We had had a cracking season and were confident that we had enough left to take the County title for the first time. We had dipped out in the first final of the competition in 1971 to US Portsmouth and we really felt that this year we could do it although we knew that the army side would be fit and strong. I had the side that I wanted and had been kicking goals from everywhere all season. The ground was dry and hard which suited our style of play although ironically it was just that which partly went against us – but only partly – and I had learned not to tempt providence, but that is another story.

The main reason for our eventual defeat 9-6 was one of the worst refereeing decisions I have ever experienced. We had practised one particular line-out move that we knew we could only use once – the element of surprise was vital – and I had actually checked with experienced referees that it was both legal and in the spirit of the game. It could only be used from about the 25 yard (22metres in new money) line and involved our last man arriving at the tail of the line-out as late as possible to receive a long ball thrown directly to him. We were 9-6 down, time was running out and we called the move.

It worked beautifully. Hooker Mick Chalk’s throw was perfect and Bob Castle caught it to score unopposed.

Unfortunately, it was so quick and clinical that the referee - a well known member of the International panel – disallowed it, mumbling something to the effect that ‘You can’t do that in a line out’.

David Sparshatt was then bundled into touch on the corner flag almost right on time and the match was over.

The fact that the referee admitted his mistake after the match was of absolutely no comfort at all!

April 27 1951   Founding

Sep 29 1951   1st Game

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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