2006 Season

Fixtures & Results 2006
Press Releases & Match Reports
Season Review and Presentations

Fixtures & Results 2006

Pre Season				W/L	For	Agst
	Apr 9	West Coast Trojans	A	Scrimmage
Regular Season (all home games Gateshead Stadium K.O 2.00pm unless stated otherwise)
Week	Date	Opponent	Venue	W/L	For	Agst
1	April 30th	Doncaster Mustangs	A	Won	21	0
2	May 7th	East Kilbride Pirates	H	Won	13	6
3	May 14th	Fundraiser at The Sports Cafe, Newcastle upon Tyne, all welcome
4	May 21st	Lancashire Wolverines	H	Scrimmage
5	May 28th
6	June 4th	East Kilbride Pirates	A	Won	28	14
7	June 11th
8	June 18th	Coventry Cassidy Jets	A	Lost	15	54
9	June 25th	Staffordshire Surge	H (2.30 KO)	Won	46	0
10	July 2nd	ASAP Yorkshire Rams	H	Won	39	0
11	July 9th
12	July 15th
13	July 23rd	Doncaster Mustangs	H	Won	58	0
14	July 30th	Nottingham Caesars	A	Won	45	6
15	August 6th	Birmingham Bulls	A	Lost	7	8
16	August 13th
17	August 20th	Birmingham Bulls	H	Won	40	10
18	August 27th

All fixtures subject to alteration.This updated 10 Sep 2006

Press Releases & Match Reports

Don the armour, play the game

Gateshead Senators, the north's top UK team, is recruiting for the 2006 season. The team draws players from across the North: Teesside, Darlington, Durham, Sunderland, Carlisle even, as well as Hexham, Northumberland and of course Tyneside.

To be eligible to play for the senior team the minimum age is 19. The trials will take place at Gateshead Stadium on Sunday 22nd January commencing at 1.00 p.m. until 3.00 p.m. No equipment is needed to start with, track suit and trainers are fine.

The Senators will also be holding more training sessions for youngsters who wish to play American Football, following the success of the sessions held in December. Due to the level of interest the Senators will have two junior teams one for the 11-15 age group and one for the 16-19 age group. The next Junior training session will be at Gateshead Stadium on the Astroturf from 11.30 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. on Sunday 15th January.

For more information regarding both senior and junior teams contact David Wilson on 07710477798 or . Information about the Senators can be found on the website at http://www.gateshead-senators.co.uk

1 Jan 2006
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10 Jan 2006
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10 Jan 2006
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16 Jan 2006
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1 Feb 2006
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Senators' Hall of Fame 2006

8 Feb 2006
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Sports Café Sponsorship

The Sports Café is Newcastle City Centre's newest and best sports bar over 3 floors and boasts over 100 plasma screens.

The Senators and The Sports Café will be working on many exciting joint ventures throughout the 2006 season involving both Senior and Junior teams. More news to follow soon...

22 Feb 2006
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Senator Training

Senior Training: we have block booked the turf for training for both senior and juniors on a Sunday from 12 until 3.00 and Wednesday evening from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings however are not available until April.

Junior training on Sunday will take place at Gateshead Stadium commencing 11.30 a.m. until 1.30 p.m. training is due to be held on GRASS so players are required to bring suitable footwear, however we would ask all players to bring suitable footwear for Astroturf.

All returning Senior players are invited to attend however the official Senior Training sessions will commence on Sunday 5th March from 11.30 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. on ASTROTURF until further notice.

Wednesday Evening training will commence on Wednesday 5th April for both Junior and Senior teams again on ASTROTURF - this session will run throughout the season from 7.00 p.m. until 9.00 p.m.

22 Feb 2006
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Senator Sal still succeeding

Senator Sal still succeeding

Sal played defense for the club twenty years ago, and was the first American player the club had.

Sal writes:

"Hope all is well. I wanted to thank you and the guys for inducting me into your Hall of Fame. I am honored to be a member. I am currently a Vice President at the University but I am still coaching football at the local high school. We were conference champions this year and last year we lost in the state championships.

"My experience with the Senators was one that I will always remember. RC and the rest of the guys were great to play ball with. We had great success on and off the field. I want to thank you again and please say hello to any of the older guys who I played with; who are still associated with the program.

"We had a great team with every player contributing to the success we had. My passion for football has never stopped. When I returned to the states I continued coaching and ultimately became the Head Football Coach at Central Connecticut State University. After over 10 years as the head coach, I was fortunate to continue to grow with the University to my current position as a Vice President for Administrative Affairs. Although I am very busy at the University, I cant stay away from football and 2 years ago, I accepted a second position as the Head Football Coach at the local senior high school."

Sal has sent some photos from his Senator years which will be on the website soon.

Once a Senator, always a Senator!

26 Feb 2006

Let the Voting Begin 24 Mar 2006 The shortlist for the Gateshead Senators' Hall of Fame is now published. The club committee (excluding any nominees) has considered all those nominated, a record number, and decided on the final selection of six in the player's section and one in the 'Other' section. Up to four may be inducted. Voting procedure is that all current members and past members, in good standing, are allowed a maximum of three votes: two in the 'player' category (for different people) and one in the 'others' category. Voters can chose to use all three votes or use only one or two. Voting will close on Sunday April 30th 2006. Head Coach Gary Marshall said, "Although a large number have been nominated, we wanted to to keep the voting list short to preserve the integrity of the HoF, an honour that is the highest that the Club can bestow and one that is worth having." Voting Page

Have fun, raise funds Apr 27 2006 Gateshead Senators have announced details of their annual fundraiser. This year's event will take place at The Sports Cafe, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Sunday 14th May. The event is designed to raise funds for both senior and junior teams. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Sports Cafe, the start time is to be confirmed but there are several events planned such as Rodeo Bull competition, Senator merchandise raffle and much more. Tickets are priced at £3.00 and are available by contacting David Wilson on 07710477798 or

Senators start with Success Apr 30 2006 Gateshead Senators got their 2006 campaign off to a roaring start with a win. A defensive shutout and 21 points of their own gave the Senators a 21-0 win away to Doncaster Mustangs on 30 April. The Senators were without key players on both offense and defense due to work and university commitments. Mikey Rumney #33 pounces on the runner (Photo: Graham Beardsley Photography) Duncan French - if you can't go through, go over (Photo: Graham Beardsley Photography) Duncan French pursued by Mustangs Gateshead took the opening kick-off and mixing up the pass and run got down to the home team's two yard line. Unfortunately, the botched hand-off led to a fumble which the Mustangs gratefully recovered. The Senators defense came onto the field and their aggressive play forced Doncaster into a 4th and long situation. The punter dropped the ball under pressure from the Senators who took over in a good field position. Gateshead could not capitalise on this when two plays later running back Duncan French lost the ball when trying for extra yards on a cut back run. Senators defensive back Dave Fillingham - who left the game in the next quarter due to a dislocated shoulder - put paid to the next Doncaster drive when he intercepted a pass intended for the Mustangs' Tight End. This brought the first quarter to an end. In the second quarter French made no mistake, this time scampering in from 57 yards out on the next play for a 6-0 lead. The extra point was missed. The makeshift Gateshead defense was making things difficult for the Doncaster team and strong tackling from Rich Marshall and Adam Ledner kept ground gains to a minimum. Doncaster were also struggling though and Ed Morgan picked off another wayward pass and returned it for 17 yards. The Senators had to settle for a 27 yard field goal from Pete Rogers and closed out the half leading 9-0. Ed Morgan in earlier action Duncan on the loose at Doncaster Lee 'Fridge' Fraser, club game MVP Doncaster took the opening kick-off of the second half but they were again forced to punt the ball when they couldn't make progress against the fired up Senators 'D'. Following more good running from French - who finished the day with 218 yards from 21 carries - slot receiver Lee Fraser caught an 11 yard touchdown pass and only just missed the two point pass. Pete Rogers prepares to launch (Photo: Graham Beardsley Photography) The Senators went into the fourth quarter with a 15-0 lead. This final period of the game mirrored the earlier exchanges with Doncaster finding it very difficult to move the ball effectively. Fraser rounded out the scoring with his second scoring catch, a one yard touchdown pass from Senators quarterback Rogers. The Senators will need to be on top form next week when they entertain the East Kilbride Pirates at Gateshead International Stadium, 2 p.m. kick-off. Entry is free. # 51 Iain Fraser ready for the snap (Photo: Graham Beardsley Photography) # 85 Ed Tate says "That's mine!" (Photo: Graham Beardsley Photography) Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe Game Lee Fraser Offense Matt Barton Defense Adam Ledner

Senators' Second Victory Gateshead Senators 13 East Kilbride Pirates 6 The Senators continued their winning run with a second victory, this time at home against Scottish power house, East Kilbride. It was a game where each team's strengths, especially on defense, were matched by those of the other team. Dave Wilson returns his interception Duncan French gets good blocking The Pirates kicked off to give the Senators first possession, but this ended prematurely when Pete Rogers' pitch to Duncan French missed its target resulting in a turnover. But Dave Wilson intercepted for the Senators to get the ball back with a 20 yard return. The Senators lost the ball again when Ross Templeton picked off Rogers, his return brought to sudden stop when Rogers brought him down with a tackle Boris Johnson would be proud of. The defensive stalemate was broken when Pirates' QB Matt McCusker hit Stuart Hare from 11 yards out to give the Scots a six point lead. The kick for PAT was blocked, and the score at the end of the first quarter was 6-0 to East Kilbride. Senator defense buries the runner Ed Tate goes in for six Pete Rogers in command (Photo: Dave Moore) In the second quarter, Gateshead got to within field goal range but Pete Rogers' attempt from 30 yards was just wide right. The Pirates' offense could do little, with Senator Richard Marshall breaking through into the backfield tackling the runner for a large loss. The teams traded punts, East Kilbride now without McCusker, and David Malloy stepping up to fill the gap. Gateshead were determined not to go in at the half trailing and this paid off with Pete Rogers' 27 yard scoring pass to Ed Tate to bring the scores level. Gary Marshall's PAT kick was blocked, leaving the score at half time even at six points each. Defense dominated the third quarter with a series of punts, Gary Marshall earning punter's bragging rights with a remarkable 47 yard punt that rolled to a stop, inbounds, at the Pirates' 3 yard line. Neither offense could achieve much progress, the tempo of the game dropping in line with the temperature as a cold sea mist reach as far inland as Gateshead Stadium. The fourth quarter continued with traded punts with the game looking to be headed for 6-6 tie. But it burst into life as Senator Richard Green caught a long pass from Pete Rogers to get Gateshead to the Scots' 2 yard line. A penalty pushed the Senators back to the 7 yard line, but this opened up more passing options for Rogers, to which the Pirates' defense had to adjust. Duncan French took advantage of this to run the ball back to the 3 yard line, and he completed the job on the next play, powering into the endzone for the touchdown. Gary Marshall's PAT kick was good, bringing the score to 13-6 to Gateshead. Playing catch-up with time running out, Malloy was sacked by Chris Mayne. The Scottish QB's discomfort was further increased when Richard Marshall, again plundering the offensive backfield, simply stole the ball from the QB's hands. Inside the two minutes, Gateshead had the ball with a comfortable lead, only for a fumble to be recovered by the Pirates. The Gateshead defense was up to the job though and the Pirates went four and out, enabling Rogers to take the knee and run out the clock to preserve a 13-6 home win. Richard Green makes the catch (Photo: Dave Moore) Richard Green leaps for the catch (Photo: Phil Young) The Senators' next game is in four weeks, away to, yes, East Kilbride. But in the meantime, next Sunday, May 14th, from 4 p.m. to about 8 p.m., there is a fund raising event at the Sports Cafe in Newcastle, all welcome. The event is designed to raise funds for both senior and junior teams. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Sports Cafe, the start time is to be confirmed but there are several events planned such as Rodeo Bull competition, Senator merchandise raffle and much more. Tickets are priced at £3.00 and are available by contacting David Wilson on 07710477798 or

Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe

A predatory Steve Wooton lies in wait (Photo: Dave Moore, 2003)

Hall of Fame gets new members

Steve Wooton

He had an uncoachable knack of knowing where the ball was on the field, he got there quicker than anyone else and always made the tackle. There will be a lot of running backs throughout the country very pleased that he has retired.

Truly one of the best linebackers to play the game on these shores and a class act both on and off the field.

Ronnie Young (Photo: Dave Lee)

A defensive back whose talent made many a wide receiver doubt the wisdom of their playing, he had a reputation as one of the "old school", hard hitting and aggressive. He could "scare the living daylights" out of his own team in practice, but opponents felt his full force, and remembered it!

His talent was not just physical though, he had the speed and anticipation needed for his position, as his interception record shows, once making three picks in one game.

The new generation of Wide Receivers at Gateshead and throughout the league should thank God that Ronnie is no longer playing.

Senators' D up to the job (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Pirates & Senators feel the heat

East Kilbride Pirates 14 Gateshead Senators 28

The Senators had some personnel missing due to injury and East Kilbride were without starting QB Matt McCusker who was injured in the first game between these two sides in Gateshead.

Duncan French on the loose (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

#33 Mikey Rumney helps give Rogers time in the pocket (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)		Pete Rogers calls the play (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Senators' D get the job done (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Ed Morgan #20 inspires the defense (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)		The Defense crush the runner (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Richard Green catches under pressure (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Dangerous Duncan races away (Photo: Iain MacIntosh, Imac Images http://www.imacimages.co.uk)

Both Teams had coped with the very hot conditions and injury problems to produce a typical Pirates/Senators encounter; good hard football with some outstanding plays on both sides of the ball from both teams!

This win put the Senators at the top of the division with a 3 & 0 record.

Senators' Stats Leaders:
Duncan French 28 carries for 230 yds 2 TDs
Rich Green 11 catches for 209 yds TD
480 yds total offence
Ti Bello 11 solos 3 batted passes
Ed Morgan 6 solos 3 assists 1 bat 1 INT.

Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe

Thanks and acknowledgement to Iain MacIntosh of Imac Images. All 65 of his game pictures can be viewed in high quality, and bought, at http://www.imacimages.co.uk/Gallery/2006/bafl/EK04_06_06/index.html

Senators submerge Surge

Gateshead Senators 46 Staffordshire Surge 0

Ed Morgan clean into the endzone (Photo: Dave Moore)

After a period of testing each other, the action started near the end of the first quarter when Senator Chris Mayne pushed Surge's quarterback Richard Large back through the endzone for a Safety. The is was swiftly followed by speedy Ed Morgan's kick return for a touchdown and David Wilson's 2 pt catch. A scoreless first quarter was suddenly 10-0 to Gateshead.

In the second quarter the pressure mounted with David Wilson and Mark Hume - stepping out of 'retirement' - sharing a fumble and the recovery. Surge were still in the game though and Senator QB Pete Rogers was picked off by Ant Charles. The Surge drive was frustrated by good defense, typified by Matt Kidd's alert pass defense, tipping away a Richard large pass that could otherwise have gone all the way.

Ed Morgan finds the endzone again (Photo: Dave Moore)		Pete Rogers scrambles for 2 points

A turnover on downs gave the Senators the ball deep in their own territory, but a superb long ball from Rogers to Matthew Barton set up Ed Morgan's 25 yard scoring run. With Pete Rogers' scramble for 2 point, the score was now 18-0 to Gateshead. Near the end of the half, Matthew Barton caught a Rogers 21 yard dart to bring the score to 24-0, the PAT being no good.

Ed Morgan fights his way into the endzone		Gary Marshall adds the extra point

Tate continued in the third period with a 41 yard catch to set up another Ed Morgan touchdown run, this time from 24 yards, fighting off a determined Surge defense all the way. Gary Marshall kicked the extra point to bring the score to 31-0.

#30 Craig Million closes in for the sack (Photo: Phil Young)

Richard Marshall pushes Large for a Safety for the second time. (Photo: Dave Moore)		Mikey Rumney adds to the points tally

Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe

Senators roll over Rams

Gateshead Senators 39 Yorkshire Rams 0

The Rams were tougher opposition than the scoreline suggests and with only two scores at half-time, the game was still wide open, but in the heat and against a Gateshead "D" that was giving nothing away, they could not make the breakthrough.

Strong Senator Defense (Photo: Dave Moore)		Ed Tate blocking for #28 Duncan French

Rod Petrie with a one handed leaping interception (Photo: Andy Goodhead)

The second quarter saw the Senators start to establish supremacy with Rich Holme's 19 yard scoring catch from Pete Rogers, followed by Gary Marshall's PAT to bring the score to 7-0.

Richard Holme hauls in the TD		The ball heads through the posts while Marshall is upended.

Ross Elliott sets off with the intercepted ball

Duncan breaks the plane again

Nothing between Ed Tate and the endzone

Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe

Mustangs meet their Match

Gateshead Senators 58 Doncaster Mustangs 0

Report by Lynsey Richardson

Gateshead Senators posted their third consecutive shutout with a decisive 58-0 win over Doncaster.

The Senators have qualified for the playoffs again, and are back at the top of their Division.

Richard Holme		Andy Sinclair

The Senators entertained the Mustangs at the International Stadium, needing a win to go back to the top of Division 1 North. Doncaster won the toss and elected to receive the ball and started the first drive of the day on their own 20 yard line following Pete Rogers' kick-off that went through the back of the end zone. The Senators defense took the field and soon had the Mustangs pinned back, forcing them to go three and out and having to punt the ball away to the Senators. The home side started their opening drive from their own 30 yard line and with a good combination of pass and run, converting two 4th down plays on the drive, were soon knocking on the door of the Doncaster end zone. Senators QB, Rogers, was given all the time he needed by his 'O' line and found wide receiver Rich Holme in the endzone with an eight yard completion. Lee Fraser then caught the two point pass play to give the Senators an 8-0 lead. Doncaster's second possession was much like their first, with the Senators 'D' not letting much get by them, and with defensive lineman Andy Sinclair in the thick of things, Doncaster were forced to punt again. The Senators took over in good field position following a good punt return by Ed Morgan and three plays later running back Duncan French burst into the endzone from one yard out for his first touchdown of the day. This time the two point play was unsuccessful and the Senators led 14-0.

Shutout

Andy Goodhead - first TD

Duncan French

The home side continued to move the ball and were soon back on the Mustangs' goal line on their next possession. Slot back Fraser rounded out a good individual performance on the day, catching a short TD pass from Rogers to bring up the 50 points for Gateshead.

Accurate

The final quarter in the game followed the pattern of the earlier exchanges with Gateshead controlling the tempo of the game and moving the ball with a combination of good running and accurate passing, and the Senators defense continuing to harass the Mustangs and allowing little or no gain on every down. Duncan French closed out the scoring for the home side when, from five yards out, he ran over defenders on his way to his 4th TD of the day, QB Rogers ran in the two point play bringing the score to 58 for the home side. On their next possession the Senators 'took a knee' to end the game and go back to the top of the division in fine style.

Next week Gateshead travel to Nottingham Caesars for an inter-divisional game. The Senators have already qualified for the National playoffs for the fifth straight season, but also still have a chance of winning the Division outright.

Senators MVPs sponsored by the Newcastle Sports Cafe

Senators sink Caesars

Nottingham Caesars 6 Gateshead Senators 45

Report by Gary Marshall

The Nottingham outfit had a depleted squad due to injuries but were determined to give their visitors a hard fought game in true Caesar fashion.

Following Rogers' kick-off that went through the back of the endzone, the Caesars started on their own 20yd line and were soon moving the ball upfield, running behind some good blocking from the 'O' line. They managed to move the ball 40yds before the Senators' defense stiffened and allowed the visitors 'O' onto the field.

QB Pete Rogers

Mark Hume - in the thick of it

Mikey Rumney - power blocking

RB Duncan French finished off a good drive bursting into the endzone behind Rumney's block to extend the lead by 6 more points; this time the 2pt. play was no good and the first half ended with the Senators leading by 22 points to nil.

Matt Barton - off to China

When the Senators 'O' took over it wasn't long before Rogers found WR Rich Holme at the back of the EZ for a 40 yd score. WR Matt Barton, playing his last game for the Senators before going to China on a teaching assignment, caught the 2pt. play with a diving catch to make the score 30- 0.

The Caesars took the ensuing kick-off and marched the ball downfield and got their just rewards for perseverance when their speedy wideout fooled the Senators 'D' on a reverse, going in for the score form 15yds out. The conversion failed bringing the score to 30 - 6 to Gateshead.

Andy Sinclair - at the heart of the Defense

French (9 carries for 146 yds & 2 TDs) was soon in action again taking a screen pass for the score, the XP kick was missed making the score 36 - 6 early in the 4th quarter. Nottingham were soon in trouble again and Hume was the main cause tackling the runningback in the backfield for a big loss of yardage. The Senators took over on downs and got the ball down to the Caesars' 10yd line but had to settle for Marshall's field goal when the defense kept out the first 3 attempts. The Senators closed out the scoring late in the 4th when WR Ed Tate collected a short pass from Rogers ( 14 of 24 for 115 yds, 3TDs) and ran in from the 15yd line bringing the final score to 45 - 6.

The Senators' next two games will determine the Division 1 North crown when they play the Birmingham Bulls away this Sunday, then back at the Stadium on the 20th August.

The Senators are guaranteed post season action as the worst that they can finish would be in second place, securing a home game in the playoffs, winning the Division would give them a bye to the semi-finals.

Senators take Division Title

Gateshead Senators 40 Birmingham Bulls 10

Report by Lynsey Richardson

Ross Elliott makes the interception (Photo: Dave Moore)

The Bulls fell further behind in the second quarter in bizarre circumstances when RB Campbell was hit at his own 10 yard line. The wet ball came out of his hands like a bar of soap straight into the grateful arms of Senator's DT Rich Marshall who rumbled 18 yards for the score. QB Lee Fraser hit WR Rich Green on a slant for the two points to extend the lead to 27 points at the half.

Rich Marshall rumbles in for Six (Photo: Dave Moore)		Hard hitting defense (Photo: Dave Moore)

Lee 'Fridge' Fraser at the helm (Photo: Dave Moore)

Duncan French adds to his TD tally (Photo: Dave Moore)

This gives the Gateshead outfit a few weeks off and a bye to the BAFL semi-final, at home on September 10. Their opponents will be either be the London Blitz or the East Kilbride Pirates, who play in the quarter finals for the right to meet the Senators.

All Dave Moore's photos of this game may be seen at http://www.dm35mm.com/Album23/

Presentation Evening

This year's event will be held at the Senators' sponsor bar The Sports Café, Newcastle upon Tyne, entry is free and a complimentary buffet will be provided. The evening will be to recognise the outstanding individual and team achievements of the 2006 season as well as parading the newly won Division One North Championship trophy.

The event will commence at 7.00 p.m. on Saturday 28th of October. For further details contact David Wilson at

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Come and Play!

The Senators are looking for new players in all three of their teams in age groups ranging from 12 to 15 ,16 to 19, and 19+ for seniors. The open day will be held at Gateshead Stadium on Sunday 22nd October from 11.30 a.m. until 1.30 p.m.

Head Coach Gary Marshall commented

"We had a fantastic turnout of over 50 new players from last year's event and are hopeful we will have a similar number this year".

More details are available by emailing David Wilson, Director of Player Affairs, at david.wilson@gateshead-senators.co.uk.

"Blade" nominated 23 Oct 2006 Senators' Chairman and Head Coach Gary Marshall has been nominated for a prestigious sports award. The BBC Sports "Unsung Hero" Awards are presented each year to someone who gives up their time for sports on a purely voluntary basis. Gary has been the inspiration and the driving force behind the Senators for a quarter of a century, as a player, coach, chairman and organiser. He is one of the oldest active players in the country and he is also Chairman of the sport's governing body in the UK, the British American Football Association. Nominations close on 5th November, and information and nomination forms are available from the BBC website.

David Wilson presents Dr Duncan French with the Players' Player Award

Dr Dunc does it again

This award has special value because it is not awarded by the coaching staff, but by a secret ballot of the players and was a highlight of the ceremonies held at the Newcastle Sports Cafe, major sponsors of the Gateshead Senators.

Dr French, a running back who dominates when on the field, also collected the 2006 season award for offensive player, while Mark Hume was the defensive player. Mark tried to retire last year but just can't get those boots to stay hung up.

Dave Wilson presents Duncan French with the Offensive Player of the Year Award		Dave Wilson with Mark Hume, Defensive Player of the Year

The Special teams award went to Ti Bello and Rookie of the Year was Alex Wingrove, while Richard Nice, who could not be present to collect his awards, got both the Play of the Year for a resounding 'hit' on an unfortunate opponent as well as Leading Tackler Award.

Special teams award went to Ti Bello		Rookie of the Year was Alex Wingrove

Ben Forster receives the Big Mik Award on behalf of Wimmie van Tergouw & Lee Fraser.

Presentation of the Sponsorship Cheque

Coach Marshall reviews the 2006 season

He also announced changes in the defensive coaching line up, as sadly Coach Mark Sloan, who had led the defense to new heights, was unable to continue because of work commitments and the long travelling involved - he lives in Preston! David 'Will' Wilson takes over as Defensive Coach, assisted by Mark Lindsey coaching the Defensive Backs, Kev Elgie as defensive line coach and Wimmie van Tergouw as assistant in addition to his role as Special Teams Coach. Ben 'Slinky' Johnson becomes Offensive Line Coach.