HISTORY

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Cheltenham North's history goes back to the last century, 1906 to be precise. In these 96 years the Norths development has been quite considerable. Now playing in their infamous black shirts with red band the North have had many great victories, but was it not for the generousity of their more illustrious neighbours Cheltenham RFC in lending a spare strip in the early days the scene at Stoke Orchard now would be completely different. The North is renouned for it strong family ties through its history and this is illustrated by Wilf Gibbins the Norths first try scorer being Great-great-grandfather of the clubs favourite barmaid Kim Cresswell. The Club had a gap of inactivity during the war years and eventually reformed in 1954. As this time the club had strong links with Cheltenham Water Polo club and the nucleus of the team were water polo players. Several still active members remeber these times notably Doug Auchterlonie and Roy "Froggy" Jones. During this period the club palyed its rugby at the Agg Gardeners with the clubhouse being situated in the lower High Street, but in the early ninties the club acquired a plot of land off the Stoke Orchard Road which is now home to the club.
The greatest successes in the clubs history are unquestionably the two County Cup finals it has appeared in. The first in 1970 was against Lydney having beaten Stroud in the Semi-final 6-3 with a last minute penatly kick from the touchline by Kenny Hunt. Players that night included Ronnie Freebury and the clubs Chariman Andy Rogers. The side was captained by John Wood father of John Wood Junior who captained the side 30 years later in its second most recent cup final experience in 2000 when the North sadly lost to Gloucester Old Boys in extra time.
In more recent years the North finally got out of Gloucestershire's Division One and were promoted to Western Counties North in 1997. After only three seasons in this league the North were once again promoted into South West Two after finishing runners-up. The first season in this league was a notable success seing the North finish above mid-table in a league which saw the North competing against larger town and city clubs with considerable financial backing. Unfortunately the loss of some influential players and the long travelling distances involved the North dropped out of the higher league last term, but with the strong management and coaching team now inplace at the club we are all sure the North will return to the South West leagues in the near future.
 

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