Last updated 15:30, Thursday, 24 July 2008

AFTER the spectacular successes of last season, Tynedale Rugby Club’s second string the Raiders are hoping for even more to celebrate in the coming season.

New and existing players will be welcomed back as the pre season games start on Wednesday August 27 against Percy Park first team and Ashington and Wigton on August 30.

While much of the focus at the club was on the exploits of the first team in gaining promotion to National League Division Two, the Raiders were cutting a swathe of their own. They were unbeaten all season, winning the CANDY League, The North East 2a League and the County Cup.

In the process, they scored 1025 points, including 174 tries, and averaged 40 points per game

They used 66 players, and at various times had seven sets of brothers playing for them.

The team is sponsored by Rock Solid Granite from Haltwhistle.