The Greensfield side, who open their Durham & Northumberland Division One campaign with a tough trip to Northern on Saturday, continued their pre-season preparations at the camp last Tuesday.

The blue 'n' golds took part in teamwork and leadership training under the watchful eye of Flight Lieutenant Duncan South and his colleagues Flight Sergeant Iain Laidlaw and Corporal Loz Prior.

A mixture of interesting exercises, including the use of the camp's low-ropes course set among the trees on the operations site, kept the players on their toes.

The instructors also allowed the players to relate the scenarios to game situations and learn how trust between team-mates can be developed.

And they showed that careful planning, as well as listening to each other, ensures success.

Vice-captain Stuart Archer said: "We learnt a lot about each other, and how different characters among us react in certain situations and under pressure."

Wing Commander Bob Daisley, who had offered the training opportunity to Alnwick's coach George Robson, said: "Preparation in the RAF is just as much a matter for training the mind as the physique.

"The evening featured a number of interesting exercises designed to develop communications, leadership, teamwork and planning skills and the players enjoyed the challenges.

"Front-row strongmen Aaron Armstrong and Matty Milburn particularly relished the variety in their training routine, and healthy rivalry between the forwards and backs spurred the lads on throughout the evening.

"Hopefully, the RAF's assistance promoted leadership and teamwork skills as Alnwick look forward to a good start.


"With the season due to commence against Northern next week, the 1st XV look in great shape and in great spirit."