Huddersfield Sharks

[neutralfan]

I wonderered if anybody could give me any details about the old Sharks club who played at Leeds road playing fields at Huddersfield.I have records from September 2006 but they must have played before then?Richie Hawkyard played with them at that time and he is still playing at Oldham!

[Hopping Mad]

The club's history, from a 2002-03 season home programme (versus Widnes St Maries):

Founded in 1996 as Huddersfield YMCA, and based at the long established Laund Hill site, home to the rugby union club bearing the same name.

Incepted into the Pennine League Fifth Division that same year, the club encountered monumental success during the seasons that followed. Promotion was gained in four consecutive seasons, culminating in a top-three finish in the very tough and competitive Pennine League First Division in season 2001-02. Along the way, the club has appeared in no less than five local cup finals, with three successes to date.

The second team, formed in 2000, followed in the footsteps of the first XIII by winning the Pennine League Sixth Division in their very first season, and finishing the second season with a very respectable third place in Division Five.

The club's ultimate aims and ambitions were realised at the end of the 2001-02 season with acceptance into the amateur game's flagship competition, the National Conference League. It was at this point that the committee undertook the difficult decision, owing to the atmosphere at the YMCA, to move to another venue. It would enable the club to develop further. We have been very fortunate to secure superb facilities at the Syngenta Sports Complex. The committee and players can feel very proud of the club's achievements so far. Long may it continue.

To add:

Club officials for the 2002-03 season: Dave Walshaw (president), Gordon Roberts (chairman), John Beckett (vice-chairman), Tony Holroyd (secretary/administrator), Roz Gilbert (treasurer), Lance Gilbert (rugby manager), Danny Russell and Chris Forster (first team coaches), Ritchie Bower (assistant coach), Simon Dransfield (second team coach), Shaun Donlan and Dave Wood (assistant coaches). Two life members listed: Senan Costello and David Jessop. Russell, a hooker, was effectively player-coach.

 

[Keep The Faith]

19 hours ago, Hopping Mad said:

The club's history, from a 2002-03 season home programme (versus Widnes St Maries):

Founded in 1996 as Huddersfield YMCA, and based at the long established Laund Hill site, home to the rugby union club bearing the same name.

Incepted into the Pennine League Fifth Division that same year, the club encountered monumental success during the seasons that followed. Promotion was gained in four consecutive seasons, culminating in a top-three finish in the very tough and competitive Pennine League First Division in season 2001-02. Along the way, the club has appeared in no less than five local cup finals, with three successes to date.

The second team, formed in 2000, followed in the footsteps of the first XIII by winning the Pennine League Sixth Division in their very first season, and finishing the second season with a very respectable third place in Division Five.

The club's ultimate aims and ambitions were realised at the end of the 2001-02 season with acceptance into the amateur game's flagship competition, the National Conference League. It was at this point that the committee undertook the difficult decision, owing to the atmosphere at the YMCA, to move to another venue. It would enable the club to develop further. We have been very fortunate to secure superb facilities at the Syngenta Sports Complex. The committee and players can feel very proud of the club's achievements so far. Long may it continue.

To add:

Club officials for the 2002-03 season: Dave Walshaw (president), Gordon Roberts (chairman), John Beckett (vice-chairman), Tony Holroyd (secretary/administrator), Roz Gilbert (treasurer), Lance Gilbert (rugby manager), Danny Russell and Chris Forster (first team coaches), Ritchie Bower (assistant coach), Simon Dransfield (second team coach), Shaun Donlan and Dave Wood (assistant coaches). Two life members listed: Senan Costello and David Jessop. Russell, a hooker, was effectively player-coach.

 

Batley boys played them in the national cup either 2003 or 2004 at batley 

[johnmatrix]

Typical huddersfield area side,  all moved en mass to different clubs,  when strong personalities/coaches moved etc. 

[Celtic Roosters]

On 19/10/2019 at 09:58, Keep The Faith said:

Batley boys played them in the national cup either 2003 or 2004 at batley 

2003-04 season round 1 Batley Boys 12 Huddersfield Sharks 14.

[cookey]

The facilities at Huddersfield YM are absolutely first class and used by a number of sports. I believe Huddersfield Giants use the first team pitch of Huddersfield YMCA RUFC for Academy fixtures. The parent Club is currently in Administration Ken Davy will be well aware but he really should seek to purchase the overall facility from the Administrators and turn it into their main training facility,whilst allowing other sports to continue to use the other first class facilities.There really is an oppourtunity to leave Huddersfield Giantsa first class legacy in the town.

[Keep The Faith]

6 hours ago, cookey said:

The facilities at Huddersfield YM are absolutely first class and used by a number of sports. I believe Huddersfield Giants use the first team pitch of Huddersfield YMCA RUFC for Academy fixtures. The parent Club is currently in Administration Ken Davy will be well aware but he really should seek to purchase the overall facility from the Administrators and turn it into their main training facility,whilst allowing other sports to continue to use the other first class facilities.There really is an oppourtunity to leave Huddersfield Giantsa first class legacy in the town.

The giants built a barn at Leeds road which both teams use at the facility down at Leeds road training site