Rugby League Sports Section

Annual Reports

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 Out January 2009

2007 top

By Section Chairman Supt Clive Tattum

The season got off to a relatively slow start after a couple of teams, who were due to play, were unable to fulfil their fixtures.  The first game saw us come up against a very strong West Yorkshire team and after a thrilling match it ended in high scoring 34 points to 34 draw. 

Our next game saw us pitched against a formidable Metropolitan Police team, who at a very cold and wet Shaw ARLFC ground in Oldham, gave us a lesson in how to play rugby league in less than favourable conditions.  The MET running out easy winners on this occasion.

Further victories in subsequent matches left us with a tricky semi final trip to the Metropolitan Police, where we were able to over turn the previous defeat at Oldham and earn ourselves a place for the third year running in the National Final.

Unfortunately, we came up against a very in form West Yorkshire team who are riddled with British Police players and who on the day were too strong for the combined Lancashire / GMP team.  We were therefore unable to claim the National title for the third year running but finished in the very hard earned runners up spot.

Late October saw the arrival of the New Zealand Police Team who played the Great Britain Police Team in the three test series, played over a demanding period of ten days.  The Kiwis ran out two to one winners in the test series, playing some excellent rugby and boasting some ex-full international Kiwi players.  They were also coached by the ex-Wigan Widnes and New Zealand national coach, Frank Endacotte. 

Seven members of the combined Lancashire / GMP team were involved in the test series, having gained selection for the British Police.

The future of Police rugby in Lancashire remains strong and we are looking forward to a competitive, demanding season next year.

2006

By Section Chairman Supt Clive Tattum

Hope this suffices for the combined Lancs/GMP Rugby League Annual report

The season back in March 06 got off to a slow start with a couple of unpredictable results which did not represent the quality of the combined Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Rugby League Team. The real low point was when a narrow death at the hands of a depleted Cheshire outfit as Crosfields Amateur Rugby League Club (ARLFC) in Warrington seemed the end of the road for our season. However after a careful calculation of points scored versus points conceded we were handed a very difficult game at the much fancied Metropolitan Police down in the capital. The Met had made significant improvements to their squad in the close season and were much fancied by many to claim the title following their defeat in the final at our hands the previous year.

Obviously still smarting from the score form the final last year in York the met boys gave a great show, but against the form book we came away with a tremendous victory and booked a place in the final against West Yorkshire Police.

West York’s have a very proud record in the completion and have never been beaten in the final so we under no illusions as to what lay ahead as we approached the culmination of a very interesting season.

Cheshire Constabulary were the hosts of the 2006 final and the game was played at Crosfields (ARLFC) in Warrington, the venue of our previously mentioned low point. The game was a tremendous advert for the quality of police rugby league and after great first half where we established a sound lead; we faced a tenacious second half fight back but managed to hang on to a 24-22 victory. So for a second year running we were crowned National Champions which rounded off a great season, was well deserved and was testament to the commitment of all involved.

Call up to the National side for Lancashire’s officers Alan Clark, Eugene Swift, Chris Holland, Gary Lowe and Danny Ambler were just rewards for their efforts. ( Several GMP officers were also summonsed to the National set up)

2005

By Section Chairman Supt Clive Tattum

Previous years have seen the rugby league section struggling to survive as a consequence of a lack of the availability of players. Last season saw the innovative merger between ourselves and the Greater Manchester Police. Not only did this result in a wider player base from which to choose but also assisted with other issues on a pure economy of scale basis.

On the playing front, last season started with some demoralising defeats. However further hard work and team spirit saw us start to gain in confidence and as a result start to win a few of the matches. Several of our players were also rewarded with a call into the Great Britain Squad. It is no doubt that the merger has unearthed a new crop of talented players, which is not only good for the inter police rugby but also the national representative side.

The game of the year was the defeat of 5 times defending champions at the semi final stage in the National competition of West Yorkshire Police in their own back yard at Shaw Cross amateur club in Dewsbury. The game was a one sided affair in the first half with west Yorkshire dominating, but the team spirit that had been so evident in the early part of the season emerged again and the new look combined team ran out worthy winners.

This only left the much fancied Metropolitan Police team in the final at York. We ran out comfortable winners at 58-8. There was some fine rugby on display that day and it was a particularly poignant day for PC  Gary Lowe who crowned an illustrious career in rugby league both within police circles and in the amateur game generally by lifting the national cup as team captain.

So a lot to live up to over the next year as defending champions, but a task which I am sure the ever developing combined team will rise to. We expect greater things in the future. 

Rugby Union - By Section Secretary - Insp Stuart Noble

It appears that the Rugby Union section is currently suffering from the reversal in fortune that the Rugby League section is experiencing.

This last season has been a very difficult one with the team suffering heavily from injuries and the non-availability of players. As such we had to concede the PAA Area Final Fixture to Cumbria, who I believe are still progressing in the cup.

Holding most matches on Wednesdays the new approach to provincial leagues has limited fixtures; most clubs now only play on a Saturday. This has had significant implications for the section as many of our players also represent local clubs at weekends. This is a matter that is being progressed by the fixture secretary who is proposing a number of pre and post-season matches which has historically proven to be very successful.

In summary a very disappointing season, although, we are pleased to acknowledge the significant success of the rugby league section, a discipline of the game that many of our players are involved in. We all look forward to a more successful 2006/2007. 

2004

By Assistant Secretary DC Andy Edwards

Rugby Union
 

Due to the demands of the job, The Constabulary were unable to raise a team for their scheduled game against Cumbria and so forfeited. It is hoped that some friendlies will be arranged.
 

Rugby League

Lancashire players Gary Lowe, (Central Div), Chris Holland (Southern Division), Aidey Harrison (Central Division), Eugene Swift (Eastern Division) and Alan Clarke (Southern Division) were selected to tour New
Zealand with the British Police Rugby League squad. they were accompanied by Clive Tattum ( Central Division) who is Vice Chair of British Police Rugby League association.

On the domestic front the Constabulary made it through to the Plate Final of the National Competition but were again defeated by the Metropolitan Police.
 

2003

By Secretary Ch. Insp Steve Ashley

Unfortunately not a lot to report re Rugby Union. A short run in the PAA competition again.

Cumbria visited Hutton and a game, which was played in adverse weather conditions, saw Cumbria adapt their game to suit the conditions.

The Lancashire Line out failed to function and Cumbria made the most of this kicking for territory as often as possible.

For the 4th year in a row Cumbria have beaten Lancs in the area Final and are becoming Lancs "bogey team".

Quick report re 2003 season for Lancashire Police RL Section.

During the 2003 season Lancashire Police played PAA matches against Cheshire, GMP, West York's and the Met. Despite wins against Cheshire and the Met, and very close defeats against West York's and GMP this was not enough to secure a place in the play off this year. This being the first time since our founding that we have made neither plate nor final.

2003 also saw three Lancs officers, Gary Lowe, Chris Holland and Alan Clarke representing the county in the GB Police side, which was victorious against the touring Australian representative side in October. Gary Lowe had the added honour of being selected as the GB captain.

This year will see a further police side added to the fixtures North York's and in Sept the GB side will tour New Zealand. Also friendless (if there is such a thing) are being arranged with local university teams and the prison service.

2002

No report received

2001

By Secretary Ch. Insp Steve Ashley

I understand that the section has played well this season with qualifying matches being played against the Metropolitan Police and Cheshire in recent weeks.