West Tynedale Junior Rugby

BY RACHEL MCDERMOTT

LOCAL junior rugby club coaches and parents have soared to victory in a 174 mile challenge to generate vital club funds.

West Tynedale Junior RFC, based in Haydon Bridge, is one of only two non-affiliated rugby clubs in the country. In order to raise money for the club and its junior members, five voluntary coaches and three parents embarked on the 15 hour challenge of a 174 mile bike ride from the west to east coast of England, in a bid to raise money for new team kit and equipment.
The club, which is co-ordinated solely by coaches and parents, organised the biking challenge to generate team supplies and promote further awareness of the club, after their recent successful season. The coaches involved in the task were all non-cyclists but agreed to tackle Hadrian's Cycle Path, which spans the width of the country.
Starting in Ravenglass, west Cumbria at 4.30am, with a gruelling path to Tynemouth ahead of them, the group of eight riders began the long trudge with high hopes after several months of tough training, crossing the finish line around 8pm. A number of the club's players also joined in with the team spirit, cycling a small section in the middle of the trail. The club, which revels in its ability to train youngsters to play competitively alongside other junior league clubs in the region, is keen to attract new members to the club next season, and support boys and girls from six to 12 years of age. An open day is to be held on September 12 to welcome potential members to the club, who meet every Sunday morning at Haydon Bridge High School for training or competitive games with local sides.
Chairman of Tynedale Junior RFC, Colin Stewart, from Allendale, said, "All of the coaches at West Tynedale Junior Rugby Club set ourselves the challenge to make a difference for all of the children who want to take part at the club. "We are proud to say that the event was a total success, and we look forward to finding out how much we have raised. However, we weren't completely free from disaster, sporting two punctures, one crash, and one total bike re-build, all while battling torrential rain and strong winds!
"By raising money in this way we can offer team supplies to the children without having to rely solely on parents. It was a tough challenge, but it has generated a fantastic outcome and we are all very grateful for the wonderful support we have received from both parents and children.
"We hope that this loyal following and team spirit will encourage new members to become part of one of our teams next season and represent what is already a thriving club."
Annual membership to the club is open to children aged six to 12 years of age, for a fee of £25. No experience is necessary. For any additional information, visit www.westtynerugby.co.uk

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