New Signings and Retentions 23-24

It might well upset them if we had any, other than a DR we haven’t had a recognised Lock for 2-3 years. We don’t know whether the DR will carry on next season due to tackle laws so we still find ourselves looking especially for that position and they seem to be pretty scarce

So many Christians not enough Lions

Its always good to strengthen a team when possible and good locks are the key to winning scrums and lineouts, as Barnes showed Club last season. New players also add healthy competition for existing 1st team players, thereby raising the team's overall performance.

I was a lock too, and pretty crap at it all those years ago.

I'd be classed as a midget against most second-rowers today, so no thanks LOL

Our City,
Our Club

Kimbo wrote:

I was a lock too, and pretty crap at it all those years ago.

I'd be classed as a midget against most second-rowers today, so no thanks LOL

At 6'4" I was tall enough but too light, great for lineout jumping, which I was pretty good at, the rest was a bit meh...................................

DMP announce list of retained backs for the coming season- https://www.mowdenpark.com/news/mowden-confirm-retained-backs-2780041.html

Neasham wrote:

Bit thin on the ground following departures. Billingham

have some decent backs who may be able to step up and or two at Blaydon despite their relegation. Not sure about Falcons Academy loanees.

Otherwise it’s getting the proverbial cheque book out.

I’m not sure recruits from Blaydon or Billingham would offer much more talent, from what is available from the Elizabethans team. There are some cracking younger players coming whom have been blooding themselves into senior rugby for the last year or two. I mean no disrespect to either of the clubs above just saying looking internally for talent could offer similar rewards.

However I am sure there will be a few players coming on board from home and abroad, hopefully a couple of locks whom make the grade as it seems a few of the last players brought in either only played a handful of times or just diddnt make the team?

Guess size isn’t the key factor, especially when it sometimes seems there's a lack of heart and desire.

I recall the 6ft10 South African signing a couple of years ago and well a phase of ‘mouse in a lions frame’ comes to mind.

I would like to see Chris Wearmouth from Tynedale or similar come on board to help the pack next year

No thread for this so put it in here for now.

Jacques Le Roux and James Tideswell announce their retirements with Birmingham Moseley..

Great servants over the years. 👏

Edited by kingsheathlad - 06 Jun 2023 at 07:40

Cauliflower ear.

We'll miss him, but really he'd lost the starting No 8 jersey to captain Ollie Stedman, and was used recently as a replacement or as a blindside flanker. Tremendous servant to the club though.

"What I need is a strong drink and a peer group"

Kimbo wrote:

CJB1 wrote:

We'll miss him, but really he'd lost the starting No 8 jersey to captain Ollie Stedman, and was used recently as a replacement or as a blindside flanker. Tremendous servant to the club though.

Not surprising. He must be getting on for 40 now.

I think I'd heard 38, but that may be out of date.

"What I need is a strong drink and a peer group"

Mose announce Ollie Steadman to continue as captain next season

keep the faith

New Signings and Retentions 23-24 - Event Date: 01 May 2023