First Trial game takes place in Fitz Park on October 11th 1879 between teams captained by H. Mayson (captain) and W. Barrow, (vice captain); there is a fair attendance and ''with a little practice the club may reasonably hope to gain honours''. The directorate of the club has now been entirely re-organised and includes President, Captain, Vice-captain, Secretary and a Committee of six. October 7th 1879. The club agrees to change codes from Association Football to rugby Union. The local newspaper 'The English Lakes and Keswick Guardian' reports ''the rugby rules have been adopted and matches are in negotiation''.

On February 7th 1880 Keswick play a game against Workington, at home, according to the 'Lakes Visitor' in front of ''a large and fashionable body of spectators''. The team under the captaincy of Henry Mayson, consists of ''four backs, three three-quarter backs and eight forwards''. Keswick win the match by a 'poster', one disputed try and a 'touchdown' to one touchdown by Workington. The first match takes place, - away at Cockermouth on November 29th 1879. Cockermouth win by 'a try at goal to nothing'. A comprehensive match report appears in the West Cumberland Times and Star'.

A well-attended meeting in July 1880 agrees to continue the club.On February 28th 1880 a good match ends prematurely when a dispute over a score awarded in Keswick's favour leads to Cockermouth leaving the field.

Late in 1884 a meeting takes place to revive the club under the Presidency of Reverend H. D. Rawnsley and the captaincy of the Revd. J. S. Ostle.Support falls off during 1882-3 and there is difficulty in raising sides. Subscriptions for 1882 are fixed at 2/6 for adults and 1s for apprentices and juveniles. Two Keswick sides appear, but Skiddaw Rangers who play in scarlet and grey, and Fitz Rangers (colours unknown) have much the same personnel. Opportunities to play are limited in 1881 by adverse weather and several fixtures remain un-played.

In November 1880 Keswick visit Ambleside for the first time. Keswick 'showing indomitable pluck' turn up at the appointed time 'despite a terrible storm'. The ground at Ambleside is in such a state that 'one roll was as good as a dip in a pond'.

The first Keswick 'A' team achieves a draw with Workington in January 1881.

Players agree the club should return to playing Association rules and there is consensus that the town cannot support two clubs in a worthy manner.
At the AGM of 1885 the election of officers is deferred because of the small attendance but a balance of £1. 5s and 2d is reported.
Ten matches are played, one against Penrith having to be shortened because of the departure of the Penrith train.

In 1898 Keswick School play a scratch side from the town. Keswick players pay several visits to the school on practice days to teach the game. Keswick School provide the impetus, and players, and the club regenerates in 1901. The first game played by the newly formed club is against Carlisle on September 28th 1901.Attempts to restart rugby are sporadic, in 1889 Keswick Harlequins who first of all play in chocolate coloured shirts, but later switch to the more popular navy blue, play some matches, most notably one in early 1900 in aid of the Boer War fund between Keswick ('Nondescripts') and Aspatria.

Four members of the Keswick side represent the County before the end of the season.

F.Gardiner begins a long stint as captain in 1904. Percy Hope plays his first game for Keswick during the same season.
From 1901 the club play their home matches at the Keswick School playing fields, by permission of the Governors, for a nominal rent. The club shirts are briefly Green but are soon altered to Light Blue and Dark Blue hoops, the official club colours for the next 30 years.

(The article contributed to that magazine by the late Maj. Phil Davidson gives a fascinating player's view of the period between the World Wars and will appear in a later edition of the match programme.)