The 1980's - Halifax Amateur Rugby League Heritage

Clubs > Sowerby Spartans > The 1980’s

The 1980’s

Sowerby Spartans began life in the Pennine League Division 7 for the 1982-83 season, although they are recorded as only “Sowerby” in the BARLA handbook. They were coached by founder-member Roger Schofield. Their first season was a good start for the Spartans as they won 10 of their 22 games interesting scoring 384 points whilst conceding 384.

The next two seasons saw the Spartans compete well in Division 6 moving up to a 3rd place finish in 1984-85. Their first two experiences in the Halifax Cup resulted in defeats to Keighley Albion by 15-0 in 1983-84 and to Siddal by 42-14 the following year.

The 1985-86 season was a breakthrough one for the Sowerby Spartans as they fought hard throughout the year and finished as Division 6 Champions with 18 wins from 20 games. They also had assembled playing group large enough to start an “A” team which joined the Pennine League in Division 7. They had a solid first season finishing in 13th place with seven wins from 28 starts.

The Spartans were now on a roll. They went into the 1986-87 season full of confidence. The season turned out to be a contest with Park Amateurs “A” for the title. In the end, it was the Spartans who triumphed winning all but one of their 16 games. Spartans had won back-to-back championships. The “A” team was improving, now playing in the new Division 8, winning 10 of their 24 games to finish 10th.

Off the field the Pennine League recognised Roger Schofield’s work at the Spartans with the Division 5 Clubman of the Year Award.

Now in Division 4 the team took to the challenge winning an impressive 16 games from their 22 outings to finish as very creditable 3rd place. The “A” back in Division 7 continued to struggle along. They won just 4 of 26 games in 1987-88.

Following just one more season in Division 4, the Spartans found themselves back in Division 5 for the 1989-90 season. The first team end the campaign in 7th place with 9 wins from 22 games. The “A” team had their best season to date as they finished 6th in Division 7 being triumphant in 11 games.