Clubs > Ovenden > The Final Chapter

The Final Chapter

Today, Ovenden ARLFC is no more.

After eight decades of Rugby League in Ovenden not only had the clubhouse closed its doors for the last time but the lights went out on Ovenden Rugby League itself.

There have been a multitude of rumours and thoughts on why this happened.

Perhaps the change in the structure of the Ovenden estate with the closure of Ovenden school, so long a starting point for generations of Rugby League players feeding into the Ovenden club or perhaps Ovenden is one of the casualties of a changing society where there is less active sports participation. Perhaps it was the passing of club stalwart, Joe Collins and the closure of the Ovenden Clubhouse in 2019.

Perhaps it is a combination of all these factors.

One thing for certain is that Ovenden ARLFC gave pleasure, enjoyment and learning experiences to several generations of Ovenden lads (and lasses).

After so long, there is no Ovenden ARLFC: The Halifax and District Rugby League is poorer for that.