Orrell R.U.F.C. - Trivia

Trivia

• The original terracing at Edge Hall Road, much of which still exists today, was constructed in the 50's from old railway sleepers by supporters.
• The goalposts, also still standing, are actually 1960's lamp posts.
• Edge Hall Road originally consisted of the main pitch, three other pitches and a small running track.
• Famed for its "Orrell Stew" and "chip barms" on matchdays.
• Held a successful 'bonfire night' for many years, with various fairground attractions and marquees on the training pitches.
• Became the first rugby union team in England to appoint a full-time commercial manager in 1991.
• The 1000-seater stand was built in 1997 at a cost of £500,000.
• Increased stadium capacity to 9,000 through the erection of temporary grandstands for the Pilkington Cup semi-final vs. Leicester in 1994.
• Players and supporters volunteered to redecorate The Station pub at the end of Edge Hall Road and turn it into a quasi-clubhouse in December 2006. This was due to Dave Whelan's refusal to grant the club access to the clubhouse at the stadium.
• The current amateur team is sponsored by a funeral director.
• Forced to serve food & drink from a tent during the 06/07 season due to lack of a clubhouse.
• Presented with a £400 cheque from the Bristol Rugby Supporters Association at their final game on 21 April 2007.
• As well as Bristol supporters, fans of Bath, Gloucester, Northampton, Saracens, Leeds, Worcester and Rotherham made the journey to Orrell to say goodbye to Edge Hall Road on 21 April.
• Ex-England coach Brian Ashton is a former player.
• Olympic bronze medalist, David Grindley, once had a spell playing for Orrell.