Morley RFC History

MORLEY RFC played and won its first match on the 9th of November 1878, against Dewsbury Birkdale. When the Club won the Yorkshire Cup for the first time in 1932 in its fourth final, Morley Borough Council granted permission for the Municipal Coat of Arms to be worn on the Club Jerseys.
The figures and devices on the Coat of Arms were symbolic of the principal industries of the Borough viz: Manufacturing of Woolen Cloth, Coal Mining and Quarrying.
(Historical fact 1: Morley Cloth "Shoddy" was worn by both sides in the American Civil War)
(Historical fact 2: Morley like Rome is built on 7 hills:- Scatcherd Hill, Dawson Hill, Daisy Hill, Chapel Hill, Hunger Hill, Troy Hill and Banks Hill)
When MORLEY RFC celebrated its Centenary in 1978, a rugby ball bearing the foundation date, replaced the maxim "Industria Omnia Vincit" (Work Conquers All) beneath the shield.

NEARLY BUT NOT QUITE!

On the 29th of August 1895, in the George Hotel in Huddersfield, 21 representatives of Clubs from Yorkshire and Lancashire met to form what is now the Rugby League.
There should have been another two persons present, i.e. representing MORLEY RFC, but since travel in those days could only be done by train, and was considered a long journey, our two notable gentlemen decided to fortify themselves in readiness for their arduous trip. This they did by calling at several hostelries on route to the station, needless to say they missed their train, and the rest they say ......is history.

RECORD BREAKERS

It is a well documented fact that MORLEY RFC have won the Yorkshire Cup on no fewer than 11 occasions, and 3 times in a row in the 1970's. but what is not known is that MORLEY RFC are the longest continual holders of the Cup.
We won it in 1938 retained it in 1939 and it was not played for again until 1947, but during the War Years, the Cup was in very safe keeping......in a box under the Secretary's bed.

CUP WINNERS

Saturday 16th of April 2005, saw one of the greatest days in the history of Morley R.F.C. Our first appearance at Twickers. Over 1000 supporters travelled to see us win the Powergen Intermediate Cup 21-11 against Westoe.