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The Lean Years There were many reasons for the decline from that peak which started slowly in the late 60s and increased in momentum through the 70s. More local clubs, easier transport and a change of working patterns (Trojans being very much a "transit camp" in those days) were some of them. The introduction of leagues in 1987 hit the Club at the worst possible time. In the first year, the Club was put into London Division 3 but could not cope at that level and dropped straight into Hampshire Division One. Luck was also in short supply when the Club, having finished fifth, seventh from bottom (!), the team was still relegated to Hampshire Division Two (a quirk of the league structure). There the Club stayed, battling for promotion with the other strong clubs to be relegated in the mass drop, until the 1992/93 season when the league was won with a record of played 10, won 10, for 353, against 37 which included a league record win of 91-0 against
Waterlooville. Three seasons were spent in Hampshire One but the 1995/96 season saw what was probably the strongest ever Hampshire Division 1 and relegation again befell the team. 1996/97 season saw us just lose out on promotion but success was achieved in 1997/98. The Revival Years Success
was achieved in the 2000/2001 season when promotion was achieved to London
Division 4SW (The old Division 3SW having been broken into two divisions).
The first season at that level was quite successful, ending mid-table, but
the next was not when Hampshire 1 again beckoned. Competition is now maintained throughout the Senior Club with the 2nd
XV being in the Hampshire London Division merit table and the 3rd
XV being in the Hampshire Division 1 merit table.
One
significant advance was the introduction of Women's rugby which promises
to be developed to one of the strongest teams in Hampshire. The end of the
2001/2002 season saw them promoted to National League 2 SE.
To ensure continuity throughout the Club, an Academy,
for under 18s, was set up in the 2001/2002 season.
The Strength of Youth One thing that has remained a strength since it's formation in the mid 70s is the Youth Section. Being one of the first clubs to introduce Mini Rugby in England (imported from Wales) the Mini and Junior Sections have encouraged many thousands of youngsters into the game and the Youth section now runs teams in every year group from under 8s to under 17s, holds annual tournaments and is generally held up to be a model of organization. |
