West Park St Helens

= West Park St Helens =

A rugby union club based in St Helens, Merseyside. Who are currently playing in the North 1 League.

Early Years

West Park RFC was formerly established in August 1947 at a meeting held in the Black Bull Hotel, though occasional matches had been played the previous season under the title "Catholic Grammar School Old Boys". Games were played on the abbreviated school pitch and in 1950 the club acquired the first pitch they could call their own, in-aptly named the 'Rose Bowl' - a patch of derelict land previously the site of a ramshackle collection of allotments. Every week the home team had to collect debris which had erupted from the ground, and on one occasion a match was interrupted whilst a full-sized perambulator was excavated!

Another match venue was the Alder Hey Road field: "Remarkable for the depth of its mud, making Passchendale and Ypres look like the Gobi desert in high summer".

After exhaustive searches by club officials, land was eventually leased at Red Rocks, Eccleston Hill for the season 1954/55. Club members spent the close season - on what is now Carmel College playing fields - digging drains with the help of an ancient milk horse, called Dolly, borrowed from Friths' Farm. The same season saw the opening of the club's first dressing rooms and club room, stark and bare (one passer-by thought the building was a new public convenience), but nevertheless the member's pride and joy. Periodic improvements and extensions accomplished by prudent management resulted in the comfortable surroundings enjoyed today.

Deprived of the original pitches by a land deal which allowed Education Authority land to be used by Pilkingtons' for their Head Office, and the War Department to gain room for expansion off Croppus Hill, saw Carmel College to be erected. The land where the present pitches are situated was acquired in 1960/61 and a gigantic earth-moving operation was required to produce the current two pitches on a split-level arrangement.

In recent years the club house required extensive renovation when affected by subsidence from a burst water main, but, like the future of West Park RFC, now has the firmest of foundations.

1950's - 1970's

Playing records were improving all the time, but notoriety was achieved by West Park's first trophy won at the Caldy Sevens in 1953 and, even more significantly, as runners-up at both the prestigious Birkenhead Park Sevens and Manchester Sevens tournaments. Season 1953/54 saw the first fifteen unbeaten throughout and in 1957/58 membership was opened to all instead of limitation to 'Old Boys of West Park School' and 'Invited Guests'. Although many players moved on to senior clubs to gain county and, in the case of Martin Regan, international honours, David Griffiths became the first serving West Park player to be selected for Lancashire. As frequent tourists over the years, West Park's inaugural trip was to Eire where they gained victory in the Kildare Sevens tournament. Enjoying frequent success in Sevens during the next few years enhanced the club reputation.

The appointment of Don Gullick as team coach in 1968 was another significant development in the club's fortunes, as players of that era will testify. Don's imaginative approach was very much in keeping with West Park's natural style of play. In 1962, the first Colts team was formed and this proved to be a useful source of players to supplement the regular intake from West Park School, which was to cease in years to come with the school closure. Although the Colts have figured intermittently over the years, in recent seasons Neil Ashurst, Martin Strett and Sean Fletcher all gained international honours at this age group. Veteran Fifteens took to the field for several seasons as membership expanded and, more recently, a vigorous and highly successful Junior Section was formed for age groups from under-9s up to under-16s, plus a Youth Section including both Junior and Senior Colts teams.

1970's onwards

In pre-league rugby union days, the Lancashire RFU had at their disposal the best players in the county, and it was a sign of West Park's progress that in the 70s, Mike Glover, Rob Briers, Bernard Barrow, Bill Lawrenson and Barrie Barton gained County honours. Indeed, Glover and Briers were in the County side that won the Championship in 1972/73. Rob Briers, of course, went on to gain 44 County caps and to represent both the North and England under-23s.

Not surprisingly, players became the targets of the senior clubs and in succeeding years West Park regularly had to rebuild their side. The 'Professional Code', as it was then known, was also not slow in recognising rugby talent and in one season sevens players "turned" to Rugby League, two at least going on to International honours.

Improving the fixture lists, even after successful performances against 'better teams', was a difficult job, but the Club Fixture Secretaries have shown persistence and imagination over the years. West Park was forced to travel as far as Northumberland, South Wales, the Midlands and Yorkshire in order to meet stronger opposition, with some outstanding performances being registered in pre-league days. Success in the Lancashire Cup (twice as semi-finalists, once as runners-up) and in the Lancashire Trophy (twice winners) were interspersed with early success in the pioneer Girobank League structure. West Park was rewarded with a place in the North West 1st Division at the start, and when full RFU leagues were inaugurated we narrowly missed obtaining National status by finishing just one position from promotion.

Always active tourists, in addition to tours to Ireland and South Wales, West Park have twice visited the Americas (USA & Canada)

Many former players play an active role in the running of the club. Several of the original founder team members are still active, including Ken Ward. Outstanding individuals over the years are too many to mention, but Mike Allen regularly topped the try-scoring list for many seasons. Others with long service in the First XV were John Howard, Malcolm Worsley, Graham Houghton (the longest serving captain), Bernard Barrow, Dennis Glynn, Austin Sweeney and others too numerous to mention.

At the start of the National Leagues in 1987/88, West Park was in North Division 1, from which they narrowly missed promotion. Unfortunately, an exodus of some of the best players meant that, as mentioned before, team rebuilding had to begin again with the inevitable result of relegation to North Division 2, and then to North West 1, as 'money' began to 'talk' in the higher divisions.

Golden Jubilee

In 1997, celebrations of West Park's 50th Anniversary started early with a Grand Ball held in May. Over 400 revellers attended this Golden Jubilee, at which many long-standing friendships were renewed, and many a famous game replayed. In July, we learned that we had been granted a Leyland 17-seater mini-bus - for the use of both junior and senior club players - by the Foundation of Sport and the Arts. This organisation is run in conjunction with the Pools firms, who place money into the foundation for the good of sport and art throughout the country. This was due to John Fletcher and Liam Fortune writing to this organisation regarding our problems of transporting young players on Sunday mornings when no local authority transport was available.

In the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons the teams made a valiant effort to achieve promotion by twice finishing runners-up in the North West 1 Division. We were hopeful of a successful and enjoyable new season with Steve Peters as the new coach, Martin Strett as club captain, and Rob Briers (who was also the Lancashire RFU vice-president) as Director of Rugby. Then in 1999/2000 West Park finally achieved its ambitions and we were duly promoted as Champions to North Division 2.

Updating the history shows many people who have not been mentioned through the years. Eric Briers - who has been an active member of the back room staff as team secretary, fixture secretary, lower teams' captain, press liaison officer, kit-master and general 'good egg' on Saturday mornings - has devoted over 40 years of service to West Park RFC. Dave Griffiths - (who would want his job as Team Secretary and Match Secretary?) has been doing these jobs for over 30 years. Frank Cheetham - who travels from Standish every Saturday to mark our pitches and even brings his own pies for his dinner. Tony Rigby - formerly Club President - returns from two years' non-backroom activities and non-linesman duties to resume normal service. The club thanks Tony for his dedication over the years. The other members on the scene: Dave Appleton has now taken over the Fixture Secretary's role from Eric Briers, and is in charge of the oranges, scoreboard and other mundane duties on Saturday afternoons. Tommy McLoughlin is still active, helping out on Saturdays and Sundays. Phil Jones and Barrie Wilson have also contributed to the club over many years. 'Mr. Junior Section', George Baldry, has given his time and expertise to the Mini/Junior Section since its inception in 1983, and it is a credit to him that the club is so vibrant in its youth policy. This was recognised by all member clubs of the Lancashire RFU who voted West Park as winners of the inaugural 'Best Junior Section'.

Modern Era

During recent seasons, the club has pushed forward in bringing the youth of the club to the fore. In Liam McLoughlin, Kevin Wheddon, Mark Williams, Darren Wilson, Andy Roberts, Mike Taylor, Phil Webster, Andrew Soutar, Brad Barker and Adam Leadbetter we have produced genuine first team talent, and it is hoped that they remain part of the first team squad on a regular basis.

The 1999/2000 season must be the finest in the club's history, with Sean Fletcher, Alan Prescott, Mike Gilman, John Bradbury and Bob Singleton running the first team squad, ably assisted by Mark Potter, Vinny King and Mark Barrow running the lower teams. Together they have proved to be a formidable team. Chris O'Toole and Neil Ryan joined us mid-season and together proved to be a tremendous halfback partnership, and Steve Bibby, as ever, proving to be an immovable object at No. 8. 'Player of the Year' Martin Strett was rejuvenated at fullback, and was able to bring on the talents of centre Paul Bailey. With the effervescent Glen Fletcher kicking to win, they steered Chris Stabler, Dom McCormack, Phil Lawrenson, Neil Slater and Steve Briers to great success. In the forwards, Sean Fletcher was inspirational at lock forward. Ross Bell, Mark Nolan, Carl Wales, Neil Atherton, Eliot Laughton, Chris Pennington, Phil Houlton, Rob Hanson, and the evergreen Bod Potter, have all formed a base on which the team has gone on to win the Thwaites North West Division 1 (undefeated). In addition, Park also won the Lancashire Trophy, beating Warrington 41-21 in the final at Preston Grass Hoppers, and at the same venue defeating National Division 2 side, Manchester, 33-23 in the John Burgess Lancashire Senior Cup. And not to be outdone, the Junior Colts, under Mike Webster and Ray Leadbetter, went on to win the R.T.J. Briers Lancashire Under-17s Cup, defeating Sedgley Park 11-10 at Wigan. Chris Briers scored a last-minute penalty to clinch a game that should have been in the bag after West Park had dominated for much of the play. What a season!

It had started well with Rob Briers being elected President of Lancashire (the first West Park member ever to be appointed). Both his sons gained representative honours and his beloved West Park went all the way in the league and cups, the 99/00 season is one that he will not forget. The icing on the cake came at both ends of the spectrum with Chris Jones winning an England Cap at Under-18s Clubs' level and Chris O'Toole being selected for the British Lions team who reached the final of the Classic Vets competition in Japan.

The 2000/2001 season offered some testing moments playing against the likes of Vale of Lune, Broughton Park, Widnes, Winnington Park, Lymm, Blackburn and Aldwinians in the newly formed North 2 (West) league. But West Park was up to the challenge and we were duly promoted, again as champions. Another great season was further enhanced by more England honours. No less than three of the Colts players, Chris Briers, Andi Kyriacou and Ian Critchley, were recognised at England under-18s Schools level, while former-Colt, Chris Jones, was recognised at England Under-19s. All have now moved on: Andi, Chris and Chris to Sale Sharks while Ian has gone to London Irish, where he joined another former West Park prop, Mike Worsley, who himself received his first full England cap against Italy in the 2003 Six Nations tournament. The Under-16s won the Lancashire Cup under Jeff Lawrenson and John Mather.

Season 2001/2002 matched us with the likes of Bradford & Bingley, Macclesfield, Halifax, Hull Ionians, Sheffield, Driffield and Darlington in North Division 1. Riding on the crest of the success wave of the previous years brought us so close to promotion, only to finish third after leading for most of the season. This season also saw the formation of West Park Warriors (formerly the 3rd XV) who played well enough to consolidate their new position in North Lancs Division 2. This move has led to more players signing for the club and the creation of the 4th XV. On a sad note, this season also witnessed the passing on of six founder members: Joe McCormack, Vint Wynn, Tony Greenhall, Harry Huyton, Des Platt and Fred Burrows, all within six weeks of each other. The Under-17s won the Lancashire Cup under Jeff Lawrenson and John Mather.

2002/2003 proved to be a consolidation season in North Division 1 with a number of retirements by the older players and the introduction of several youngsters, eventually finishing 7th after escaping from the relegation dogfight. The experienced Sean Fletcher was replaced by 22 year old Liam McLoughlin as club captain towards the end of the season after sustaining a serious eye injury which has resulted in his early retirement from the playing staff. The Under-18s won the Under-19s Lancashire Cup, their third successive Lancashire Cup win under Jeff Lawrenson and John Mather.

2003/2004 sees the 1st XV challenging again to reach the National Leagues from Powergen North Division 1; the 2nd XV taking their place in the newly formed North West Intermediate League Division 1, after two seasons in the North West Merit Table; and West Park Warriors taking their place in North Lancs. Division 1 after being promoted from Division 2 as champions.

There is no doubt that professionalism is becoming 'the name of the game' at West Park, and this is also reflected in the level of support given to us by all our sponsors, for which we are eternally grateful. But special thanks must go to the team at Alt Tab for sponsoring our website. Their design team has done us proud, and we now look forward to keeping you all up to date with what is happening at West Park RFC.

2004-05Liam McLoughlin who was appointed captain once again, unfortunately left for the greener pastures of Orrell. Martin Jones continued as club coach.New Zealand Sports Academy based in the North Island Rotorua, who help to develop young Maori rugby Players, have formed a relationship with West Park via John Fletcher Director of Administration and Jim Love of the New Zealand Academy. They have been responsible for bring over two young Maori players “Clint Lockwood” and “Mattie Henwood”, the first of many we hope.

West Park won the Lancashire Cup with newly appointed captain “Carl Newman” picking up the cup, after successfully beating Preston Grasshoppers at Sedgley Park, they also won the “Lancashire sevens” at Blackburn overcoming Leeds Tykes in the final.

West Park’s Rob Briers was appointed Lancashire representative to the Council of the Rugby Football Union a great honour for the club.Proposed Re-development plans published, included turning the pitches around creating 3 pitches, also a new clubhouse.

Stalwart and sponsor of many years “John Graham Smith” (of Mr Smiths Nightclub) passed away on 8 April 2005, a man who contributed so much to the club in many ways, he will be greatly missed.

2005-06Carl Newman continued as captain, also Martin Jones continued as club coach.This was the most momentous season for West Park, who qualified for the “National Leagues” for the first time in their history, North Three.

After finishing second in the League to Morley, they were now in the play off which was away against the formidable “Bedford Athletic”. Park won in extra time, after being behind 17-0 with just over 20 minutes to go. They forced extra time, the scores being tied at 17-17. Park eventually ran out winners 17-24.Park also had the top try scorer in North One with “Stephen Briers”, they also had the top goal kicker and top points scorer with “Andrew Soutar”.

Future Plans

On the development front, Park have been approached by the St Helens Council, with a view to moving over to the “Broadway” school site, allowing the expansion of Carmel College to go ahead, this is still under discussion at this moment in time.