Chorley Borough (1989-1995)
The newly formed Chorley side were based at Chorley F.C.'s ground Victory Park and continued on the Chorley Borough name. Ironically their first game was against Trafford Borough in the Lancashire Cup in front of 628 spectators on the 30th August 1989, which they won 12-6. The record attendance at Victory Park was 2,851 for the visit of Oldham in January 1990. Chorley's club colours were an all-black jersey with a red and amber band around the waist. Shorts and socks were black as well. Chorley Borough moved to Horwich in June 1992.
Chief Executive Maurice Lindsay wanted to reduce the number of clubs in the lower division of the league in 1993. The three clubs finishing bottom of the second division would be demoted to the National Conference League. It went to the wire with Blackpool Gladiators and Nottingham City already relegated, the crucial last match at Nottingham on 12 April 1993, between Nottingham City and Highfield saw Highfield win 39-6 and Highfield survived at the expense of Chorley. The three expelled clubs, pursued legal action against the RFL decision, but to no avail. Chorley regained their status in the professional ranks in 1995-96 when they became Chorley Chieftains. They were the only club elected to the league from the National Conference League.
The club were taken over by the owners of Chorley FC, as part of Victory Park Holdings, and become known as Chorley Magpies after the nickname of the football club. The club also started an alliance and academy side. In February 1996, the coach, Bob Eccles was dismissed and former New Zealand international player and Salford Reds coach, Kevin Tamati was appointed as part-time manager.
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