WHERE: Crow Trees, Hexham Road, Swalwell, Tyne and Wear NE16 3BN
Nearest Mainline Railway Station: Newcastle Central
Return Mileage to DMP: 76.4 Miles

INFO: The club first played at Path Head on the outskirts of the town, but in 1892, it moved to the Blaydon Racecourse before transferring to The Spike.

During the next 25 years the ground moved between the two sites but after the First World War the Racecourse became the recognised ground with changing facilities housed in the Board Inn at Stella.

Upon leaving the Racecourse, the club moved to its present site “Crow Trees” at Swalwell and gradually over the succeeding years, the ground has been developed to include its state-of-the-art new clubhouse, stand, and two sets of match floodlights.

The move to Crow Trees was inspired by President Bob Williams and long-serving Secretary of 50 years, Jack Brooks. The expansion of the ground saw floodlights erected in 1968 which were opened by Border club Hawick in front of a record 3,500 spectators. A further set of floodlights have been erected on the riverside pitch in 1995 and mainly through the efforts of Jim Huxley as Fixture Secretary for 33 years, prior to the advent of leagues, the club has expanded its horizons to its present position.

WHO: Director of Rugby Micky Ward

WHEN: Last season’s two fixtures saw Mowden Park run out comfortable 51-11 winners at The Northern Echo Arena, however Blaydon were 27-14 winners at Crow Trees in April.

WHAT: The newly refurbished clubhouse at Crow Trees was opened by ex- England internationals Stephen Bainbridge and Michael Skinner. The total cost of the project was 1.2 million pounds which was Lottery Grant aided. This clubhouse has three function suites and a gymnasium boasting over 1,000 members, Blaydon also hosts a weekly nationally known Car Boot Sale.

Image courtesy of Feversham Media