1985 -1986

President: D.F. Hamilton
Hon. Secretary: J. Chapman
Hon Treasurer: R.E. James
Club Captain: A.T. Gledson
Club Coach: S. Mullins

Stanley Bootimen Oddy, a full-back who played in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s remembered the club in his will with a legacy of £50.

First XV
The 1st XV’s season was as successful as any in recent years, with 20 wins from 35 games. In the John Player cup a 20-point home win against Lymm was followed by a 6-42 defeat at Wakefield. Thereafter, two home defeats followed, and then hopes were raised again by a run of six wins in a row including four Scottish 1st division sides – Hawick, Melrose, West of Scotland and Jedforest.

In the County cup, Tynedale were again losing finalists to Gosforth, by 7-9, despite superiority at the scrums and most of the territorial advantage in the game.

Colts
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.

House and Bar
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.

Groundsman
The groundsman, Gary Threadgold, resigned and was replaced by John Chapman.

Special Efforts
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
Sponsorship, under Edmund Robson, was very successful, both in programme advertising, field advertisements, and pre-match lunches.

Awards
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.

Sevens
The Ross-on-Wye 7’s title was defended successfully.

Canada Tour
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).

Ladies Committee
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.

Membership
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.

Changes for next season (1986-1987) - Edward Robson took over as President from Douglas Hamilton who had completed his second year in office. Mark Richards took over from Alan Gledson as club captain, Billy Robson 2nd XV, Will Shields (Grasshoppers), David Jackson (3rd XV) and Peter Heslop (4th XV). John Shotton continued as Chairman of Rugby.

1stXV Tie
A new 1st XV tie was to be adopted. The design was approved. Qualification was 10 consecutive appearances or 15 altogether – not retrospective.

Scrummaging Machine
David Carr provided a new scrummaging machine; Walter and Maud Rutherford a new flag.

Team Officials
1st XV Captain: A.T. Gledson
1st XV Vice-Captain: M. Richard
2nd XV Captain: R Parker
2nd XV Vice-Captain: W. Robson
Grasshoppers Captain: P. Telfer
Grasshoppers Vice-Captain: A.W. Coates
3rd XV Captain: D Jackson
4th XV Captain: D. Cave

Selectors
W.E. Cousin (Chairman)
G.W. Harris
G. Richardson
K.T. Bell
P. Davison
M. McLoughlin

Team Records