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The 1970's - struggles into growth and success

The early 70's were tough years as the young James River RFC struggled to establish itself. Terry Curtler move to Baltimore in the Spring of 1971 leaving the future of the club very much in doubt.

The club struggled on till the Fall of 1973 when John Mellish became the first offical coach of the club, and 'River began a gradual uphill climb to respectability.

Breakthrough in 1974

That Fall was the the first time any player from James River made the VRU Select Side. Those in that first class included Herbie Condrey, Ken Byrd, and Bubba Green. While they were the first to be selected, they certainly wouldn't be the last.

1974 also saw another first for the club when James River won it's first title by winning the Norfolk Neptune Ruggerfest when they defeated the Norfolk Irish in the championship game. 'River followed up that two weeks later with a successful run in the Le High Valley Rugby Tournament where they defeated Beacon Hill RFC, Whitemarsh RFC, and host Allentown in route to another tournament championship.

First defeat of Richmond

James River closed out the season with a match against cross-town rival Richmond RFC. Having been a doormat for Richmond for so many seasons and having been considered "the other club" in the city, River had much to prove in this most important match. When the final whistle blew, James River became the top club in the city by merit of their 21 - 12 victory.

The success enjoyed in the Fall of 1974 was a result of a number of factors. Good coaching by John Mellish, leadership by team captain Al Martin, a total dedication by all the players, and last but not least the termendous support we received from the wives, girlfriends, and friends of the James River Rugby Club lead to the campaign the club enjoyed. As time goes on, some seasons are hard to remember, the Fall of 1974 never will be for those who lived it.

Coach Mellish returned in the Spring of 1975 along with high expectations for another successful run. James River received it's first invitation to play in UVA's Commonwealth Cup then considered to be one of the best tournaments on the East Coast. 'River lost in the opening round to Washington RFC, but went on to beat Vail RFC, and the Atlanta Old White to finish at 2-1. A milestone because the level of competition and experience such a young club to face.

Following the 1975 Fall season, coach John Mellish left James River to become a full time referee. Without a coach, the club struggled throughout the Spring of 1976.

Owen McGuill takes role of player/coach

In the Fall of 1976, Owen McGuill took over as James River's new player/coach. That first season under McGuill was somewhat up and down, but did include two victories over Richmond RFC, and 'River's second Norfolk Neptune Tournament championship. At the Ed Lee tournament that year, James River lost to Roanoke in the semi-finals.

For the balance of the decade, James River held it's own, making its way to the finals of the Ed Lee cup in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Unfortunetly, they were unable to get over the hump and lost in the championships in each of those years.

James River RFC
P.O. Box 185
Hanover, VA 23069
USA

804-467-9744