Today in 1948 was the Diamond Jubilee of Hunslet’s first “official” match at Parkside. The first event was a service at Hunslet Carr Methodist Church attended by the players and committee men. Edgar Meeks, the Chairman, was presiding and the old stalwart Jack Walkington gave the reading. Dewsbury were the visitors in a league game. Proceedings were planned to start at 2.25 with speeches and music. Spectators were being urged to sing a hearty rendition of “We’ve Swept The Seas Before” towards the conclusion of the game. Fred Davies from Pontypool made his debut in this game after his registration on 31st January.
All clubs have what are known as “unsung heroes” and in 1923 Hunslet registered a young forward who was to become an unsung hero of the side for 11 seasons. His name was Henry Moss and made 200 appearances for the club. Always, when mentioned in the press, he was referred to as a hard-working and fair second rower. He signed from Hunslet Carr Junior rugby and played in the 1929 Yorkshire Cup final.
In 1982, Roy Milton signed for Hunslet from Castleford amateur rugby. A scrum half, Roy made 58 appearances, scoring 12 tries in 6 seasons with the club before moving on to Nottingham City.
In 1920 St. Helens Recreation made their first of only five visits to Parkside. It was a Challenge Cup tie and the Recs went home happy after winning 9-0.
And in 1931, we visited Wigan Highfield for our one and only match against them, a Challenge Cup tie lost 12-13.
In 1906, Billy Eagers turned out for Cumberland at full back against Lancashire at Wigan. This was a play-off for the Championship after both sides won one and drew one game. It finished 3-3 and the Championship was shared.
In 1993 we travelled to Nottingham City and in winning 76-4 posted the highest score by Hunslet to date.
