THE Manchester-based club was founded in 1932 at a public meeting held in a temperance bar.

Their very first ground was a farmer’s field in Whitefield and despite their name the club has never been based at Sedgley Park.

Despite primitive conditions, with a cowshed for changing and a farmyard pump for washing – the club thrived.

A clubhouse had been built and three teams were being fielded when World War Two broke out in 1939.

They survived the war years and a difficult period afterwards when they lost their rented ground.

For two years all games were played away with barely enough players for two teams until in 1955 they moved to their present site, Park Lane in Whitefield, then followed an immediate improved playing standards.

During the next 20 years Sedgley Park became a successful and respected junior club and a two-storey clubhouse was completed in time for their Golden Jubilee in 1982 – just before the introduction of leagues.

The club was placed in North West Two (Level Eight) and gained promotion to North West One at the first attempt, then remained there for seven seasons.

In the 1990s they were promoted three successive times and in 2001 another advancement took place to National League Two, Level Three of the English game. Amenities improved accordingly.

The Tigers attained National League One status in 2004, their sixth promotion since 1987, but were relegated back to Level Three in 2009.

They dropped down again after five seasons before winning National League Two North by a runaway 12 points last time out.

Sedgley Park, whose first XV is known as Sedgley Tigers, were beaten 41-20 by a Rams side whose brilliant defensive effort helped them win the first-ever clash between the sides in September.

*To book tickets for Saturday's game at the discounted rate of £15 for adults (£17.50 on the day), click here

Concessions are £10 and Under 18s enter free.