The 1899 Challenge Cup tie at Swinton was locked at 0-0 well into the second half when the Swinton full-back gathered a kick under his posts and was immediately tackled. Having no support he delayed the play the ball and was penalised giving Albert Goldthorpe an easy kick which he duly landed. The referee, T W Marshall of Braford, had earlier reprimanded Richard Rubrey but let him remain on the field but soon after dismissed Swinton’s Messer for rough play. The Swinton players must have felt aggrieved and play up to the final whistle became “rough and tumble in nature”. Mr Marshall also reported the Swinton club for the treatment he received at the end of the match from their supporters, saying they had thrown sods and kicked him and the YEP reported that the Swinton players and officials “fought hard for the referee against these Snarley-yows”. An inquiry was held and Swinton’s defence was that it was a mistake to appoint a Yorkshire referee and his one sided decisions had inflamed the crowd. They asked for the match to be replayed at a neutral venue. The outcome was a closure of Swinton’s ground until the end of October.
The other two cup ties today were 1893s Yorkshire Cup 2nd round where Hunslet made their first visit to neighbours Leeds Parish Church and won 4-0 and 2012s 3rd round Challenge Cup match against the Royal Navy, the only time they have played a services team. The Navy played well until fading in the second half and went down 34-14.
Brian Culley may not be a name many are familiar with. He came through the system with the Juniors and Intermediates and was registered with the club today in 1954. He only played in the first team once, the Lazenby Cup match in 1957. The ex-Players Association described him as a “rock solid rugby league man” He had strong family connections with the club as both his grandfather and father (both named John) were with the club but neither played first team rugby and schools in Leeds played for the Culley Cup for many years. Brian made one representative appearance, playing for British Services against France Services in 1955/56.
On debut today in a defeat at Bradford Bulls was former forward Josh Jordan-Roberts. After playing one season he moved to York City Knights and Rochdale Hornets before returning in 2022. He played 79 matches for Hunslet and scored 20 tries and 1 goal. He played 22 matches last season, playing in the Swinton match which saw Hunslet promoted.
By coincidence, two match records were set today. In 1967 Hunslet’s highest home loss to date of 14-45 to Halifax and 2007s highest loss away 6-83 against Dewsbury (which would be surpassed later the same season)..
