MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM THE LAST 50 YEARS
FEBRUARY 14 1976
It was on this day that Havant were the first Junior Club to play in the last 16 of John Player Cup. The game was at Hooks Lane and the opposition was ROUNDHAY (from Leeds).
The route to the last 16 was:
beat Bournemouth in Hampshire Cup 12-6
beat Oxford 19-18
beat Hemel Hempstead 16-7
beat Thurrock 12-4
Alister Marshall wrote in ‘The Portsmouth Evening News’, ‘The Bedhampton ground resembled a miniature Twickenham. The large bank of tiered seats erected opposite the clubhouse filled quickly with Havant Supporters, many wearing blue and white favours bringing a real cup tie atmosphere to Hooks Lane. After Thursday’s torrential rain the ground was soft and yielding.
Despite a spirited performance we lost 3-24 (HT 3-7). The Havant score came from a penalty by Neil Iliffe
Team:
Dickie Wiltshire, David Sparshatt, Steve Allan, Andy Wilson, Viv White, Graham Jeffries (capt), Neil Iliffe:
Tim Copsey, Mick Chalk, Mike Radbourne, Dave Gibbon, Alan Jelley, Bob Castle, Jim Syddall, Tim Webster.
Reps: Peter Scott, Derek Morris, Richard King, Glyn Gratrix, Mick Earley and Doug Robertson.
At that time Havant were running 11 Senior sides.
1st XV, Dolphins, ‘A’ XV, Barracudas, Marlins, Sharks, Mariners, Pikes, Wanderers, Piranhas, and Colts.
The 1st XV were on a 96% record at the time (Played 23 Won 22).
April 27 1951 Founding
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 10 1979 Rosslyn Park
Dec 11 1984 Balcony Collapse
April 25 1992 Promotion
April 24 1993 Aspatria
Dec 18 1993 London Irish