Club History Page
The club was formed in February 1995 and played 8 friendlies in preparation for the joining of the North East League for the 1995/96 season.
In their first full season (1995/96) they finished 2nd in the North East League inflicting Gateshead Panthers first defeat in 3 seasons in North East League and also reached the semi finals of the North East Cup. No fewer than 9 players were selected for the North East to play against the Army and the British Police R.L. teams.
In their second season they won the North East League, the North East Cup and the North East Premiership remaining unbeaten throughout the season in local competition. The only defeat in the 1996-97 season was against Pennine Premier League outfit Illingworth in the National Cup, going down 28-17 at Illingworth. At the North East Presentation Evening, their coaches, Adrian Crowe and Phil Gowing were named joint winners of the North East Coach of the Year. With Phil Gowing also picking up the North East open age player of the year award
In the 1997-98 season they reached the 3rd round of the Yorkshire Cup before losing to Park Amateurs again of the Pennine Premier League. The highlight of this season was the game against Leeds University in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup 1st round. Although they were soundly beaten it was still a great achievement to play in this great competition after less than three years of existence. They also played in the National Cup 1st round against St Nicholas Arms from Carlisle. They finished joint top of the North East League and lost the play off against Gateshead Panthers. They also finished as runners up in the Premiership final after being beaten by Gateshead Panthers. They also had no fewer than 12 players named in the current North East squad which was coached by Ade Crowe and played 2 matches one against the North East Student R.L. team and the other against the RAF.
Last season the club joined the Yorkshire League and played in Division 2 and finished a creditable 5th on points difference. They were unbeaten at home and beat league champions Woodhouse 22pts-18 but only recorded two victories away from home. In the National Cup they made the long journey to play Latchford Albion in Warrington losing heavily.
The Under 14's swept the board in the North East winning both the league and cup in their first season. An under 12's team was also formed and played several friendlies in preparation for joining the North East league next season.
Send comments to: TeessideSteelers@ukf.net
