1994 saw the end of Hunslet’s tenure at Elland Road with a 44-8 victory over Highfield. A crowd of only 426 watched the game. Next season’s home games would be at McLaren Field, Bramley (with two games back at Elland Road).
Making his debut at home to York today was Roy Sampson. Roy signed from Stanley Rangers ARLFC and started out in the second row before moving up to hooker. He played 203 games and scored 40 tries before bowing out in August 1994 away at Leigh. He later returned as first team coach.
More seasons came to end today – the 1937/38 league programme was a huge success as Hunslet finished top of the league and 2nd in the Yorkshire League. Of course, in those days, a top four finish meant a tilt for the Championship trophy and top spot gave Hunslet an important home game in the semi-final.
Ten years on and a 6th place finish in the 1947/48 season. Ted Carroll playing on the wing topped the try list with 21 and Des Clarkson was top goal and points scorer with 40 and 101.
1964/65 concluded today with a mid-table finish. Although there was a top16 play off game against Castleford and the Wembley final against Wigan to come, scoring honours were finalised – John Griffiths with would be on 27 tries after the final and Billy Langton would have 132 goals and 273 points.
It was a different story just four years later when the team were 23rd out of 30 with only 9 wins all season. Robin Hurl and Peter Dunn shared the try scoring honours with 11 each and Dave Marshall the goals and points with 78 and 159.
1941’s Challenge Cup tie at home to Liverpool Stanley was satisfying as the win took Hunslet to the quarter-final, and the 64-5 score line was to be the largest winning score in the Parkside era.
The 2015 Challenge Cup saw Hunslet’s exit today as Dewsbury came to SLS in the 5th round and left with a 31-16 win.
