On This Day….25th, 26th and 27th July

25^rd July….

Today in 2010 Hunslet recorded their highest ever score, 86 points at Gateshead Thunder, beating the 82 points put on Highfield in 1996. In the game two scoring records were equalled – Waine Pryce touched down six times to equal Willie Swann’s effort in 2000 and David March slotted over 11 goals to match Simon Wilson’s tally in 1996 – both records for the re-formed club.

A couple of Tour matches were played in Auckland today. In 1914 Fred Smith was at half-back in a 34-12 win and Harry Beverley was at loose forward in 1936 in the 22-16 victory.

26^th July….

The 1966 tour visited Balmain in Sydney today and were narrowly beaten 8-9. Geoff Shelton was in the centre. It seems the main point of interest came after the final whistle. The touch judge ruled out what the GB players thought was a legitimate first half try by Barrow’s Bill Burgess and as they left the field they had words. The touch judge appeared to shove Burgess out of the way and at this point Tommy Bishop got involved then made his way to the dressing room despite the referee calling him back. Bishop later apologised to the ref but was told a report had already been submitted. Geoff is credited for his part in the passing move which led to Britain’s first try scored by Swinton Alan Buckley.

In 1946 Hunslet secured the services of Edward Michael Carroll from Castleford RU and he was registered with the RL today. Initially a centre and later a second rower Ted had a 10 season career with Hunslet making 282 appearances and scoring 64 tries. He played half a season with Dewsbury after leaving Hunslet. Easily recognised by a badly broken nose which he didn’t have corrective surgery on and after rugby he made his way as an actor appearing in Flash Gordon, Kes and Dracula films as well as numerous TV rolls.  

27^th July….

Two tour matches were played today. In 1954 Alf Burnell and Dickie Williams were up against Wellington in New Zealand as GB crushed the hosts 61-18, Dickie getting a try.

In 1957 the short tour of South Africa with France continued following the World Cup and Geoff Gunney got a hat-trick in another high scoring win 69-11 in East London.