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SEFTON RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB

CONDENSED HISTORY 1907 - 1998

The Club was formed in 1907 under the name of the ‘Aliens’ by a number of school teachers, none of whom was a native of Liverpool, and membership was at first restricted to members of the teaching profession.

In the first season every game was played on the ground of their opponents, and out of eighteen games played seven were won, ten lost and one drawn. Economy was strictly observed, the total expenditure for the season amounting to three pounds, nineteen shillings, and two pence halfpenny. And the assets at the end of the season consisted of one ball and two jerseys.

The first ground occupied, in 1908-09, was that of the old Clubmoor Cricket Club. In the following season the restriction of membership was removed and the club moved to a larger ground in Townsend Lane, where it remained, until the outbreak of the 1914-18 was which led to the club disbandment, as most of the members joined the forces. During this period steady progress was made. The "Aliens XV’s" of all the local senior clubs were played, the 1st XV’s of many well known Lancashire and Cheshire Clubs, and in 1912-13 and 1913-14 Birkenhead Park granted 1st Team Fixtures.

In 1919, several of the old playing members decided to reform the club, and although only eight were available, fixtures were arranged for 1919-20 season. The membership grew rapidly, and after one or two moves the club secured a ground in Meadow Lane, West Derby, where it remained till 1929, when it acquired its present ground. This was made possible by the enthusiasm of the numerous playing and honorary members in those years, whose activities built up a substantial ground fund, which enabled the club with the help of loans from the Rugby Union and the Lancashire County Rugby Union to purchase this ground.

Once again the club was progressing steadily but the outbreak of war in 1939 again caused its suspension of activities. The ground was requisitioned as a heavy anti- aircraft gum-site and it remained requisitioned until long after the war. It was found possible after the war ended, to secure enough space for one playing pitch, this is the area now occupied by both bottom pitches, and a number of pre-war players worked hard to make it fit for play in the 1946-47 season. Despite the handicap of a ground, which from a playing point of view, had been rendered almost impossible by the requisitioning, and the invasion of the pavilion by "squatters", the efforts of the old players and of the new ones who joined them helped to keep the club alive.

After prolonged negotiations with the war department it was found possible to start work on restoring the ground and pavilion in September 1951, and by December 1952 the ground was re-opened on the thirteenth of that month by the Lord Mayor of the City, Alderman A. Morrow, a game being played against Davenport R.U.F.C. to mark the occasion. The club facilities in this period were possibly better than most Merseyside RUGBY Football Clubs, but very modest on today’s standards.

Two years later saw the building of the stand, this built to specifications drawn up by Messers O.G. Thomas, Liverpool Architects, the building work for this project being undertaken by the club members themselves. The wooden cladding, which was to the original design long since gone, but still it does afford some protection on wetter days.

Throughout the fifties and sixties and the club regularly fielding four sides each week, to name a few of our opposing sides were Orrell, Leigh, Widnes, Winnington Park, West Park, these clubs now playing in leagues above ourselves at present, however history they say does repeat itself; well maybe!

1967 was well celebrated, this being the club’s Diamond Jubilee, a club dinner being held at the Strand Hotel in Liverpool, the function was attended by many well known rugby personalities of the period. Throughout the sixties dinner dances were held at the "Mecca Rooms Sefton House" in Liverpool, and for the less well off "Dance Hops" held at the very popular "NUR Club" on Dean Road, Liverpool.

Season 1969, plans were drawn up for what is now the present changing rooms and bath area and after many deliberations 1973 season brought the grand opening. This coincided with a new bar (not the present one). This was situated in the vicinity of the exiting. Our present bar, known as the "Tom Donnelly Bar" which members now derive their pleasure was bought from "West Derby Conservative Club" in 1975. Further club improvements were made in the 1979/80 season when the front extension was built. This has greatly enhanced the aesthetic values of the club, and even more so, since in recent years with the interior decorations.

Season 1984-85, Sefton won the "Liverpool Cup" a hard fought match against Merseyside Police. The venue was at the former Liverpool R.U.F.C’s ground at Aigburth. The scoreline Sefton Merseyside Police The cup unfortunately has gone out of existence.

Radical changes were made to most clubs fixture lists in the 1986-87 season. This was brought about by the formation of the leagues. Season 1993-95 sees Sefton maintaining a place in the Lancashire - Cheshire League. In the past, and as the present Seftons Committee’s have been both diligent and calculable in their efforts to make the club facilities to what they are today, and they are to be commended for their accomplishments. However we now at Sefton area reaping the rewards of our forebears both on and off the pitch.

What of the future? Sefton Rugby Club has a lot to offer, we have to explore the possibilities of expanding our facilities to cater for our ancillary sporting sections namely, youth rugby, indoor bowls, athletics, cycling, and ladies rugby.

Final note: Sefton's Club Management Team, players and members will continue to welcome not only seasoned rugby players, but potential players to share and enjoy our facilities here at Sefton.