Plaque will mark our rugby beginnings

PLACE of importance . . . the existing plaque in Watersheddings

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SCRUM on down: fans are being invited to witness as the former home of Oldham Rugby League is recognised with a new “anniversary” blue plaque.

The unveiling at Watersheddings tomorrow is part of celebrations to mark the 120th anniversary of rugby league. The ground has been chosen as a special site of national importance - as the plaque explains: “On this site on 21st September 1895, Oldham played their first home game under the rules of Rugby League (then known as the Northern Union) Oldham 3pts V Tyldesley 11pts”. The new plaque will go alongside the existing plaque.

At 770ft above sea level, the stadium - which hosted its first rugby game in 1889 - was the highest ground of any professional sport in the United Kingdom. On New Year’s Day 1904 it was the venue for the first rugby league international between England and other nationalities - but the game was cancelled because of the weather and later played in Wigan!

Over the years Watersheddings hosted some memorable games, most notably in the 1914-15 season when Huddersfield beat St Helens 37-3 in the Challenge Cup Final.

It also played host to many Australian and New Zealand national teams for tour games against Oldham, starting in 1907 against the Kiwis. The last was in November 1986, when Oldham narrowly lost 22-16 to an Australian side known as “The Unbeatables”, in front of a crowd of 5,678.

The last game at the stadium — which was also used as a greyhound racing track — was in 1997. Houses now stand there.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Over the years the borough has produced some of the biggest names in rugby league so it is only right that the ground where many of them played or trained is recognised in this way.”

Nigel Wood, RFL chief executive, said: “Oldham has played a significant role in the history and development of Rugby League. It is fitting that this contribution should be recognised with a commemorative blue plaque in this special year for our sport.”

The plaque will be unveiled at 2.15pm at the junction of Ripponden Road and Counthill Road on Friday - ahead of Oldham’s promotion clash against Keighley at Whitebank on Sunday.