I remember going to the first game and sitting in the putney end, my mate I was with got interviewed by ITV and he told em it was boring, we were laughing and it got on TV
Who else was at that game ? And what year was it I've no idea
First game was 1980. Played Wigan who'd fallen from grace and were in Division 2.
Loved going. Reg Bowden was captain if I remember.
Colin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Quote from: Penfold on July 30, 2023, 05:31:38 PMFirst game was 1980. Played Wigan who'd fallen from grace and were in Division 2.
Blimey 1980 huh I would of been 10
Thanks for that
Also I wonder what kind of attendance was at those games
Ian Maquorcedale was my wife's dream man.The pitch was ruined by the new Riverside stand crushing the drainage system. It was fun in the second division but we couldn't live with the clubs in the first division.
I went to one game, can remember a Welsh player with the Italian name Cambriani. That's about all.
Quote from: Motspur Park on July 30, 2023, 05:46:04 PMLoved going. Reg Bowden was captain if I remember.
Yes. And a very affable and entertaining bloke he was, too. One of the great features of the Sunday matches at the Cottage was talking and drinking with the players in the bar after the game.
Bowden was determined to make Rugby League a success in London and almost succeeded.
Tony Karalius was hooker that first season and told us hilarious stories of the exploits of his brother Vince, one of the all-time great rugby players.
John Dalgreen was hooker a bit later and became the only Fulham player to get a Great Britain cap (v Australia).
He was once suspended 'sine die' by the RL authorities for laying an opponent out, rather amusingly reduced to a somewhat more reasonable two weeks on appeal.
Quote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 05:50:52 PMQuote from: Penfold on July 30, 2023, 05:31:38 PMFirst game was 1980. Played Wigan who'd fallen from grace and were in Division 2.
Blimey 1980 huh I would of been 10
Thanks for that
Also I wonder what kind of attendance was at those games
First game was over 9,000. I think the average in the first season was over 6,500 which was better than FFC at the time. However, attendances fell each year and Clay pulled the plug in 1984. I think the official club line was that the Clay's took the losses but was rumoured that the losses were actually added to those of FFC.
Quote from: Penfold on July 30, 2023, 06:19:27 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 05:50:52 PMQuote from: Penfold on July 30, 2023, 05:31:38 PMFirst game was 1980. Played Wigan who'd fallen from grace and were in Division 2.
Blimey 1980 huh I would of been 10
Thanks for that
Also I wonder what kind of attendance was at those games
First game was over 9,000. I think the average in the first season was over 6,500 which was better than FFC at the time. However, attendances fell each year and Clay pulled the plug in 1984. I think the official club line was that the Clay's took the losses but was rumoured that the losses were actually added to those of FFC.
9000 that's a lot, I do remember quite a few were there, the football was prob only bringing in 3 to 5 at that point
Quote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 05:46:53 PMColin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Hammered the pitch, probably worked to our advantage the way we were playing in them days.
On another subject I'll always remember that funny trainspotter bloke that used to hang out at Stoneleigh station
Quote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 06:26:34 PMQuote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 05:46:53 PMColin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Hammered the pitch, probably worked to our advantage the way we were playing in them days.
On another subject I'll always remember that funny trainspotter bloke that used to hang out at Stoneleigh station
[/quote
Wow! I remember that guy!! I used to live above the liquor store next to the station.
Highest attendance the first season was 15013 v Wakefield in the Challenge Cup losing 5-9. Beat Leeds in the John Player Trophy 9-3 with a crowd of 12583. But busing the team down just for the home games was never going to work longterm. Now 43 years later, after 5 changes of name & more home grounds than you have probably had hot dinners, they are a struggling part time team sharing AFC's Plough Lane. If you want something to do on a sunny Sunday afternoon, give it a go as costs next to nothing to get in compared to football.
Quote from: Lester Burnham on July 30, 2023, 07:12:20 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 06:26:34 PMQuote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 05:46:53 PMColin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Hammered the pitch, probably worked to our advantage the way we were playing in them days.
On another subject I'll always remember that funny trainspotter bloke that used to hang out at Stoneleigh station
[/quote
Wow! I remember that guy!! I used to live above the liquor store next to the station.
I knew someone who worked in that liquor store and then she went to work in the chemists. Her husband said she had gone from drink to drugs!
Played Sunday morning football, a few pints in the pub afterwards,down to the Cottage for the Rugby league and a few more pints while watching from the Stevenage Rd Stand.
Then home for grub & a kip before going out again to the Pub (Jolly Gardeners,Golden Gloves etc) and a ruby to finish.
Happy days.
Ernie clay never had Football at heart only money. He nearly finished FFC when he sold us to Bulstrodes crew and Marler and Cadbra. Thank God they went skint and the banks reposessed the ground. The Club as sold to the Muddyman family and as they say the rest is history. Fulham Park Rangers never saw the light of day. I hope Ernie Clay never got to enjoy his money
If my memory serves me well, I think it was Rochdale Hornets
I saw them play the only game I went to ?
I went to a couple of games. The thing i remember most is the power of those guys. The Riverside stand fairly shook when they tackled each other.
Quote from: Lester Burnham on July 30, 2023, 07:12:20 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 06:26:34 PMQuote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 05:46:53 PMColin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Hammered the pitch, probably worked to our advantage the way we were playing in them days.
On another subject I'll always remember that funny trainspotter bloke that used to hang out at Stoneleigh station
[/quote
Wow! I remember that guy!! I used to live above the liquor store next to the station.
I remember the record store there, used to go in there., that bloke at the station was hilarious
I remember they were on strike and he was over there trying to run the place,,,..
Quote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 09:45:56 PMQuote from: Lester Burnham on July 30, 2023, 07:12:20 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 06:26:34 PMQuote from: Stoneleigh Loyalist on July 30, 2023, 05:46:53 PMColin Welland became a director of Fulham Rugby Leagu team and we went to see a performance of his play 'Roll on Four O'Clock' at the Lyric, Hammersmith.
To our surprise we were sitting close to him and the whole of the team.
An interesting few years at the Cottage which absolutely wrecked the pitch at the time.
Hammered the pitch, probably worked to our advantage the way we were playing in them days.
On another subject I'll always remember that funny trainspotter bloke that used to hang out at Stoneleigh station
[/quote
Wow! I remember that guy!! I used to live above the liquor store next to the station.
I knew someone who worked in that liquor store and then she went to work in the chemists. Her husband said she had gone from drink to drugs!
Should of worked part time at both and done drink and drugs
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 30, 2023, 10:47:11 PMPlayed Sunday morning football, a few pints in the pub afterwards,down to the Cottage for the Rugby league and a few more pints while watching from the Stevenage Rd Stand.
Then home for grub & a kip before going out again to the Pub (Jolly Gardeners,Golden Gloves etc) and a ruby to finish.
Happy days.
And they say it's a day of rest..
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 30, 2023, 10:47:11 PMPlayed Sunday morning football, a few pints in the pub afterwards,down to the Cottage for the Rugby league and a few more pints while watching from the Stevenage Rd Stand.
Then home for grub & a kip before going out again to the Pub (Jolly Gardeners,Golden Gloves etc) and a ruby to finish.
Happy days.
Excellent :-
You are an example to us all. 🏉 🍺
Great times on a Sunday afternoon.
Some decent crowds as well.
Seem to remember late 80s going to watch them
at Polytechnic ground by Chiswick bridge.
Quote from: ffcne on July 31, 2023, 09:48:37 AMGreat times on a Sunday afternoon.
Some decent crowds as well.
Seem to remember late 80s going to watch them
at Polytechnic ground by Chiswick bridge.
One of their many home venues after leaving Craven Cottage. I think the name Fulham was dropped around 1992? Made sense as they hadn't played in Fulham since 1984. I believe they became London Crusaders. Then London Broncos, Harlequins RL and back to London Broncos.
Quote from: rogerpbackinMidEastUS on July 31, 2023, 01:02:22 AMIf my memory serves me well, I think it was Rochdale Hornets
I saw them play the only game I went to ?
Big shock when we lost that game.
Quote from: cmg on July 30, 2023, 06:06:56 PMQuote from: Motspur Park on July 30, 2023, 05:46:04 PMLoved going. Reg Bowden was captain if I remember.
Yes. And a very affable and entertaining bloke he was, too. One of the great features of the Sunday matches at the Cottage was talking and drinking with the players in the bar after the game.
Bowden was determined to make Rugby League a success in London and almost succeeded.
Tony Karalius was hooker that first season and told us hilarious stories of the exploits of his brother Vince, one of the all-time great rugby players.
John Dalgreen was hooker a bit later and became the only Fulham player to get a Great Britain cap (v Australia).
He was once suspended 'sine die' by the RL authorities for laying an opponent out, rather amusingly reduced to a somewhat more reasonable two weeks on appeal.
In fact he laid hands on the referee, Gerry Kershaw in a manner that made Mitro look a pussy.
Quote from: deadcowboys on July 31, 2023, 11:40:14 AMQuote from: cmg on July 30, 2023, 06:06:56 PMQuote from: Motspur Park on July 30, 2023, 05:46:04 PMLoved going. Reg Bowden was captain if I remember.
...John Dalgreen was hooker a bit later and became the only Fulham player to get a Great Britain cap (v Australia).
He was once suspended 'sine die' by the RL authorities for laying an opponent out, rather amusingly reduced to a somewhat more reasonable two weeks on appeal.
In fact he laid hands on the referee, Gerry Kershaw in a manner that made Mitro look a pussy.
I suppose,then, the authorities were entitled to get a bit upset, although, under certain circumstances it might be justified in terming the referee 'an opponent' - especially if you were a hooker!
Great memories, still got my original shirt somewhere but I doubt it'll fit me now.
Also went to a couple of away games, possibly Batley & Leigh. Remember queuing with the Fulham RL team at the motorway services after one of those games & they were huge.
Wouldn't mind the away kit based on the rugby league shirts. Black with white and red 'V' around the collar. Not going to happen but better than many of our away kits.
For anyone interested, Broncos have a ticket deal of the next 5 games for £62.50. Obviously single match tickets also available through London Broncos website. Still play in a variation of black shirts with red/white chevron.
Quote from: perry geyton on July 30, 2023, 05:19:51 PMI remember going to the first game and sitting in the putney end, my mate I was with got interviewed by ITV and he told em it was boring, we were laughing and it got on TV
Who else was at that game ? And what year was it I've no idea
It was 1980
Beat Wigan 25-4
Nearly 10,000
Finished 3rd behind York & Wigan
Went to every home game whilst at the cottage
Great times ,my first fulham promotion
So who's got a picture of our 1980
Rugby kit then ?
(https://www.lbsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rugby-38-%C2%A9-Ken-Coton-825x1024.jpg)
Very smart in my opinion.
I used to wear mine when refereeing school rugby (union) matches, which irritated a few traditionalists.
Funny to think one person with a biro probably designed this excellent shirt while we now have experts designing the latest creations.
Quote from: cmg on August 01, 2023, 05:01:38 PM(https://www.lbsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rugby-38-%C2%A9-Ken-Coton-825x1024.jpg)
Very smart in my opinion.
I used to wear mine when refereeing school rugby (union) matches, which irritated a few traditionalists.
Back in 1980, only Referees wore that amount of black & by footballing standards the players were huge. Big Tony Gourley here was 6' 3" & if memory serves me right was a catering manager. Bet nobody complained about his pies.
Quote from: cmg on August 01, 2023, 05:01:38 PM(https://www.lbsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rugby-38-%C2%A9-Ken-Coton-825x1024.jpg)
Very smart in my opinion.
Now there's a fellow whose beer I wouldn't want to knock over.....
Quote from: cmg on August 01, 2023, 05:01:38 PM(https://www.lbsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rugby-38-%C2%A9-Ken-Coton-825x1024.jpg)
Very smart in my opinion.
I used to wear mine when refereeing school rugby (union) matches, which irritated a few traditionalists.
Brilliant!!
Man Sport
Classic
I remember going to a game v Wakefield Trinity I think the winner go £50,000 or something like that, sad I know but I counted the buses that had carried the Wakefield fans down to the cottage I am sure it was over 30 coaches (though several pints of Kestrel lager may have had me seeing double), which was a far cry form the 2 coaches that would have followed Rotherham to the cottage that season.
Quote from: TheOnionBag on August 03, 2023, 06:32:54 PMI remember going to a game v Wakefield Trinity I think the winner go £50,000 or something like that, sad I know but I counted the buses that had carried the Wakefield fans down to the cottage I am sure it was over 30 coaches (though several pints of Kestrel lager may have had me seeing double), which was a far cry form the 2 coaches that would have followed Rotherham to the cottage that season.
Think you may be confusing the Wakefield cup game with the end of 1st season challenge match between Fulham RL & Bradford Northern. The Bradford Chairman was giving it large that Fulham weren't up to it so £50k winner takes all game played & Fulham wiped the floor with them. Dave Allen scoring 4 tries I think. It was a great night.
Quote from: deadcowboys on August 03, 2023, 07:39:49 PMQuote from: TheOnionBag on August 03, 2023, 06:32:54 PMI remember going to a game v Wakefield Trinity I think the winner go £50,000 or something like that, sad I know but I counted the buses that had carried the Wakefield fans down to the cottage I am sure it was over 30 coaches (though several pints of Kestrel lager may have had me seeing double), which was a far cry form the 2 coaches that would have followed Rotherham to the cottage that season.
Think you may be confusing the Wakefield cup game with the end of 1st season challenge match between Fulham RL & Bradford Northern. The Bradford Chairman was giving it large that Fulham weren't up to it so £50k winner takes all game played & Fulham wiped the floor with them. Dave Allen scoring 4 tries I think. It was a great night.
I think you are right, as I said my memory was hazy due to too much drink, I remember going on the pitch after one game passing a bag full of beers about like it was a ruby ball, the only other vaughe recollection of that night was how bumpy the pitch seemed to be no wonder we struggled to play football on such an awful surface.
