2003 Season

Fixtures & Results 2003
Press Releases & Match Reports
Season Review and Presentations

Fixtures & Results 2003

Pre Season				W/L	For	Agst
	Apr 06	Yorkshire Rams	A	Friendly Scrimmage
Regular Season (all home games K.O 2.30pm)
Week	Date	Opponent	Venue	W/L	For	Agst
1	Apr 06
2	Apr 13
3	Apr 20	Edinburgh Wolves	A	Won	32	0
4	Apr 27	Glasgow Tigers	H	Won	43	2
5	May 04
6	May 11
7	May 18	Tees Valley Cougars	A	Won	30	0
8	May 25	Edinburgh Wolves	H	Won	47	0
9	Jun 01	Dundee Hurricanes	H	Won	55	6
10	Jun 08	Tees Valley Cougars	H	Won	106	0
11	Jun 15
12	Jun 22	Merseyside Nighthawks	A	Won	46	0
13	Jun 29
14	Jul 06	Dundee Hurricanes	A	Won	22	14
15	Jul 13
16	Jul 20	Doncaster Mustangs	H	Won	29	0
17	Jul 27	Glasgow Tigers	A	Won	43	3

Regular Season Standings
Played	Won	Lost	%
10	10	0	100

Post season
Date	Opponent	Venue	W/L	For	Agst
Aug 10	Oxford Saints (quarter final)	H	Won	21	3
Aug 17	Nottingham Caesars (Semi final)	H	Lost	33	36

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Press Releases & Match Reports

Senators opt for drop

Gateshead Senators will be playing in Division 2 in 2003, despite having been a Div. 1 playoff team for each of the last few years.

The team has been hit by the retirement of long serving players over the past season, and it was felt that there was a need to rebuild the club, and have some fun in the process.

Club Chairman and Head Coach Gary Marshall said, "This has been discussed at length and agreed by the league. The Senators have spend many years in the top flight of British American football, and now the time has come to pause and rebuild the team for the future".

Full statement from the Senators' committee.

The decision to play in Division 2 was not taken lightly and only after long consideration and discussion internally and with advice from the League.
It was felt that with the loss of over 23 players in the last two seasons the Club had a hard core of 16 or so players. This was not enough to play a full season at Division 1 level.
Thoughts had been expressed about recruiting more players and getting some 'new blood' into the Club. When this was discussed the potential players were not ready or willing to play in Div. 1 and were looking at playing in Div. 2. Some of the more experienced players said that they were not prepared to play in Div. 1 with such a small squad depth wise and would look to play in Div. 2 with another team.
Taking a 'year out' was considered but teams that have tried this have taken two or three years to come back. The Senators are one of the longest established Clubs in the country and it was felt that this was not the best way forward for the Club. Playing in Div. 1 with only 20 or fewer players was not felt to be a viable option especially with the burden both physically and financially on a small but determined membership.
The youth programme set up at Prudhoe over the past 4 years, as our feeder Junior team, would not come to fruition for another year and pitching these players straight into Div. 1 was not felt to be the way forward.
The only viable option that remained was the possibility of dropping down a Division and rebuilding. This and other considerations were expressed to the League Management and with conditions that both the Club and League wanted to put into place, resulted in permission being granted for us to drop down to Div. 2. We will only be signing a MAXIMUM of 20 of last season's squad and with rookies and University players also signing we will be looking to build for the future.
This coming season will be a hard one physically and we will need to rise to the challenge; players are aware of the various deadlines set by the Club and we will be holding to them.
It is now time for the TRUE SPIRIT of SENATOR FOOTBALL to come to the fore!
Gary Marshall: Head Coach

February 2003

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Gateshead Ground Game secures Win

Gateshead Senators 32 Edinburgh Wolves 0

Report by Gary Thompson

The Senators made the short trip north to open the 2003 football campaign against the new boys to the league. Prior to match kick-off, a presentation was made by the Gateshead team to the Edinburgh Wolves to welcome them to senior football. The wolves won the coin toss and elected to receive, with a strong wind blowing the ball was taken on the 15 yard line and returned to the twenty five where Rich Cowell made a run stopping open field tackle. The wolves started their first drive from scrimmage with an up the gut run for five yards, the drive however quickly came to a close when a lofted pass to the outside receiver was blown out of bounds by the strengthening wind. Forced to punt on 4th and 5, the punt equally fared no better and Gateshead took over on the Wolves 37 yard line.

Taking over from where he left off last year, Senator's leading rusher Craig Million led the ground game with a series of hard nose straight ahead running. Faced with a 4th and 2 at the Wolves 16, a gutsy play was called that saw 'rookie' John Rooney barrel ahead to give the Senators a first down on the 11 yard line. Two sprints later and Craig Million was in the endzone for the first score of the new Senator season. The extra point was blocked and the score was 6-0 to the Senators early in the first quarter.

Edinburgh next drive was again a three and out as the Senator's 'D' started to get a feel for the game. From a muffed snap, the punter was tackled by Dave Wilson back on the Wolves 12 yard line. Gateshead drove the ball down to the goal line but after back-to-back offensive holding penalties found themselves with a 4th and goal from the 15. After turning the ball over on downs, a more aggressive Wolves took the field and from the first down, No 22 'Magic Malloy' sprinted 11yards off - tackle for the teams 1st first down. This however was not the start of a resurgence and the 'D' kicked in leading to a three and out for the Wolves. The 1st quarter closed with the Wolves punting deep into Senator territory.

The next drive saw the Senators again use the strong running of both Million and Rooney to move the ball successfully down to the Wolves 24 yard line. Here the Wolves 'D' stood firm and forced a fumble from Rooney on a 1st and ten. The Senator defence led now by the former player 'Mark Sloan' gave up a long running play of 36 yards before Mark Lindsey intercepted the wayward Wolves pass on the 25 yard line to snuff out the drive. After punt the ball back and forward for another series, the Senators started the next drive with 2.28 left in the half on the Wolves 49 yard line. Mickey Rumney, the featured back had three runs off the belt for 7,6 and 9 yards. From there, Craig Million drove the ball in on five consecutive plays scoring from thirteen yards out to make the score 12-0 with the half coming to a close. Gateshead went for the conversion, but the wind took an excellent pass from David Nimmins out of the hands of Lee Fraser.

The second half got underway with an unbelievable return by the rookie Andy Sinclair for 50 yards before the ball was jarred loosed and recovered by the stalwart Steve Wooton playing in his nineteenth year. With good field position on the Wolves 40 yard line, Mike Rumney rolled over the Wolves for 32 yards to the 8-yard line to give the Senators 1st and Goal. From here, John Rooney atoned for his earlier fumble by carrying the ball into the endzone to make the score 18-0. With a successful conversion, the score was increased to 20-0. Edinburgh next drive again came to nothing and they were forced to punt from their own 38-yard line. Gateshead drove the ball again down towards the goal line and on a 3rd and 4 from the five, David Nimmins pass was picked off in the endzone and returned to the 23-yard line. With the momentum starting to shift, the Wolves drove for the first time into Gateshead territory to the 41 yard line on the back of an eighteen yard reception. However, on a 3rd and 11, James Waite and Steve Wooton met the ball carrier in the backfield to force the Wolves to punt. With a high punt away, the ball bounced from the field directly into the hands of Steve Wooton who then proceeded to thunder his way down the sideline before been knocked out of bounds after an eleven yard gain. The next play from scrimmage was an excellent cross field screen pass to running back Craig Million, who following excellent 'O' line blocking ran for thirteen yards and a first down. After another 16 yard run to give first and goal at the ten, Million drove in for his third touchdown of the day to make the scores 26-0. No conversion on this attempt as the pass to Lee Fraser drifted wide. The third quarter closed with Gateshead leading Edinburgh by 26-0.

After another three and out and a wayward punt, Gateshead put a controlled drive together from the Wolves 42 yard line. On the back of some strong leadership from David Nimmins and some top-notch play calling from Coach Gary Marshall, the Senators found themselves with 1st and goal from the five. From here Lee Fraser ran an end around to sneak into the endzone to make the score 32-0. On the conversion the pass again was caught by Lee, but was just short of the goal line for the attempt to count. With time running out and the Gateshead defence controlling the line of scrimmage, the ball was punted back to the Senators. The next drive however for Gateshead started with 2 minutes in the game remaining, this time Gateshead ran down the clock with a couple of up the gut run plays and then the quarterback took a knee for the final play.

In a round up, for Gateshead it was the coming together of the many new rookies in the squad and the leadership of the veterans. For Edinburgh, there is always the return leg on May 25th at Gateshead to look forward too.

Scoring Summary

	1ST Qtr.	2nd Qtr.	3rd Qtr.	4th Qtr.	Final
Edinburgh	0	0	0	0	0
Gateshead	6	6	14	6	32

Q1 Craig Million 5yd Run (PAT Blocked)
Q2 Craig Million 13yd Run (No Conversion)
Q3 John Rooney 2yd Run (Rumney 2 point Conversion)
Q3 Craig Million 5yd Run (No Conversion)
Q4 Lee Fraser 1yd Run (No Conversion)

MVP Awards

Offense	Craig Million
Defense	Adam Mennim
Special Teams	Andy Sinclair
Game	Michael Rumney

20 Apr 2003
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Gateshead Grinds Glasgow

Glasgow Tigers 2 - Gateshead Senators 43

Report by Gary Thompson

Craig Million on the run
(Photo: Jason Grieves)

With their home field at Gateshead Stadium being refurbished, the Gateshead Senators turned out to play the Glasgow Tigers in North Shields. The Tigers visiting offence took the field at the 24-yard line in driving rain and went straight to the ground game. Gateshead's defence took over where it left off last week and stood firm on the first drive forcing the Tigers to punt from their 27-yard line. With the wind at their backs, Gateshead's first play was a two-yard loss from a Craig Million run. After a Glasgow penalty on the next play, Gateshead faced a first and ten at the Glasgow 42-yard line. Craig Million duly took the ball and burst through the line to scamper 42 yards untouched into the end zone. The extra point was missed which gave Gateshead a narrow lead six to zip. The ball was then kicked off back to Glasgow and with the ball going out of bounds on the eight; Glasgow started their next drive on the thirty after the penalty. Glasgow immediately went to the air and a 10-yard swing pass gave them a first down and ten on the 40-yard line. Defensive stands by Boy de Waart, Derek Parry and Garry Catherall saw the Tigers gain just 1 yard over the next three downs. With Gateshead taking the ball from the punt on the sixteen, David Nimmins guided a 12-play 74 yard drive before Craig Million ran 12 yards into the end zone to make the score Gateshead 12, Glasgow 0. With a roll-out by David Nimmins, the pass connected with Lee Fraser in the end zone for the two-point conversion to give Gateshead a two score advantage.

Ed Morgan, Special Teams MVP

Glasgow again went to the air, but after a three and out were forced to punt, Gateshead took over on the opponent's 28-yard line after a twenty-yard return by rookie Ed Morgan. The Tigers 'D' stood firm and on a fourth and three stopped Jonathan Rooney short of the first down marker. The first quarter came to an end with the Tigers driving deep out of their twenty looking to narrow the margin. Faced with third and four on their own 39, Glasgow went to the air only to see the ball fly wide of the mark and away from the receivers hands and out of bounds. After a muffed punt, Gateshead took over on the Glasgow 26 and stuttered on the 17-yard line until a bootleg by Nimmins saw him pushed out of bounds on the two-yard line. With first and goal on the two, Michael Rumney powered his way off-tackle for the score. With an incomplete pass into the end zone and the weather improving, Gateshead led half way through the second quarter 20-0.

Good blocking clears the way for Craig Million
(Photo: Jason Grieves)

On the next drive, three straight incomplete passes by Glasgow and an excellent special teams punt gave Gateshead a first and ten at their own 1 yard line. With time running out in the half, Gateshead drove forty-one yards in four plays using a good mix of both pass and run. From there, Craig Million was sprung free by an excellent block from lineman Mark Hume. Craig ran forty-seven yards to score and make the score 26-0. With a successful extra point, the score approaching half time was Gateshead 27- Glasgow 0. On the next drive, just before the two-minute warning, Glasgow again went with three incomplete passes. Faced with a fourth and ten at their own forty three, Glasgow tried a fake punt which resulted only a seven yard gain and a turnover on downs. Gateshead went to the air and with time running out a pass into the end zone by Nimmins was picked off by Glasgow.

The 'O' line give David Nimmins plenty of time
(Photo: Jason Grieves)

The third quarter kicked off with Glasgow fired up and forcing the Senators to punt for the first time. Glasgow could not move the ball and faced with a third and ten at the Gateshead thirty, Matt McCkusker was sacked for an eleven-yard loss by Senators Boy de Waart. Punting from the forty-one, the ball dropped on the one yard line and gave the Senators another long drive to accomplish. This however was not to be and on a broken offensive play, Linebacker John Walkinshaw tackled running back Jonathan Rooney in the end zone for a safety. The Tigers were on the board and the momentum was starting to shift. Both sides then traded punts and the third quarter closed with the Gateshead taking the ball at the Tigers forty.

Nimmins gets the pass away
(Photo: Jason Grieves)

Gateshead then got back in the game by eating up the clock using controlled running, which led to Michael Rumney going in from the two. A successful pass to Lee Fraser in the end zone added another two points to the score. Trailing 35 - 2 and midway through the fourth quarter, Glasgow mixed up their plays to try and kick-start some offensive action. After being sacked again and left deep in their own red zone, a short punt gave Gateshead the ball back on the twenty-eight yard line. The drive stalled and incomplete pass on fourth and five gave the Tigers another opportunity from their nine-yard line. The Senators then picked up the pace and drove twenty-one yards to the nine-yard line. From there, a pinpoint pass to Matthew Barton in the corner of the end zone increased the lead to 41-2. Going for the two-point conversion, a high pass was pulled in by Christopher Mayne to make the score 43-2. The Senator 'D' had the final say, sacking the quarterback again as time expired to see Gateshead Senators run out winners 43-2 over the Glasgow Tigers.

Gateshead goes into the next game away to Tees Valley Cougars, which makes it a Tees-Tyne derby. Tees Valley however come off a 32-0 thumping by Dundee and will be looking to make amends for their recent poor form.

Scoring Summary

	1ST Qtr.	2nd Qtr.	3rd Qtr.	4th Qtr.	Final
Glasgow	0	0	2	0	2
Gateshead	14	13	0	16	43

Q1 Craig Million 42yd Run (Missed PAT)
Q1 Craig Million 12yd Run (2 Point conversion - Pass to L. Fraser)
Q2 Michael Rumney 2yd Run (No Conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 47yd Run (G. Marshall Extra point)
Q3 John Walkinshaw Safety on Jonathan Rooney in End zone
Q4 Michael Rumney 2 yd Run (2 Point conversion - Pass to L. Fraser)
Q4 Matthew Barton - 9 yd reception for TD (2 Point conversion - Pass to C. Mayne)

MVP Awards

Offense	Mikey Rumney
Defense	Boy De Waart
Special Teams	Ed Morgan
Game	Craig Million

"Bag of Nuts"	John Harrison

27 Apr 2003
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Derby Win for Senators

Gateshead Senators 30 Tees Valley Cougars 0

Report by Gary Thompson

On a day where local rivalry abounded, Gateshead Senators rolled into Darlington to face the first derby of the season. Coming off a good win last week against Merseyside, the Cougars were fired up for the game. The 1st quarter was a typical defensive battle with both sides not giving an inch. The Senator 'D' forced the Cougars to go three and out on their first two drives, while Teesside held firm at their 15 yard line to prevent Gateshead scoring. Craig Million, Michael Rumney and John Harrison spearheaded the ground attack for Gateshead but the Senators looked rusty after their two-week lay-off. The first quarter closed out with the scores 0 - 0.

With a good punt by Gary Marshall, the Cougars took over early in the second quarter after a good punt return to the Gateshead 35 - yard line. The Cougars' quarterback Peter Rogers who had been under constant pressure forced a pass deep into the red zone only to be picked off by Rookie Ed Morgan. Ed returned the ball 30 yards to set up the Gateshead 'O' with a 1st and ten from the Cougars' 40. Eight plays later, Michael Rumney, the Darlington born - Senator bred running back, powered up the middle from six yards out to score the first touchdown of the game. A beautiful lofted pass from David Nimmins to Lee Fraser saw the score increase to 8-0.

With the momentum starting to shift, Tees Valley tried to move the ball from deep in their own end but after a series of penalties were forced to punt from their own 22. The bouncing punt was picked up by Mark Lindsey and returned against the run of play for eighteen yards. Starting from the Cougars' 28, Craig Million broke the play and scampered 28 yards for the score. A failed two-point conversion meant the score was Gateshead 14, Cougars 0, half way through the second quarter. Teesside then started to gain momentum and after a couple of penalties against the Gateshead 'D' found themselves stacked on their own 4-yard line with the Cougars knocking on the door. An injury to Peter Rogers early in the drive had forced a change at quarterback. Steven Hudson was now in and used his size to sneak up the middle on several plays. Faced with a 2nd and goal at the four, 'D' coach, Mark Sloan changed the front line to great effect. Pressure on the QB from Boy de Waart and John 'Rapper' Lockhart forced an incomplete pass on the third down. On the following field goal attempt, James Waite broke the line to block the kick and the ball turned over to Gateshead. Gateshead ran out the clock to go in at half time up by two scores.

Starting from their own 9 Yard line from the kick-off, David Nimmins guided a well-controlled drive down the field mixing up the run and pass to the 8 yard line. After a good Cougar stand, Gateshead were faced with a 4th and goal from the eight. From a bootleg, David Nimmins fired a pass into coverage to see young Richard Green grab the ball to increase the lead to 20-0. The two-point conversion was good as Michael Rumney fired off-tackle for the score. With the score at 22 - 0, Gateshead special teams got in on the act. With the kick returner trying to break tackles, Adam Mennim and Rich Cowell combined to jar the ball loose and recover deep in Cougar territory. After several quick runs by Gary Catherall, Gateshead was again knocking on the door with a 1st and goal at the 6-yard line. A penalty saw Gateshead moved back 10 yards, but this gave QB David Nimmins more room to work with and he hit receiver Christopher Mayne on a crossing pattern in the corner of the end zone. With a pass to Mark Lindsey in the back of the box, the score was now 30-0 in Gateshead's favour.

With the weather closing in during the fourth quarter, Cougars went to the air on several drives but could not move the ball. Pete Rogers returned to the huddle to try and spur the Cougars 'O' but to no avail. With torrential rain bouncing off the astro-turf, Gateshead ran the clock down and any hope of Cougars scoring, to end the game with a hard fought victory.

Gateshead now go into their next game at North Shields Rugby club on the 25th May against Edinburgh Wolves who are still looking for their first victory of the season.

Scoring Summary

	1ST Qtr.	2nd Qtr.	3rd Qtr.	4th Qtr.	Final
Tees Valley	0	0	0	0	0
Gateshead	0	14	16	0	30

Q2 - 6yd Run by Michael Rumney (Conversion good - Pass to L. Fraser)
Q2 - 28yd Run by Craig Million (Missed two point conversion)
Q3 - 8yd Pass from D. Nimmins to R. Green (Conversion good - M. Rumney run)
Q4 - 12yd pass from D. Nimmins to C. Mayne (Conversion good - Pass to M. Lindsey)

18 May 2003
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Senators hunt Wolves

Gateshead Senators 47 - Edinburgh Wolves 0

Report by Gary Thompson

Ed Morgan

The Senators, coming off a good victory last week against Tees Valley, faced the still winless Edinburgh Wolves. The Wolves won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball. After a small return the Wolves drive started on the 36-yard line. After two back-to-back tackles by Adam Mennim and an incomplete pass, the Wolves were forced to punt. Gateshead took over on their own 35-yard line and successfully moved the ball down to the Wolves' 18. After a penalty on third down and a short pass to Lee Fraser, the ball was handed back to the Wolves as Gateshead came up short on their first drive. The Wolves and Senators exchanged the ball several times towards the end of the first quarter until on a punt return and following excellent blocking, Ed Morgan returned the ball into the endzone to break the deadlock. With a failed conversion, the quarter closed with the score Gateshead 6, Edinburgh 0.

Mikey Rumney

The Wolves' first drive of the second quarter saw them gain some good yardage only to have the Gateshead 'D' stand firm and force them to punt from the half way line. The scorer of the first touchdown was back again for the punt and returned it 45 yards back into Wolves territory. Several good runs by Michael Rumney and Jonathan Rooney saw Gateshead faced with 4th and 5 at the Wolves 13 yard line. Going for a difficult pass into coverage, the ball was picked off by outside Linebacker Peter Larsen on the nine to snuff out another Senator drive. From the first play from scrimmage and deep in their own red zone, a crunching tackle by James Waite jarred the ball loose, which was recovered by Steve Wooton on the nine. One play later, Jonathan Rooney burst through the Wolves to make the score 12-0. An extra point kicked by Gary Marshall saw the scores increase to Gateshead 13, Edinburgh 0. After holding the Wolves again and forcing them to punt, Gateshead took over with time running out in the half on the nineteen. Faced with a 71-yard drive and less than three minutes on the clock, quarterback David Nimmins went to the air. First a good pass to Matthew Barton for 33 yards, then a 38-yard pass to Christopher Mayne for the score on the next play. With a converted pass to Lee Fraser in the corner of the endzone, the half closed with Gateshead leading 21 - 0.

Gary Catherall

The third quarter started with the Offense now firing on all cylinders and a good kick return set-up Gateshead's six play drive into the endzone to increase the lead. A 15-yard pass to Richard Green increased the lead who then stayed on the field to kick the extra point to make the score Gateshead 28, Edinburgh 0 early in the third quarter. With a change at quarterback for the Wolves, Armand Mensen handed the ball off to his running back who was met in the backfield by Gary Catherall. The bone-crunching hit forced the ball loose and for the second time in the game was recovered by Steve Wooton. From there, excellent plays put in from the sidelines, executed correctly, saw the Senators put a 9-play 34-yard drive together. This drive was topped off with Jonathan Rooney bursting through from the one to score his second rushing touchdown of the day. With a failed conversion, the score as the third quarter ended was Gateshead 34, Edinburgh 0.

David Nimmins

Edinburgh again failed to move the ball using the ground game and was forced to punt again from the nine-yard line. With confidence running high, David Nimmins again went to the air and found receiver Richard Holme for a 22yard reception. Richard, starting his first game, put an outstanding move on the Wolves' corner and dived into the endzone to increase the lead further. With another good extra point by Richard Green, the score was now Gateshead 41. Edinburgh 0. The Senator 'D' which had been in a different class all day, forced a three and out again from the Wolves offense. As the 4th quarter closed, David Nimmins hit Richard Green in the corner of the endzone to increase the lead again, with a failed two point conversion, the final score was Gateshead 47, Edinburgh 0. David Nimmins ended the day with 194 Yards passing, 4TDs and 1 Interception.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Edinburgh	0	0	0	0	0
Gateshead	6	15	13	13	47

Q1 Ed Morgan 38yd Punt Return (No conversion)
Q2 Jonathan Rooney 9yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q2 Christopher Mayne 38yd Reception from D. Nimmins (2 pt - Pass to Lee Fraser)
Q3 Richard Green 15yd Reception from D. Nimmins (Green PAT Kick)
Q3 Jonathan Rooney 1yd Run (No conversion)
Q4 Richard Holme 22yd Reception from D. Nimmins (Green PAT Kick)
Q4 Richard Green 17yd Reception from D. Nimmins (No conversion)

MVP Awards

Game:		The Defense
Offense:		David Nimmins
Defense:		Steve Wooton
Special Teams:		Paul 'Uncle' Anderson
Bag of Nuts:		'Uncle'

25 May 2003
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Senators win big but shutout streak ends

Gateshead Senators 55 Dundee Hurricanes 6

Report by Gary Thompson

Gateshead Senators beat Dundee Hurricanes 55-6 at North Shields to go 5-0, but the Defense's four game shutout streak was broken.

John Harrison

The game being played in glorious sunshine for once, kicked off with the Hurricanes receiving the ball and starting from their own 19-yard line after a short return. After a couple of plays and an offensive penalty, Dundee was forced to punt from their own fourteen. The punter was smothered in the backfield as he tried get the ball away by Boy de Waart and Paul 'Uncle' Anderson. This gave Gateshead excellent field advantage and they started the first drive from the seven-yard line. After a couple of up-the-gut runs by Mikey Rumney, John Harrison powered the ball across the line for the go-ahead score. A failed two point conversion made the score Gateshead 6, Dundee 0 early in the first quarter

Ed Morgan returning his first interception

After a better return, Dundee started their second drive from the 25-yard line. After stringing back to back passes together, Hurricane QB Bruce Thomson went for a deep pass towards the goal. Last week's star man Ed Morgan intercepted the ball who returned it from his own 10-yard line to the 32. Gateshead went to the ground game but turned the ball over on downs after coming up short. Dundee coming off their first loss last week, started moving the ball against the Gateshead 'D' and faced with a 4th and 11, went for the pass. Catching the ball close to the sideline, Fraser Thomson put on a couple of good moves and scampered down the sideline to score Dundee's touchdown. The two-point conversion failed and the scores were tied as the quarter closed.

Craig Million gets the yards

Gateshead, slightly shell shocked gathered their thoughts and drove the ball from the ensuing kick off down to the Dundee nine-yard line. Faced with a 4th and 2 on the nine, two successive penalties against the 'O' saw them moved back 10 yards. The pass to the corner of the endzone fell short and the small Dundee Team had stood firm. Dundee went three and out and were forced to punt half way through the second quarter. After taking a week off to rest an injury, Craig Million joined the fray and quickly moved the team down to a scoring position, from which he duly did from the 1-yard line. Gary Marshall added the extra point and the score increased to Gateshead 13, Dundee 6.

Jonathan Rooney takes it in

Dundee came out throwing (taking the advice of the recent report in First Down) and made some small gains. Facing a second and ten, a sweep play by Dundee was broken up in the backfield by Mark Lindsey for a 5-yard loss. On the following play, Boy De Waart who had plagued the Dundee line all afternoon sacked the quarterback for another 10-yard loss. Ed Morgan returned the punt to set up Gateshead from the Dundee 40 yard line going in. After a couple of breakaway runs by Craig Million, Jonathan Rooney ran 10yards off tackle left virtually untouched to increase the lead. With a failed two point, the score was now Gateshead 19, Dundee 6.

Both teams then put short drives together which came up short and the half came with Gateshead still up by two scores.

Richard Cowell - interception

The second half started with Gateshead fired up following a half-time talk by Coach Gary Marshall. From the kick off, Mark Lindsey returned the ball for 45 yards and may have gone all the way but was tackled at the Hurricane 25. With David Nimmins starting to find his receivers, he hit Richard Green in the endzone with a nine yard pass to increase the lead to three scores. With a sail away snap, Lee Fraser could not handle the ball in time for the point after to be successful. The next two Dundee drives were snuffed out by the Gateshead 'D' with interceptions by Wimmie van Tergouw and Rich Cowell respectively. Dundee stood firm against the power running of Gateshead and the quarter ended Gateshead 25, Dundee 6.

Adam Mennim - fumble recovery

Gateshead moved the ball deep into Hurricane territory, but a bomb to Christopher Mayne was picked off on the six-yard line to end the drive. Bruce Thomson went to the air trying to spur some offensive momentum but was picked off at his own nineteen by linebacker Steve Wooton. Three plays later and Jonathan Rooney went in from six yards out for his second rushing touchdown of the day. With an excellent 2 pt reception by Lee Fraser, the score increased to 33 - 6. On the following drive, Derek Parry forced the Dundee ball carrier back inside who fumbled the ball. Adam Mennim gratefully picked this up on the Dundee 31 yard line. Three plays later and Craig Million ran into the endzone to make the score Gateshead 39, Dundee 6 halfway through the final quarter. With a failed conversion, that's the way it stayed. After being forced to punt on their next drive, Gateshead took over from the Dundee twenty and a good mix of plays saw John Harrison rush in from twelve yards out for his second touchdown. John then followed up with a run up the middle for the two point conversion to make the score Gateshead 47, Dundee 6.

Boy de Waart - two sacks

Desperately trying to start a drive, Bruce Thompson, QB for the Hurricanes, went to the air again only to be picked off for the second time by Steve Wooton who rumbled for five yards in his return. As time ticked by and only 45 seconds on the clock, David Nimmins launched a bomb down to Richard Green for 34 yards whose diving catch saw him stopped at the one-yard line. From there, Michael Levett burst through to increase the lead. Steve Wooton catching the pass in the endzone for the two-point conversion topped off the excellent quick drive. The game ended with the intensity it started with when Boy de Waart sacked the QB for the second time as time expired.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	6	13	6	30	55
Dundee	6	0	0	0	6

Q1 John Harrison 1 yd run (No conversion)
Q1 Fraser Thomson 36yd Reception from B. Thompson (No conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 1yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q2 Jonathan Rooney 5yd Run (No conversion)
Q3 Richard Green 9yd Reception from D. Nimmins (No Conversion)
Q4 Jonathan Rooney 6yd Run (Two Point Reception - Nimmins to L. Fraser)
Q4 Craig Million 9yd Run (No conversion)
Q4 John Harrison 12 yd run (Two Point Run - J. Harrison)
Q4 Michael Levett 1 yd run (Two Point Reception - Nimmins to S.Wooton)

MVP Awards

Game:		James Waite
Offense:		Mark Hume
Defense:		Steve Wooton
Bag of Nuts:		John Harrison

1 June 2003
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Senators' Sixth Success

Gateshead Senators 106 - Tees Valley Cougars 0

Report by Gary Thompson

Lee Fraser makes the 2 point catch

With the Senators looking for a sixth straight victory, Tees Valley Cougars rolled into town to try and stop Gateshead. Within two plays and under severe 'D' pressure, Peter Rogers, Cougars QB threw a wayward pass that was picked off by Mark Lindsey who set up the offence with a 1st and 10 at the Cougars' 38. Gateshead's first play from scrimmage saw standout linebacker Gary Catherall, in at tailback, throw an option pass down to wide-open receiver Richard Green for the first score of the game.


Gary Marshall kicks the PAT	David Nimmins bootlegs for 2 points

The trend continued and five possessions during the first quarter saw Gateshead score on every attempt. The Gateshead 'D' provided the offence with good field advantage by recovering two fumbles after the interception. The most outstanding play of the first quarter was on a Cougar's 4th and 21 from their own 20, Gary Catherall blocked the punt and recovered the ball at the Cougar 1 yard line.

Craig Million bursts up the middle

With the score Gateshead 36, Tees Valley 0, the second quarter was only 11 seconds old when Craig Million burst up the middle for 12 yards to increase the lead. With the defence playing out of their skins, Tees Valley could not move the ball and were pressurised all day by the swarming Senators' 'D'. Tees Valley were held deep in their own end zone and tried to punt out of trouble when Paul 'Uncle' Anderson blocked the punt. The ball was pounced on by Adam Mennim who last week against Dundee had produced a similar recovery. With half-time approaching the score was now Gateshead 65, Tees Valley 0.

Tom Henniker with a 2pt catch

A pep talk by Craig Buttery, the Cougars' Head Coach at half-time, did little to inspire his team. The Cougars' special teams started by putting the ball away for the touchback, however the Senators then drove length of the field in four plays. This was capped off by a 'Tom Rathman' style power run by Jonathan Rooney from 31 yards out. The score was now 73-0 and with a three and out by the Cougar Offence, Gateshead took the ball back on a punt return by leading special teams returnee Ed Morgan.

After a good return, Gateshead's offence now succeeding on every play, they drove the ball again to the red zone of the Cougars. With top class blocking from the whole offensive line, John Harrison ran 10 yards to increase the score. With the Cougars' players' heads down, another score by Craig Million saw the third quarter close with the score Gateshead 87, Tees Valley 0

Lee Fraser adds another 2 pts

In the fourth quarter, exceptional plays by linebacking core, Steve Wooton and Derek Parry saw them tackle the runner in the backfield, strip the ball and recover the fumble. These outstanding plays saw the Gateshead Offence handed the ball and with a controlled offence led by David Nimmins they added another couple of scores.

With the score at Gateshead 106, Tees Valley 0, the weather closed in and with four minutes to go, due to lightning and a responsibility for player safety, the referees agreed to call the game to a halt.

Gateshead's offence finished the day with over 600 yards, 244 of them to Craig Million off 14 carries with a career high 7 TDs for the day.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	36	29	22	19	106
Tees Valley	0	0	0	0	0

Q1 Richard Green 38 yd reception from G. Catherall (No conversion)
Q1 Richard Green 21yd Reception from D. Nimmins (2 pt catch - Nimmins to L. Fraser)
Q1 Richard Green 29yd Reception from D. Nimmins (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q1 Richard Holme 29yd Reception from D. Nimmins (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q1 Michael Levett 1 yd run (2 pt Run - D. Nimmins)
Q2 Craig Million 12yd Run (No conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 6yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q2 Craig Million 15yd Run (2 pt Run - C. Million)
Q2 Craig Million 11yd Run (2 pt catch - Nimmins to T. Henniker)
Q3 Jonathan Rooney 31yd Run (2 pt Run - C. Million)
Q3 John Harrison 10 yd run (No conversion)
Q3 Craig Million 32yd Run (2 pt catch - Nimmins to L. Fraser)
Q4 Craig Million 35yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q4 David Nimmins 1 yd run (No conversion)
Q4 Craig Million 22yd Run (No conversion)

MVP Awards

Game:		The Defense
Offense:		Richard Green
Defense:		Gary Catherall
Bag of Nuts:		Matt Barton

8 June 2003
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Seven in a row for Senators

Gateshead Senators 46 - Merseyside Nighthawks 0

Report by Gary Thompson

Craig Million - 305 yds on 14 carries, over 1000 yards for the season.

After a long 5 hour trip, the Gateshead Senators rolled into the Wirral with just under an hour to go to kick-off. Merseyside won the toss and kicked the ball off for a touchback to start the game, the Senators first drive started at the twenty. Gateshead played control football mixing up the plays and moved the ball into Nighthawks' territory to the 32-yard line. From here Craig Million broke away and ran in the 32 yards to score the first TD, breaking through the 1000 yard mark for the season on the first drive of the game as he did so.

From the ensuing kick-off, Merseyside went three and out and were forced to punt. Punter David Webb from the Nighthawks put Gateshead deep in their red zone by placing the ball out of bounds around the ten. David Nimmins then led the Senators on a six play, 76-yard drive down to the Nighthawks' four-yard line. One play later, Jonathan Rooney powered in to increase the lead to Gateshead 13 - Nighthawks 0 as the 1st quarter came to an end.

On Merseyside's first play of the second quarter, Rooney, now playing on defense, recovered a fumble by running back Robert Kumah on the Nighthawks' thirty-three yard line. After a couple of good runs by the Gateshead running backs, Gateshead was faced with a third and eight from the Nighthawks' ten. Coming under pressure, Nimmins threw a clutch throw to receiver Richard Holme who made the catch on the one and then darted between tackles into the end zone.


Jonathan Rooney	Richard Holme

With a failed conversion the score was now Gateshead 19 - Nighthawks 0. With the Nighthawks' Offense struggling to make any headway and big hits coming in on special teams, Merseyside were forced to punt again. With the referees controlling the game using a running clock, the Senators spread the field with different plays and Lee Fraser added another score as the two-minute warning approached. On the kick-off return that followed, a bone-crunching hit by Derek Parry saw the returner leave the ground with his shoes staying put - a scene reminiscent of the original 'Mean Machine' film. The Nighthawks could not move the ball and punted again back to Gateshead who took the ball with less than 90 seconds remaining in the half. Two plays later Craig Million was breaking the end zone plane again to make the half-time score Gateshead 31 - Nighthawks 0.

Gary Catherall - TD interception return

Merseyside started the second half a different team and drove the ball for the first time into Senator territory. The drive was held by standout plays by Gary Catherall and Adam Mennim and Merseyside punted from the Senator forty. An excellent punt saw Gateshead start their first play of the second half from their own 5-yard line. With the first play, Craig Million burst outside and ran untouched 85 yards to increase the lead further. Both teams then exchanged possessions and it was not until deep into the 4th period, starting from their own eleven, the Nighthawks went to the air. The pass form the Nighthawks' QB Andrew Ley went wayward and was picked off by Gary Catherall who broke several tackles and returned the ball 21 yards for the Senators' 'D' first points of the season. With the score 45 - 0, Gary Marshall kicked a field goal style extra point because a 15 yard penalty had been given to Gary Catherall for a Geordie style TD celebration.

Gateshead had one more drive but ran the clock down to end the game 46 - 0 and Gateshead unbeaten on the season.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	13	18	8	7	46
Merseyside	0	0	0	0	0

Q1 Craig Million 32yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q1 Jonathan Rooney 5yd Run (No conversion)
Q2 Richard Holme 10yd Reception from D. Nimmins (No Conversion)
Q2 Lee Fraser 16yd Run (No Conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 33yd Run (No Conversion)
Q3 Craig Million 85yd Run (Two Point Run - M. Rumney)
Q4 Gary Catherall 21yd Interception return (Marshall PAT Kick)

MVP Awards

Game:		Gary Catherall
Offense:		Craig Million
Defense:		Jonathan Rooney
Bag of Nuts:		James Waite

22 June 2003
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Straight Eight for Gateshead

Gateshead Senators 22 - Dundee Hurricanes 14

Report by Gary Thompson

Dave Wilson

After the long trip North, Gateshead faced a team in turmoil. Dundee had won big time the week earlier against Glasgow and then had their coach quit. In a long drawn first quarter, both teams could not make much headway, the deadlock was broken when face with a 3rd and 11 from his own five, American QB McNeil dropped back to pass. Breaking free from the tackles, Dave Wilson, Adam Mennim and Steve Wooton tackled in the endzone for the go-ahead score.

Jonathan Rooney

With the ensuing punt from the twenty, the Gateshead Offence struggled to move the ball against a resilient Dundee. The Senators got the ball moving on the back of Million, Rooney and Rumney. From two yards out as time in the first quarter expired, Rooney burst up the middle to increase the lead to 8-0. With a missed extra point, the score at the end of the first quarter was Dundee 0 - Gateshead 8.

Mark Lindsey

On the first play from scrimmage, a lofted pass from McNeil was gratefully picked off by No 27, Mark Lindsey who returned the ball 5 yards to the Hurricanes 44 yard line. From there power running took over and the drive was ended by Craig Million running in from 10 yards out to increase the lead to 0 - 14, increasing his season scoring to twenty TDs. With the PAT good by Gary Marshall, the score early in the second was 0 - 15 in Gateshead's favour. On the next drive, Mark Lindsey again intercepted a McNeil pass only to see it waived by a dubious referee call. This allowed Dundee to continue moving the ball and on a broken play, Ryan Crighton turned the corner from 4 yards out to close the gap to 6 - 15, with a missed extra point, the score at half-time was Dundee 6, Gateshead 15.

Mikey Rumney

The third quarter started with Gateshead using old-style 'up the gut' football, with Craig Million injured, the running fell on the shoulder of defensive stand-ins Dave Wilson and Gary Catherall. David Nimmins who had earlier thrown two good pass receptions now led the Senators on a 14 play, 62-yard drive. Mike Rumney topped off this drive running in from 5 yards out to increase the lead further. With a good extra point, the score midway through the third was 6 - 22 in favour of the visitors. On the ensuing kick-off, Adam Mennim pounced on a fumbled kick return that gave Gateshead the ball deep in Hurricane territory. Gateshead moved the ball successfully down to the 10-yard line, but could not punch the ball in to increase the lead. Two plays later, a well-drilled screen pass from McNeil saw Graeme Reith sprint 84 yards down the sideline to narrow the score to 12 - 22. Reith then caught a pass in the endzone from McNeil to bring the game within one score.

With the third quarter over and the fourth one a few minutes old, Dundee drove the ball deep into Senator territory. Faced with a 4th and Goal at the 5-yard line, McNeil tried to boot leg into the corner of the endzone but was pushed out at the two-yard line by Paul 'Uncle' Anderson. After moving the ball to the 35-yard line, Gateshead was forced to punt the ball away. With two minutes on the clock, Dundee went to the air and quickly moved the ball down the field. On a pass to a receiver crossing the field, Mark Lindsey again stepped up and intercepted the pass for his second interception of the day. Gateshead then ran out the clock on a game marred by penalties on both sides to increase their lead in the division to 8 - 0.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	8	7	7	0	22
Dundee	0	6	8	0	14

Q1 Safety, Dave Wilson tackling Thomas McNeil in Endzone
Q1 Jonathan Rooney 2yd Run (No conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 10yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q2 Ryan Crighton 4 yd run (No Conversion)
Q3 Michael Rumney 5 yd Run (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q3 Graeme Reith 84yd Reception from McNeil (Reith reception for two points)

MVP Awards

Game:		Gary Catherall & Dave Wilson
Offense:		Mikey Rumney
Defense:		Mark Lindsey
Bag of Nuts:		John Harrison

6 July 2003
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Gateshead go 9 & 0

Gateshead Senators 29 - Doncaster Mustangs 0

Report by Gary Thompson MSc, M.I.S.M.E, M.F.M.A, MweldI

Ed Morgan - TD punt return

With just two games remaining in the regular season, Gateshead faced the Doncaster Mustangs in good sunshine. After the recent game against Dundee, the Senators had to maintain momentum in the push for home field advantage through the play-offs. After receiving the ball, Doncaster's QB, Graham Lightfoot, took his men onto the field to start the scrimmage from thirty-yard line. After a quick offside by Gateshead and on a 1st and five, Boy de Waart broke free and sacked the quarterback on the second play from scrimmage. This set the tone for game and Doncaster were forced to punt after an incomplete pass on third down. The punt sailed high in the air and was taken on the run by special teams leader, Ed Morgan. With good blocking down the right side of the field, Ed shed several tackles and ran sixty-two yards into the endzone for the go-ahead score.

On the ensuing drive, the Mustangs were again forced to punt and the Senator 'O' took the field at their own 32-yard line. The Mustangs held firm and forced Gary Marshall to kick a driving punt into the wind on 4th down. The first quarter ended with the Senators up by one score and the Mustangs deep in their own red zone after a good Marshall punt.

Craig Million crosses the line

Several offensive penalties by the Mustangs then saw them faced with a 3rd and twenty at their own 14-yard line. Lightfoot went to the air but saw his play broken up by good defensive back coverage. From the punt, the powerful Gateshead ground game took over and on the running of Million and Harrison moved the ball into scoring distance. From the twelve, Craig Million ran in for his twenty-first touchdown of the season, and with a Marshall extra point, the score was now Gateshead 15, Doncaster 0 with less than 5 minutes of the half remaining. On the following drive, a run by Lightfoot gave the Mustangs their first 'first-down' of the game. The drive stopped there, as the Senator 'D' stood firm and forced the Mustangs to punt. Following a penalty by the return team, Gateshead QB, David Nimmins, started the next drive from the eight-yard line.


Richard Green gets six...	...and then two more

David Nimmins went to the air to pick apart the Mustang 'D'. From a 2nd and 11 on his own 17, Dave rolled out and put the ball up right to his receiver Richard Green. With the wind taking the ball away from him, Richard Green went up and brought the ball down one handed for a 34-yard completion. With his confidence high and the team starting to roll, Nimmins ran several more plays before he again hit Green in the endzone to increase the lead. Green hauled in the 2pts and the score was now Gateshead 23, Doncaster 0 as the half came to an end.


John Harrison makes the yardage	Mikey Rumney adds some more

The second half started with a controlled Gateshead drive eating up ten minutes of the quarter, however this faltered on a 4th and 1 at the Doncaster 12 yard line. Doncaster could not move the ball and punted but recovered the ball after it inadvertently hit a Gateshead player on the return team. From here Lightfoot mixed both passes and running to move the ball into Gateshead territory for the first time in the game. After getting to the Gateshead 30 yard line, two incomplete passes and a penalty saw the Mustangs punt the ball from the 38-yard line for a touchback, leaving the third quarter scoreless.

Lee 'Don't stop me now' Fraser sets off

Starting from their own 20, the Senators moved the ball on the ground and then a broken Mustang play saw Lee Fraser run down the sideline for a 44 yard gain. With the Mustangs pinned on their own 5-yard line, a misdirection play saw Dave Wilson wide open for the touchdown pass from Nimmins. With Gateshead now playing good, solid football, Doncaster had a hill to climb to get anything from the match. After a Pass interference call on cornerback Rich Cowell, Doncaster were moving into a shot of scoring with less than two minutes in the game. With a first and ten however on the Senator 20, the wayward pass from Lightfoot was picked off by Dave Wilson who returned it eight yards before being tackled. Gateshead then ran out the clock to increase their standing in the division to 9-0

Gateshead play their last game of the regular season away to Glasgow on the 26th July.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	7	16	0	6	29
Doncaster	0	0	0	0	0

Q1 62 yd Punt return by Ed Morgan (Marshall PAT Kick)
Q2 Craig Million 12yd Run (Fraser reception for two points - Nimmins Pass)
Q2 Richard Green 11 yd reception - Nimmins Pass (Green 2pt rec from Nimmins Pass)
Q4 Dave Wilson 5yd Reception - Nimmins Pass (No Conversion)

20 July 2003
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Undefeated!

Gateshead Senators 43 - Glasgow Tigers 3

Report by Gary Thompson MSc, M.I.S.M.E, M.F.M.A, MweldI

With a 43-3 win away to Glasgow Tigers, the Senators have reached 10-0 for the perfect regular season.

With everything still to play for and missing players from both sides of the ball, Gateshead travelled to Glasgow for the last game of the regular season. The Senators were playing for home field advantage through the playoffs.

Glasgow was given the ball from the kick-off. Starting from their own twenty-four yard line, Andrew Connelly, the QB for Glasgow, threw the ball out to the running back to sweep around the end. The ball never found the back and bounced towards the endzone. It was recovered on the half-yard line to give Glasgow a second and thirty-three and facing a hard task. Two 'up the gut' plays from the Tigers' ground game saw them gain only one yard. Facing a fourth down from their two yard line, the snapper fired the ball back straight over the punter's head and out the back of the endzone for a two point safety.

John Harrison

Gateshead the took the short kick on their thirty and went straight for the ground. Good running on the first series from John Harrison saw the Senators in the red zone within six plays. From the nine, Craig Million added to his total of TDs by running in the ball. With a failed two-point conversion, the score at the end of the first quarter was Gateshead 8 - Glasgow 0. The Scots started their next drive on the thirty-six, but went three and out and punted the ball back to Gateshead who for once could not move the ball. On a fourth and one, Robert Campbell stopped a run by Harrison in the backfield for a two-yard loss. The Tigers again went three and out and punted the ball deep into Senator territory for a touchback.

Gary Catherall

On the next drive Gateshead handed the ball back to the Tigers in good position after a fumble by Craig Million on the thirty-two. The now fired up Tigers who struggled to run the ball, went to the air. A fourteen-yard pass over the middle saw Rich Cowell make the open field tackle with an assist from Gary Marshall. After running the ball for no gain, a fumble recovery and an incomplete pass, the Tigers faced a 4th and 11 at the Senator eighteen. From there, Ross McMahan kicked the field goal, which dinged off the goalposts as it went in. The Senators then took the ball and drove down field using a mix of run and pass and the drive was topped by a classic reception from a looping Nimmins pass to Lee Fraser. With the ball now at the nine, the drive came to a sudden halt as for the second time in the game, Craig Million fumbled the ball at the one. The Tiger 'D' duly ended another promising drive by recovering this. Gateshead's defence led by Gary Catherall then stood firm again and forced the Tigers to punt. This time, the drive led by Nimmins quickly moved downfield and saw Million atone for his errors by sprinting into the endzone from eleven yards out. With second quarter half way through; the score was Gateshead 14 - Tigers 3.

Craig Million - 3 TDs

Gateshead again forced the Tigers to punt on their next drive, however the punt by the Tigers was badly shanked and landed behind the line of scrimmage. With the punt team closing in, the Tigers punter kicked the ball out of bounds that drew an additional fifteen-yard penalty. This saw Gateshead sitting on the Tigers' ten-yard line going in. One play later and Craig Million increased his touchdown tally for the day to three. With Gateshead edging away, Andrew Connelly went to the air to stimulate some offence but to no avail. The Tigers were forced again to punt, and Gateshead's Mark Lindsey returned the ball eighteen yards to set up the offence with one more scoring chance before half-time. After a quick pass to Matt Barton, David Nimmins ran for the first down and drew an unsportsmanlike penalty from the Tigers, which gave him an additional fifteen. With four seconds left in the half, Nimmins launched a bomb down field which saw Chris Mayne make the catch crossing the back of the endzone. The two-point conversion was good with a catch by Matt Barton and the half-time score was Gateshead 29 - Tigers 3.

Richard Holme - TD catch

Gateshead took the ball in the second half and took only 3 plays to get within scoring distance. From the Tigers nineteen and following excellent downfield blocking from the game's unsung heroes 'The O Line', Jonathan Rooney ran in the score. With a failed conversion Gateshead were up by thirty-four points. The Tigers' next drive started at the eighteen and carried on much the same way as the first had ended. Operating from the shotgun, Andrew Connelly fired two incomplete passes before Andy Sinclair sacked him for a twelve-yard loss. Facing a fourth down from their own six yard line, the punter again saw the ball sail over his head and he stepped out of the back of the endzone as he caught the wayward punt. The ball then exchanged hands again before Gateshead took over on their thirty-two following two penalties. On the back of Craig Million who had already rushed for another 100-yard game, the ball moved down to the 14-yard line. With a perfect pass, Nimmins hit Richard Holme in the endzone to increase the lead. As the quarter closed, the score was now Gateshead 43 - Glasgow 3.

In the fourth quarter, both teams moved the ball but could not find the final touch to increase the scores. The game came to an end with Gateshead the victors and champions of the Northern Division Two. This year Gateshead went 10 - 0 for the second time in the club's history.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	8	21	14	0	43
Glasgow	0	3	0	0	3

Q1 2 Point Safety - Ball out of back of Endzone on Punt (No Conversion)
Q1 Craig Million 9yd Run (No Conversion)
Q2 Ross McMahan 28 Yard Field goal
Q2 Craig Million 11yd Run (No Conversion)
Q2 Craig Million 10yd Run (Gary Marshall Extra Point)
Q2 Chris Mayne 30 yd Rec from David Nimmins (Matthew Barton 2 pt rec)
Q3 Jonathan Rooney 19yd Run (No Conversion)
Q3 2 Point Safety - Ball out of back of Endzone on Punt (No Conversion)
Q3 Richard Holme 14 yd Reception from David Nimmins (No Conversion)

MVP Awards

Game:		Gary Catherall
Offense:		The 'O' Line
Defense:		Derek Parry
Special Teams:		Chris Mayne
Bag of Nuts:		Mark Hume

27 Jul 2003
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Team Regular Season Stats (10 games)

Stats by Gary Thompson, MSc, M.I.S.M.E, M.F.M.A, MweldI

Offense

PLAYER NAME	NUM	PASS ATTS	COMPS	RUSH ATTS	RECS	RUSH YDS	PASS YDS	REC YARDS	TOTAL YDS	TD'S	AVGE	% RATING
MICHAEL LEVETT	4			16		63			63	2
JOHNATHAN ROONEY	5			59	2	336		6	342	9
RICHARD HOLME	6			1	10	42		132		3
LEE FRASER	10			10	14	76		138	214	2
GARY MARSHALL	13	1	1				11		11			100.00
DAVID NIMMINS	17	176	82	13		50	909		959	17	3.8	46.59
TOM HENNIKER	19				7			75	75
DAVID WILSON	21			14	2	59		11	70	1
CRAIG MILLION	30			127	3	1567		32	1599	24	12
GARY CATHERALL	31	1	1	15	1	132	38	-1	131	1	8.8	100.00
MICHAEL RUMNEY	33			73	1	454		-12	455	4	6.2
JOHN HARRISON	35			33	2	247		16	263	3	7.5
RICHARD GREEN	81			1	26	8		356	364	8
CHRISTOPHER MAYNE	83				6			101	101	3
MATTHEW BARTON	86			2	8	0		93	93	1	0

RUSHING YARDAGE						3034
PASSING YARDAGE							958	947
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDAGE									3992


DEFENSIVE YARDS HELD
GAME 1 - EDINBURGH	90
GAME 2 - GLASGOW	14
GAME 3 - TEES VALLEY	71
GAME 4 - EDINBURGH	22
GAME 5 - DUNDEE	124
GAME 6 - TEES VALLEY	-52
GAME 7 - MERSEYSIDE	59
GAME 8 - DUNDEE	216
GAME 9 - DONCASTER	63
GAME 10 - GLASGOW	53

Defense

PLAYER NAME	NUMBER	TACKLS	ASSIST	SACKS	INTERCEPTIONS	YDS GAIN/LOSS	NOTES
ADAM MENNIM	1	40	16	4.5
RICH COWELL	3	27	9	0	2
MICHAEL LEVETT	4	1	2	0
JONATHAN ROONEY	5	11	3	0
RICHARD HOLME	6	6	0	0
GARY MARSHALL	13	0	1	0
ANDREW GOODHEAD	15/16	1	0	0
David Nimmins	17	1	0	0
CHRISTOPHER MAYNE	19	2	0	0
ED MORGAN	20	15	4	0	2
DAVID WILSON	21	18	6	2	1
JAMES WAITE	22/58	9	15	0	1
WIMMIE VAN TERGOUW	23	9	3	0	2
ANDY SINCLAIR	26/91	13	9	1
MARK LINDSEY	27	13	8	0	4
GARY CATHERALL	31	37	17	3	1
MICHAEL RUMNEY	33	3	0	0
STEVE WOOTON	34	37	29	0	2
DEREK PARRY	38	28	28	1
BEN JOHNSON	53	2	0	0
JOHN LOCKHART	60	4	3	0
SEAN RILEY	61	5	1	0
ANDY COOPER	75	2	0	0
PAUL ANDERSON	78/69	11	6	1.5
RICHARD GREEN	81	1	0
MATTHEW BARTON	86	3	0	0
BOY DE WAART	90	26	9	6

		325	169	19	15

Special Teams

KICKOFF RETURN
LEAGUE	PLAYERS							GAME
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TB	RET	YDS

5344	HENNIKER,T	1	15	15				2
5342	MORGAN, E	1	9	9				3
5344	HENNIKER,T	1	27	27				4
1552	LINDSEY,M	2	54	45				5
1552	LINDSEY,M	2	36	18				9


KICKOFF RETURN TOTALS

LEAGUE	PLAYERS
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG
5344	HENNIKER,T	2	42	27
5342	MORGAN, E	1	9	9
1552	LINDSEY,M	4	90	45


PUNT RETURN
LEAGUE	PLAYERS							GAME
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TD	RET	YDS
5342	MORGAN, E	1	18	18				1
551	WOOTON, S	1	11	11				1
5342	MORGAN, E	2	48	26				2
5342	MORGAN, E	1	5	5				3
1552	LINDSEY,M	1	18	18				3
5342	MORGAN, E	6	148	45	1			4
1552	LINDSEY,M	1	16	16				4
5342	MORGAN, E	1	17	17				5
5342	MORGAN, E	4	102	38				6
1552	LINDSEY,M	1	21	21				7
5342	MORGAN, E	4	87	62				9
1552	LINDSEY,M	1	18	18				10


PUNT RETURN TOTALS

LEAGUE	PLAYERS
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TD
5342	MORGAN, E	19	425	62	2
1552	LINDSEY,M	4	73	21
551	WOOTON, S	1	11	11

FIELDGOAL
GAME		NO	RETURN


KICKOFFS
LEAGUE	PLAYERS							GAME
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TB	RET	YDS
5341	MAYNE,C	5	180	50		4	53	1
5341	MAYNE,C	6	291	60	1	5	39	2
5341	MAYNE, C	4	169	41		4	29	3
5337	GREEN,R	1	60	60	1			3
5337	GREEN,R	4	361	60	1	4	48	4
5341	MAYNE, C	3	152	55		3	55	5
5337	GREEN,R	6	305	54		6	78	5
5341	MAYNE, C	5	216	50		5	33	6
5337	GREEN,R	8	401	60	1	7	90	6
5341	MAYNE, C	3	155	60		2	31	7
5337	GREEN,R	5	256	52		3	61	7
1535	MARSHALL, G	1	60	60	1			8
5341	MAYNE, C	2	95	50		1	20	8
5341	MAYNE, C	5	237	60	2	2	20	9
5341	MAYNE, C	6	302	60	1	4	59	10


KICKOFF TOTALS

LEAGUE	PLAYERS
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TB
5341	MAYNE,C	39	1797	60	4
5337	GREEN,R	24	1383	60	3
1535	MARSHALL, G	1	60	60	1

PUNTS
LEAGUE	PLAYERS							GAME
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TB	RET	YDS
1535	MARSHALL, G	1	22	22
1535	MARSHALL, G	2	103	60	1			3
1535	MARSHALL, G	2	65	40		1	4	5
1535	MARSHALL, G	1	45	45				7
1535	MARSHALL, G	2	64	34				8
1535	MARSHALL, G	3	82	32				9
1535	MARSHALL, G	1	38	38				10

PUNT TOTALS

LEAGUE	PLAYERS
REG No.	Surname & Initial	NO	YDS	LG	TB
1535	MARSHALL, G	12	419	60	1

3 Aug 2003
Touchback!

Senators sink Saints' season

Gateshead Senators 21 Oxford Saints 3

Report by Gary Thompson MSc, M.I.S.M.E, M.F.M.A, MweldI

In a long, tense game drawn out by penalty delays, Gateshead Senators made sure of their semi final place next weekend with a 21-3 victory over Oxford Saints in the first round of the sudden death playoffs.

Ed Morgan

Knowing a loss would mean the end of the season to both teams, Oxford travelled the long distance to Gateshead to play the quarter final. After electing to kick, the ball was taken by Tom Henniker on the ten and returned twelve yards to set up the Senators with a first play from their own twenty two. Gateshead could not move the ball against a staunch Oxford defence and went three and out on their first drive. On the first play from scrimmage, Wayne Mayers, the Oxford QB, went to the air and was immediately picked off by Ed Morgan. Ed returned the ball to the two-yard line before being forced out of bounds.

Craig Million breaks the plane for six points

Two plays later, Craig Million burst around the pursuing defence to break the deadlock and make the score 6-0 with 9.52 remaining in the quarter. A failed conversion kept the score 6-0. From the kick off, a good return by Oxford's Brendan Peek saw him burst through the wedge and run to the Gateshead twenty before being dragged down from behind. Good defensive plays by Dave Wilson and Gary Catherall saw the Saints facing a 4th and 13 from the Senators' 23 yard line. Nicholas Wykes then came in and kicked the field goal to narrow the margin and the quarter closed with the scores Gateshead 6 - Oxford 3.

Matt Barton makes the catch

The second quarter started with a fair catch by Ed Morgan from an Oxford punt. Starting from the Oxford forty-one yard line, Gateshead moved to the ground game and good running from Craig Million saw them down at the eleven-yard line after 5 plays. With the momentum shifting, David Nimmins went to the air and put a pinpoint perfect pass to Matt Barton in the end zone for the six points. With Gary Marshall kicking the extra point, the score was Gateshead 13 - Oxford 3 with 9.55 remaining in the second quarter. On the ensuing drive, Gateshead's 'D' earned their reputation when, on a 4th and 1 from their own 39, they stood firm and stopped the Oxford advance. Gateshead took over and moved the ball by mixing up the plays until they were faced with a 4th and 3, in which they too fell short and with a penalty call added on for good measure. Oxford took the ball at their own thirty eight. A good run by running back Brian Myers saw them get a first down. On the next two plays trying to run the sweep, Rich Cowell came up from corner to stop the play dead. Facing a 4th and 1 at their own thirty-two, the 'D' again caught the runner in the backfield to end the drive. With 21 seconds remaining in the half, Gateshead ran down the clock to go in at half-time leading by a score.


Million is too fast for the Oxford defense	Lee Fraser catches the 2 point conversion

A booming kick from young Richard Green saw the ball bounce out of the endzone for the touchback to allow Oxford to start the third quarter from the twenty-yard line. After going three and out, Oxford punted the ball back to Gateshead who took over the next drive on their own thirty-yard line. Craig Million shrugged off several tackles and ran sixty yards to increase the lead to 19 - 3 with less than three minutes of the third quarter elapsed. On the conversion a roll-out by David Nimmins froze the defence who then watched helplessly as he threw the ball to the wide-open Lee Fraser in the back of the end zone.

Lee "Don't stop me now" Fraser drags the tackler along

After another good return, Oxford started their drive near the half way line and moved the ball successfully down to the Gateshead sixteen. With a 1st and 10, Gary Catherall caught the running back in the backfield to drop him for a six-yard loss. On the next play, a huge hit by Gary Catherall again saw him sack the QB for a 9-yard loss. Facing a 4th and 22 from the Senator twenty-eight, Wykes' 45 yard field goal effort was on line but fell just short and Gateshead took over driving down field as the third quarter ended. After another bout of penalties, Gateshead punted the ball back to Oxford to start the last quarter with Gateshead leading by 21-3.

Rich Cowell makes the interception

Trying to kick the offence into action, Mayers went to the air and threw four incomplete passes, which turned the ball over to the Senators in good field position. Adding to his yardage, Craig Million put his head down and drove the ball forward until a penalty called back his good run. An interception on the next play from scrimmage snuffed out the drive and the Saints took over on their twenty-five. After moving the ball, Oxford faced a 4th and 11 to keep the drive alive. A good play by the 'D' saw Rich Cowell step up and intercept the pass on the thirty-six.

Dave Wilson (#21) makes the pick.

With good running and nearing 200 yards on the day, Craig Million ran the ball well until back-to-back penalties forced Gary Marshall in to punt. With pinpoint accuracy, the ball went out of bounds on the eight-yard line. Two plays later, Dave Wilson picked off another Mayers pass with only 23 seconds remaining in the game. The Senators ran out the clock to win a hard fought game and now progress to meet Nottingham in the semi final at Gateshead on the 17th August.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	6	7	8	0	21
Oxford	3	0	0	0	3

Q1 1 yd Run Craig Million (No Conversion)
Q1 Nicholas Wykes 33 yard field goal
Q2 Matt Barton 11yd Reception from D. Nimmins (Gary Marshall Extra Point)
Q3 60 yd Run Craig Million (Pass to L. Fraser for two points from Nimmins)

MVP Awards

Game:		Gary Catherall
Offense:		Craig Million
Defense:		Richard Cowell
Special Teams:		Richard Green
Special mention to the whole 'D' who upheld the high standards set all season.

10 Aug 2003
Touchback!

Senators succumb to Caesars

Gateshead Senators 33 Nottingham Caesars 36

Report by Gary Thompson MSc, M.I.S.M.E, M.F.M.A, MweldI

The struggle for supremacy between the Caesars and the Senators was a long drawn out affair in Roman times, and as then, in a long game, the Caesars emerged victorious. This time it was with a narrow 36-33 win.

This heartstopping game, which many said should have been the final, saw the lead change several times, not least within the final two minutes, but it is Nottingham who progress to the final in Sheffield to meet Bristol on August 31st. The Senators wish them well.

Two clubs with the same passion for football met on the field in the 'Real Final' on Sunday 17 August. The Nottingham Caesars, led by Gary Stainton, came into the game knowing the victory would see them through to the final.

After receiving the ball, Nottingham returned the ball 38 yards from their own four to start the drive near the half way line. A couple of good runs into the heart of the Gateshead defence saw the Caesars making slow but sure yardage. Facing a 3rd and 5 from the Gateshead 27, Stainton went to the air and picked out his sideline receiver to get into scoring distance. After getting a first and goal, the Gateshead 'D' stood firm for three plays and on a 3rd and Goal from the three stopped the play dead and forced Nottingham to try the field goal. In stepped Lee Stone and kicked the 3 pointer to give the Caesars the edge with 9.57 remaining in the quarter.


Craig Million gets the yardage	Dave Wilson #21 makes the scoring catch

Taking the ball deep, Richard Holme returned it to the 38 yard line before being tackled. On the first play, a well executed run by Craig Million saw him break open the Nottingham line and run for 24 yards. On the ensuing play, Mike Rumney had the same success and ran for 26 yards. In only two plays, Gateshead was knocking on the door with a 1st and goal from the two. One play later, a leaping reception by Dave Wilson gave the Senators the first touchdown of the game. With a Marshall extra point the score was now Gateshead 7 - Nottingham 3. On the next play from scrimmage a fumble in the backfield by Terry Mayers was pounced on by the alert Mark Lindsey. Gateshead then took over on the 26 yard line going in. Craig Million took the ball on the second down and burst round the corner to score and increase the lead further. With another Marshall extra point the score was now Gateshead 14, Nottingham 3 with 7 minutes 18 remaining in the first quarter.


Mark Lindsey (on ground) covers the fumble recovery	Craig Million on his way to the end zone

Dave Wilson breaks the plane for six

Trying to motivate his team, as only he knows how, Gary Stainton went for two quick passes. Moving the ball out to their 34 yard line, the Caesars again went to the ground only to see their running back fumble again. Boy De Waart recovered the loose ball and Gateshead took over on the C's twenty-seven. Three plays later, Dave Wilson burst through from three yards out to increase the lead to 20 - 3. With a failed extra point, the Senators had put twenty unanswered points on the board in less than four minutes. Nottingham, desperate to get the offence going, then put a controlled drive together moving down the field using the power running of Bernie Hackshaw and the controlled passing of Stainton to the Senator 25 yard line. Facing a fourth and two, a Gateshead penalty gave another chance for the Caesars and they gratefully took the ball in two plays later with a two yard run from Scott Messom. A two-point reception by Ian McCartney saw the Senators' lead reduced to 9 points as the quarter closed.

Craig Million scores again

Starting the second quarter, David Nimmins drove the offence down field and hit Richard Holme with a beautiful pass for a twenty-four yard gain. With less than two minutes of the second quarter elapsed, Craig Million again went over for the touchdown from the one-yard line. Nottingham again came straight back and drove the ball consistently until facing a 4th and goal on the seventeen, Stainton hit McCartney in the corner of the end zone for six. With a blocked extra point, the scores were now Gateshead 26 - Nottingham 17 with 8.52 remaining in the half. After punting on the next drive, the Gateshead 'D' stood firm and forced the Caesars to punt after going three and out. After stripping the ball away from the punt returner, the Caesars 'O' marched straight back on the field in good position to score. On the first play from scrimmage on the twenty, Boy de Waart burst through the line to sack Stainton for the second time and drop him for an 11-yard loss. Undeterred by this, Stainton then hit his receiver on the 1 yard line to set up a 1st and goal on the one. With time running down, Nottingham then fumbled the ball on the one-yard line, which was recovered by Linebacker Gary Catherall. Gateshead ran out the clock to close the half at Gateshead 26 - Nottingham 17.

Derek Parry makes sure of the tackle

The third quarter started with Gateshead driving the ball well until on a sweep right, Craig Million got caught up in the mêlée and badly injured his knee. With a change of tack, Gateshead went to the air and moved the ball down to the Caesars' twenty-four. Facing a fourth and one, Gateshead came up short and turned the ball over on downs. After a couple of penalties, Nottingham was facing a 2nd and 23 from their own 13-yard line when LB Derek Parry caught Stainton in the backfield. After both teams were forced to punt, the quarter closed with Nottingham on the 8-yard line going in.

Gary Catherall #31 gets the defensive play from coach Mark Sloan

Gary Catherall #31 gets the defensive play signals from coach Mark Sloan

It took eight plays, but on a fourth and goal on the twenty-two, a catch by Hackshaw on the two saw him fall into the end zone to close the gap even further. With no extra point, the score was now Gateshead 26 - Nottingham 23. Forced to punt on the next drive, Nottingham started again from their 28 yard line. Terry Mayers made up for his earlier fumbles by bursting outside and running 52 yards into the end zone for the go-ahead score A blocked extra point by Paul 'Uncle' Anderson saw the lead pegged back to 3 points.

Both teams then could not move the ball and with 3:42 remaining in the game, David Nimmins led the offence on to the field. Going to the air, Dave hit three separate receivers on different routes to move the ball 60 yards in less than a minute topping it with a 30 yard reception by Richard Holme. Going in from the two, Mike Rumney following excellent blocking from the 'O' line, broke the plane with just over two minutes remaining. With a Marshall extra point, the score now read Gateshead 33, Nottingham 29. Nottingham then took the ball with under two minutes and three time-outs and drove the ball quickly downfield to the twelve yard line. From here Terry Mayers burst outside and sprinted in with 1:06 remaining to give the Caesars the lead. Trying desperately to move the ball into field goal position, David Nimmins went to the air three times to see his passes dropped. Facing a fourth and 21 from the Senators' seven, an incomplete pass saw the ball change hands to the Caesars who ended the game victors as time expired. The final score, Gateshead 33 - Nottingham 36.


Mikey Rumney is under there, with the TD score.	DB Richard Cowell defends the pass trying to keep the Caesars out.

A great game of football played by two hard working teams who deserve much credit for their professional approach to the sport. Nottingham now face Bristol in the final while Gateshead look forward to next season.

Scoring Summary

Quarter	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gateshead	20	6	0	7	33
Nottingham	11	6	0	19	36

Q1 Nottingham 10 yard field goal from Lee Stone
Q1 Gateshead 2 yard reception Dave Wilson from D. Nimmins Pass (Marshall extra point)
Q1 Gateshead 18 yard run by Craig Million (Marshall extra point)
Q1 Gateshead 3 yard run by Dave Wilson (No Conversion)
Q1 Nottingham 2 yard run by Scott Messom (2 pt rec McCartney from Stainton)
Q2 Gateshead 10 yard run by Craig Million (No Conversion)
Q2 Nottingham 17 yard reception Ian McCartney from Stainton (No Conversion)
Q4 Nottingham 22 yard reception by Hackshaw from Stainton (No Conversion)
Q4 Nottingham 52 yard run by Terry Mayers (No Conversion)
Q4 Gateshead 2 yard run by Mike Rumney (Marshall extra point)
Q4 Nottingham 12 yard run by Terry Mayers (Lee Stone extra point)

17 Aug 2003
Touchback!

Presentations for Senators

The Gateshead Senators' annual Presentation Evening and AGM will be held at "The Schooner Inn", Gateshead on Friday 17th October.

It is a 6:30 p.m. start, with the AGM at 7 p.m. Afterwards there will be the presentations of awards to members of the "Sunday Family" that have made significant contributions over the last very successful season, including player "Most Valued Player" awards, and season trophies in various categories.

Nominations will also be sought for the 2003 inductees into the Senators' Hall of Fame.

Tickets are £5 which includes one drink up to £2 and a buffet. There will also be a raffle. Tickets will be available 'on the door' and all club members and friends are welcome.

And if there's anyone who would like to come along and find out a bit more about the Senators and American football, contact Club Chairman and Head Coach Gary Marshall and he'll keep you a ticket to one side, contact details are at http://www.gateshead-senators.co.uk/

01 Oct 2003
Touchback!

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"Greyflash" honoured

Step up quarterback David 'Greyflash' Nimmins received the most prestigious award of the year at the Gateshead Senators' Annual Meeting and Presentation Night at the Schooner Inn, Gateshead on Friday 17 October.

This is the "Players' Player" award, chosen by his fellow players for his outstanding achievement in guiding the team to the 10-0 season and one game short of the final.

Head Coach and Club Chairman Gary Marshall started the AGM with a statement about the club finances and referred to the success of the direct debit scheme which he urged all members to use.

As expected, the Senators will be back in Division 1 next season, once again meeting other top flight teams such as East Kilbride and the UK team they have never beaten, Birmingham Bulls.

The training schedule for the 2004 season was also discussed.

The meeting then moved to the Presentation of Awards, starting with the MVP (most Valued Player) for the 2003 season games. (The 'Bag of Nuts' Award is given for the hardest 'hit' of the game.)

1 Gateshead Senators 32 Edinburgh Wolves 0


Offense Craig Million	Defense Adam Mennim

Special Teams Andy Sinclair

Also: Game Michael Rumney

2 Glasgow Tigers 2 - Gateshead Senators 43


Game Craig Million	Offense Mikey Rumney

Special Teams Ed Morgan

Also: Defense, Boy De Waart; "Bag of Nuts" John Harrison

3 Gateshead Senators 30 Tees Valley Cougars 0

No awards

4 Gateshead Senators 47 - Edinburgh Wolves 0


Offense: David Nimmins	Defense: Steve Wooton

Also: Game: The Defense, Special Teams: Paul 'Uncle' Anderson; Bag of Nuts: Paul 'Uncle' Anderson

5 Gateshead Senators 55 Dundee Hurricanes 6


Game: James Waite	Offense: Mark Hume

Defense: Steve Wooton
(collected by his son, Liam)

Also: Bag of Nuts: John Harrison

6 Gateshead Senators 106 - Tees Valley Cougars 0


Offense: Richard Green	Defense: Gary Catherall

Also: Game: The Defense; Bag of Nuts: Matt Barton

7 Gateshead Senators 46 - Merseyside Nighthawks 0


Game: Gary Catherall	Offense: Craig Million

Also: Defense: Jonathan Rooney; Bag of Nuts: James Waite

8 Gateshead Senators 22 - Dundee Hurricanes 14


Game: Gary Catherall & Dave Wilson	Offense: Mikey Rumney

Defense: Mark Lindsey

Also: Bag of Nuts: John Harrison

9 Gateshead Senators 29 - Doncaster Mustangs 0

No awards

10 Gateshead Senators 43 - Glasgow Tigers 3


Game: Gary Catherall	Defense: Derek Parry

Also: Offense: The 'O' Line; Special Teams: Chris Mayne; Bag of Nuts: Mark Hume

Playoffs: Quarter Final Gateshead Senators 21 Oxford Saints 3


Game: Gary Catherall	Offense: Craig Million


Defense: Richard Cowell	Special Teams: Richard Green

Playoffs: Semi final Gateshead Senators 33 Nottingham Caesars 36

No awards

After that the season trophies and awards were made in various categories, presented by Coach Marshall.

Boy de Waart receives the Rookie of the Year award he shared with Jonathan Rooney from Coach Marshall. Jonathan Rooney was unable to attend the evening event.

The Rookie of the Year Award

was shared between Boy de Waart and Jonathan Rooney. The Head Coach praised the commitment and progress these two had made, and their contribution on the field.

Jonathan Rooney

Andy Sinclair withMr Marshall.

Special Teams Player of the Year

- Andy Sinclair. A player who had never failed to undertake one of the hardest and most repetitive tasks of the game, that of Special Teams. Again commitment to the team was exemplary.

QB David Nimmins receives the award.

Offensive Player of the Year

- David Nimmins. He stepped in at quarterback, perhaps the most demanding position in the game when league rules prevented Lee Fraser from playing that position. His achievement in leading the team to a perfect 10-0 season was spectacular and showed that he could surpass even his own expectations when the call was made.

Steve Wooton lies in wait for the offense

The Leading Tackler

was Steve Wooton, who claims each season is his last but just cannot resist the lure of the game. The heart of the defensive unit, he's coming back again for 2004!

Richard Green catches the award

The Play of the Season

This award was give to Richard Green, who's one handed catch in the game against Doncaster at home which made spectators gasp, and who later claimed they thought they were watching an NFL receiver!


Mark Sloan prepared to pull another surpise out of the bag.	Gary Catherall receives Defensive Player of the Year from 'D' coach Mark Sloan.

At this point Defensive Coach Mark Sloan took the stage and in a witty and clever speech presented gifts to various members of the defense as appropriate such as (toy) sunglasses for the secondary because they were always gazing upwards for the ball, a key ring for Derek Parry because he said he was always searching for the key to the defense and a corset for Gary Marshall to hold in the middle age spread! On a serious note, he presented the Award for Defensive Player of the year to the unit's on field leader, Gary Catherall.

Special Award

Liam Wooton gets a special award for his sideline work as ball boy.

Coach Marshall then made special award to someone whose mundane job nevertheless makes vital contribution to the game, the ballboy, Liam Wooton.

Players' Player of the Year

David Nimmins - Players' Player of the Year

Then to the final and what Coach Marshall described as the most prestigious award of the night, because it was one that was not decided by the coaches or committee, but by the vote of the players themselves, The Players' Player Award. By a large margin, his fellow players elected David Nimmins to this award.

Bouquet Our host at the Schooner Inn, Debbie, was presented with a bouquet by committee member Roy Davis.

An excellent hot buffet was provided by The Schooner Inn which was eaten over discussion of the past season and anticipation of the return to Division 1 in 2004.

17 Oct 2003
Touchback!

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