Sarries2008 History

Where it all began:
The History of Exeter Saracens

Where it all began Back in 1952 a few young men grew frustrated with their lot as far as local rugby was concerned so decided to place an advert in the paper inviting interested persons to a meeting at a local pub. The meeting was well attended and an elderly Welsh chap sitting at the bar was asked to chair the proceedings. After lengthy discussions an agreement was reached and a new club was to be formed. A name was now required and as the old Welsh chap had played for Newport Saracens, it seemed appropriate that the new club adopted this name and so Exeter Saracens was born.

The first season an Exeter Saracens team took to the field was 1953/54 and it was just that, 1 team. Throughout that season the club could only manage to raise one side and had to play all matches 'away' as no pitch could be secured for 'home' games. The club was now operating out of the Black Horse pub and the following season managed to rent a council pitch at Countess Wear so were now able to play away and home games but still only had the one team. A boost for the club came a couple of seasons later when Exeter Technical College Old Boys disbanded and a number of players joined Sarries enabling the club to field two sides for the first time. As the club became more established players from St. Lukes joined thus forming a link with the college allowing the club to hold the odd social event there before moving in to their first clubhouse, the old Hill, Palmer & Edwards building behind the White Hart. The club operated from these premises for a couple of years before high overheads forced the club to look for a new clubhouse. Eventually an opportunity arose that saw Sarries move in with the cricket club on Prince of Wales Road which infact turned out to be a successful marriage for both clubs as Sarries were now running 3 and sometimes 4 teams due to the demise of Old Heleans and bar profits were rising.

The 70's saw Sarries grow from strength to strength with more players joining, the formation of the Mini section in 1971 and another change of clubhouse, the Pavilion on Exhibition Field at Whipton. This was a great move for Sarries as they once again had their own clubhouse to operate from and 3 pitches on the site, the main pitch being infront of the grandstand now the Exeter Arena. Sarries were now a force in the county and the 'golden age' of the late 80's saw many a victory on the famous slope culminating in the Devon Junior cup final win over Ivybridge in 1987. Promotion to the Cornwall and Devon league was gained the following season by winning Devon 1 but trips to cornwall came to an end with relegation back to Devon 1 in 1991. This period also seen the redevelopment of Exhibition Fields as the county Show had moved to West Point and the council had plans to turn the area into a site of sporting excellence. Once again Sarries were on their travels and were now using the Whipton Inn as a temporary clubhouse and playing home games at Countess Wear, Bronhams Farm, Ducks Marsh and occasionally Broadclyst. On completion of the redevelopment 1993 Sarries were back in the Pavilion with 2 new senior and 2 new mini pitches although once again sharing the facilities this time with a bowls club.

The 1999 season saw relegation for the first time to Devon 2 but was only to last for one season as promotion was won at the first time of asking by winning the Devon 2 league in 2000. Sarries were now back to running two sides with an occasional 3rds when numbers allowed. This period reflected the general state of rugby as most clubs in the region were experiencing a fall in their player base. The mini section however had grown to be one of the largest and most successful in the county.

2003 was to be a mixed year for Sarries. The club celebrated its 'Golden Anniversary' with a number of events through the season however celebrations were tainted with relegation back to Devon 2. Good news came the following year when the Junior section was deservedly awarded the RFU Seal of Approval and the formation of a completely new girls section. Once again Sarries were leading the way and though still in its infancy the girls have already achieved success with players representing the county and the teams are highly regarded throughout the south west.

2005 brought about another change in Sarries fortunes when the bowls club moved out. Once again Sarries had their own club and with new found verve won promotion back into Devon 1 in 2006. As a new season begins, things are on the up and all are looking forward to another 50 years of rugby at Exeter Saracens.

Where it all began: The History of Exeter Saracens

Where it all began:
The History of Exeter Saracens