A Brief History of Blaydon RFC

Founded in 1888, the Blaydon club first played at Path Head on the outskirts of the town, but in 1892, it moved to the Blaydon Racecourse. Upon leaving the Racecourse after the First World War, the club moved to its present site “Crow Trees”at Swalwell and gradually, over the succeeding years, the ground has been developed to include its clubhouse, stand, and two sets of match floodlights.

Immediately after the Second World War in season 1945/46, Blaydon were unbeaten and boasted amongst their players Martin Donnelly who became Blaydon’s first International Player when he played for England against Ireland in 1947. He also represented New Zealand many times at cricket, being one of the most cultured left-handed batsmen of his era.

The move to Crow Trees was inspired by President Bob Williams and long-serving Secretary of 50 years, Jack Brooks. Since this move to Crow Trees, the club has improved in stature, becoming a recognised force in North East rugby. The expansion of the ground saw floodlights erected in 1968 which were opened by Border club Hawick in front of a record 3,500 spectators. 

During this period of improvement in Blaydon’s fortunes, many local players made their mark, amongst them, Stephen Bainbridge and Michael Skinner, who both played rugby many times for England. Other players who made notable contributions during this period were Bob Bartle, Russ Teasdale, Maurice Davidson, Michael Smith, Ian Parratt and the brothers Jim and David Knight to name but a few.

Blaydon won the Durham County Cup in 1996 when David Guthrie lifted the trophy after defeating Darlington 22 – 3 in the final. David was Captain of Blaydon for 15 seasons, a National League record and during his captaincy the club experienced a successful period in the League system being promoted four times. Blaydon RFC played in National Division 1 for 9 seasons, being relegated at the end of 2016/17 season.

Off the field, the club expanded and, on 19th October 1996, the newly refurbished clubhouse was opened by Messrs Bainbridge and Skinner. The total cost of the project was £1.2 million which was Lottery Grant aided. Blaydon’s playing record this season:

Blaydon 29-24 Pontefract

York 38-24 Blaydon

Blaydon 24-10 Alnwick

Blaydon 33-14 Cleckheaton

Doncaster Phoenix 35-22 Blaydon

Blaydon 30-25 Driffield

Heath 42-24 Blaydon

Blaydon 50-17 Ilkley 

Previous results for games between Harrogate and Pontefract

Blaydon (Founded 1888, colours: red with black trim – black with red trim)

8/4/1896 Harrogate FC 8 – 3 Blaydon

12/4/1909 HarrogateFC(won) v Blaydon

12/4/1980 Harrogate 31 – 10 Blaydon (First Blaydon fixture at Claro Road since 1896)

29/9/2018 Blaydon 42 – 36 Harrogate NPL

19/1/2019 Harrogate 24 – 13 Blaydon NPL

7/12/2019 Blaydon 8 – 12 Harrogate NPL

14/11/2020 Harrogate(Cancelled-Covid) Blaydon NL2N

18/9/2021 Harrogate 17 – 12 Blaydon NL2N 

15/1/2022Blaydon 12 – 29 Harrogate NL2N

10/12/2022HarrogateP – PBlaydon NL2N

4/2/2023Harrogate 43 – 0Blaydon NL2N

15/4/2023Blaydon 31 – 22 Harrogate NL2N