win and played some excellent rugby with slick handling and strong defence. The ladies travel to Kendall this Sunday which will be a stern test against a string side. But confidence is high and there is no reason why the ladies

can't come away with the win.🔖

Horden and Peterlee📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 1 Mar 2020: HORDEN 22-55 STOCKTON.BY DAVID SKIRVING ✍R️eport 13 Mar 2020: MAROONS SCORE EIGHT TRIES IN AN EMPHATIC VICTORY OVER HORDEN & PETERLEE Hartlepool A made it back to back wins with a stunning victory over Horden & Peterlee, comprehensively winning 10-50 on Saturday.

✍ -️ 8 Mar 2020: U16 Boys: SCARE FOR LADS BY JOHN HOWEHorden score first, but Sunderland finish stronglySunderland U16s 34 Horden and Peterlee RVC U16s 19Sunderland U16s came from behind to register an emphatic second half win over Horden and Peterlee at Ashbrooke. The visitors opened the scoring with a converted try after intercepting a loose pas from the kick off. Sunderland fought back into itwithin a matter of minutes, number 8 Adam Williams crashing over following a series of rucks, Chris Rochelle converting. With Sunderland dominant in the scrum, centre Vincent Hessell crashed over for a second try, unconverted, before Horden touched down in the corner just before half time. Centre Ethan Marrs' second half hat-trick, running the ball at will in open play, proved the difference, with captain Josh Jobling side stepping throughHorden's defence to run under the sticks, Rochelle converting. Winger Dinoshan Ratnesawarn put in a MOM perfromance with a string of try saving tackles. Horden finished the game with a powerful drive to score under the posts, converted.🔖

Houghton✍R️eport 29 Feb 2020: BOARS VS RYTON 2NDS Houghton Boars 15 - 14 RytonBoars go through to semi with gutsy performance

The Boars started the warm up and it couldn't have went any worse!! In a lineout drill Rob Purvis popped his shoulder out and couldn't continue then in the next phase Aiden 'injury prone' Towers picked up another injury - Broken finger which also put him out of the tie!!

Ryton✍R️eport 29 Feb 2020: BOARS VS RYTON 2NDS Houghton Boars 15 - 14 RytonBoars go through to semi with gutsy performance

The Boars started the warm up and it couldn't have went any worse!! In a lineout drill Rob Purvis popped his shoulder out and couldn't continue then in the next phase Aiden 'injury prone' Towers picked up another injury - Broken finger which also put him out of the tie!!✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: MAROONS SCORE EIGHT TRIES IN AN EMPHATIC VICTORY OVER HORDEN & PETERLEE BY STEWART HIND

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Six tries from Michael Smalley, Shaun Strudwick, Adam Williamson, Alex Winter, Graham Wilson and Zac Ivey secured the points for Hartlepool on Saturday.

✍ -️ 8 Mar 2020: RUGBY WAS THE WINNERBY DARREN SMITH

Rovers LADIES 58 - 19 Ryton in a Friendly

Rovers welcomed Ryton for a development game on SundayRyton traveled to Rovers for a development game. For a few of the Ryton players this was their first ever game of contact rugby. The game started with 12 a side and brokeninto 4 x 20 mins to allow for changes and a breather. Rovers started brightly and scored in the first few minutes but Ryton hit back with a try of their own. The game was evenly contested but Rovers just had that little bit more experience and were able to move the ball wide to exploit the space on the large Rovers pitch. The game was played in good spirits by two committed teams. There was one serious leg injury to a Ryton player who twisted her ankle in a tackle. We all wish her well with her recovery. This game was a good exercise for both teams. It gave Ryton some valuable contact experience and they held their own for large periods. This was also a chance for Rovers to try players in different positions and work on what they have been practicing. Ryton are looking to enterthe RFU leagues next season and we wish them well with that. More local teams is what we need and with their thriving and successful junior teams they will have a bright future in the ladies game. Rovers continued their momentum with this win and played some excellent rugby with slick handling and strong defence. The ladies travel to Kendall this Sunday which will be a stern test against a string side. But confidence is high and there is no reason why the ladies can't come away with the win. 🔖

Sedgefield 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: - 10 Mar 2020: SEDGIE UNVEIL AMBITIOUS

PANS FOR 2020/21 SEASON Sedgie have moved to improve facilities at the club with news of a new training pitch local to Sedgefield.The committee have been workiLng feverishly behind the scenes to improve our rugby offering and are delighted to unveil plans for a grass training pitch with floodlights and new equipment. With the club continuing to grow on the field as we field 2full senior sides each week an occasional 3rd XV and a Veterans side the next logical step was to improve our training facilities. 'The new training pitch is great news for us' said coach, Dave Addison 'This will allow us to do more game specific work with contact sessions and will improve training no end.'

Sedgie have been training at Sedgefield Community college and while its a great local facility, we cant do contact work which has shown in some games, We are also hoping to add some more equipment to further improve our offer. Sedgie will be pushing hard to ensure they remain in DN2 next season while our Saxons are gunning hard for the TVL title this season and we hope with improved facilitieswe can continue to improve next season as well. Keep an eye on the website for further updates on the development of the training pitch and all Sedgie news on some pretty exciting plans for the future!🔖

South Shields📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: Photo 19 Mar 2020: BILLINGHAM 3TM 67 V SOUTH SHIELDS 1ST 19 HOME 14/03/20BY JOHN ROBERTSON Match Report From Shields

South Shields Westoe✍R️eport 14 Mar 2020: HARTLEPOOL ROVERS 18 SOUTH SHIELDS WESTOE 29 🔗March report from Westoe

StocktonPhoto 1 Mar 2020: 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: HORDEN 22-55 STOCKTON.BY

DAVID SKIRVING Photo 15 Mar 2020: 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: CONSETT RFC 35 - 21

STOCKTON RFC, MARCH 2020BY GEORGE LEDGER 🔗Stockton-BRAVE STOCKTON FALL TO UNBEATEN CONSETT.

Report 7 Mar 2020: ✍️ SARACENS BASH BISHOPS TO KEEP UP PRESSURE ON BILLINGHAM AT TOP OF CANDY LEAGUE BY TERRY WILSON15 tries in an 85-0 victory at GrangefieldA home game prior to an England International proved very popular especially when the KO was moved forward from 3 pm to 2:15 to allow folks time to change after the game and still be on time for the start of the game in the club ...

- 26 Mar 2020: 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: SEASON 2019/20 UPDATE A message from Club Chairman - Graham NewtonAs most of you will have read,, the RFU have announced the end of the 2019/20 season. A decision that seems sensible in the current climate. Rest assured as soon as we are given the go ahead, we will resume activities in preparation for the new season in September.From the club’s perspective it has been another season of continuing development and success, both on and off the field. We now run FIVE senior teams, including our newly formed SRFC Rockets captained by Durham County’s Katie Dodgson. We also have our Vets team, theOccasionals, which next season will be skippered by our legendary former under 9s scrum half Owain Jenkins!

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Our senior teams end the season still pushing for titles andpromotion, with all three sides very much in the frame. Whilst it’s disappointing to have ended our campaign prematurely, we should be very proud that the club can put out 3 successful sides each week. A huge congratulations to all concerned. It’s also worth acknowledging the achievements of first team centre Jonny Horner, who ends the season on a prolific 37 tries, agonisingly short of the club record of 42, which we are all convinced he would have achieved. We are very sure Jonny’s late grandad, Len Horner, would have been bursting with pride at Jonny’s achievements. At junior level we now run sides at every age group and it’s a testament to the dedication of our volunteers that we put out so many sides every Sunday, the addition of our under 13s, under 15s and next year the under 18s girls is a great source of pride, and thanks must go to Clare, Gareth and Lee, who run these squads. We have decided to hold all the club’s presentation evenings in September, which will give us the chance to come together, once again, as a rugby family. The occasion will be bitter sweet as we say goodbye to outgoing coach’s Paul Lee and Martin Howe. Both have been an integral part of our renaissance, and in my humbleopinion two of the greatest players in the Club’s history, playing first team rugby in every decade since the 1980”s. A phenomenal achievement. I am very proud to have called them friends and teammates for over 35 years. Good luck on the golf course lads . Next season the new coaching team will be led by Scott Powell, with Rob Green, Mark Skirving and Simon Brown supporting. And finally we should mention the current situation and the impact of coronavirus on our community. The uniqueness of our sport is that we are a family, we are partof a community that comes together and supports each other. We have all been inspired by the many stories across the rugby family, working together to support thosewho are the most vulnerable in their community – this is the spirit of our game We know that this spirit, during these difficult times, will ensure that we come through this together and that we return next season to celebrate everything that is good about our club, our town and our community. This will always be our field of dreams Look after each other, be a family and stay safeYours in RugbyGraham,Chair, Stockton RFC 🔖 - 14 Mar 2020: ✍️ Blaydon RFC U14s make it to County Cup Final 🔖 ️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🔗Pictures from Stockton

SunderlandResults✍R️eport 7 Mar 2020: DURHAM CITY 29 SUNDERLAND 34 City Saracens lost 29-34 (five tries each) to a better Sunderland team after a game of City errors and Sunderland application.

✍ -️ 8 Mar 2020: U16 Boys: SCARE FOR LADS BY JOHN HOWEHorden score first, but Sunderland finish stronglySunderland U16s 34 Horden and Peterlee RVC U16s 19Sunderland U16s came from behind to register an emphatic second half win over Horden and Peterlee at Ashbrooke. The visitors opened the scoring with a converted try after intercepting a loose pas from the kick off. Sunderland fought back into itwithin a matter of minutes, number 8 Adam Williams crashing over following a series of rucks, Chris Rochelle converting. With Sunderland dominant in the scrum, centre Vincent Hessell crashed over for a second try, unconverted, before Horden touched down in the corner just before half time. Centre Ethan Marrs' second half hat-trick, running the ball at will in open play, proved the difference, with captain Josh Jobling side stepping throughHorden's defence to run under the sticks, Rochelle converting. Winger Dinoshan Ratnesawarn put in a MOM perfromance with a string of try saving tackles. Horden finished the game with a powerful drive to score under the posts, converted. 🔖

West Hartlepool✍R️eport 1 Mar 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL V DURHAM CITY U16S BY PHIL SPOONERBY DAVID GARRITYShare viaFacebookTwitterhttps://www.pitchero.com/clubsCOPY Well, what can you say?WEST HARTLEPOOL vs DURHAM CITY – SUNDAY MARCH 1st 2020: WEST HARTLEPOOL 26 – DURHAM CITY 12

Winlaton 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: - 3 Mar 2020: ROUND 21 - Weekly Update

BY LES CASHPromotion Favourites Sunderland Visit Axwell ViewAfter a disappointing result with defeat in last weeks visit to Sedgefield, this week's fixture couldn't get any tougher. Our Junior Cup final opponents and current promotion favourites Sunderland are the visitors to Winlaton this week and their exciting brand of running rugby will test the Vulcans to the limit. Games between the two clubs have always been close with the home side generally having the better of exchanges but this week's game should really be one for the purists with contrasting styles being the order of the day. Sunderland have a team of home grown talent that has pushed them to the fore this season and it's pretty much a 3 way battle for the top 2 spots between Ponteland,

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Sunderland and Guisborough. Sunderland who see themselves as a team who should be in DN1 will not want to slip up this week and although they'll be confident I know they won't take it for granted as the set up was similar last year and they lost a pretty one sided game 12 months ago. Another dose of the same would be what I would love but being honest I think we will have our workcut out this week.Our Saxon's have been improving week on week and last week we played Seaham 2's at home in what was a pretty even game, our squad of 16 was surprised when a large squad in the mid 20's arrived but alas Seaham 1's had lost their league game on the morning so used the game to give some a run out. A 22-32 loss wasn't that bad then considering it only one score apart with Winlaton hammering away at the visitors line only to turn the ball over and Seaham sprinted the full length to score and give the scoreline a slightly one-sided look. This week the challenge is about as tough as it gets with the visit to Durham City Saracens who as you would suspect are challenging for the league title and a very talented side of students and club stalwarts. However the Saxon's are made of tougher stuff these days and I think they will give a good account of themselves this week. Our Vixens welcomed the Yarm Ladies team to Axwell View last Sunday and a very good squad was available to run out with a creditable 58-7 win. The girls are really loving their first full season of competitive rugby and this victory just cements the excellent work they are doing in growing into a talented bunch and winning games with a smile on their face. 🔖

📆 - 8 May 2020: CLUB SPORTSMAN’S DINNER Come along and listen to Newcastle Falcons DoR entertain you with stories of his days with Leicester, England and the Lions followed by a Q&A session.The night is compered by local raconteur Les Dixon and of course involves lots of beer, a 3 course meal and great rugby friendship.Tickets are now on sale at £30 per head but get in quick after last years sell out.Bookings are via Les Cash or Alan Archer choosing your meal option as well.Menu is the same as last year.Starter is Vegetable SoupMain is Roast Turkey or Beef with seasonal veg and potatoesDessert is Apple Pie with cream or Cheesecakefollowed by cheeseboard and coffee 🔖

🐦 - 15 Mar 2020: Winlaton Vixens v Richmondshire The Vixens welcomed Richmondshire Ravens to the club again today but this time on "official" business!!A proper league game, the fight for top spot, the 2nd last game of the league and only Richmondshire stand in our way!We now go 5 from 5 in the Northern Merit league after a superb game of grit and determination from every single player on that pitch today continuing the winning streak

with a 37 - 29 win.All trys from our absolute try scoring machine Emily Bowman who made some very impressive runs!!️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🙌🏼❤All conversions from Skipper Jo Marley, well done️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🙌🏼

Player of the match went to Layla Rowe our number 12🏉 Player of the match went to Layla Rowe our number 12power house!! Well deserved.

Dick of the day went to Sasha Horsfall who 🍆🍆according to the Vixens coach propped the clubhouse bar up till late last night, however still managed to get a decent shift in. Nice work!Thanks again as always to the fabulous Richmondshire Ravens for a great game as always, see you all in a few weeks!!..... Until next time!️ - 10 Mar 2020: 😜🙌🏼🏉 Player of the match went to Layla Rowe our number 12#onsundayswewearpink #winlatonvixens #womensrugby🔖

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AboutThank you for reading The next newsletter will be 29 Apr A PDF of this and past newsletter can be found here dcrfu.com/dcrfu-newsletter/ Contributions to DCRFU@rfu.com or sallyje@gmail.com

The next newsletter will be when rugby starts again,

Key to EmojiArticle: , Course: , event: , Information: , :️ , Course:🎓, event:📆 , Information:🦉, ::: 🗒️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🎓, event:📆 , Information:🦉, 📆 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: Mulitple Media , Photographs , Report: , :️ , Course:🎓, event:📆 , Information:🦉, :️ , Course:🎓, event:📆 , Information:🦉, 🗞️ - 10 Mar 2020: 📷Photo 15 Mar 2020: ✍️ - 10 Mar 2020: :🗞️ , Photographs:📷 , Report:✍️, :🗞️ , Photographs:📷 , Report:✍️, Social Media: , Fixture/Result: , Link: , Referee::::: 🐦 🏉 Player of the match went to Layla Rowe our number 12 🔗 👮

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Positions in Leagues at close of PlaySource Englandrugby.com

Late Newsl️ - 10 Mar 2020: 🦉Information 13 Mar 2020: - 2 Apr 2020: RFULEAGUE POSITIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY GAME CONFIRMED

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Durham/NorthumberlandDivistion One Division Two Division Three1 Team P Team P Team P2 Consett 107 Ponteland 102 Redcar 763 Middlesbrough 84 Guisborough 98 Seaham 654 South Shields Westoe 82 Sunderland 95 Wallsend 605 Northern 80 Hartlepool 84 Houghton 596 Stockton 76 Winlaton Vulcans 64 Seghill 407 Novocastrians 64 Ryton 64 Newton Aycliffe 368 Whitley Bay Rockcliff 60 Ashington 60 Yarm 369 Medicals 58 Whitby 53 Prudhoe & Stocksfield 3210 Acklam 50 Darlington 48 West Hartlepool T.D.S.O.B. 2711 Hartlepool Rovers 42 Bishop Auckland 47 Richmondshire 2112 Horden and Peterlee 40 Sedgefield 31 Jarrovians 013 Gateshead 16 Gosforth 1914 North Shields 15 Seaton Carew 1815 Barnard Castle 4 Blyth 5

Club LeagueTeam League PositionDarlington Mowden Park National League7/16Durham City North One East9/14West Hartlepool North One East13/14Billingham North Premier 4/14Blaydon North Premier 1/14

Candy LeagueCandy 2 North Candy 2 SouthTeam Pts Team Pts

1 Alnwick II 123 Novocastrians 2nd 48 Bishop Auckland 2nd XV 222 Darlington Mowden Park II 103 Ryton 2nd XV 41 Consett and District 2nd XV 313 Billingham 2nd XV 98 Blaydon Developme 40 Durham City 2nd XV 134 Tynedale Raiders (2nd XV) 97 Tynedale Centurion 30 Horden and Peterlee 2nd XV 205 Morpeth Reivers (2nd XV) 94 Medicals 2nd XV 28 Middlesbrough Wasps 396 Percy Park Lions (2nd XV) 91 Gateshead II 27 West Hartlepool (Stags) 377 Middlesbrough Wasps 69 South Shields Wes 258 Blaydon A (2nd XV) 669 Novocastrians 2nd XV 56

10 Consett and District 2nd XV 4811 Middlesbrough 'A' XV 0

Women’sTeam League PositionMowden Park ShTyrrells Premier 15s League 6/10Sharks DevelopmTyrrells Premier 15s Development 9/10Darlington Women's Championship North 2 4/10Sunderland Women's Championship North 2 10/10Bishop Auckland Women's NC 1 North East 1/8Hartlepool Rover Women's NC 1 North East 7/8