Cuffley RUFC players past and present were joined by RFU junior vice-president Peter Baines to help mark the club’s move to Botany Bay Cricket Club’s ground on Saturday.

The club, who won the Herts/Middlesex Merit table four and were the Hertfordshire RFU Club of the Season last year, were unable to celebrate their move with a victory - their opening match at their new home ending in a dramatic late defeat against Harpenden Seconds, 12-10.

Until this month, Cuffley had been based at Rosedale Sports Ground in Cheshunt. But with ambitious plans to expand the club and form new teams, club officials decided to find a new ground where they would be the only rugby team.

Club secretary Chris Palmer said: "I joined the club back 1975 when we didn’t have a regular home ground, so it’s great to see the transition the club has been through over the last 39 years.

"We are so pleased to have found our new home at Botany Bay, with its fantastic facilities, well-maintained pitches and great club house. We are also thrilled to be the only rugby club based here and to partner Botany Bay Cricket Club is a great new combination for all-year outdoor sport not seen very often."

RFU junior vice-president Baines added: "It was great to visit Cuffley’s new ground and watch them play Harpenden Seconds. The facilities at Botany Bay are first class and the move really help the club to focus on expansion.

"Cuffley is what grassroots rugby is all about, and I applaud Chris and the officials' plans to expand the club, and look forward to seeing it grow."