History - the 1880s
In 1950 the picture changed for the Duke's School changed over to Rugby - there was now a ready source of players and the demand for a revival of the Rugby Club grew apace.
In consequence an open meeting was held on April 12th, 1960 presided over by Mr Bobby Robinson of the Northern Football Club - such was the enthusiasm that the Alnwick Club was reformed and that matches would be played in the 1960-61 Season. His Grace The Duke of Northumberland graciously agreed to be Patron of the Club whilst Mr S O Williams, a patron of Llanelli Rugby Club accepted the Presidency of the Club with Mr Alan Churchill elected as Captain. The Club obtained the use of a field at Greensfield Moor as a pitch and accommodation for changing, bathing and a clubroom was made available at the Plough Hotel - the pre-war headquarters of the Club.
The 1960-61 Season opened with 18 playing members but the enthusiasm for the game was so great that by the end of the season the numbers had risen to 67 players and the Club was regularly fielding three XV's. This success did not go unnoticed for with many people watching the game some congestion on the Great North Road the resulted in the County Council Planners attempting to have the ground closed - this attempt was successfully thwarted but it was felt that as the Club was so strong as so firmly founded that a permanent headquarters had to be found. The Duke of Northumberland, the Club Patron, offered a long lease of land for use as a club ground and headquarters.
In 1961-62 the new ground was drained, levelled and seeded. Bobby Robinson was persuaded to take over as President in 1964 - a position he was to occupy for the next 10 years.
The clubhouse was officially opened on April 29th, 1964 by Mr A G Butler, President of the Rugby Football Union followed by a match against a very strong Bobby Robinson XV containing four internationals.
The Club got to their first ever County Final in 1961, when they were beaten by Northern III XV 22-0 in the Junior Cup. They had to wait until 1965 before beating Gosforth Greyhounds in the Senior Shield 11-3.
In 1972 the Colts won the Northumberland County Cup for the first time under the captaincy of Willy Telford, beating Ashington followed by Gosforth in the semi-final and finally Ponteland in the final at the 'old' County Ground. Whilst a number of players went on to represent the club at the highest level unfortunately a number of others never returned to live in Northumberland from university.
The third team that won the cup in 1974, a definite blend of experience and youth with ex county and first team players alongside those who would go on to become first XV regulars. A special mention of Colin Scott seen in the back row, still playing in 2001. Well done Colin!
Moving up into the Senior Cup, they reached their first final in 1973 before losing to Gosforth - a further losing final also against Gosforth was adequately revenged in 1984 when they brought off a great victory when they won against the old adversary 6-4. Also in that year, both the Colts and the 3rds won Silver and a special cabinet had to be built to house the trophies.
Touring sides from Canada, Kenya, USA, Australia, France and Argentina have all played at Greensfield, whilst the Club has toured abroad in Holland, France the United States, Spain and Ireland.
