A LOCAL rugby union team has impressed when remaining unbeaten so far this season – on their 130th anniversary too.
Nestle Rowntree RUFC are defying the odds after embarking on a hugely impressive 12 match unbeaten run, placing them at the top of the Yorkshire 4 league.
A club that was first formed in 1894, Nestle Rowntree are one of the oldest rugby clubs in the region.
When the club was initially formed during Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree’s time in charge of the confectionary factory, it was named as Rowntree Employees Football Club REFC.
After decades of playing the club was then reformed in 1954, and to this day has more than 60 different players currently registered to the club from all over the world, with representatives from Fiji, Swaziland and South Africa.
Fast forward to 2024, and Nestle Rowntree find themselves leading the pack in the Yorkshire 4 division, having registered ten wins from their opening ten league matches.
Arguably their most impressive win of the campaign came against second-placed Hornsea, who trail Nestle Rowntree by just one point, after a 36-15 win in late October.
Wins have also came against Knaresborough, Aireborough and Leeds Medics and Dentists in November, as well as victories against York RI and Richmondshire in October.
It was a strong September that set Nestle Rowntree up for success, with wins against Knaresborough, Aireborough, Leeds Medics and Dentists and Leeds Modernians.
Ryan Roodt, Chairman of Nestle Rowntree RUFC stated on the club’s success in their 130th year: “I’m extremely proud of what the players and coaching team has accomplished, to remain undefeated out of 12 games is a phenomenal achievement and it is testament to their hard work and commitment.
“I’d also like to thank our legacy players that continue to support the club and remind us of our heritage.
“A lot of what happens in the background that goes unseen has enabled our beloved club to continue as we celebrate our 130th anniversary milestone.
As well as their success in the league, Nestle Rowntree have also secured a spot in next year’s FA Vase final, having defeated Hessle and Knottingley to reach this point.
Nestle Rowntree RUFC are leading their league after an unbeaten start to the season. (Image: Submitted) They will be eyeing silverware in the Vase after losing out at this year’s final against Thorne.
Roodt added: “Rugby is going through a challenging time and I believe that if we sit back and rest on our laurels it will get forgotten about.
“For it to survive and compete against the various other sports people have access to we need to challenge it and approach it a different way.
“However, for our club in particular, a core value is that whatever we do and how we do it the players enjoy themselves whilst doing it.”
As part of its plans to move the club forward, Nestle Rowntree RUFC will be making a major announcement in January 2025.
For further information on Nestle Rowntree RUFC, you can visit their website HERE.
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