TWO members of this season's New Earswick All Blacks ARLFC squad have had their own private reunion after a surprise meeting in Kuwait.

Hooker Chris Ashton and second row team-mate Pete Johnson are both serving in the Middle East with the respective regiments in the Army.

However, the pair did not realise the other was over there, as Johnson is based at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks at Strensall, while Ashton is with the Ground Regiment in Germany.

But there was a surprise reunion at the main Army base in Kuwait as Johnson and Ashton, who have both represented NEAB this season, met up in the mess tent.

Now the club are hoping the pair will make it back in time for the All Blacks' anniversary reunion dinner on June 28.

Club PRO Simon Malarky said: "They bumped into each other in the mess tent in Kuwait - they didn't realise that they were both over there, so they had a little reunion.

"We are all now hoping that Pete and Chris can make it home safe and sound to join the club's anniversary celebrations."

The club have already sold more than 100 tickets for the dinner, but there are still some available. For further details, please contact Dennis Harrison on 01904 421802.

Updated: 10:11 Thursday, April 10, 2003