Manchester Spartans History

Based: Tameside Leisure Park, Hyde & Salford RLFC (also played at Hyde United FC, Ewan Fields, Hyde)
Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium (1986)
Colours: Black/Red/White
Honours: British champions 1989, 1990. Eurobowl IV champions 1990. Conference champions 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990

Career Record

Senior Kitted

1992 NDMA Division One Northern Conference 7-3-0*
1991 NDMA First Division Northern Conference 2-8-0
1990 NDMA Northern Conference 9-1-0*
1989 Budweiser League Northern Conference 9-1-0*
1988 Budweiser League National Division Northern Conference 14-0-0*
1987 Budweiser League National Division Northern Conference 2-8-0
1986 BAFL National League Pennine Conference 10-0-2*
1985 AFL Northern Division 10-2-0*
1984 Merit Table 4-7-0

Youth Kitted

1994 BYAFA Northern Division 0-3-0
1993 BYAFA Northern Division 3-4-0
1992 BYAFA Northern Conference 3-5-0* Lost 54-0 to Birmingham Bulls in first round of playoffs
1991 did not compete
1990 did not compete
1989 NDMA Youth Kitted League 2-4-0

Team history:

The second oldest team in Britain. Began as the Northwich Spartans in 1983 and came to Manchester a year later. One of the most dominant teams in the North with several conference championships. Slipped up in 1987, but had the wherewithal to turn the situation around immediately. In 1988 won more games than any other team in one season (15), but fell in the semi-finals of the playoffs. In 1989 (coached by Terry Smith - who also coached GB at the time), they won the 1989 Budweiser title where they defeated Birmingham Bulls 21-14. The Spartans were an excellent team. Under former Atlanta Falcon starter Roy Harris, the defense produced youngsters the calibre of LB's Martin Owen and Howard Cooper and linemen Rick Hughes, Keith Marsh and Warren Billingham. In front of QB Hazen Choates was an offensive line with few peers. As a result entered the Eurobowl championship in 1990, where they defeated the Dublin Celts in the first round, and then triumphed 34-22 in the final against Legnano Frogs of Italy. Won the British championship for a second time in 1990 with a 27-25 win against Northants Storm. Had a mass player defection in 1991 (Mike Taylor and Les Jackson to New York Knights, Paul Bailey to Birmingham Bulls, Dave Samuels to Olympians, Allan Brown and John Parker to Nottingham Hoods, Tiggy Bell to Leeds Cougars) and they also adopted an All British policy which saw Hazen Choates and Roy Harris missing. Signed a sponsorship with Granada worth over £10,000 in 1991.

Entered the NDMA in 1993, but quit in May to concentrate on the Football League of Europe. Reformed as the GB Spartans and took part in the Football League of Europe instead.

Head Coaches

1988-1990 - Terry Smith
1991 - Nigel Dias
1992 - Terry Smith
1993 - Terry Smith

Imports

1989-1990 - Hazen Choates, Roy Harris
1991 - Terry Smith
1992 - Lorenzo Walker, Mark Nelson, Terry Smith

Internationals

1990 - LB John Parker
1990 - Les Jackson, Dave Samuels
1990 - Paul Bailey
1990 - Allan Brown
1991 - Mike Astle

Game notes

18th July 1992 - Walker ran for 320 yards vs Gateshead Senators
11th July 1992 - Lorenzo Walker ran for 198 yards on 27 carriers vs Leeds Cougars
21st June 1992 - Lorenzo Walker ran for 238 yards and 3 TDs vs Nottingham Hoods
15th June 1991 - Terry Robinson ran for 216 yards on 27 carries vs Gateshead