Club History
With the season almost over, former Vale of Lune captains and players gathered for this photograph by TONY NORTH in front of the stand which is due to be demolished early in May. Pictured on the front row is Maurice Parker who now lives near Bury. He has many happy memories of the Vale and of the old stand and changing rooms. “Most people will remember that Vale used to be Lancashire’s favourite ground. The county had many great games here and the stand was always full to capacity. But time moves on and the club desperately needs better facilities. I applaud all the hard work going on to restore the changing rooms to their former glory.”
Maurice is pictured 2nd left on front row.
Founded at Quay Meadow in the heart of Lancaster, Vale of Lune RUFC celebrated its centenary year in 2000. Set amidst beautiful parkland to the north of Lancaster and created by its members, Powder House Lane has been the Vale’s home for over 50 years – and is the only full size playing area north of Twickenham!
Days gone by.
The River Lune throughout history has been an important waterway in the development of the City of Lancaster and its surrounding areas. Since its formation, the Vale of Lune Rugby Union Football Club has never ventured far from its banks and the ebb and flow of the tide has been reflected in the Club’s fortunes.
The Vale of Lune Rugby Union and Hockey Club, as it was originally known, was formed in March 1900, after the argument of ‘broken time’ payments had split the game of rugby. How fitting that the first meeting of the fledging club was held in the Phoenix Rooms in Lancaster.
By the end of March, a pitch had been found at Willow Lane, Lancaster, and a fixture arranged against Preston Grasshoppers. A move to Quay Meadow followed six seasons later. Before and after the First World War, the Vale’s reputation for playing attractive rugby was beginning to spread, attracting quality players and a growing number of spectators.
Concerns were voiced during the 20’s and 30’s about the lack of a permanent home. Prior to the Second World War, a forward thinking committee began to investigate possible sights for future developments, with the rural delights of Powderhouse Lane emerging as the favourite.
When hostilities ceased, the move to the present ground gathered speed and once ‘in situ’ the dream became a reality. Much needed cash was raised by innovative methods which captured the imagination of the local population.
Hard work and enthusiasm produced facilities that were second to none. The wide-open spaces and superb playing surface became a favourite for the Lancashire County side. Who will ever forget the ‘soggy’ Championship Final against Gloucestershire in March 1980, and another packed house for the visit of the touring Australians on a freezing afternoon in December 1981?
Over the years, the number of senior sides began to increase to meet demand. The Colts were formed in 1959; the Mini/Junior section made its first tentative steps in the early 70’s, and the ladies team was founded in 1992.
Off the pitch, the construction of two squash courts and an increasing use of the Clubhouse for social events established the Vale as a leading, forward thinking Club. Success on the rugby field was achieved by winning the Lancashire Cup on two occasions – 1985/86 and 1991/92, and the Lancashire Trophy in 1995/96. Prior to the introduction of National Leagues, the 1st XV topped National Division ‘C’ in the 1986/87 season.
Still flows the River Lune, as does the rich legacy left by the forward thinking gentlemen of the Phoenix Rooms.
The Vale of Lune entered the 1994/1995 season in the doldrums, the rigging was shot at, the main mast was creaking but they were still afloat – just.
North 2 presented a huge challenge but somehow the Vale managed to remain buoyant even though they finished next to the bottom; a sequence of results higher in the firmament allowed the Vale to drop anchor.
Consolidation was paramount. A youthful crew started to emerge and when combined with the lusty old tars who had not jumped ship, the Vale began to make headway. A sixth place in 1995/96 was a splendid achievement as was e capturing the Lancashire Trophy by defeating Old Aldwinians.
The following season, the first of home and away League games, Vale finished in ninth place but lost to Sedgley Park in the Trophy final. A battle hardened squad secured a disputed third place, controversy raged about the registration details of a Blaydon player but eventually the R.F.U. ruled in favour of second placed Blaydon, and up they went.
As the Millennium loomed, the Vale sailed proudly into the sixth round of the Intermediate Cup only to lose at Dudley Kingswinford, 12-9, to a late dramatic try. However, they remained on the fringes of promotion finishing in fifth place.
The Centenary Season was celebrated by a sixth place in the final season of North 2 plus a well organised tour of Canada. In the first season of North 2 West some inconsistent performances contributed to a fourth place.
There was a more hard nosed approach throughout 2001/02 which resulted in second place. Unfortunately the play off game at Huddersfield was a huge disappointment, the home side winning 26-10.
History was written in 2002/03 when the League Championship was clinched and at long last the main brace could be spliced.
Massive changes, both on and off the field, have taken place in the past ten years. The club has set high standards, the fires of ambition and expectation burn fiercely in the boilers and new horizons are beckoning.
Compiled by Stuart Vernon – Press Secretary and Club Historian.
