In welcoming our visitors in this, our Centenary season, whether you are a player, committee representative or loyal fan, we shall endeavour to make sure that you are treated well, both on and off the pitch, whatever the ultimate result. First of all I would like to apprise you of a few things. As a club we have taken another step (perhaps more of a giant leap) upwards into the higher echelons of English rugby union.

Our rugby club was born out of the Synthetic and Nitrates Company which eventually became ICI. Originally we were the rugby section of the Synthonia Sports Club and for many years simply regarded as a 'factory' team. Although our date of inauguration is 1924, during the autumn of 1923, players were recruited, training started and coaching commenced in earnest. The very first game was against West Hartlepool Secondary School when Billingham Synthonia Rugby Football Club won by 8 points to 6. Our first dinner was held in April 1928 and the following year saw us achieve Senior Club status. Although

"… the pavilion was a wooden but and tin basins with cold water did service in place of showers"

We have come on a bit since those days, however, and since the turn of this century we have opened the new clubhouse on a new ground at Greenwood Road, courtesy of lottery funding. Then in August 2017 we added the Artificial Grass Pitch thanks to RFU, but this year, following our league and Durham County Senior cup wins of last season we start life in National 2 North. Not content with promotion, we have added to our facilities in extra special ways, which everyone can enjoy this afternoon.

Annually I put into print my appreciation and thanks to the strong leadership of our hardworking Executive Committee and, of course our very many volunteers, without whom we would struggle. I realise that most sports clubs rely heavily on voluntary help but I think our various groups are a match for any club in the country. I believe it is also important to acknowledge the many parents who bring their children to join the minis then stay involved to become coaches, team managers, fund raisers and even - referees.

It is difficult in a one-off piece which remains in the programme for the whole season to react to weekly events but the contributions from Chairman, Mark Armstrong and Director of Rugby, Peter Evans do change game by game.

So a special thanks to both.

John Ker

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