Panthers Czech out in style

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), August 20, 2008

Byline: By NICK PUREWAL

HANDING the club crest to their Czech counterparts, Gateshead Panthers brought a close to their 12-year story.

Head coach John Gray took his side to Prague for the second year running to take on Beroun Black Panthers as a curtain-raiser to the Czech international side's clash with the British Police.

The Gateshead rugby league outfit won the clash 46-24, and at the final whistle handed over its crest as the North East side winds up.

A fitting way for the club to finish, and Gray said the main objective was always to bring youngsters through to top-level league in the North East, and that plan is still firmly on course.

Gray said: "It was an emotional moment when we handed over the crest, but that is one of the reasons why we were there.

"We played them last year and we were the first youth team in any sport to visit the Czech Republic, let alone rugby league.

"They took on the moniker of the Panthers last year, and we knew we would be wrapping things up this year, so it seemed fitting to hand it over to them.

"There are a lot of talented players who have come through this squad, and 12 of them will now go on and join the Gateshead Thunder academy.

"That is exactly what we wanted, and we are delighted it has worked so well.

"Jarrow Vikings will pick up some of the strain, continuing as an open age group side, and they have just finished their best-ever season ending third in their league.

"I will continue working in rugby league, assisting Thunder and helping however I am needed, but all in all it has been a fantastic time with the Panthers.

"To take those lads to the Czech Republic was a great experience for them, they will have learnt a lot culturally from it as well."

Gray's hard work this year has earned him two awards from the RFL - North East volunteer coach of the year, and international volunteer of the year.

Gray will accept the international volunteer award at half-time of the Challenge Cup final on Saturday, August 30.

GOSFORTH Mini and Juniors Rugby Club is running a open session on Sunday, September 7 (10.00-noon) for under-sixes through to under-18s.

The session will be held at the club's new facilities at Druids Park and all interested players are welcome.

No experience is needed as full coaching will be given. For more details contact Simon Campbell on 07715 70 704.

CAPTION(S):

CZECH THIS OUT: Gateshead Panthers celebrate winning the Yorkshire League Division Four title (above) and (left) pictured with Czech side the Beroun Black Panthers in Prague