West Hartlepool R.F.C.

Rugby team
teamname = West Hartlepool
fullname = West Hartlepool Rugby Football Club
location = Hartlepool, England
country

founded = 1881
ground = Brinkburn
capacity = 76 Seats plus standing room
coach = Tim Sawyer, and Kevan Oliphant
captain = Anthony Carr
league = Northern Division North 2 East
url = www.west-rugby.org.uk
pattern_la1=_white_hoops|pattern_b1=_whitehoops|pattern_ra1=_white_hoops
leftarm1=005500|body1=005500|rightarm1=005500|shorts1=005500|socks1=005500|

West Hartlepool Rugby Football Club (nicknamed West) is an English rugby union club that has just won the Northern Division, North 2 East league.

Before the game turned professional, the club enjoyed several seasons in the top league.

History

West Hartlepool Rugby Football Club was formed in 1881.

Current squad

Forwards * Dan Boatman * Jon Boatman * Anthony Carr "(Captain)" * Mark Cholmondeley * Brett Cullinane * Andrew Davies * Andrew Dixon * Tom Dixon * Greg Edwards * Dave Garside * Michael Geritz "(Physio)" * John Greenwell * Phil Henderson * Carl Miller * Aaron Myers * Jonathan Norris * Paul Oliver * Ryan Phillips * Carlo Robinson * Iain Robinson * Paul Rudd * Tim Sawyer * Chris Stewart * Henry Tones * Ross Wood * Paul Vinnicombe * Chris Young

Backs * Andrew Cheslin * Colin Cheslin * Jamie Connolly * Iain Dixon * Andrew Hare * Peter Hodgson "(Vice-Captain)" * Neil Howe * Chris Lambert * James Masshedar * Paul Miller * Paul Moss * Gav Robinson * Stuart Spence * Darren Thomas * Davy Tighe * Martin Todd * Phil Wallis * Danny Weegram * Paul Williamson

Notable Past International Players

* Carl Aarvold
* ? Bradley
* ? Duthie
* Sammy Murfitt
* Tim Stimpson (and British Lions)
* Andy Blyth
* Jack Taylor (Captain)
* Rob Wainwright (Captain) (and British Lions)
* Mike Mullins
* Alan Whetton (AJ)
* Gary Whetton (Captain)
* Mike Brewer

Location

In the 1990's, when the club was at its peak positions in the higher leagues the club played at Brierton Lane, they then entered a one year ground share agreements, first with Hartlepool United Football Club at Victoria Park, Hartlepool, then with Hartlepool Rovers RFC. The club then went on to play at other various venues with Grayfields the venue for a few years, only recently has there been an agreement with the Hartlepool Sixth Form College. The ground is located on Catcote road opposite English Martyrs School. TS25 4HA.

Directions

North : A19, On to A179, Turn Right at the round about next to Hart Village, Follow Hart Lane past the 1st round about turn right at the set of traffic lights, Follow this road up the bank and the Rugby club is on the left sign posted.

South : A19, On to A689, Follow A689 into Hartlepool, Turn Left at the 1st set of traffic lights into Hartlepool onto Truro Drive,Top of the road turn right onto Catcote Road, Follow this road Past Brierton & then English Martyrs Schools and the Rugby club is on the right also signposted.

West : A1, Then onto either the A689, or A19 depending on whether the route is North or South of Hartlepool use the directions as above.

Rivals

In the 1990s when West Hartlepool were in the top leagues there was a rivalry with Newcastle Falcons who were also known as Newcastle Gosforth. However the real derby matches were with Hartlepool Rovers whom although were in lower leagues at that point always gave West Hartlepool good competitive matches. Newcastle Falcons have now emerged as good stage for new and exciting players from West's ranks to play at a higher level of rugby, such as Michael Young and Aaron Myers.

West have just been crowned the 2007 / 2008 North 2 East league champions after beating Hartlepool Rovers in the final league game of the season. The historical Boxing Day match between the sides have continuing over the years and in recent years the games have come down to the last few seconds and injury time before the eventual winners were known, with side line conversions winning or losing matches.

External links

* [http://www.west-rugby.org.uk/ Official Club Website]
* [http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s16/st30305.htm Official Club History]
* [http://www.rfu.com/fixtures/ViewClubDetail.aspx?TeamID=5745560&CompetitionID=5730101&LeagueID=8337094&sType=League West on RFU.com]