Although rugby was played in Wetherby prior to the Second World War, the team were known as Wetherby Town; they played on Scaur Bank. At the outbreak of hostilities playing ceased and did not resume again until 1966.

Here is a the report from the Wetherby News on the first match to be played after re-forming ..........

[WETHERBY CAMP 31 points

WETHERBY TOWN 13 points

In preparation for the forthcoming evening fixtures, the recently reformed Wetherby Rugby Union Club, played its first game against the boys from the local Borstal in a match that was hampered by a high wind.

Wetherby were undeterred by a strong home side but their lack of stamina was clearly evident. First half tries from BLUNT, Dick ETHERINGTON and NICHOLSON helped to keep them in touch, although a goal kicker was lacking. The home side went further ahead in the second half, while John CAFFERY replied for Town.

Team (The first ever!):

Featherstone, Calvert N, Brown, J Caffery, B Mason, V Wroe, Nicholson, R Etherington (Capt), R H Etherington, M Burton, D Royle, P Blunt, A Alton and A N Other

With grateful thanks to Kevin Stappard who provided this information which was taken from a publication called ‘TRYLINE’ which was the work of a great servant of the Club ALAN DENHAM.

More about Alan later, along with reports on the three earliest matches.