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1st Team Squad Player Profiles
I hope to have photos for each player, but it is proving difficult to arrange
Steven Hall. (Captain)
Position: Fullback or Centre
Steve, AKA 'Coony', has played rugby at Blyth for some years now. After a spell at Newcastle Gosforth (now the Newcastle Falcons) he returned to his home town club in the early 1990's. Since then he has played regularly in our 1st XV, bringing in some valuable knowledge and experience from Gosforth.
He is a very fit, elusive, strong running fullback, who joins the line in attack at every opportunity. Defensively, his positional play is first class and his tackling is reasonably good too. Steve has won many a game with his ability to accurately kick long distance goals, from anywhere inside the oppositions half, and sometimes from in his own half.
Coony has organised three tours for Blyth, in the last 5 years. He started with two very enjoyable tours to Amsterdam, Holland, and in 1998, he organised a fantastic tour to Florida, USA.
Jason Miller.
Position: Openside Flanker or No.8
Jason or Lardy to his friends is an aggressive back row forward. He also, has spent time away from Blyth RFC at Newcastle Gosforth U21's and more recently at Ashington RFC. Jason has only just started to play competitive rugby again, after breaking his leg a season or so ago. He has started to hit form again and is making a huge difference to our 1st XV back row. His strong, direct running in attack and his aggressive tackling in defence, together with his knowledge of the game and a pass that any scrum half would be proud of, makes Lardy arguably the best all round rugby player Blyth has to offer.
Graham Raffell.
Position: Back Row Forward
Graham started his playing career in the mini rugby section of Blyth RFC. (Way back in the old days!) Since leaving the junior section and joining the seniors, Graeme has enjoyed season after season in the 1st XV. Graham is very fit, very quick to the break down and is a solid tackler. His knowledge of the game, also helps bring the less experienced players on. Graham is another excellent all round rugby player, he is an asset to our club, especially our 1st XV.
Gary Sinton.
Position: Wing or Centre
Gary is another Blyth old boy, who spent time away at Newcastle Gosforth before returning to his home town club. Gary has played rugby now, for some twenty or so years. He is an aggressive runner who loves the contact part of the game, he runs very low to the ground and rolls back onto his feet if the tackler actually drags him to ground. Gary is a nightmare to tackle, and nearly always takes more than one man to do so.
In defence, Gary is very good when playing on the wing, but when in the centre, his positional sense needs a bit of work. His tackling in both positions is superb. He has been known to actually play in the front row when required, and also the back row on occasion, his all round ability to play rugby, and his positive attitude is enlightening. Gary is an excellent finisher and is very well liked and respected by all his team mates.
Chris Hogg.
Position: Centre or Wing
Chris has played for Blyth for around 10 years now, he is a very likeable young (I don't think so cunny!) lad and pretty good rugby player too. Chris has not yet established himself as a regular 1st XV player, but is very capable of doing so in the near future. He is an excellent tackler and a good strong runner. His ball handling is good, although it could be improved slightly. Playing in the centre is where he prefers, but out on the wing, is where we think, he may be more useful, and more dangerous to our opposition's defenders. Chris is a very likeable lad, and also a well liked member of Blyth RFC.
Mark Savage.
Position: Back Row or Second Row.
Mark is a solid rugby player who has played at Blyth since childhood. A big built, tall, and strong young man with lots of ability in either of the above mentioned positions. He is a good tackler and a strong runner. His lineout jumping is reasonable and his scrummaging is pretty good too. Mark has a tendency to say stupid things, ie, whilst packing down against Wallsend last week, he shouted out, "come on lads, let's get turned on," and when the scrum couldn't engage, he shouted out, "haway lads, give them 6 inches" Mark earned such a reputation for this, a club member started to record any stupid thing that was said by any club member, this book was to go down in Blyth RFC history, this book is now known as "the Book of Savagisms," named after Mark himself.
Richard Sparks.
Position: Prop Forward
Richard is one of the most committed members of the 1st XV. He never misses training (unless he's injured), and always gives 100% effort in games as well as in training. (Richard is the younger brother of Steven, who is currently playing professional rugby in France.) Richard, known to his friends as 'Ricky', is a solid prop forward, who works very hard for his team mates during matches. He sometimes lacks aggression, but on the whole is a big, essential part of our 1st XV. Ricky's biggest weakness is, he thinks people are 'getting at him,' when all they are trying to do is help him better his game. Ricky must realise the difference between, advice and micky taking.
David Little.
Position: Scrum Half
David, AKA, Skunk or chips is a very good, all round scrum half. A regular 1st XV player for the last few years, has only just recently lost his place in the side due to a slight injury sustained against Jarrovians. David is a very confident scrum half with the ability to pass well off both hands. He is a very cool player, who never panics under pressure. When Skunk gets the chance to break, he always gains ground. His kicking from the base of scrums, and rucks, etc is excellent. Davy is a good tackler in defence and an elusive runner in attack. Davy's only weakness is his inability to accept criticism from his peers, his team mates or his coaches.
Scott Robinson.
Position: Wing or Centre
Scott has played 1st XV at Blyth from a very early age. He has represented the Northumberland County rugby team in Amsterdam, Holland and has also played at Centurian level, too. Scott is not very big, but it doesn't stop him tackling! He is one of the best tacklers we have at Blyth. In attack, Scott's speed and elusiveness makes him a very exciting player to watch. He is a good handler of the ball, which enables him to make tries as well as score them.
Scott likes to be known as 'Scotto Lomu'!
John Johnson.
Position: Scrum Half
John has played rugby since U19 level. He has changed position quite a few times over the years, but always reverts back to scrum half. John has recovered from a career threatening injury (a broken neck, sustained during a colts game), to play in Blyth 1st XV. Johnnies pace from the base of a scrum and his chunky build, makes him a nightmare for defending back rows. His passing from his strong side is very good, however, he could use some practice from his weak side. Johnny is a well liked, well respected member of Blyth RFC and is currently acting in the role of Subscriptions Secretary.
Kenneth Barrett.
Position: Fly-Half
Ken has played at Blyth for most of his life. He started in mini rugby with his identical twin brother Kevin, many moons ago.Ken is known as, 'one of the twinny Barretts'. Ken has only recently come out of the wilderness and started to play competitive league rugby again for the first time in years. He is a very talented play maker, and although lost a bit of pace, he still has one of the best boots in the club. Ken is a very good positional kicker and has a very quick pass, which enables our backs to thrive. Ken is possibly a little rusty after spending the last three or four years playing social rugby in the Buccaneers, but the metal has already started to shine through with some great performances against difficult opposition this season.
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