TODAYS OPPOSITION

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TODAYS OPPOSITION BLAYDON

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ARCHIE HEARD

Officially established in 1988, the club first played at Path Head on the outskirts of the town, but in 1892, it moved to the Blaydon Racecourse before transferring to The Spike. During the next 25 years the ground moved between the two sites but after the First World War the Racecourse became the recognised ground with changing facilities housed in the Board Inn at Stella. The club remained at the Racecourse until it was purchased by the then North-eastern Electricity Board in 1951 to erect Stella Power Station which of course is now demolished. Upon leaving the Racecourse, 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 stateof-the-art new 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 longserving Secretary of 50 years, Jack Brooks. Since this move to Crow Trees, the club has improved in stature, becoming a recognised force in Northeast rugby.

2021/22 sees Blaydon 1st team play their season in National Two North, after winning promotion from Premier North. Blaydon were 4 points clear at the top of North Premier in the 2019/20 season competing with Sandal, Harrogate, Macclesfield, and Billingham for promotion, when the RFU took the decision to cancel the remainder of the season due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.