Decimal Day
It was officially Monday 15th February 1971 when the UK switched from pounds, shillings and pence to pounds and new pence but Hunslet were ahead of the game and for the Keighley match on Saturday 13th, you could pay for entry or your programme in either old or new currency. I remember getting the bus from Tommy Wass to the Crescent cinema, hoping the conductor would give me 2 ½ p in my change so I could use the new “funny money” for the first time, and he did! That was the only memorable thing about the day though as Dave Marshall kicked an early penalty and George Clark scored a try as Hunslet lost 5-20.
In 1983, Hunslet, mid Second Division, had been drawn to play Hull Kingston Rovers, flying high in the First Division, at Elland Road in the Challenge Cup. Quite rightly, nobody gave Hunslet a chance. Things seemed to be going as expected when Rover’s Robinson got an unconverted try on 13 minutes, only for Fitzsimons to get a penalty and then a drop goal a couple of minutes later. All square. That was it for the first half scoring, Hunslet were loudly applauded off and The Hull Daily Mail reported that KR’s, “warning signs were flashing wildly”.
Early in the second half Fitzsimons slotted over another penalty before Kelly scored Hull Kingston’s second try on the hour, again unconverted. Fitzsimons dropped a 2nd goal on 71 minutes, 6-6. One minute later the game was on its head – Peter Roe going over for a try, Fitzsimons converting and getting another drop goal 3 minutes later for a six point lead. Rovers needed to score twice to win and got one converted try back in the 79th minute. All Fitzsimons had to do was put the kick-off deep into the corner, defend the return and the game would be over. But no, Eric, Hunslet’s hero of the day with his kicking, put the restart straight into touch, giving Fairburn the chance to snatch the win with the penalty from half way. Fortunately, it drifted wide, the hooter went and Hunslet celebrated a famous win.
After yesterday’s first visit to Barley Mow under Union rules, today in 1897 was the first visit in the Northern Union to the same ground at Bramley, but this time we came away chastened with a 0-5 defeat.
Debutants today in 2005 included Matt Carbutt, Mark Cass and Mark Moxon. Matt was the longest serving with 6 seasons (including a two season return in 2016) for 92 appearances. Moxon was with the club for five seasons (122 games) and Cass for 3 seasons (44 games).
The 1915 programme for today lamented Hunslet’s luck in cup draws. Seven out of the last ten draws saw Hunslet “second out of the bag” and the draw for the first round of this seasons Challenge cup saw them drawn away at Hull Kingston Rovers.
