Castle Howard backs Malton & Norton RUFC player

It was an exciting day for Ryedale rugby fans on Saturday as the new season kicked off with a resounding 56-5 victory for Malton and Norton RUFC over visitors Cleckheaton.

It was a fine display by all players who delivered an exciting game of open running rugby in the scorching September weather.

Returning home for the new season and showing just what he’s made of was up-and-coming player Nick Daley who has just received sponsorship from local estate, Castle Howard.

Originally from Scarborough, Daley has recently returned to his home county after a successful 2 year run in Italy.

Joining the 1st XV team in three-quarters and demonstrating a confident performance in the opening game, Daley’s already become an integral part of the team.

A versatile player with a strong defensive game, Daley quickly came to the attention of Castle Howard who have given him their sponsorship.

The traditional country estate has long-standing connections to the well-respected club who currently play in North One East alongside York, Scarborough and Bridlington, the highest level the club has achieved so far.

The club may now be well-established but when it first formed in the 1950s George Howard of Castle Howard provided the team with wooden rugby posts and the club’s first ever match in 1953 was played in Coneysthorpe, one of the estate owned villages.

Castle Howard’s then Clerk of Works, Harold Clark, played for the team before his appointment at Twickenham and since then, other staff members have taken to the pitch including the Estate’s current Forestry Manager, Nick Cooke, who captained the team for 3 successful seasons from 1979.

Speaking about the sponsorship Nicholas Howard of Castle Howard, commented,

“I am delighted for Castle Howard to be sponsoring Nick Daley, a very promising player who I’m sure will help the club maintain their current high standard.

We are proud to continue the Estate’s historic connection with Malton and Norton RUFC.”

Echoing the sentiment was Richard Webster, Forwards Coach of Malton and Norton RUFC who said,

“It’s fantastic that organisations like Castle Howard are supporting the local community and with the support of our fans and sponsors we’re feeling confident for the upcoming season.”

The club’s next match on Saturday 8th September will pit them against Huddersfield Y.M.C.A.

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