Rugby club celebrates 145 years

Darlington Rugby Football Club, one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, celebrated its Founders’ Day on Saturday with a day of family activities at its Blackwell Meadows ground.

The day kicked off with a local schools tournament for years eight pupils, followed by the rugby club’s first team taking a coaching session for juniors.

There was a rugby competition for the mini teams before the first team match against Hull Rugby Union Football Club, which Darlington lost 8-22. The day was rounded up with a barbecue and evening entertainment.

Established in 1863 to prevent members of Darlington Cricket Club drifting away in the winter months, the club was originally known as Darlington Football and Athletic Club and was one of the first rugby clubs in the region.

The rugby club was formed during a meeting at The Green Tree public house - now Pizza Express in Skinnergate - at the suggestion of Tom Speciall(cor).

It was first captained by Tom Watson, whose family owned a saddlery business in the town. He was at the helm for 14 years and kept a scrap book, which was on display at the rugby club on Saturday.

In the book, there is a copy of letter by Mr Watson which was sent on his 91st birthday in 1929 and published in The Northern Echo, thanking the paper for loaning him some photographs.

By 1865 the club had 80 members, who organised matches amongst themselves, but by the late 1860s, mainly on Mr Watson's initiative, regular fixtures were arranged against Durham School, Leeds and Rochdale.

Following a period of decline in membership due to World War I, the club gained new strength in the 1920s and 1930s, producing a series of top county players, including the late G Tarn Bainbridge, who is also a former club president.

Between the wars, the club’s ground was at Hundens Lane before moving to Lingfield Lane in 1952, then to Blackwell Meadows in 1994.

Bill Jones, club chairman, said the day had been a success.

“We are very much a family club and what we try to do is grow organically by bringing youngsters through the ranks with an excellent team of coaches at every level.

“We see Founders’ Day as an opportunity for us to showcase what Darlington RFC has to offer, not only to people who are committed and loyal to the club, but also to people who might be interested in helping or supporting us.”