In 1953, a band of rugby players from the Sussex Yeomanry founded Hove Rugby Football Club.

Hove Borough Council lent the club a sloping pitch and a wooden hut in Hove Park.

Against all the odds, the club survives, having spurned offers of marriage from Brighton RFC.

Ten years ago, the club realised there was no long-term future in Hove Park. In this modern age, better facilities were needed if the club was to attract players and supporters.

Last month, I walked to the Hove Recreation Ground -

Hove RFC's new home. Four matches were being played, two senior and two junior.

A sprinkling of mums and dads supported the junior sides and there was good vocal support for the first XV. Veterans, resplendent in blazers, offered sensible advice to the first team players. Alas, the players took little notice and Hove lost a spirited match.

I was touched by a small boy who held his father's hand as he trudged off the field of play with blood running down his face. "Did you hit him back, Daddy?" the boy asked.

I would not like The Argus to think I am pitching for a job on the sports desk. Far from it, I wince at the sight and sound of modern day front-row forwards crashing into each other.

Ten years ago, Hove RFC faced great problems and it is only by the club management's determination, knowledge, skill and use of modern business methods that the club has been saved.

It needed money - some £750,000. After an initial rejection, it was awarded £500,000 from the Lottery. The club itself raised £200,000 and obtained another grant of £50,000.

It had to commission the building of a new club house and pay for new drainage for the ground which has a clay base.

From its own resources the club was able to find builders, architects, accountants and those who had the vision to complete the task. That was not all. There were residents'

objections, councillors who changed their minds and the unremitting slog of obtaining the necessary consents.

In the end, Hove RFC won the day. It has 400 playing members, including 300 juniors, fielding sides at all levels.

Although many locals might not agree, Hove Recreation Ground had become a bit of dump. The old cricket square was in a state of disrepair.

The club offers associate membership for £5, quite a snip, and it will be happy to share facilities with local businesses. Hove Recreation Ground is again a valuable amenity.