Border Park RFC, England’s most remote club which was revived recently after almost closing, drew in players from no fewer than eight clubs, with Border Park, Tynedale, Alnwick, Morpeth, Prudhoe & Stocksfield, Novocastrians, Blaydon, Percy Park and Barnard Castle all represented. The Kielder club are making a habit of fielding such teams as they continue their resurgence.

CSU Long Beach arrived in Newcastle having won their two previous touring games in the south of England. Firstly, against Wells RFC in Somerset, winning 31-40, then later in London at Streatham-Croydon RFC, winning 21-14. The match at Kingston Park was billed as the big-game from the outset, so the Americans arrived expecting a tough test.

The game was broken down in to three 30 minute games to allow for a large changeover throughout the game, with many of the Border Park players either having their monthly run out of rugby, or players only recently returning to pre-season training. When looking at Long Beach warming up, the Border Park players knew the challenge was going to be serious as the Long Beach lads looked fit and well up for the game.

A keenly contested game was played with over 50 players turning out for both teams and all having the never say die attitude you’d expect from a team coming from overseas on tour and a home team not wanting to give an inch. The Long Beach 10,12,13 combination proved difficult to defeat all day, with Border Park having to run some exceptional lines to break through the defence. The forward packs were quite evenly matched, with scrums and lineouts providing a platform for good running rugby. In the end Border Park could celebrate running out 45-35 victors.

After the game both teams moved on to the Tap and Tackle bar where presentations were made to both teams as Long Beach University received a carved plaque to commemorate a great occasion, and Border Park receiving a plaque from the Long Beach University head coach. Man of the Match was number 7 Matthew Jenkinson, who tested the visitors’ defence with his hard running and leg drive in the tackle.

It was great to see Long Beach in Newcastle and everyone was grateful to Kingston Park for hosting the match and providing great hospitality. It seems Border Park are back!