BY CLIFF SPRACKLEN

Bramley did not win many trophies throughout 104 years of professional rugby league, but it did have its’ claims to fame. None is more significant than the “village’s” hosting of the first ever match  of the first overseas Touring Team, the New Zealand “All Golds” to visit these shores in 1907.

The club had a history even then, being formed in 1879, and Bramley’s England international Harry Bradshaw, was the first test case at Twickenham, over “broken time payments” in 1893, two years before the “great split”. Bradshaw was the David Beckham of his day, and when he got married Town Street, Bramley, saw a crowd of adoring, screaming local women following him to the church.

The old club helped in the founding of French Rugby League in the 1930’s, the then Chairman of the Rugby League, Walter Popplewell, was also Bramley Chair, and he along with John Wilson, Secretary of the Rugby League signed, in Paris, the first agreements with French Pioneer, the legendary Jean Galia, to establish French Rugby League. The one trophy to adorn the cabinet was the BBC 2 Floodlit Trophy, won in 1973 against Widnes, at Widnes, after the Villagers had knocked out both Castleford and St Helens on the way to the Final. The club played in the First Division in that 1973-74 season. Though relegated the club had some excellent league wins including an away victory at Headingley against Leeds.

That 104 year professional history ended in 1999. The club had struggled, the Directors selling the McLaren Field ground. The club had finished its playing days at Headingley, as effectively a second team for Leeds Rhinos. Star names such as Barry McDermott and Leroy Rivett turned out on the way back from injury.

The team in that final season was a good one so it was a shock to loyal fans when it was announced that the club was closing.
Not the biggest, but perhaps the most loyal fan base, supporters quickly mobilised and decided to form their own club, Bramley Rugby League Community Club, effectively a “co-operative”, owned by fans and the people of West Leeds

The new club attempted to return to the professional ranks, but bids were rejected because of the lack of a ground that met RFL criteria. So the club applied to join National League Three and was accepted. The first game against Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks drew a rapturous crowd of more than 1,200.

In that first 2004 season, the club were delighted just to be back playing in the famous amber and black shirts, but under former Bradford Bulls player Phil Hellewell as Coach the club put together a commendable season, reaching the NL3 Championship semi-finals, losing at eventual Champions Coventry Bears.

In 2005 the Buffaloes went a step further reaching the Grand Final at Widnes, losing in the last quarter to a very experienced Bradford Dudley Hill.
The third season saw former Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield star Paul Cook taking on the mantle of Head Coach.

Though a young Coach, he took his new team to the Grand Final at Warrington’s Hallewell Jones Stadium, where the Buffaloes ran out winners, despite a strong challenge from Hemel Stags, who had been nip and tuck with the Buffaloes all season. Remarkable success to land a major trophy after just three years in existence.

2007, the club’s fourth year saw the Buffaloes finishing top again to take the Minor Premiers Trophy, but were beaten in a tremendous Final at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, to a talented Featherstone Lions side.

In 2008 the Buffaloes were again crowned Minor Premiers, finishing top once more. The team had shown tremendous form in beating Celtic Crusaders Colts 3 times in the season, disappointingly losing to an experienced Welsh side in the Grand Final.

In its short time the club has contributed to the record books. The opening crowd of 1,200 was the highest for a National League Three match. But the record-breaking Buffaloes went worldwide for the next record. Ex-Halifax Academy Paul Drake ranks as the most successful goal-kicker in Bramley’s history, (both the previous club and the Buffaloes), and also broke the world record for continuous successful kicks at goal, with 42 in 2005.
Not surprisingly Cook’s potential was spotted by Huddersfield Giants, and “Cookie” left the club at the end of the 2008 to take the next step in what the club believes will be a highly successful coaching career.

Last year’s Assistant Coach, Mark Butterill has stepped up to the task for 2009, and will provide continuity. “Buttsy” a playing stalwart at Bramley, including the previous pro club, will be assisted by Jon Nicholls. Ex Leeds Met and GB Students captain, Nicholls took over the captain’s role last season, and will be one of the youngest on the coaching roster.

The club, though strictly amateur continues to attract quality players and the club are raring to go with a new raft of sponsors on board. Halfway through the 2009 season the club remained unbeaten and on course for another high placing in the competition.