Origins of the Ebb Tide RFC
In the spring
of 1972, a fellow by the name of Bob Hutchison sent letters to all past Crimson Tide
players asking them and their playing friends if they would be interested in forming an
over-40 team to play against a Japanese side that would be visiting in the fall.
The
response was enthusiastic and players began practicing under the coaching of David
McKenzie. When David found it difficult to get to all the practices, he handed the
coaching responsibilities to Peter Clarke. Peter ran the guys hard and enthusiasm grew
until October 5, 1972 when more than 30 players were on hand for the first Ebb Tide RFC
game against the Wak Wak of Osaka Japan.
The Wak Wak, organized in 1948, are not the
oldest over-40 rugby club in Japan—that honour goes to the Fuwaku Rugby Club of Tokyo
which was created in 1947.
Ebb Tide was selected as the name for the new Victoria rugby
club as this was the name used when ex-Crimson Tide players occasionally played an oldies
game.
The Wak Wak
tour demonstrated the great value of over-40 rugby and an invitation to visit Japan in
1974 cemented the resolve for the Ebb Tide to become a permanent team.
The first executive
was formed with Harry Turner as President, John Skillings as Vice President, Ross Irving
as Secretary-Treasurer and Frank Gower as Director at Large.
As the only other over-40
side in BC at that time was the WHOI WHOI in Vancouver, the Ebb Tide played in the Third
Division and picked-up games against high schools and the Royal Roads Military Academy.
Harry turner
was the first President through the 1970s and into the 80s. He was followed by Sonny Vickery, Jack
Fleming, Dave Carmichael, Brian Beglau, John Azar, Dave Valentine and the current President
Shane Muldrew.
The Ebb Tide will be celebrating its
40th year in 2012 and plan a series of events.
The history continues .........
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