YOU R YOU R GET ER TOGET H SQUA D OF SPONSOR PROUD 30 THE SPIRIT OF RUGBY
NORTHUMBERLAND rugby union NEWCASTLE RAVENS TEAM OF THE MONTH Northumberland RFU are delighted to announce that Newcastle Falcons have once again kindly agreed to sponsor the Team of the Month Competition. The competition is open to all clubs, teams and age groups in Northumberland, and the entries will be judged on their own merits by an impartial panel including representatives of both Northumberland RFU and Newcastle Falcons. The RFU is rightly focusing on growing as well as celebrating diversity and inclusion in rugby, and so it is great to report that Newcastle Ravens, Northumberland’s first LGBTQ rugby club, last year celebrated their 15th anniversary, and were thrilled to attend the Thebans Clinic in October this year. The Clinic is a staple in the IGR (International Gay Rugby) calendar, and for the first time this year included a tournament which enabled teams from the length and breadth of the country to pit themselves against each other. The event, spread over a long weekend, started with a ‘social’ at the President’s Suite at Murrayfield Stadium, followed by working on key aspects of the game such as footwork, protecting the ball and tackling skills. The day after was game day, with the Ravens enjoying a successful run out, winning two, against London Stags and KX Steelers, and only losing one game - to the eventual tournament winners, Cardiff Lions. A tremendous weekend was had by all, and friendships made for life. We want to hear about all your achievements this season! Selected winners will receive 20 tickets for a Falcons game of their choice, subject to timing and availability. The deadline for October and November entries has now shut, but we will be accepting nominations in early January for December’s award. Maybe your first team was unbeaten for the month, your u16s raised money for charity or your newly forged girls’ team played their first ever match? Let us know! All nominations, including details of the team and a brief summary of what has been achieved, should be emailed to DeanGray@NorthumberlandRFU.co.uk. SECOND BITE Northumberland RFU, Northumberland Rugby Union's Referees Society and Novos RFC support the work of Second Bite. The Second Bite Community Interest Company has social value at its core, and uses its profits and assets for the public good – providing dining choices in four venues in the North East to give training and hands-on experience to students from here and overseas, thereby opening previously-shut doors to recognised qualifications and job opportunities. Three of the venues, in collaboration with local grassroots charities, are also used for the preparation of meals to be distributed to individuals and families in areas of deprivation. If you would like to find out more or want to support the invaluable work that Second Bite does in the Community please get in touch with them. More information can be found at www.second-bite.org. On behalf of everyone involved with Northumberland RFU we hope you had a Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2022! 31