The 1990’s

Evie Godfrey

colour photo of Calder Valley 1990s team, in two rows wearing their yellow and blue kits on the pitch

Clubs > Calder Valley > The 1990’s

The 1990’s

 Calder Valley were now on a roll as the new decade arrived. The club took the decision to set up an “A” team as their success had attracted new players both experienced and brand new to the game.

The first team was now playing in Division 4 and were continuing their rise through the divisions. They finished as runners up winning 15 of 20 games and were once again promoted.

colour photo of Calder Valley 1990s team, in two rows wearing their yellow and blue kits on the pitch

In 1991-92 the challenge for Calder Valley was Division 3. Could they continue their march towards the Premier Division?

mid-game black and white newspaper photo of Dean BradleyTheir team now included experienced forward Dean Bradley who became pack leader.

The seasons through the mid-1990’s Calder Valley continued to strengthen and keep their place in Division 2 . They played some epic games and came up against some of the best teams who were also on their way up the divisions. They enjoyed some great victories and enjoyed playing their Rugby League together.

The team make up changed significantly during the early and mid-1990’s with younger players moving up to the first team and making their mark. Lee Potter began his lengthy career with the team as did others such as Craig McCulloch, Rick Hoyle, Rick Parry , Andy and Craig Binns. There was also the arrival of Dominique Boardman and Lionel Oie from Todmorden. Ex-Ovenden player and coach Eric Williams arrived as coach and brought new vigour and ideas to the team’s play. A young James Fielden had progressed through the “A” as a 16-year-old to become a fixture in the side.

Off the field came the move from Valley’s headquarters at The Grove Inn at Brierley as original host Dave and Sue Coop had moved on. The Valley’s next home was Oscar’s Bar at Luddendenfoot where they spent several seasons. For the 1996-97 season the decision was made to take up the offer from The Old Brandy Wine to move headquarters to there. Martin made the club very welcome.

colour photo of The Old Brandy Wine building exterior which has a sandstone colour to it and is flying a union jack flag

In that season, the club finished 4th in Division 2 which was enough to be invited to join the Pennine League Division 1 for the 1998-99 season. After another successful season Calder Valley moved up to the Pennine League Premier Division completing their rise from division 7.

Calder Valley put up some good performances in the top division and they won a few games and came very close in others against established teams. Away at Clayton, they were pipped by a drop goal in a fast moving and exciting  game which they lost 23-22. Away against a strong high flying Queensbury team, Calder Valley fought to the end but lost out by 36-28.

That season Calder Valley won through to the club’s one and only Halifax Cup Final appearance under the guidance of Adam Greenwood who had returned to the club. The final was played at the Shay Stadium. Sadly, it was Park Amateurs who ran out winners – the same club who had beaten Valley in their Supplementary Cup final 12 years before.