Wallasey History

Wallasey R.U.F.C began life as Egremont R.F.C. in June 1926 when it was founded by two Rugby enthusiasts, M.J.Orme and A.T.B.Rosser.

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While Orme lobbied the Wallasey Corporation for a pitch, Rosser (together with A.T.Roberts) went in search of players and before long a ground was obtained at Wallacre Park with changing accommodation in St. George's School. The first season commenced in September 1926. Sadly, it was less than successful. Played 21 Won 6 Lost 15. Points for 143 Against 405. Oldershaw Old Boys put the new boys in their place by beating them 52 points to Nil and Rainhill Mental Hospital recorded a win of 84 points to 3. The following season saw a much brighter picture. Two teams were fielded and the 1st XV Won 15 Lost 10 and Drew 2. Points For 255 Against 288.

The pre-war seasons showed steady growth until the season of 1931/32 when a blight seemed to fall upon the Club with Honorary Secretary Arthur Wardle recommending that fixtures be sought for one side instead of the usual three. However the following season saw two teams running and winning more than they lost. It was during this season that the lease was secured on a further ground. This was in Bidston, opposite the church, on land owned by a local farmer. His tendency to forget his obligations and permit cattle grazing during the week led to some acrimony, particularly among the players.
The Club celebrated it's 10th Anniversary in the season 1936/37. Three teams were regularly fielded, the playing record was reasonable, and the Club bank account was healthy. It seemed the time for a little self indulgence. The minutes of the time recall there "was active discussion with the Corporation about the provision of showers at Wallacre".

The outbreak of war in 1939 did not bring an immediate close down of the Club as it did in many other cases across the UK. The Wallacre pitch was lost but matches continued at Bidston with a depleted membership as the Forces made their claims. The commencement of the 1940/41 season was only made possible by a gesture to the War Office from the Honorary Secretary of the club. He persuaded them to remove the posts and obstructions liberally planted over the Bidston pitch to deter parachute and glider landings. It is presumed that he convinced them that he would, personally defend this chink in our defences. However, the fill season could not be completed and the Club ceased activities, not to resume until 1946. The first meeting of the Club after the war took place on 28th June 1946. New President Arthur Ingram presided over a gathering of twelve members, where he informed them that both pitches were lost and there was only Ã…Â19 in the kitty. Amazingly, by August, the Club was back in business. West Cheshire Golf Club had suffered badly, its Clubhouse had been totally destroyed. They hoped to rebuild, but in the meantime, Egremont R.U.F.C. could have the use of their 18th fairway for a pitch. It was by no means ideal but it was a start and with the use of the old Wallacre changing facilities the Club could take on fixtures. Wallacre Park was under the plough as allotments and seemed likely to remain so for a considerable time and other efforts to acquire land were unsuccessful. The problem was solved by an agreement with the Corporation for a pitch on the newly designated Cross Lane recreation area.
In the midst of attempts to have a pavilion build at Cross Lane, came a request from the English Rugby Football Union that the Egremont R.U.F.C. consider a change of name. Confusion had arisen between the Club and the similarly named one in Cumbria who were considered to have a prior right to the title. The name was accordingly changed to Wallasey R.U.F.C. at the Annual General Meeting of 1948.

1949 saw the first use of the Club Badge consisting of the Wirral Horn of the Meoles family surmounted by the coronet of the Cheshire coat of arms.

By 1951 the Club were running three sides regularly, playing all the local Old Boys Clubs and the lower sides of the seniors. Success was and remains far from one hundred percent but a very fair average of victories was and is recorded. During those years honest endeavour was epitomised in the encounters with Oldershaw Old Boys. In three successive seasons, six games in all, not a single point was scored by either side. Hardly spectator rugby but lacking nothing in excitement for the players.
In 1954 a much needed loan of Ã…Â200 from the Cheshire Rugby Football Union allowed further post-war reclamation of the Cross Lane site, with a view to acquiring a second pitch. The dressing room accommodation could now be enlarged, of course using the unpaid labour of the members. It would here be pertinent to acknowledge the debt the Club owes to W. E. (Billy) Buckland. As a member since 1948 and for many vital years Chairman of the House and Grounds Committee it was his drive and practical approach to the monumental problems that beset the Club after the war, which saw them so triumphantly surmounted. The Life Membership bestowed upon him by the Members and his election as President for three successive years are honours he earned.
The next milestone in the Club's history came in 1960 when a second pitch at Cross Lane could now be used and the invaluable ex Golf Club pitch returned to the allotment holders. The Club was now running 4 teams and in 1961 (with the occasional use of the Technical Grammar School pitches) it sometimes managed to field five.
The area of the Clubhouse was almost doubled in 1962 joining it to a large, pre-fab, second hand structure. The benefit was immediate. Not only was more changing accommodation made available but the building lent itself to innumerable social activities which produced additional income.

Plans for a more permanent structure took time to mature. Compromise and the generosity of members, the willingness of guarantors to underwrite the very favourable loans offered by the Cheshire, English and Middlesex Rugby Unions coupled with the efforts once again of those inevitable members working parties, produced the structure that was opened officially by Martin Curphey, President of Cheshire Rugby Football Union on Sunday, 19th September 1976.

In the 80's Club funds were once again growing and under Ken Mort's Presidency, together with further loans from Middlesex, the R.F.U. and Whitbread the Club set out to again extend the Clubhouse and improve the facilities. John Shallcross was elected President in 1986 and while the construction was underway, also acted as Night watchman. Our Clubhouse is now one of the finest of all those we visit and the efficient way it is run is a credit to Committee Members, Bar Staff, Ground Staff and all Club Members.

Wallasey RUFC

Andy Rae