My first memories of the above were when I went as an early teenager to watch LFC at Riversdale Road on Saturday afternoons when not required for teams at the College. A reason may also have been to watch on occasion my uncle refereeing for the Liverpool Referees Society if he had been allocated an LFC game. He was George Dennis, who was later to become Birkenhead Park's centenary President. He had two sons who would follow me to the College. I lived within a mile of the ground at Aigburth so could cycle there.

I remember watching JK Jones in the centre, who had played for the Old Lerpoolians team pre-WW2 and others would be Morris-Jones and Dr Bob Bradshaw at full-back. Also playing at that time was JKD Whaling, who was a master at the College and I think came from Norwich. One of the best forwards was prop JK Williams (Lancs and Army) who unfortunately died young when he appeared to be on the verge of an England cap. JKB Williams also played in this era. The Ols had played their matches pre-war on a field by Greenhill Road and for a time this field was used for junior LFC teams, but it was built on, so Sudley Road pitch was used. The OL team was formed in 1925.

By the age of 15, I was playing in the junior sides at LFC. Living close was WH (Bill) Chadwick an OL who was team secretary for the junior sides. LFC always seemed to be short of players at the last minute and I would be called in, particularly in the school holidays. I was mainly used as a hooker. I remember names of OLs who were playing in these junior sides such as John Tibbles, Ted Mather, Roger Beal, BS Clarke, Bill Gregory, Dick Daglish and Redding. Other older OLs would watch from time to time, Gregory's Father, another Bill, Barry Tickle and even George Davey who had played in the famous 1913-14 side that included the Captains of England, Scotland and Ireland. Others who very occasionally appeared were Harry Fry (a pre-war international player and referee) and his friend TB Roberts.

Having played in the College 1st XV in 1950, I left after 5th form and played regularly for LFC, Captaining their first Colts side. I remember this team included Bill Dubourg, Howells and maybe one or two other OLs. Towards the end of this season 1951/2, I was selected to go on Easter Tour with the 1st team. What exotic fixtures we played on this tour! Halifax and Hull & East Riding. I played at prop and I now shudder to think about playing there against much older players. However, it must have gone well, as I scored a try against Halifax and have the cutting from the Liverpool Echo still. I think on this tour was another OL Warwick Wheeler.

Later that year when 18, I joined the Black Watch for National service. Whilst at the Brigade Depot at Fort George, I played at Highland RFC and an OL was playing scrum-half – AP Cunningham, who was an officer in the Cameron Highlanders. Whilst in Japan in 1953 I Captained an Army side, who played against NZ and Australian sides as well as Japanese Universities. In that side was WG Wallace who had been in the College side with me and Captain of the Colts the year before. Wallace is on the other side of the CO. He was in the Royal Leicester Regt and I believe played county rugby for Leicestershire later. (See Photo of team here).

On demobilisation, I played for LFC again and we had very good sides at that time winning most of our matches. It must be admitted OLs in the 1st team were in short supply, and the team relied heavily on Wade Deacon GS, West Park CGS, Upholland GS and St Edwards College.

(Photo here 56/7) Internationals played in this era for the side. Martin Regan, Reg Higgins (also a Lion) Tom Brophy, Mike Beese, David Roughley, Fran Cotton (lion)and later Ed Rudd and Mike Slemen. Playing at this time were JD Robertson (later Joint President when the club amalgamated with St.Helens) who took over Captaincy of 2nd XV (Wanderers) from Bill Gregory and was later succeeded by AG Clitherow, all OLs. The junior teams contained Dougie Cunningham, Ryder, Alan Sheridan and many more. Playing in the 1sts from time to time were Jeff Gadd, Gerry Thomas, David Pope and John Wolfe. Pre-season LFC used the College ground for training and trials as Riversdale Road field was needed by the Cricket club until mid-September, but gym shoes had to be worn! After training, we adjourned to the Tramcar pub at Aigburth Vale for refreshments.

In the 50s LFC always played an OL side on New Year's Day. This was somewhat strange for me, as on Boxing Day LFC played a local derby match versus Waterloo and then a few days later I was playing against LFC. LFC always won of course, even if they played a weakened side. The only other fixture the OLs played was against the School on Founders Day. LFC at one point used to send a junior side to play the College during the term, but playing against Club sides dropped out. I had suffered a detached retina about this time so had a couple of seasons not playing.

When I became 1st team sec. Buying a set of numbered jerseys from Ken Jones, who had a sports shop in Basnett St, was a regular season's chore and the repair of these shirts became a bigger chore for my wife! She cut up old shirts and patched the current set. She was also Chair of the ladies Committee for a time and the main task was cooking meals for the visiting 1st team every other week. I was also Hon Fixture Sec, this task was thwart with difficulty, as before leagues, teams from the North of England were always trying to enhance their fixtures and persuading London Clubs to play you was problematic. I was now captaining and playing in the junior teams at LFC and in 1970 I emigrated to East Yorkshire with my family and continued to play and later referee for the Yorkshire Society. I still support my club Driffield each Saturday in my 88th year – but I suppose it's in my blood now!

Apologies for the names I have missed out!

Ian Douglas (Brooks, 1951)