Westoe reveal new coaching team
THERE will be a new look to the coaching set-up at Westoe Rugby Club next season.
Club chairman Duncan Murray took the opportunity at the players' annual awards dinner to reveal that ex-Newcastle Falcons lock Andy Buist and Wharfedale fly-half Mark Bedworth are bound for Wood Terrace.
Bedworth, whose defence-splitting and kicking skills have earned him English Counties and Durham County recognition, made his 100th appearance and scored his 1,000th point for the National League One side this year.
In charge of rugby at Durham School, he will, as a player, certainly bring added dynamism to the backs, who will benefit from his coaching know-how.
Alnwick-born Buist's career was blighted by injury from the moment he ruptured cruciate ligaments soon after graduating from the Kingston Park Academy to the Premiership side as a 20-year-old in 2005.
And it finally cut short what had been such a promising career after 59 First XV appearances when a failed medical in March thwarted a move to London Irish.
He has now been appointed the community rugby coach for Newcastle and North Tyneside as part of the RFU's youth development scheme, and at Wood Terrace will coach the pack, replacing the popular Shaun Cassidy, who is concentrating on his business interests.
Working in liaison with him in a coaching capacity will be Gareth Nesbit, who made his Westoe First XV debut at loose-head prop a decade ago and, as captain for the last six seasons, has led the team to two championship triumphs and National Two North status.
Remaining in overall command will be director of rugby Andy Howells.
The Shieldsmen finished in mid-table in their first campaign among rugby's national elite, which was the target they had initially set their sights on.
Said Murray: "In the event, we felt we could have done rather better, and we believe these new appointments will enable us to progress."
Ever-reliable tight-head prop Raymie Elliott was chosen as the First XV player of the year, while fly-half Charlie Rayner got the best newcomer award.
Second-team captain Bob Lamb opted for utility back Chris Laycock as his top man, with winger John Irving being the side's most improved player.
These same awards went to Third team No8 Graham Elstob and hooker Graham McManus, and, among the Colts, to John Price and Sam Hughes.
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Weather for Jarrow
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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