“Mr Hunslet” Geoff Gunney made his debut today as a 17 year old in 1951 at home to Cardiff. In an easy 40-15 win Geoff was mentioned in many of the match reports for his fine performance and for landing two long range goals kicks. He had signed from Hunslet supporters in May and was gently introduced to first team rugby with just 25 appearances in his first two seasons. In 1953/54 he caught the eye of the selectors and became one of the youngest forwards to tour with Great Britain Down Under, playing 19 games including the Test Match with New Zealand. Later in 1954 he was selected for the World Cup squad but had to cry off through injury. His representative career continued until 1964/65 playing 34 games for Great Britain (including 9 Tests and the 1957 World Cup) and 9 times for Yorkshire. For Hunslet he played in two Yorkshire Cup finals, the 1959 Championship Final and 1965 at Wembley. His playing career took in 580 games scoring 125 tries and 75 goals. He hung up his boots after two games for New Hunslet in their first season and in Geoff’s 23rd. In 1970 he was awarded the MBE for services to Rugby League football and is a member of Hunslet’s Hall Of Fame.
Geoff Gunney
Geoff’s debut match above against Cardiff was the first meeting of the two clubs. In their match preview the Yorkshire Post said Hunslet “would be ready to take up croquet” if they lost to the league newcomers.
In 1958 Brian Gabbitas played in his first of two Yorkshire matches against Cumberland at Whitehaven. They lost heavily 7-29 and most of the squad were dropped for the following match against Lancashire.
Hunslet and Wakefield Trinity have a long rivalry playing each other 185 times in competitive matches and today was the first of these in 1888. At Parkside, it was a draw, no goals and one try to each side.
The 2019 season ended today with a 24-32 defeat at home to Workington Town. Hunslet had finished in mid-table in League One, winning 12 of their 20 fixtures. Gareth Potts was the leading try scorer with 19 and Reece Dean took the goals and points honours with 69 and 162.
Gareth Potts
Following the narrow 8-7 win at Keighley in the 1948 Yorkshire Cup 1st leg, in a game dominated by the defences, Tuss Griffiths’ late penalties took Hunslet through 9-5 as Mills of Keighley missed his chances.
A Yorkshire Cup trip to Castleford in 1985 saw Hunslet fall at the first hurdle 2-50.
In New Hunslet’s second season, 1974/75, against Blackpool Borough at home, Bob Pickles set goals and points in a match records for the new club with 10 goals and a try for 23 points.
Bob Pickles
