WITHERNSEA RUGBY CLUB

The club was founded in 1938 but only one playing season was managed before the outbreak of the 2nd World War. Its Captain was A. E. Jowett and secretary was W. W. Woodock. The first AGM was held on the 8th April 1939 and the clubs headquarters was at The Pier Hotel - committee meetings being held in the snug. Landlord, Harry Reyner, played and also eventually his son Bruce. It is told that training was not intense - a run along the promenade followed by pints of beer on the manetelpiece and scrum practice was held in the billiard room. The first match was against Hornsea- Withernsea were the winners and it was played on the field behind the lighthouse. Post war games (1948- 1991) were played on the ground near Highfield, which was rented on seven year leases from St. Nicholas Church, Hollym, where up to 1955 Withernsea Cricket Club played their games a well. Their Pavilion, complete with upper story score box, was our changing room but there were no showers. The club tried to negotiate with Seacroft Maternity Home to use their outhouse as a shower room but the 1948-49 fixture card proudly announces " Changing and Baths on Ground". What luxury! Apparently at games at Malton beer barrels in the brewery were used. The cricket club had a tea hut, which the rugby club purchased and refurbished. Remember food was still rationed at this time and a licence was granted from the Ministry of Food Catering which enabled the secretary to buy a pound of sugar weekly for the teas.

Later a huge site hut was purchased from a building contractor in Newcastle but on arrival half of the hut was missing and never did arrive. Not to be outdone players set to and refurbished this hut into a new pavilion, complete with bar and changing rooms. The showers were later upgraded by the purchase of a shower block used by workers constructing the Humber Bridge.

In 1989-1990 we were served with a notice to quit the Highfield ground - this coincided with our 50'h Anniversary. The club went to arbitration but the decision was against us. Everyone looked in earnest to find a suitable playing field and planning permission was repeatedly refused by the Authority even though they were wanting a large Sports Complex in the town but for which they were never in a financial position to implement.

In 1990 Ian Robinson, the clubs full back, offered the club the use of his paddock behind the Plough Inn at Hollym. This proved to be too small but gave us access to the field beyond which was bought from a local farmer with a grant from the Sports Council. Furthermore, the same farmer offered us another pitch adjoining, which he did under the 'set aside' scheme. Fouracre Park came into the club's possession. In 1993 with a further grant from the Sports and Arts Foundation a brick pavilion was built. Both these pitches are used regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays for training and at weekends for matches.

Fouracre Park was officially opened by the Withernsea Town Mayor, Mrs. Edna Harknett, on the 4th September 1994 and was blessed by the Vicar of Hollym.

Rugby clubs are renowned for their social escapades. In 1955 17 members were up before Malton Magistrates for unruly behavior. Fortunately the Chairman of the Bench was an ex-rugby player and were ably defended by John Dixon. More recently one hung over member was left behind in Dublin.

In 1955 at the Annual Rugby Club Ball held at the Grand Pavilion 500 people attended. The Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Dance Band played, there was a late train back to Hull, and tickets were five shillings. A profit of £45.50 was made.

All rugby club players are eternally indebted to their wives and girlfriends for the support they give.

In 2001 the club received an Awards for All grant of £5000 to help towards some foundations for building a youth section for the future of Withernsea RUFC. 10 players and supporters of a wide age range have attended an introductory Youth Rugby Coaching Course, which looked at what makes a good coach for young people. Students from Year 6 at Withernsea, Patrington, Easington and Roos have been coached. Groups from Year 7, 8 and 9 are also now being included. Replica club playing shirts, balls, tags and bibs, etc. have also been ordered for these youngsters.

The club produce their own newsletter called ‘The Seahorse Tribune’ several times a year.