A.L. RICHARDSON
Ex-President, Andrew Lovat ‘Drew’ Richardson died in July 1983, aged 70. He spent a lifetime as a Tynedale supporter – as a youngster, a player who led the 3rd XV to County cup success in 1948, a committee-member, selector and ultimately as President. A man steeped in the tradition of the club, a stern critic of referees but a great supporter of young players, he was one of Tynedale’s greatest characters.
If ever anyone could be dubbed "Mr Tynedale" it surely was Drew.
"To me it is a privilege to be a member of Tynedale, never mind President" declared Drew on his election to the Club's highest office. No words ever summed up better a true clubman.

NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR 1982-1983
John Suddes completed his 2-year term as President and Jim Chapman became the new incumbent. Other new appointments were:-
Chairman of Rugby - Douglas Hamilton
Hon. Secretary - Jimmy Milne
1st XV Captain - Billy Robson

TEAM OFFICIALS
1st XV Captain: W. Robson
1st XV Vice-Captain: A.T. Gledson
2nd XV Captain: J.S. Smart
2nd XV Vice-Captain: A. Pye
Grasshoppers Captain: M. Hastie
3rd XV Captain: R. Forster
3rd XV Vice-Captain: S. Robson
4th XV Captain: I. Haggie
4th XV Vice-Captain: M.J. Barrie
Worriers Captain: H. Armstrong
Academicals Captain: I. Harris

GENERAL COMMITTEE
The Officers of the Club
The Trustees
The Club Coach
Team Captains
Mini Representative
K. Docking
G.W. Harris
M.O. McLoughlin
A. Pye
R. Dinning
W.I.F. Blyth
J. Bell
J.R. Scott
A.W. Coates
A. Philpotts
J.D.L. Robinson
M.J. Barrie
E. Edwards
J. Watson
D.C.F. Parker
J.S. Nelson

1ST XV
The 1st XV’s season started well, with wins in the first three games against Novos, Middlesbrough and Westoe and other notable victories in the first half of the season against Halifax, Alnwick and Morpeth. However, after the New Year, there were fewer high points.

The Easter tour to South Wales was a great success both on and off the field.

Debutants in the first fifteen included Kevin Richardson, Richard Parker II, Philip Sharman, Steven Dunn and John Rutherford. The most consistent player was Chris Dixon – propping on either side of the scrum – but his injury late in the season was a real blow.

COLTS
The Colts side, jointly coached by Dave Matthews and Peter Robertson, played 22 matches, winning 15, losing 15 and drawing 3 games. Paul Leonard, Tony Moran and Sean Crystal were an outstanding back-row. Andrew Tordoff, the captain, was a penetrative centre. Dick Steel and Gary Taylor were the basis of an efficient three-quarter line. Chris Clark was a neat and promising young full-back. Up front, Mark Gardner, Martin English, Dave Irwin and Ian Crawford improved greatly as the season progressed.

MEMBERSHIP
Full 73
Players 192
Associates 111
Ladies 91

FUND RAISING
The first Tynedale Agricultural Show was held in May 1983. Other money-raising events included a Harness Racing night, a Family Day, Ladies’ Social Evening, a Bistro evening and a Fun Run.

MELROSE CENTENARY SEVENS
The club’s first fifteen were honoured to be invited to the Melrose Centenary Sevens – before 16,000 spectators.

Fixture/Membership Booklet (1982-1983)