New recruits give young rugby team fresh impetus (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

New recruits give young rugby team fresh impetus

1:22pm Friday 12th March 2010

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New recruits give young rugby team fresh impetus A TEAM of young rugby players has been brought back from the brink of extinction after securing a number of new recruits.

Guisborough Rugby Club under-14s were close to calling it a day as numbers began to dwindle, leaving them struggling to find a team.

But a desperate plea for new blood yielded results and resurrected the team.

Forwards coach Mark Eland said: “At the start of the season, we were down to just 11 players, but we have 21 on our list now and we’ve got a great little squad together.

“We’ve had a tremendous amount of support since we made our cry for help and we couldn’t have gone on without the help of the team’s other coaches, Martin Hedgley and Andy Gill.

“The parents of our original squad have been great and all wanted us to keep going when numbers were low – not one wanted to throw in the towel.”

The reinvigorated team has been boosted by a new kit, courtesy of local civil engineering company Henderson Campbell.

The managing director of the firm, Antony Henderson, has a vested interest in making sure the team looks smart – his son Adam plays for the side.

“I am so pleased that the team has been able to turn around its fortunes,” he said.

“They are a great bunch of lads with some fantastically dedicated coaches behind them and there’s a good camaraderie in the team.

“It makes me very proud to see them playing with Henderson Campbell on their shirts.”

Mr Eland is now very optimistic about the team’s future.

“Our new kit is the bee’s knees,” he said. “And the first time the boys wore it they beat Wensleydale 43-0 in a very sporting match played up in the Dales.”

The under-14s train at Guisborough Rugby Club’s Belmangate ground every Thursday between 6pm and 7.30pm.

They then play or train on Sundays at 10am.

Anyone who is interested in joining the club, or wants further information, can contact Mr Eland at markeland@btinternet.

com or telephone the club on 01287-632966.

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