Barnard Castle 85 v Richmondshire 12
Off to a flying start!
With the start of the new season looming Barney entertained neighbours Richmond in a pre-season squad game designed to blow away the cobwebs and prepare for the challenges of the leagues. With several players with cricketing and holiday commitments Barney fielded a mixed squad of first and second teamers and players making their first start in a senior shirt.
Rueben Linsley, a member of the club’s Junior Academy, was given the honour of presenting the match ball in recognition of his magnificent gesture in kindly donating money from the sale of his champion Tup to club funds, which has enabled the juniors to equip themselves with smart new kit for the coming season.
Castle began the game at pace and soon opened the scoring through prop Marty Lonsdale following a strong run by flanker Ben Parker. Next on the scoresheet was winger Matt Last, a former junior scoring a well-taken first try as a senior player.
Making an impressive senior debut at scrum half Dan Richardson’s superb service from the back of the scrum and lineout was enabling the back row to operate in space and at pace and strong runs from Sam Bell, Jack Franks and James Peareth saw tries for Tom Steen (Sponsor: Kudos Ltd) and Ben Parker (Sponsor: Potts Groundworks) to extend the lead to 24-0.
As the end of the first quarter approached Richmond were able to get themselves onto the scoresheet as they rumbled over from close quarters.
The second quarter saw a change in personnel and a flowing move saw Robbie Lavin (Sponsor: CM Marshall) in for his first try of the day. With Henry Thompson making huge yards Robbie added his second try shortly afterwards and then Henry bagged a well-deserved try of his own.
A great run by Marty Lonsdale saw Callum Fairbairn in for another well-deserved try and superb kicking by Harry Parker saw the lead extended to 52-7 at the half time break.
During this period there was the very welcome sight of George Welsby returning to the fray after a lengthy absence following a serious knee injury and several subsequent operations. He made an immediate impact and looked very sharp, back to his very best, however, after 10 minutes he sustained an injury to his other knee and had to leave the field. Everyone at the club will be hoping that the injury is not a serious one and that George is able to be back in action very soon.
The second half saw the introduction of hooker Doug Shaw in the unaccustomed position of centre and he made an immediate impact with his strong running. Robbie Lavin completed his hattrick following an excellent backs’ move and the Doug ran in from inside his own half for an excellent, lung-busting try.
Henry Thompson continued to catch the eye and was rewarded with another spectacular try. Harry Parker (Sponsor: Fox and Hounds, Cotherstone) was having a great afternoon too and scored the penultimate try of the day, which he again comfortably converted. Henry had honour of scoring Barney’s final try as his strong running once again proved too much for Richmond’s tiring defence.
Much credit should go to Richmond as they battled hard throughout, and their persistence was rewarded with the final try of the day to take the score to 85-12 as the final whistle blew. Barney wishes them well for the coming season.

The referee, Andy Black, did a great job and ensured that the game flowed and was played in the right spirit. Back in the clubhouse Richmond nominated Doug Shaw as the Barney man of the match for an action-packed second half display.
Castle have another home warm-up fixture against Ripon at 3pm on 31st August and the first league game of the 2024/5 season will be at home to Westoe on Saturday 7th September. With the young side really starting to gel and the absent players to welcome back, the club will be hoping that an exciting season lies ahead.

Nick Raper