It was always going to be a challenge to find out how well Barney could cope with stepping up a league – all too often teams that go up come tumbling straight back down.
Much has been made in the regional rugby talking shops of how Castle had recruited heavily from Mowden Park to get where they are but if anyone looks at the team sheets for this season, they differ very little from that of last year so in truth, the coaching team led by Junior have been able to get more out of the same player base.
One key to all this is that the side of the last two years has been a young one and, therefore, the coaches have been able to develop the youngsters not only in terms of skills but this has been abetted by their growth in stature as they have added inches and weight to their physique.
The squad is now that fine balance of youth and experience. It has seen the introduction of home grown 17-year-olds such as George Welsby playing alongside experienced warriors of past campaigns (Stanwix and Potts).
While it is true that there have been some new faces more recently, with the signings of Liam Riley and Andrew Wilson, they have as yet only played three matches between them for the club so have played little part in gaining the current league position.
However, there is no doubt that they significantly strengthen the squad and it will help allow players to be rested/rotated and provide injury cover. It has been noticeable that Junior has been able to spend more time this season coaching from the touchline than playing.
High spots of the season so far would have to be the away victories at Northern and Westoe, while a convincing win at home to Horden is also a notable scalp.
The second team also stepped up a league level but have found it far more difficult to get wins. However, with a stronger first team squad and competition of places hotting up in the upper echelon, there will inevitably be more accomplished players getting runouts with the second team and they will add to its cutting edge.
Thus far the team has improved considerably but still struggles to outscore the opposition. Excellently led by skipper Adam Firmin, the forwards have really stepped up to the mark, John McGrath and George Hall in particular showing both prowess and commitment and new players Jake Hepper and Alistair Burn showing they have a great future with the club.
With some recent adjustments to the back line it is hoped that improved handling, fewer unforced errors and stronger tackling will move the whole side forward and further wins will come.
The junior side of the club continues to flourish to help provide the crucial conveyor belt of quality to sustain the club in years to come.
Compared to last year the overall numbers of youngsters and coaches has improved and a number of new coaches and other volunteers has helped ease some of the pressure on the dedicated few. Thanks so much to all who stepped forward.
As reported in the Mercury last week, the club now at long last boasts a ladies section and it is hoped that there will some fixtures for them in the second half of the season.
Finally, allied to the commitment of the players and the coaches, no club can make this type of headway without a strong infrastructure. The committees/sub-committees, club officers, junior coaches, team managers, physios, clubhouse staff and assorted other volunteers all need a pat on the back for their part in contributing to the most successful season in the club’s history.
The playing side continues to be underpinned by an ethos of fellowship (both within the club and to opposition sides), not to mention the great food that is provided and much lauded by visiting clubs.
Although the club already has a number of sponsors, there is always room for more and at varying levels; from sponsoring a fresh set of shirts to simply sponsoring a match ball at adult or junior grades.
Anyone interested should contact John Lowery the club president on 07742 220275.
The first four months of 2017 will soon see if Castle can’t just retain their league one status but perhaps even reach the dizzy heights of going up another notch.
The club is certainly keen to support the coaches and players in getting there.
Happy New Year.
Dave Bottoms
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