In 1977, Colin Stewart started arranging games between a group of older Valley players, and the first 3 original Over 40 rugby clubs; Ebb Tide, Evergreens, and the Twilighters . We were not all over 40 years back then, and played our club matches on Saturdays, and our "over 40" games on every second or third Sunday. If we had a game upcoming, then we would gather as a group to train on the Wednesday at the old Langley clubhouse. Eventually, in November of 1978, the Valley Vintage Rugby Club was formed. Some of the Founders still play; they include, Gary Fullerton, John McIntyre, and George Singh. Of all the +40 clubs, we are the 4th most senior in the 11 club PANORU.

Early uniforms included cast off highschool purple football shirts, a solid gold shirt for one year, the multi-variety gold, beige, and brown ones up to 1985, the 1" grey/burgundy stripes up to 1997, then the chardonnay/burgundy of today. Just a reminder for everyone; white shorts for 40's, black for 50's, and red for 60's.

1983 saw us off for a 10 day tour to the Bay Area, where Colin scored our first try on our first tour; a successful one at that, winning two out of three. Subsequent tours included Wales/London Golden Oldies in 1985; New Zealand in 1987; Newfoundland/Maritimes in 1993; Phoenix in 1996; Portland/Nike World Masters in 1998 (Gold Medal winners in the +50's); Jersey Shore/Connecticut in 2000; and the Gold Medal again at the WMG's in Edmonton in 2005. Thirteen Vintage players went with the Pacific Old Growth to Catalina in May 2005, and provided the thrust for an very successful tournament.

Our playing base has come from a geographical area bounded by Richmond in the East, Chilliwack in the West, the North side of the Fraser River, and as far South as Seattle. Players have included Canada rep's, lots of 1st Division experienced types, scores of journeyman sluggers, and even neophytes who took the game up late in life! Through it all, the Valley Vintage has never had a losing season, and we always seem to be the team that the others love to beat. We run on Wednesdays, the most important component of which is the post run bonding over a meal and a pint.

Socially, we have a few enduring events! The main one being the year end golf tournament and BBQ. This event has been waning recently, so this year the format will change to include more spouses and occasional golfers; plus, the BBQ will be scheduled for August as a pre season attention getter. Ken and Joan Peace have gaciously hosted the event for the past years, and the club can't thank them enough. At Xmas, we gather for a nice meal after the last run of the year at Elisabeth's Chalet. In bygone years we did things such as early season corn roasts, Halloween party's, curling, bowling, year end dances, and for a few years, the great campouts at Mike Moye's place on Lummi Island. Our new President, Tom Graham, and VP, Mark Hobden, are going to resurrect the social side of our rugby club, as it is the glue that holds the club together.

In 2007, we intend to go to the South of France for Rugby World Cup. Wheels are in motion, and more details will be available on our forthcoming website as summer approaches. This trip is open to all; players, spouses, children, parents, etc.