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History 2 of 3
2. 1906 - 1947
For season 1906-7, the Club moved over the railway to what was then known as Ladysmill Park, later McKane Park. Financially, however the venture was not a success. Difficulties were also experienced regarding payment of rent for the field, a financial problem that was to recur in the future. During that season, an exhibition game was played against Kirkcaldy at Cowdenbeath to help the funds of the local Soccer Clubs. It was the first time Rugby was played at Cowdenbeath and the last till 1934 when a local club, styled West of Fife, was formed.
In the season 1909-10, the Club, again in financial difficulties, moved to Venturefair Park, now the site of Queen Anne High School thanks to the generosity of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. The Club, then styled Dunfermline Rugby Football Club, remained at that location till the 1914-18 war.
Between 1914 and 1920, no official Rugby Football was played but in the latter year, on 7th April, a public meeting was held in St. Margaret's Hall, which lay adjacent to the present Public Library, with the intention of resuscitating the Club and in September, at a general meeting, it was decided to ask McKane Park's Trustees' permission to have the use of McKane Park. Since, before the outbreak of the war the Club had played at Venturefair and the Rosyth Club at McKane Park, it was proposed that the Clubs amalgamate. This, however did not materialise. The Club strip now consisted of white jersey with a badge, blue shorts and blue stockings with white tops.
Application was successfully made for membership of the Midland Counties Union. In addition, in 1920, the Club was admitted to full membership of the Scottish Rugby Union.
In season 1922-23, the colours of the Club jerseys were changed to royal blue with a white band. In the Midland League, the Club was undefeated, scoring 336 points and losing only 6. Furthermore, the North of Scotland Cup and the Midland Sevens were won.
In February 1928, H. Lind was chosen to play at stand-off half against Ireland, the first of the Club's internationalists. In that season too, a Dunfermline player, C. H. C. Brown, played on the wing in the Calcutta match -v- England at Murrayfield and scored a try.
In the season 1928-29, the Club was included in the unofficial championship, the criterion for entry to which was a sufficient number of first class fixtures. The highlight of the season was a win against Glasgow Accies, at that time one of the premier Scottish Clubs, and the win was the more noteworthy since the game was played in Glasgow.
However, the season 1930-31 was undoubtedly the most successful from a playing point of view in the history of the Club. Not only was the unofficial championship won, but the Seven saw victory in the prestigious Murrayfield (Infirmary) Sevens, the first occasion that the unofficial championship and the Murrayfield Sevens were won in the same season. In this season too, Alf Wilson was capped for the first time and played in three international matches against Ireland and France at centre three-quarter and against England at full back. Harry Lind also played in these three games, the only occasion when the Club provided two players in an international game.
Season 1931-32, saw A. H. M. (Harry) Hutton represent Scotland at full back against Ireland and he might well have been honoured further but for injury.
Season 1932-33, saw further success for the Club when they shared an unofficial championship with Hawick.
In season 1935-36, the Club's continuing prowess was indicated by the fact that again no fewer than six players were selected to play for the North of Scotland against the touring New Zealand All Blacks.
Season 1936-37, saw our first forward capped, with M. M. Henderson playing in all international matches.
Season 1938-39, saw another successful season, the climax of which was another win in the Murrayfield Sevens, however the Committee was constrained to make the mild suggestion that a little more mid-week training would be appropriate.
In September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. The Annual General Meeting was adjourned. All fixtures were cancelled, although the Scottish Rugby Union indicated that fixtures could be arranged if there was no interference with national duties or regulations.
There were no further meetings until July 1946, when it was agreed that the Club be revived. When fixtures were resumed, the Club was back at McKane Park. Before play was possible, Club members had to mow the playing pitch, while the stand, exposed to six years of the weather, had all but disappeared.
Since clothing was still rationed, difficulty was experienced in securing jerseys. Twenty clothing coupons were provided by the Scottish Rugby Union and former players were asked to donate jerseys and any clothing coupons they felt they could spare. In addition to the clothing coupons, the Scottish Rugby Union also presented two balls. The players still changed for matches at Nethertown Institute. Meantime, the Cricket Club suggested that the Club take a lease of McKane Park and retain the use of the pitch as tenants.
Season 1946-47, saw the recovery of the Club after the war continue. The stand which had been blown down was replaced, donations being provided by Club members. During that season, the Race Park which lay to the north west of McKane was ploughed for agricultural purposes. As compensation for the loss, the Club was allowed the use of the field known as Milton Green, situated between McKane Park and Pittencrieff Glen, north of the railway (now no more). The sum paid to the Cricket Club for the rent of McKane Park remained at £25. A plea, however was made asking that only £15 be accepted since heavy expenses incurred in improving the ground would also benefit the Cricket Club.
In 1947, subscriptions remained at £1.1/- for patrons and 10/6d for ordinary members. Since only white jerseys were available at this time, the Club colours had to be changed. The building of the new stand had been completed and paid for in full, while the new ground at Milton Green was in regular use. Proposals were made for improvements to the pavilion at Milton Green, including the provision of baths. These suggestions if implemented would obviate the need for changing at Nethertown Institute.
In the season 1909-10, the Club, again in financial difficulties, moved to Venturefair Park, now the site of Queen Anne High School thanks to the generosity of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. The Club, then styled Dunfermline Rugby Football Club, remained at that location till the 1914-18 war.
Between 1914 and 1920, no official Rugby Football was played but in the latter year, on 7th April, a public meeting was held in St. Margaret's Hall, which lay adjacent to the present Public Library, with the intention of resuscitating the Club and in September, at a general meeting, it was decided to ask McKane Park's Trustees' permission to have the use of McKane Park. Since, before the outbreak of the war the Club had played at Venturefair and the Rosyth Club at McKane Park, it was proposed that the Clubs amalgamate. This, however did not materialise. The Club strip now consisted of white jersey with a badge, blue shorts and blue stockings with white tops.
Application was successfully made for membership of the Midland Counties Union. In addition, in 1920, the Club was admitted to full membership of the Scottish Rugby Union.
In season 1922-23, the colours of the Club jerseys were changed to royal blue with a white band. In the Midland League, the Club was undefeated, scoring 336 points and losing only 6. Furthermore, the North of Scotland Cup and the Midland Sevens were won.
In February 1928, H. Lind was chosen to play at stand-off half against Ireland, the first of the Club's internationalists. In that season too, a Dunfermline player, C. H. C. Brown, played on the wing in the Calcutta match -v- England at Murrayfield and scored a try.
In the season 1928-29, the Club was included in the unofficial championship, the criterion for entry to which was a sufficient number of first class fixtures. The highlight of the season was a win against Glasgow Accies, at that time one of the premier Scottish Clubs, and the win was the more noteworthy since the game was played in Glasgow.
However, the season 1930-31 was undoubtedly the most successful from a playing point of view in the history of the Club. Not only was the unofficial championship won, but the Seven saw victory in the prestigious Murrayfield (Infirmary) Sevens, the first occasion that the unofficial championship and the Murrayfield Sevens were won in the same season. In this season too, Alf Wilson was capped for the first time and played in three international matches against Ireland and France at centre three-quarter and against England at full back. Harry Lind also played in these three games, the only occasion when the Club provided two players in an international game.
Season 1931-32, saw A. H. M. (Harry) Hutton represent Scotland at full back against Ireland and he might well have been honoured further but for injury.
Season 1932-33, saw further success for the Club when they shared an unofficial championship with Hawick.
In season 1935-36, the Club's continuing prowess was indicated by the fact that again no fewer than six players were selected to play for the North of Scotland against the touring New Zealand All Blacks.
Season 1936-37, saw our first forward capped, with M. M. Henderson playing in all international matches.
Season 1938-39, saw another successful season, the climax of which was another win in the Murrayfield Sevens, however the Committee was constrained to make the mild suggestion that a little more mid-week training would be appropriate.
In September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. The Annual General Meeting was adjourned. All fixtures were cancelled, although the Scottish Rugby Union indicated that fixtures could be arranged if there was no interference with national duties or regulations.
There were no further meetings until July 1946, when it was agreed that the Club be revived. When fixtures were resumed, the Club was back at McKane Park. Before play was possible, Club members had to mow the playing pitch, while the stand, exposed to six years of the weather, had all but disappeared.
Since clothing was still rationed, difficulty was experienced in securing jerseys. Twenty clothing coupons were provided by the Scottish Rugby Union and former players were asked to donate jerseys and any clothing coupons they felt they could spare. In addition to the clothing coupons, the Scottish Rugby Union also presented two balls. The players still changed for matches at Nethertown Institute. Meantime, the Cricket Club suggested that the Club take a lease of McKane Park and retain the use of the pitch as tenants.
Season 1946-47, saw the recovery of the Club after the war continue. The stand which had been blown down was replaced, donations being provided by Club members. During that season, the Race Park which lay to the north west of McKane was ploughed for agricultural purposes. As compensation for the loss, the Club was allowed the use of the field known as Milton Green, situated between McKane Park and Pittencrieff Glen, north of the railway (now no more). The sum paid to the Cricket Club for the rent of McKane Park remained at £25. A plea, however was made asking that only £15 be accepted since heavy expenses incurred in improving the ground would also benefit the Cricket Club.
In 1947, subscriptions remained at £1.1/- for patrons and 10/6d for ordinary members. Since only white jerseys were available at this time, the Club colours had to be changed. The building of the new stand had been completed and paid for in full, while the new ground at Milton Green was in regular use. Proposals were made for improvements to the pavilion at Milton Green, including the provision of baths. These suggestions if implemented would obviate the need for changing at Nethertown Institute.