History 2 of 3

2. History 2


Moving forward

1978 brought along the opening of the Jubilee Pavilion at Bennett's Rec. Along with the club house and changing facilities, Rovers had three playing pitches. These playing facilities were used to the full when the junior section, pioneered by Harold Crank and Brian Chambers got into full swing in 1978. Teams from the age of Under 11's upwards were now playing regular Sunday fixtures. From 1978 up to 2002 Rovers ran in excess of 10 teams per season, providing Rugby League for all who want it from Juniors through to Open-Age.

Another milestone in Rovers history was the invitation from BARLA for the open-age first team to become one of 10 clubs throughout the country to form the BARLA National League. This was considered a fitting tribute to all the hard work Woolston Rovers officials and players had put in over the previous 26 years. The National League became the National Conference in 1993 and Rovers rose to the occasion by winning the Premier Division Championship for the first three years on the trot.

The club continued to flourish until it was dealt a cruel blow in October 2002 when arsonists destroyed the Jubilee Pavilion, taking with it 40 years of club history. Some 50 representative jerseys, trophies, photographs and other memorabilia went up in smoke that day, items which can never be replaced.

A big effort was made to keep the club functioning throughout the 2002/2003 season and this is still ongoing. The support that the club has received from within and from outside of Rugby League has been excellent and much appreciated.

In 2003 was the invitation from the RFL for the open-age first team to take part in the new National League Three. This again was considered a great honour, as well as competing in the league we were also playing our part in spreading our great game to the non-traditional areas of the country, who have a good appetite for Rugby League. Playing under the name of Warrington Woolston Rovers we marked our entrance into summer rugby by being crowned as the inaugural National League 3 champions, beating Teesside Steelers 42 -6 in the Grand Final. In 2005 this team broke away from Woolston altogther, changing it's name to Warrington Wizards and carrying the colour purple.