MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM THE LAST 50 YEARS

This was the day that Havant Rugby Football Club was founded.

The following was written by Gerald Fuller, the Founder of the Club:

I played in the 1st XV at Churchers College, and when I was demobbed in 1947 I joined Petersfield RFC. I, as did all other Club members, enjoyed the Saturday games and especially the aftermath - until....

We were playing at Love Lane one Saturday and, as usual, retired to the Welcome Inn (since demolished) to entertain our opponents with the "friendly jugs of beer". Unfortunately I was the only Petersfield member present - so I had to buy the beer. My weekly wage was only £4/6/0d, and, having paid my train fare of 3/3d, match fee 3/6d, plus cost of beer (16 pints @ 1/1d) I felt this was a bit much. The same experience happened the following week!

I went home, having done my bit for Petersfield. My young brother, Harry, was home and I said, "Harry, I'm starting a rugby club at Havant". We sat down and wrote postcards to local friends, put a small announcement (free) in the Portsmouth Evening News to call a meeting at The Dolphin, West Street, Havant, on 27 April 1951.

In addition to Harry and me, 10 people turned up. We bought them a pint and started the meeting.

After a discussion, Bill Jackson proposed we start a Club.

We all chipped in 10/-. We had started with 7 playing and 5 non-playing members.

The pleasure and enjoyment had just begun.

Sep 29 1951   1st Game

Mar 12 1973   1st Hants Cup Final

Mar 9 1975     1st Hampshire Cup win

Mar 23 1975    New Clubhouse opening

Feb 14 1976    Roundhay

Feb 10 1979    Rosslyn Park  

Dec 11 1984    Balcony Collapse   

April 25 1992   Promotion

April 24 1993   Aspatria

Dec 18 1993    London Irish

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