Hartlepool History Then & Now

1948 - Hartlepool Rovers v R. F. Oakes International XV

What we know about this image :

Hartlepool Rovers for a match Annual match against an R.F. Oakes Intenational XV, played at the Greyhound Stadium, West Hartlepool, on April 24th, 1948. At 4.00 p.m. Ivor Preece the Coventry and England fly half dropped a goal for 4pts to the Oakes score, this is beleived to be the last 4 pt drop goal, since that time the drop goal has been rewarded by 3pts only.

This game was played at the Greyhound Stadium as Rovers had lost the lease of their "Friarage" ground in 1941 and had the use of Grayfields for their games. West loaned the Greyhound Stadium for the Oakes games for several seasons after the restart of Rugby after the War. Rovers had meantime acquired "Low Warren Farm" for their "New Friarage" ground and this opened in 1948 and has been the Rovers home since.

The Greyhound Stadium in Clarence Road had been West Hartlepool’s home ground since 1912. They had reformed in 1911 and played at Foggy Furze, however West Cricket Club moved from the Clarence Road site in 1912 and after negotiations with the North Eastern Railway, West moved onto Clarence Road that year a situation that lasted until 1970 when they moved to Brierton Lane.

Morrison's Supermarket in Clarence Road now occupies the site of the Greyhound Stadium.

Date (of image) : 24/4/1948

Donor : Hartlepool Museum Service

Creator : Unknown

Part of the "Hartlepool Museum Service" collection

Location