But fans and club officials said they were looking forward to the future in their new £4 million home at Silver Royd, between Scalby and Burniston.

Former club captain the Rev Clive Burnard, now Methodist minister at Andover Baptist Church on the south coast, led a memorial service for the old stadium.

Earlier in the day there was a "fun" marathon match involving youth and veteran teams, and on Saturday the 1st XV played their final game at Newby, beating Glossop 19-6.

The Rev Burnard, brother of Trafalgar pub landlord Tony Burnard, told the Evening News: "This was a day of celebration of the past and hope for the future. It was a great honour and privilege to be part of the day.

"It was lovely to hear everyone join in singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot – there were a few Irishmen, Welshmen and Scotsmen there and they don't usually cheerfully sing that!"

Club chairman Colin Rennard was looking to the future. He said: "We've had some great times at Newby but it's onwards and upwards for rugby in Scarborough. We're leaving somewhere special but for the right reasons.

"We've been playing games all day – we've had players as young as six and as old as 70 on the pitch today, so it shows how rugby reaches out through the generations. There's a tear in my eye but I'm looking forward to the future too."

Evening News rugby correspondent Dave Campbell added: "It was a fantastic day – everyone played, from the kids to the golden oldies. There's 80 years of history here but the next 80 is what we're looking forward to."

MORE photos in Monday's Evening News.