Westoe's young ones do club proud too
WESTOE'S young ones have not allowed their triumphant elders steal all the thunder.
Greatest attention and excitement have understandably surrounded the First XV's marvellous North One campaign, in which, as champions, they have gained promotion into National Three (North).
The Thirds brought added distinction to Wood Terrace by winning the Durham County Cup for the fifth time in six years with a 21-6 victory over Horden.
But the Colts have also contributed significantly to the feeling of optimism and well-being.
They reached the Northern regional final of the National Under-19 Cup – with all but two young enough to play in the competition next year – which put them among the top eight throughout the country.
And although beaten by a bigger and older Middlesbrough side, they acquitted themselves well.
Then on Saturday, they produced probably their finest performance with a10-try 68-0 win over hosts Morpeth in the Under-18 League.
One of their coaches, Westoe veteran David Barnes, declared: "It was a superb performance far beyond their age group.
"Their speed and handling was so slick they could have been playing sevens rugby."
Tries were scored by wingers Richard Burrows and Daniel Rundle and lock Jack Pascoe (two each), full-back Tom Shiel, hooker Grant Walker, flanker Chris Whitehill and No 8 Michael Thompson.
Scrum-half Michael Booth, the captain, converted six, as well as kicking two penalties.
And this week the Under-17s – about half of who are also in the Under-16 squad – also reached a final in the Durham Cup, and although going down 38-10 against a well-drilled Blaydon side earned the praise of their opponents' officials for their never-say-die spirit.
Their points came through tries by Burrows and scrum-half Michael Potts.
Manager Raymond Bays, who has played a prominent part in reviving the Colts culture at the club, said: "We have a great crop of youngsters who represent our future.
"About a dozen will be eligible for senior rugby next season, and there will be more to follow them. Their potential is clear to see."
* A reminder that the players' annual award dinner is being held in the clubhouse on Friday, May 8.
There will be a couple of guest speakers, and those wanting a 15 ticket should put their name on a list on the notice board.
* The annual reunion of players of the former Readhead shipyard team, in memory of Westoe stalwart Don Mellish, raised more than 700 for leukaemia research.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
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