Sunday 10th March was Mother day and Newcastle played host to Mums, Aunts and Grans as they came support their son play in a County final. It was a celebration of our wonderful game.

The big game of course was the County Cup Final. A determined and fired-up U14s squad arrived early and enjoyed a gentle pre match warm up and team talks before walking out to the aoubds of AC/DC's "Are You Ready?". It was thr challenge laid down to their opponents this day; Tamworth.

Tamworth are responsible for our U14s only defeat in 2 seasons (to date). 20 point education in last seasons U13 County Waterfall competition.
We finished 3rd overall.

This year has been about progress and development. To reach the Cup final, Castle has the "tough" draw. Games vs Telford, Burton and Wolverhampton would follow.

Final day arrived and there was one talking point. Could Castle win? Could we overturn last years loss and convert it to a victory?

12.30pm. Kick off.

A tense first half saw Newcastle take an early lead. After 20mins Castle had thr lead. 10-0 thanks to a powerful Tyreece Ward try and lightning Daniel Rackovs special. Spectators brought the noise and the atmosphere was stunning.
A yellow card for a late tackle in the 20th minute saw the 'Castle reduced to 14 players.
Tamworth quickly exploited their advantage to take a 10-12 lead at half time.

With several players reintroduced at half time, and in worsening weather conditions, a determined Newcastle set out to show who they were. A dominating and more organised second half followed. Newcastle scored a further 3 tries; CJ Awunor with a rapid pick and go left Tamworth's defence scattered. Daniel Rackovs scoring a further two tries upon strong runs that proved too much a tiring Tamworth side. Castle converted 2 without reply a lead of 29-12.
A late penalty gave Newcastle possession which Sam Podmore kicked long into touch for a 60metre territory gain. A 5m lineout to 'Castle. Just as practiceded Josh Clowes lined up as first player in the lineout, responded to the call and powered through for the final score of the game.

A true team performance that showed every core value of rugby as well as;
a determination to not give up even when losing; valiantly taking on (arguably) the best team in the County in horrid weathet conditions; demonstrating an integrity that saw team craft their tactics to best utilize their combined skills; the clear ambition to win for each other, the club and themselves.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE AMAZING SUPPORT FOR ALL 4 TEAMS WHO PLAYED IN BOTH PLATE AND CUP FINALS.

Final Score:
Newcastle (Staffs) 34 - 12 Tamworth