History
Wallsend Rugby Club History.
The earliest reference we have in our archives is a copy of 'Borough of Tynemouth Rugby Club' fixtures list of 1880's which records their 3rd XV at Wallsend 2nd XV, which Tynemouth won by a Goal and 7 tries to Nil.
Early Wallsend fixtures in our archives are:
1889-90 opponents include Percy Park II's, Rockcliffe II's and Tynedale II's
1890-91 were games against Consett, Percy Park, Gosforth, and Tynedale firsts
1897-98 Further teams like Durham, Carlisle, West Hartlepool, Westoe and Northern (who we beat 45-0 at home and 18-0 away)
It was around this time that Wallsend were around their peak, providing three players including the captain of the Northumberland County side that went on to win the RU County Championship in 1898.
In 1899-1900 Wallsend won the County NO.2 competition.
The next fixture list in hand is 1933-34 including Ashington, Consett, Tynedale, SWANS, Blaydon, Westoe and North Durham although at what level is not evident.
The club seemed to have a Gypsy existence in the 1920's and 30's. We have conflicting records by now deceased 'old boys'. 1926-29 our home was "Boundary Ground" (this being where the terminal point of the the Tram service for Newcastle ended). In the early 30's we were either at "Stott's Farm" (Adjoining Swans Rec) or "Sanderson's Farm" at Daisey Hill. Mid to late 30's found us at "Dene Park" Battle Hill (which may have been Bowman's Farm).
During the second world war all our fixtures were away from home at local armed forces bases. The brought the loss of 7 players killed in action.
A great revival took place after 1945 due to the generosity of Farmer Day and his sons Peter and Tom "Days Farm" at Willington Sq. was our home ground for a further 9 seasons until old members hung up their boots and interest was lost locally.
More to come later........