Otley RFC

RFU National League 2 North

Otley 25
Leicester Lions 15

Gate £9 

Atten 350 ish









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Main Stand at Cross Green

  Match and Day Enjoyment - 9/10

The Sun was shining, the roads behaved themselves and the Market Place was a hive of activity in the North Yorkshire town of Otley. I had come to Cross Green for a spot of Rugby Union and to witness the last few days of the famous “Scratching Shed”. They have already started to dismantle it and when time permits the rest will come down. Not by outside contractors but by the players themselves – a sensible solution considering the cost of demolition specialists.

The famous "Scratching Shed" Partly dismantled

 As you enter you can still smell the grand old days of yesteryear when they beat the mighty All Blacks in '79 according to locals the official gate was 15,000 but in reality many more were viewing 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLACRKq9ZuM

Then eleven years later the powerful Wallabies suffered the same fate. Then three years later Cross Green hosted a group game of the 1991 Rugby World Cup, between the United States and Italy.

Glorious views over Wharfedale Countryside

The Main Stand straddles the halfway line and has been around for nearly a hundred years. It came from Preston North End FC and to be honest is a little beauty. Still lovingly maintained. From all parts of the ground to are rewarded with sweeping views across the North Yorkshire countryside – simply superb.
The Clubhouse is like a shrine full of memorabillia every where.
Even full International Caps were on display. The whole display is excellent and a very good way to spend your pre match.

The log fire was in action , luncheon was being served and the Tombola was in full flow. I even won a prize …. ladies lavender perfumed talc !

Todays game was a cracker as the hosts fought back from 15-3 down to a 25-15 victory much to the delight of the vociferous locals and at the final whistle it was hugs and handshakes all round.

One of the best days out for a long time.

Hucknall Town

Central Midlands League – South Division

Hucknall Town 2
South Normanton Athletic 2

Gate £3

Atten 80ish

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Ground & Match Enjoyment - 8/10

My intended fixture at Guiseley had been called off much to my frustration as I have been looking forward to a trip to Nethermoor for some time. A quick check on the iphone told me that Hucknall Town's game was on and minutes later I had re-routed for Nottinghamshire.

Hucknall Town FC was established as a colliery side in 1943 and rose up through the football period. From 1999 to 2004 Hucknall Town F.C. played in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, and actually won the championship in the 2003-4 season. However the ground did not meet the then standards of the Football Conference they were refused promotion. That decision has proved to be a tipping point for the Club, albiet in a negative sense as they nose dived down the leagues. It would have been easier for the club to just fold but the loyal band of followers were determined that should not happen and in recent times have regrouped and are now only looking in an upwards direction. I really admire theircollective effort, thus deserving any success that will come their way.

As I walked around the ground today , I was able to see subtle reminders of the once reached dizzy heights of yesteryear. Despite being in need of a lick of paint in parts ,  it is quite clear that this ground is too good for the league they find themselves in today. On entering the ground and main building I was welcomed by a strong aroma of well cooked burgers to my left , where as to my right was the whiff of freshly applied  paint .

The Old Changing Rooms

The game itself was the best I have witnessed in this league this season. The first half was a very even affair with chances for both teams. But the second half was very watchable with four goals shared. I had in fact missed the opening goal as I had not finnished my generous portion of chips for my half time snack. As I came out one of the Staff asked if I was enjoying my visit. “yes” I replied but shame it's goaless “ She laughed and said it was 1-0 as a goal had been scored literally seconds before I came outside from my half time snack. I must admit that it is not the first time I had missed a goal. My personal best is 4 goals in any one game during my memorable visit to New Mills in 2010.

Hucknall fought back and took as deserved  lead as they started to get on top with a super goal and as time was running out the visitors hit back for what some would say a well deserved draw.

I really enoyed my visit to Watnall Road , great facilities, a warm welcome by friendly and loyal volunteers and very decent football on the pitch …... what's not to like ?

Rossington Main

Northern Counties East
Division One
Rossington Main 2 
Louth Town 0

Gate £4 

Atten 47

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Rossington Main was originally thought to have been formed in 1926 but local knowledge suggests that the club formed seven years earlier, going by the name of Rossington Colliery and in their early days played on what later became a pony field behind the colliery offices, before moving to its present home at Oxford Street in 1921.

The Club was formed, as was in the majority of mining communities, to provide Colliery workers with a game of football, changing it's name to Rossington Miners Welfare when the mines were nationalised in 1948. Over the many years of it's existence the Club has competed at many levels; winning many trophies along the way. As is the modern trend, the Club has made vast improvements to the ground at Oxford Street in order to compete at the highest possible level in the Football Pyramid, and is indebted to the work of individuals who do it all for love, not money.

Today Rossington Main plys their trade in the Northern Counties East Division One and sitting in mid table another season of safety is more or less assured. My visit today was better than I had expected and was most enjoyable despite the icy cold wind. Friendly Staff who all work very hard to keep the club afloat made me most welcome with a coffee in the warmth of the busy and spacious clubhouse.

 

The match itself was not the best I have seen but to be fair the weather conditions were awkward at best. The swirling ice cold wind certainly had a effect on the fluidity of the game. But both teams battled away as best they could and in the end 'Rossy' scored a well taken free kick and one more breakaway goal just seconds from the final whistle.

I must say how welcoming everyone was at the club and how enjoyable they made my visit become. After accepting the kind offer from the Chairman to stay for some after match Chilli and Chips I was still feeling it's “kick” from the Chilli as I said my farewell and reluctantly left the cosy warmth of the clubhouse for another battle with the rapier wind.

A vist to Rossington Main comes with my warmest recommendation - in more ways than one !