The Rugby League had suspended competitive Rugby in 1939 at the outbreak of war. Awaiting government advice on whether sport would be allowed to continue, the clubs got permission to play any fixtures which would have been part of the 1939/40 season as friendlies. Hunslet’s first was today at Huddersfield, even though it had since been announced that competitive rugby would re-commence on 30th September. A crowd of 6,000 saw a game where tackling was secondary as 65 points were scored. Hunslet had a weakened team out and Huddersfield took full advantage, winning 39—26. Hooker Les White was sent off for illegal hooking towards the end.

The programme for today’s home game in 1973 v Leigh welcomed Chris Mowforth as New Hunslet’s first signing from junior rugby after an impressive display in the “A” team. Also welcomed was Australian winger Ernie Kurtz, the only winger / grounsman in rugby league having been appointed to look after the ground. He had played four games in 1971/72 and would play six more in 73/74.

1947’s 2nd leg Yorkshire Cup tie was at Lawkholme Lane today against Keighley who had a six point advantage from the first leg. With home advantage Keighley were the favourites but Hunslet gave them a scare. Hunslet were described in one match report as a storming side and after thirty-five minutes had not only wiped out the six points but were five points in front. Hunslet had the advantage of the slope and a cross wind but Keighley got a lift when Elias scored an unconverted try on half-time. In the second half, Hunslet were seen to tire and Keighley through Elias got a further try this time goaled by Mills. All Hunslet could muster was a penalty by Griffiths and Keighley went through by the odd point in 43.  

The New Hunslet club played their first tie in the John Player Trophy today in 1973 at home to Leigh. In the next home programme the Hunslet performance was described as “RUBBISH” as they had lost 11-26.

The John Player and Regal Trophies were never a happy hunting ground for Hunslet and in 1979 it was another defeat, this time at Widnes 11-17. Newly promoted Hunslet had managed to get 6-5 in front with a Tony Dean drop goal on  32 minutes but Widnes led 10-6 at the break.. Hunslet’s first half try was appreciated by the Widnes Weekly News, describing it as real forward’s try as Kenny Sykes took the ball across half-way, fed Goerge Standidge who was collared by Eckersley but had enough room to pass to Mich Hughes who side-stepped Les Gorley in a 12 yard dash to the posts. Mick Parrish converted. In the second half Widnes gradually built up a 17-6 lead, although Danny Rowe was only stopped by a last ditch tackle on the line. Five minutes from time Tony Dean got a consolation try converted by Parrish.

1984’s Yorkshire Cup tie at York did not give the result Hunslet would have wanted as they went down 16-20.

Following yesterday’s mention of Gabby’s first Yorkshire appearance, today  was his second and last in 1959, also against Cumberland in a 13-26 defeat at Hull. The Cumbrians heavier pack made short work of Yorkshire’s six and with little possession Brian couldn’t shine. He was described as “worried and harassed” by opposite number Sid Lowdon. In the same game Geoff Gunney was in the out-played Yorkshire pack.

In 1953, Wales were playing England at St Helens in the European Championship. Jack Evans and Les Williams were among the Welsh backs. England won easily 24-5.

Notable debuts today include:-

1899 Jack Glew – signed from Bramley, forward Jack played 205 times in seven seasons including the 1905 Yorkshire Cup final. He had previously played ten games for Yorkshire RU while at Keighley and Featherstone RU. A Yorkshire Trial match in 1899/1900 unfortunately did not lead to  a call up.

Jack Glew

1905 Fred Smith – a key player in the All Four Cups season, half-back Fred had a stellar career with Hunslet after signing form Kippax AFC. He played in the three finals in 1907/08 and the following season’s Yorkshire Cup final. Club captain in 1913/14 and 1914/15 he continued to play through the Great War finally retiring in 1919. He played 322 games  and scored 66 tries. However, his greatest achievements were in the representative arena where he toured twice with the Northern Union Down Under. 27 Northern Union matches including nine Tests, 7 England games and 9 times for Yorkshire show Fred was truly a Hunslet great and he is rightly a member of Hunslet’s Hall Of Fame.

1944 Des Clarkson – making his first appearance at home to Featherstone Rovers, forward Des had signed from Lock Lane ARLFC. He played 144 games scoring 21 tries and 214 goals. He played for England, Yorkshire and in a Tour Trial while at Parkside. In 1948 he transferred to Leigh but was soon back in Leeds, signing on at Headingley in December 1948 and playing 117 games for Leeds. He then moved to Halifax, playing a further 116 games before ending his career at Keighley.

Des Clarkson