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2. History 2
I don't know how we survived, but survive we did. Undoubtedly our enthusiasm carried us through and we enjoyed the social life that is part and parcel of all rugby clubs. Our social functions and fund raising activities took place mainly in members houses and these were great for the morale of the club. We even started to win a few games. In fact in 1960-61 we won nine games and in 1961-62 we won eight, including a 42-3 defeat of Fleetwood RUFC. There were several reasons for our 'success' for one thing; most of our matches were 'home' matches. The reason for this were a) many clubs enjoyed travelling to Blackpool (for the night out) b) our club was a novelty c) they felt sorry for us and, more to the point d) we had the narrowest pitch in Lancashire, possibly in England, at about 45 yards wide. By the time the opposing fly-half received the ball from a line-out he was almost in touch. We, on the other hand, played 10 man rugby. Not just because the pitch suited that type of game, but because that was usually the total number of players we had.
In 1962 we had to forsake the 'bottom field' and look for another ground and changing rooms. The reason for this was that the headmaster had taken the opportunity, presented by the demolition of the Palace Buildings near the tower to make way for the present Lewis's, to use all the rubble to raise the level of the 'bottom field' to that of the top field. The club thus moved to Cottam Hall Playing fields and used the Poulton Catholic Club for refreshments after the matches. During the next twelve months or so the playing strength of the club was maintained but gradually, due to the poor facilities, the number of players available diminished. At one stage there seemed only to be Ted Crosland and the Hindle brothers (how would we have managed without them?)
Crisis point was reached in 1966 and the club almost 'folded' in the May of that year. Fylde RUFC generously offered their facilities in order to help the club exist and then that July the officers of Blackpool Rangers Football Club, reading of our plight in the Evening Gazette, arranged a meeting with our committee and offers us the use of their clubhouse. This offer was accepted and the club moved to its present ground and premises, at the same time bringing much needed revenue, mainly over the bar, to the Blackpool Rangers Club.
In 1962 we had to forsake the 'bottom field' and look for another ground and changing rooms. The reason for this was that the headmaster had taken the opportunity, presented by the demolition of the Palace Buildings near the tower to make way for the present Lewis's, to use all the rubble to raise the level of the 'bottom field' to that of the top field. The club thus moved to Cottam Hall Playing fields and used the Poulton Catholic Club for refreshments after the matches. During the next twelve months or so the playing strength of the club was maintained but gradually, due to the poor facilities, the number of players available diminished. At one stage there seemed only to be Ted Crosland and the Hindle brothers (how would we have managed without them?)
Crisis point was reached in 1966 and the club almost 'folded' in the May of that year. Fylde RUFC generously offered their facilities in order to help the club exist and then that July the officers of Blackpool Rangers Football Club, reading of our plight in the Evening Gazette, arranged a meeting with our committee and offers us the use of their clubhouse. This offer was accepted and the club moved to its present ground and premises, at the same time bringing much needed revenue, mainly over the bar, to the Blackpool Rangers Club.