Perfect 11 proves a bonus for Douglas

Nov 23 2010 by Mark Smith, The Journal

GATESHEAD RFC boast the best record in North East rugby, after a remarkable start to the season.

Saturday’s 57-13 victory at Ryton continued an astonishing run which has seen them win all 11 of their league games – all with four-try bonus points.

Now eight points clear at the top of Durham and Northumberland One, club president and chairman Paddy Douglas insisted: “I’ve never known a start like it. I’ve had a long association with the club, as a player and an official, but 11 bonus point wins from 11 is better than anything I can ever remember.”

Gateshead’s astonishing run sees them as one of only three teams in the entire country to boast a perfect record, joining southern sides Tadley and Swindon College Old Boys in the 100% club.

“What I would say, though, is that there is a massive drop in standard from North One East to Durham and Northumberland One,” said Douglas, referring to the club’s unexpected relegation last season.

“In a way we got our just deserts, because at the halfway stage last year we thought we were too good to go down. We got complacent.”

Showing faith despite relegation, Douglas added: “We’ve kept the same coaching team of Ali McConway and Magnus Leask, who came from Westoe four or five years ago.

“There’s obviously the temptation to change things when you get relegated, but they are good coaches and they know what they’re doing.

“Ali plays for the side as well as coaching, and it’s a strong group of players who have a long association with the club. Our captain David Tate’s dad played for us, and a lot of the current squad are sons of ex-Gateshead players. That’s the sort of ethos we want to maintain.”