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BURNHAM ON CROUCH - a proud history

In February 1966 a meeting at which some 22 persons were present was held at the Star Hotel High Street Burnham on Crouch. There it was agreed to form a Rugby Union Football Club, under the “umbrella” of the Burnham Sports Club, which itself had been formed some four years previously.

There a “Working Party” was duly established consisting of Alastair Urquhart, Warwick Bridge, Brian Jeanes, Ron Gemmill, Ron Prior and Colin Blanks.

Subsequently on 21st June 1966 a General Meeting was called at the same hostelry at which some 23 persons were present. Mr. Alec Harding [President of the Burnham Sports Club] chaired the meeting. Thereat the rules of the club were approved and a properly constituted Club named the Burnham Sports Rugby Union Football Club was ratified. The appointed Officers and Committee were: Donald Barlow [Chairman]; Warwick Bridge[Secretary]; Brian Jeanes [Treasurer]; David Lomas - subsequently to be replaced by David Carter - [Fixture Secretary; Colin Blanks [Team Secretary]; Ron Gemmill [Social Secretary]; and Alastair Urquart [Coach]. David Hayhoe; Peter Grice and Christopher Dean - the latter subsequently replaced by John Lilley - were appointed the committee persons. The first season’s team Captain was Alastair Urquhart and Vice-Captain David Hayhoe.

The club set up its headquarters at the conveniently based Oyster Smack Hotel, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch,. The first fixture - a “home” match - was against BATA, (the then renown shoe company) on 24th September 1966. A second team was formed the following year, playing its first game against H.M. Chelmsford Prison on 1st October 1967.

The club has steadily developed and since the advent of Women’s Rugby, the club is now enjoying its sixth successive year supporting a Women’s Senior team.

The club is now fully and firmly established at the Millfields with comprehensive playing and social facilities. Throughout the recent years the club has formed strong links with St. Peter’s High School and established an association with nine Dengie Hundred Primary Schools successfully promoting Juniors in playing the game of Rugby Union Football.

Alex Knapton - (President)

Warwick Bridge - (Club member)

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