9th July….

Having lost the first two tests against the Northern  Union in 1910, the Australians decided to dispense with the third test and instead stage two matches against the best of the Aussie and Kiwi players to be known as Australasia. Today was the first of these at The Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney and the team from Down Under still couldn’t secure a win as Northern Union, assisted by Billy Batten and Billy Jukes held them to a 13-13 draw. As always, these things are measured in money and a record £1,850 gate ensured it was recorded as a great success. The Brits entered and left the field in vehicles drawn by 200 British Tars (sailors).

The 1932 Tourists were also in Sydney and saw off a strong New South Wales side 22-5 with Les White at hooker.

On domestic matters, 2006 saw the first home fixture with new Welsh side Celtic Crusaders. Unfortunately Hunslet lost the game 12-34.

10th July….

Jackie Milburn was a very well-known footballer from the North-East, playing most of his career with Newcastle United from the Second World War through to the late 50s, winning thirteen England caps and three F.A. Cups. In those days in football there was a maximum wage and in 1951 to supplement this Jackie accepted a job as a travelling salesman for a shoe company. However the directors of Newcastle told him he could not accept as it was against the terms of his contract.

Hunslet heard about this and made an approach for Jackie to come down to Parkside for trials and if he was successful they would reportedly pay him a £3,000 signing on fee and he could have any job he wished outside of football. However the papers today reported that Jackie had turned down the offer and, of the £3,000, Hunslet secretary Mr Rawson  stated “I did not say it had been offered”.

The 1954 Tourists were playing New South Wales today but couldn’t emulate their 1932 colleagues in recording a win, going down 6-17 with Alf Burnell in his usual scrum-half role and Geoff Gunney selected at full-back.

Geoff Shelton and his team-mates were at Toowoomba today in 1966 and came away with an easy 38-10 win.

11th July….

Two tour matches today…

The 1914 team had crossed the Tasman and today faced Wellington and Hunslet’s three tourists, Fred Smith, Walter Guerin and Jack Smales, played their part in a 14-7 win.

In 1936 Harry Beverley bagged a try in Great Britain’s 35-13 win over Brisbane League.