The papers today were reporting on Saturday’s 1902 Challenge Cup semi-final and Hunslet were facing Broughton Rangers at Belle Vue, Wakefield.18,000, on a drizzly day, saw Hunslet take the lead when Abert and Walter Goldthorpe combined to put Billy Hannah in at the corner but the kick failed. Rangers equalised almost immediately with their own unconverted try and scored again to make it 6-3 at half-time. Albert pulled it back to 5-6 with a drop goal. Shortly after, James Jackson got himself sent off after an encounter with Oram and Hunslet paid the price as Broughton ran in a third try and progressed to the final.
It was the time of the year when the old winter seasons were coming to an end and no less than five concluded today. At Parkside in 1901/02 a replay of an abandoned match against Oldham was the last action of the season. An 11th place finish out of the 14 teams looked worse than it was as 4 points were deducted for a breach of professional rules in regard to a mix up over a permit for Billy Hannah, who was also the top try scorer with 13. Albert Goldthorpe was, as usual, top goal scorer with 43 and points with 89.
A defeat at Widnes closed 1922/23 and 18th out of 27 was a slight improvement over the previous season as Hunslet slowly built a competitive team. Winger Arthur Walker got 22 tries and Walter Guerin kicked 25 goals and scored 77 points.
The 1933/34 league season ended at Parkside against Broughton Rangers. There was still the Challenge Cup final to come and George Todd would be top try scorer with 23 and Mark Tolson top goals (63) and points (132).
In 1893/94 39 matches were played in the Yorkshire Senior Competition, Yorkshire Cup and ordinary matches. 23 were won and 3 drawn. Albert G kicked 41 goals and Walter Goldthorpe and Jack Wright both scored 12 tries.
A mid-table finish in the Second Division in 1990/91 with 13 wins and 2 draws. Australian Paul White topped the try scorers with 13 and Tim Lumb the goals scorers with 84.
Other events today…..
The only ever visit to London club Acton & Willesden in 1936, losing 6-16
The last win over Wigan, 19-16 at Central Park in 1986.
Prop Michael Haley makes his debut at Swinton in 2013 – played 131 games for Hunslet and represented Ireland on three occasions.
