The First XV had generally a sucessful season with notable victories against four top Scottish sides: Hawick, Melrose, West of Scotland and Jedforest.
In the John Player Cup we beat Lymm 22-0 in the first round before going down 6-42 at Wakefield.
In the Northumberland Cup we lost narrowly to Gosforth 7-9 despite superiority in the scrums and huge territorial advantage.
The Colts teams prospered after early season problems, under the coaching of Stuart Hurst for the senior colts, and Ian Greener for the Junior Colts.
The running of the House & Bar came into the capable hands of John Cunningham and Neville Dodd, and much time and money was spent in bringing the clubhouse up to standard with contract cleaning of walls, floors, carpets and curtains.
A pool table, fruit machine and juke box were installed to stimulate interest amongst players and other members to encourage them to use the bar and catering facilities.
The large bar was partly carpeted and new curtains provided for the members' bar.
Special Efforts raised about £13,000 from the Motor Show, Agricultural Show, the Traction Rally and two Sulky Race meetings. A major ingredient to their success was the state of the Park and Jim Bell was to be congratulated on his efforts, with the groundsmen, on maintaining high standards.
Sponsorship, under Edward Robson, was very successful, both in progamme advertising, field advertisements, and pre-match lunches.
Tynedale Sports Council awards included the 1st XV - 'Team of the Year, with the 2nd XV a runner-up, and Colts and Mini U10's both runners up in the Youth Team of the Year.
The Ross-on-Wye 7's title was defended successfully.
The club's successful tour to Canada took place in June, with 38 players, officials and friends crossing the Atlantic. Three of the five fixtures were won; Toronto Lions (24-10), Toronto Saracens (18-12) and Burlington (12-0). The two games lost were v Balmy Beach (6-18) and Crusaders (0-22).
The new Ladies committee flourished, providing food for visiting teams, club lunches and bar meals. £2,000 was donated to club funds thanks to the work of many lady helpers but particularly Joan Dodd, Brenda Cuthbertson, Liz Robson and Sheila Hamilton.
Associate membership was abolished three years ago in response to licensing difficulties. This caused a significant loss of membership. A new class of Associate/Social members was devised with limited voting rights through their nomination of two members of the House & Bar committee and paying a reduced subscription. The motion altering the club Rules to allow this new category of social member was approved on 25th July 1986.
Membership annual subscriptions for full members were increased from £17 to £25. Social members' fee to be £10.
A new 1st XV tie was to be adopted. The design was approved. Qualification was 10 consecutive appearances or 15 altogether - not retrospective
David Carr provided a new scrummaging machine; Walter and Maud Rutherford a new flag.
|
|
Played |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
F |
A |
|
1st XV |
35 |
20 |
1 |
14 |
423 |
364 |
|
2nd XV |
27 |
16 |
1 |
10 |
442 |
276 |
|
'Hoppers |
27 |
10 |
3 |
14 |
291 |
412 |
|
3rd XV |
24 |
7 |
1 |
16 |
237 |
403 |
|
4th XV |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
10 |
74 |
|
Colts |
20 |
11 |
1 |
8 |
310 |
291 |
|
Jnr Colts |
17 |
7 |
0 |
10 |
218 |
347 |