News & Events (1980-81)

President: J.A. Suddes
Hon. Secretary: J.D.L. Robinson
Hon Treasurer: A.W. Coates
Club Captain: W.E. Cousin
Club Coach: A. Whitfield
 

This was a highly successful season in achievements both on and off the field. For the first time since 1948 the club was represented in two finals of the County finals. The 2nd XV carried off the Senior Shield against Gosforth Greyhounds and the 4th XV lost honourably to Northern.

Chairman of Rugby

The administration of rugby was taken over by Douglas Hamilton as Assistant Secretary, but this function was to be developed into an office of Chairman of Rugby in future.

Bar Revenue

Bar revenue increased from £22,810 to £33,689 in the year, thanks to the work of Barrie Yorke, the steward, and Lou Fenton as Chairman of the House Committee.

Special Efforts Committee

The Special Efforts Committee, revived by Bill Dinning, raised £7,500, easily beating their target of £5,000. Events included the 200 club, Donkey Derby, Gift sale, Meat draw, Players' Nights, Sunflower competition, Old Time dances, Discos, Sports quizzes, the Players' Dinner, the Dinner Dance, the 'adopt-a-ewe' scheme, Saturday lunch parties and a concert by The Alexander Brothers at Haydon Bridge school. Club finances, as a result, healthier than at any time since the Centenary Year.

1stXV Debuts

Debuts in the 1st XV for Gary Rutherford, Clive Nixon, Don Maddison, Michael Harris and Graham Yates.

County Front Row

Backbone of the side - front row of Chris Dixon, Alan Gledson and Percy Telfer - all called up to the County squad.

2ndXV

The 2nd XV had a season to remember with few defeats and never more than a score separating the teams.

Colts

The Colts 7's squad of Stuart Furlong, Mark Mannion, Michael Lee, Richard Parker, Iain Harris, Ranald Harris, Andrew Tordoff, and Michael Sharman with Geoff Nicholson and Neil Graham won the Langholm, Kelso, Hawick and Tynedale tournaments and were beaten in the finals on successive days by host sides of Jedthistle and Selkirk. With Richard Telfer, Gary Rutherford and Graham Yates they also won the County 7's.

Minis

On the mini scene - poor weather caused the concellation of several Round Robin matches.

Membership

Players - 158
Full - 142
Associates - 148
Ladies - 146
Total - 594

1stXV

The 1st XV won 20 of 31 matches. Lost 9 - 3 to Gosforth in the semi-final of the Cup.

Top scorers
Michael Harris - 168
John Smith - 154
Ian Greener - 107

Selection Committee

David Carr (Chairman), Angus Hunter, Andrew Philpotts and A. Whitfield (Coach); Team Sec. - John Shotton and Asst. Team Sec. - Jack Kent.