The demise of the Netherhall club has been one of the biggest in county rugby union circles.
The club was founded in 1950 and during the next two decades ran up to four teams, and they were County Cup winners in 1966/67 and again in 1973/74.
It would have seemed impossible to imagine that further down the line Netherhall would not have a team.
But the first small shoots of recovery are being planned by a former Netherhall player, Steven Stoddart, who is looking to start an Under-15s side.
Stoddart says: “We will see what happens from there but it’s an absolute tragedy that there is no men’s or youth teams playing from the club, although I do believe there is a girls’ team still operating.
“I started my career at Netherhall before moving to Aspatria and I find it hard to comprehend that there is no team playing from the club, which has some great facilities.
“Netherhall stalwarts Brian Edmondson and John Shimmings are no longer with us but they would be absolutely shocked that the club is in this situation.
“I have got together a group of lads who have promised to join up for Under-15s rugby next season. I’m also involved with Dearham football club and a number of those lads are keen to play rugby for me.
“I’m sure we can put together a competitive side for Netherhall and hopefully that can grow and if we keep the lads together we can eventually have a senior team back at the club.”
