It was last in 1892 since Hunslet faced Leeds in a cup final but today in 1938 the teams were to line up against each other again in the Championship final. When the top-four teams were known the Rugby League selected Wakefield’s Belle Vue should Leeds and Hunslet win through but the clubs had let it be known that they much preferred Elland Road, Leeds United’s home, due to the increased capacity and the huge interest they knew the match would generate. They offered to increase the RL’s share of the gate by 10% and to limit their take to £600 each. Wakefield would receive £300 in compensation. The RL agreed and on the day the decision was justified as the over-54,000 crowd, a record for a rugby match, forced the gates to be closed well before kick off.
Hunslet had won their only previous Championship final in 1908, but Leeds had failed in five attempts at the final stage. In the first half Leeds were described as “A disappointing lot” when they had the assistance of the wind. Hunslet’s plan to keep Leeds’ star stand-off Vic Hey quiet worked as he was never in the game. Ted Tattersfield scored first with a penalty for Leeds and Ernest Winter opened Hunslet’s account when, dummying to winger James O’Sullivan, he went over to score the try. Cyril Morrell’s strong thrusts were causing Leeds problems, and he very nearly got Eric Batten away for a certain try. It was back to the left for the next try when O’Sullivan this time got the ball and scored. It was 6-2 at half time even with Hunslet being down to twelve men for half the 40 minutes as Mark Tolson received attention on the touch-line.
He returned for the second half but had to switch from field to blind -side prop. Leeds suffered injuries as the half went on, Smith spraining an ankle and moving out to the wing as a passenger and Vic Hey pulling muscles in each thigh. Leeds’ forwards started to dominate but their makeshift back line could not capitalise. Jack Walkington, Hunslet’s full-back and captain was singled out for praise in Hunslet’s defensive effort and it was he who made sure of victory with a drop goal from a penalty late in the game.
Having finished top of the Yorkshire Senior Competition level with Bradford in 1897/98, the Rugby League decided a play-off would decide the Champions. The match was played at Headingley and there had been persistent rain all morning then drizzle and another downpour near to the end. The players were glad to hear the final whistle. Only 3088 turned up to watch. Hunslet had two weeks rest before the game but Bradford had played Batley the previous week at the same venue in the Challenge Cup and Wakefield mid-week to complete their league season. At the end of the first half, Bradford had the advantage 2-0. A James Ramage try converted by Albert Goldthorpe was enough to take the Shield to Parkside and Hunslet’s first trophy since 1892 and the first in The Northern Union era.
The 1931/32 season also ended in a play- off. A fourth place finish took Hunslet to a semi-final at table toppers Huddersfield. 14,000 witnessed a game where Fred Johnson scored a try and Jack Walkington three goals but Huddersfield replied with two tries and three goals to go to the final.
Making his first appearance for Hunslet today at home to London Skolars was Darren Robinson. Over five seasons Darren played 85 games and scored 28 tries and 168 goals. In 2009 he equalled Simon Wilson’s record of 11 place kicks in a game.
Having transferred from Rugby Union in 1927, prop Dai Jenkins soon caught he eye of the selectors and at the end of his first season played for Glamorgan against Monmouthshire at Pontypridd, a win for his side 18-14.
Another Union convert was John Henry Shooter, known as Snowy due to his white hair. He was courted by Hunslet for a number of years but was a regular County and international player at Morley RU and refused to sign. Eventually he did, giving Hunslet seven seasons service (205 games). He played in the 1905 Yorkshire Cup victory.
1961/62 drew to a close today with a disappointing 25th finish. Two Division football had been discussed for some years and the Rugby League decided it would be tried next season for three years and Hunslet would be in the lower division. Alan “Moose” Preece and Geoff Shelton shared 22 tries and the top try scorer position and Billy Langton took the other honours (85 goals, 170 points).
