The Headingley Experience

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s visit Headingley stadium, they had the chance to play at half time during the Aviva Premiership game between Leeds Carnegie and London Wasps.

12 of the squad left Doncaster, just as it seemed the sun was starting to break through, but arrived at Headingley to a damp, grey autumn sky. Nothing was going to spoil this day, the boys - beaming from ear to ear made their way into the stadium, collected their commerative water bottles and headed for their seats.

With one or two notable exceptions, the boys cheered on Carnegie as they searched for their first league win of the season, and then just before half time, we found a quiet corner and prepared for our game.

Under the floodlights and on a fantastic surface, BJ led the team out onto the Headingley pitch, and the game began.

The 12 minutes we were allowed shot past, and I am not sure any of us remember much about the game except for a fabulous try from Thomas - but I do know everyone left the field with the same smile they went on with, taking time to wave to the crowd on their way off.

This was a fantastic day, enjoyed by players, parents and coaches alike. Thanks to Dave for refereeing, and to the parents for getting the boys there - but most of all to Helen and her team at Leeds Carnegie for the invite.

Lets hope the boys can carry this enthusiasm through to next weeks game against local rival Sheffield and Rotherham !!

Girls do their bit for the team

Sunday 4th July saw the annual Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k road race, drawing competitors from all over the country including a heavily pregnant Paula Radcliffe, Joe Swash, Gemma Atkinson and Emmerdale's very own ‘Eric Pollard’!

In it together

Jo and Sharon headed to Leeds to compete and raise money for their chosen beneficiaries – Jo has been running a series of races this summer to raise money for the rugby team, and having already completed her first off road race with the Sandall Beat 10k in Doncaster, it was time for race 2.

The girls met eagerly at 7:45am in the hotel, with their personal bag men (Mick and Mark) and headed for the start. Once the girls were safely delivered, the boys headed to McDonald's for a well deserved breakfast before beginning their zig-zag across the city to support the girls along the route.

Joined by Ian and his family, we all took up position by the finishing straight and waited for the girls – first we saw a heavily pregnant Paula Radcliffe, then a couple of smurfs, a clown, a couple of other celebrities, then through the crowd we saw Jo, she managed to give the cheering kids a wave as she passed us by. Then we saw a shark, big bird, a limping ‘Eric Pollard’ and over the hill came a ‘smiling’ Sharon – great news we were all in time for lunch !!

Thanks to the girls for their efforts – and don’t forget Jo is planning to do the Doncaster town centre 5k and a half marathon later in the year to continue raising money so its not too late to sponsor her.