10th May….
Having gained promotion by finishing top of the table in 1986/87 Hunslet entered the new Premiership Play-offs. An easy win at home over Carlisle brought Rochdale Hornets to Elland Road in the semi-final. Two tries in the first quarter of an hour set Hunslet on their way and although they only lead 10-4 at the break they cut loose in the second half to win 32-8 and a final next week at Old Trafford against Swinton.
In 1956 England had a trip to Lyon to take on France in the European Championships. Both teams had lost to Other Nationalities so were playing to avoid the wooden spoon. Hunslet hooker Sam Smith was selected and he and his fellow forwards were reported to have played well. It was 4-3 to France at half-time but France dominated the second half to win 23-9. It was so hot that Allan Davies (Oldham) and Geoff Gunney (who didn’t play) had their hair crew-cut. By coincidence Geoff had signed for Hunslet on this day in 1951
11th May….
Two days earlier Hunslet went to Huddersfield to play in Lionel Cooper’s benefit match and today they repaid the compliment by coming over to Parkside to provide the opposition for Ted Carroll’s benefit. After an even first-half a new rule was trialled when after two tackles the ball was to be handed to the opposition. Huddersfield adapted better and ran out winners 28-13.
Today’s programme for the home game with Featherstone Rovers in 1940 bemoaned Hunslet’s misfortune with full-backs this season. The debut of young Jack Kelly today brought the total to ten.
12th May….
In 1948 a benefit match was played for Eddie Bennett, Joe Britton and Colin Stansfield. It was against an Empire XIII put together by Arthur Clues. With international players Brian Bevan, Lionel Cooper, Pat Devery and Clues himself in the side they overwhelmed Hunslet 56-8. 8,000 attended to boost the benefit fund.
Following the Cricket Commitee meting on the 8th the following notice was placed in the Leeds Times today in 1983.
