NSRFC played its inaugural game
against Royal High RFC on the 17th March 1984. This, coincidentally,
was the same date the Scottish national team clinched their second Grand Slam beating France 21-12 at Murrayfield. The Newton Stewart line up contained many local legends. Brian
and David Allan, Dr. John Mc Donald, Donald Cameron, Neil Howie, Andy Vance and captain Mike Henderson filled the Newton Stewart
ranks with the home - grown talent that has laid the foundations for what the club is today.
Newton Stewart started
their life in the lowly Glasgow District leagues. They stayed there for some
time until the fruits of their hard work began to ripen, winning promotion in season 1996-97.
Life in the National leagues did not bring immediate success. Starting
in National league division 5, after some SRU league re-structuring, Newton Stewart battled until 2003 before gaining promotion. Success was achieved again in 2004.
Triple promotion campaigns have
taken the Machars outfit to another level. Currently in National league division
2, the Red army travel the length and breadth of Scotland
competing at this higher standard of rugby football. It has taken real commitment
from players, coaches, supporters, sponsors and club officials alike.
Life at Newton Stewart is not
all serious. In the summer of 2002 the club successfully completed a pre-season
tour to the United States. £30,000 was raised and 30 of the lads toured to the state of Colorado
to compete in a variety of tournaments and matches. The tour of 2002 proved to
be a winning formula as the club has experienced unrivalled fortune since those heady days.
In 2009 club membership is at
its highest level with a 1st and 2nd XV being fielded most weeks.
All home matches are well supported and the team has a strong following to away games.
In 2009, the Newton Stewart RFC
dream will continue.