 |
Club logo |
| MERSEYSIDE NIGHTHAWKS Based:
Old Parkonians RFC, Holm Lane, Oxton, Wirral (previously played at Wallasey
Rugby Club) 2004 BSL Division Two Northern Conference 3-6-0*
Merseyside Nighthawks #20 in action Photo courtesy of Simon Robinson  RB Graham Whyte scores in the BNGL Premier Bowl win, 1992 Team notes: The team started in 1986 as the Spital 69ers, with the name soon changing to Birkenhead Nighthawks. As with many teams at this time little money was available for equipment, but the team went ahead anyway, playing matches against other unkitted teams. At this time the other local team, Wirral Wolves, gained some financial backing and some success even playing home games at Prenton Park, Home of Tranmere Rovers FC. Despite the secondary position the Nighthawks continued to bring in players, one of whom was Gary Lee, who became instrumental in turning the team into a fully kitted and competitive one. In the first season of kitted football the team had two wins and six losses in the CGL Baron Division North. Around this time, internal problems within local rivals Wolves meant the Nighthawks gaining more new players, the team was going from strength to strength. The following season the Nighthawks played in the newly formed British National Gridiron League, in addition the struggling Cheshire Cats team joined forces with the Nighthawks, and the team began playing home matches at Oldershaw Rugby Club. Two years of consolidation followed with team gaining promotion in the second year. Home games were now played at Bebbington Oval. Over time other teams in the North West of England came and went as did many of the players. It was now 1990, the club gained sponcership resulting in a change to white shirts. This was also when the team from over the water, the Merseyside Centurians folded, and now being the only team for the area the name was changed to represent this and thus the present Merseyside Nighthawks were born. The team narrowly missed out in the playoffs to eventual winners Barnsley Bears. 1991 proved a difficult time following promotion to the Premier Division. Competition was tough and many games were lost in the last few seconds, often narrowly. Leasons were leared though, and in 1992 the Nighthawks became Premier Division Champions. Being champions proved a mixed blessing. Now playing in the National Division nearest rivals were Glasgow Lions from Scotland. An away match meant an overnight journey to Glasgow. This proved an impossible strain on both the club finances and players families. After many meetings with all interested parties a decision was made to pull out of that season and return next year in a more appropriate league. Many players decided not to wait a full year without playing and moved to various other teams. January 1994 became the lowest point in the club's history when attempts to re-group failed and the books were officially closed. During this time however the Nighthawks name had not ceased completely, for from early 1992 former player Gary Lee was running the junior version of the team with the help of some other senior players. Playing at Bebbinton Oval the team went 7 and 1 in the first year against mainly collegiate teams. On hearing about the demise of the senior team in during 94, Gary decided to attempt rebuilding the seniors as well. With the help of local T.V. radio and other media a team comprising some new and some old players was recruited. 1995 started with the team entered in the British American Football Association, Division 3 North West. A 5 and 3 record meant the team narrowly missed out on promotion. The club is now on a much firmer footing, and is now well established at Wallesey Rugby Club. Have made the playoffs three times, but have yet to win a playoff game. Currently play in BSL Division Two. Game notes 13th July 1996 - Nathan Hazell scored 4TDs vs Manchester |
|
