No sting in the Blackpool Scorpions tale after 35 years of hard work
Fylde coast rugby league fans can look back on 35 years of amateur sporting trials and tribulations as a new book celebrates Blackpool Scorpions ARLFC’s milestone year.
‘A Scorpion’s Tale: The Story of Blackpool Scorpions ARLFC’ has been written by Les Johnston who, along with Paul Gamble, founded the club in 1991.
It has taken 18 months to complete the book, which comes with a foreword from Blackpool rugby league star – and former Scorpions junior – Joe Bullock.
Mark Chapman, one of the original class of 1991, highlighted some of the more eventful stories from the club’s history in paying tribute to the work undertaken by Johnston and Gamble.
He told the Gazette: “In the early days we had to borrow a white, black and red kit from the Civil Service and wash it ourselves.
“As they were so heavy, they were washed in batches. The problem arose as five came out pink and remained so for evermore!
“Many Fridays we would not have a team to fulfil the fixture but Les would ring round and manage to get a team together.
“Those days resulted in many occasions where we had to consider folding but Les and Paul kept the show on the road.
“The challenge they took on also saw them taking in people from other sports and introducing them to rugby league, rather than taking them from other clubs.
“There have been dark days but we decided to keep persevering and keep the dream alive – and that’s all down to Les and Paul.”
Thirty-five years later, all those efforts have paid off with a thriving club, based at South Shore Cricket and Squash Club, boasting a number of volunteers.
These include David Ratcliffe, who coached the first team to the treble in 2019 and was named North West Counties coach of the year.
The Scorpions now have 11 teams with a flourishing junior section, as well as Masters and open age squads.
Anybody looking to join any of those teams can find out more by visiting the Blackpool Scorpions ARLFC Facebook page.
The book is priced at £10, plus postage and packaging, meaning it can be distributed nationally and internationally if required.
It is available to order through the Scorpions’ Facebook page or by contacting Craig Teague on 07399 276489.