G.L. Wood - Although a heart complaint prevented him from playing Len was an active committee member for many years. He was Teams Secretary in 1950, Hon. Secretary from 1955 to 1958 and President from 1966 to 1968. Len was an Honorary Life Member of the club.

D.S.L. Wood D.F.C. - Douglas spent all his playing days with Northern before coming to live in Hexham and joining Tynedale.

Team Records

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost
1stXV	30	16	1	13
2ndXV	28	11	1	16
'Hoppers	27	12	1	14
3rdXV	25	4	0	211
4thXV	2	1	0	1

Playing Summary
For the 1stXV this was another better-than-average season. Notable scalps were Harrogate (Away) and Selkirk (Home).

The run in the John Player Cup ended at Lichfield in the first round, but the club qualified for the competition next season – albeit by losing to Gosforth in the County Cup final for the third year running (9-18).
During the season 36 players appeared for the 1st XV – fewer than the previous year. However, this emphasises the need for all players in the top three teams to be fit and ready to play first fifteen rugby now that the new league system is upon us.

Alan Gledson, Chris Dixon, Mark Richard and Steven Dunn played for Northumberland. Graham Yates and Angus Murray represented Northumberland ‘B’.

The 2nd XV – Grasshoppers, 3rd XV and 4th XV had possibly their worst overall seasons for many years – due partly to a long injury list and many non-availabilities.

The following players represented the County at Under 21 level – Andrew Cuthbertson, Edward Parker, Charles Ayton (captain), Kevin Marshall, Richard Cunningham, Jonathan Matthews and Tony Hall.

University Rugby
Several of our younger players made their marks on the University scene:- Iain Harris captained Loughborough Colleges, Charles Ayton captained Leeds University, Gordon Dodd captained St. Andrews University, Ed. Saunders captained Carnegie College and Ian Crawford captained Liverpool Polytechnic.
Gordon Dodd and Andrew Birkett were in opposition at Twickenham playing for Scottish and English Universities respectively.

The Colts
The Colts had a mixed season, winning 9 of 23 games played. Simon Clayton-Hibbott played for the County Colts along with Angus Herdman and Andrew Cuthbertson. John Fletcher played for Northumberland U16.

An ex-Colt, John Standish, has been a regular member of the RAF U21’s, playing wing-forward for Suffolk and having a trial for the Combined Services XV.

An attempt by Gosforth F.C. to canvas support from other clubs to form a Northumbria side fell on deaf ears and the concept died an appropriate death.

Life Members
Honorary life-membership of the club was conferred on three members:-
Douglas Hamilton, John Suddes and Jock Kent.

Road Surface
The road into Tynedale Park has been a nightmare for years. Tenders of around £10,000 had been received. Without warning Reay Roads Ltd. (one of the tenderers at £10,700) offered to lay the road at cost and their suppliers, Amey Roadstone Ltd. offered to supply the materials at cost – and as a result the work was completed for £5,658. Thanks to both companies and John Austin as intermediary.
Although pre-empted the Road Fund appeal raised £3,950.

Ground Usage
Field utilisation – the Northumberland County Show, the Traction Engine Rally, Tyneside Orienteering weekend, the Northumberland Caravan club, Durham caravan club, the Civil Service Motoring Association, the Leukemia caravan club, Northern Counties Motor Car club, Worksop caravan club, Whitley Chapel YFC and Willie Parker’s sheep.

The second Motor Show on the early May bank holiday 1986 suffered a deluge of rain amply sprinkled with Chernobyl fall-out to depress the gate takings.

Bar
The bar was refurbished with polished wood sills on the bar, a display of sports equipment erected in the hall, the large glass door to the Presidents’ room was altered, three display cabinets erected for the display of shirts and trophies and a new door was inserted in the west wall of the dressing-rooms.

John Cunningham and Joyce were thanked for planning and refurbishment carried out, and donating the curtains in the Function room.

Next Season
Changes for next season – A. Gledson as club captain. Coach – George Haldane. Hon. Treasurer – Douglas Hamilton replaced Raymond James.
The advent of leagues will place Tynedale into North Division I league alongside Hartlepool Rovers, Middlesbrough, Winnington Park, Harrogate, West Park, Otley, Widnes, Hull and E.R. and Kendal.

Fixture/Membership Booklet (1986-1987)