The Yorkshire Post, in 1903, reported that, during the week, Mr Biggins, the Hunslet Treasurer had travelled to Leicester to, he thought, finalise negotiations with Dalkin, the Leicester RU centre. On arrival at Leicester Station he located “Dalkin” through a pre-arranged gesture, but soon realised he had been duped when faced with an angry group of Leicester officials, players and supporters armed with bags of flour and soot!

Hunslet had signed centre Edward Hawley from Leicester the previous season and Mr. Biggins was told of the great upset that the poaching of Dalkin was causing, hence the protest. The Leicester officials suggested he accompany them to a local hotel. He agreed after assurances that the Leicester boys would act in a gentlemanly manner. They agreed but in return he had to buy Whisky and Polly ( a sparkling water, evidently) and cigars all round to which he agreed.

He was told to send a telegram to Hunslet stating “Fallen into a Hornets nest, or rather the Tiger’s claws. Pray for me”. This was fine as a joke, but the Post Office delivered it to Biggin’s wife, not the club, and you can imagine her upset until he returned home at 4 o’clock the following morning!

It is not reported what part Hawley played in all this, all we know is he was soon on his way to play for Saville Green!

Dalkin never signed for Hunslet and the bags of flour and soot were not needed !!

The evening ended amicably with Leicester extending an invite to the Hunslet committee to a future home game as guests of the club. Biggins, it is reported, said he would not be participating in “future expeditions such as this”.

The press also reported that in Hunslet’s 1903 match at Hull this day, an over excited spectator entered the field of play and it took three policemen to apprehend, handcuff and remove the offender. Hunslet won 5-2.

Three notable signing today.

Gwyn Gronow, signed from Halifax in 1947. He was the son of the well known Ben Gronow, the Northern Union and Welsh international and was himself previously a Yorkshire player. He later moved to Leeds then Doncaster.

John Russell came from Penarth RU in 1948 and transferred the new Cardiff RLFC in 1951 for £150. Harry Jepson’s signings ledger states that they still owe us the money!!!

Harry Poole, a second rower from Lock Lane ARLFC joined in 1956 and was part of a pack including Sam Smith, Don Hatfield, Brian Shaw and Geoff Gunney. He moved to Hull Kingston Rovers in 1961 and captained Great Britain on the 1966 tour to Australasia. He later had a spell at Leeds before returning to Parkside as first team coach in 1970.