1939 had seen the outbreak of war and the suspension of competitive rugby. On the 14th of September the Rugby League decided County Competitions could be arranged and Secretaries of those clubs wishing to compete should confirm to the Rugby League so fixtures could be arranged. Gates were to be shared and players who had difficulty in travelling to their own club’s game could play for another club subject to the agreement of their own club. Referees and players would receive 10/- plus fares. Players at Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford Northern took part in the ‘Ten Bob Strike’. Huddersfield and Halifax relented ‘under protest’ but Bradford held out until the Rugby League promised to review. So the scene was set for rugby to commence today. Hunslet’s first game in the War Emergency League Yorkshire Section was at home to strikers Halifax. Both teams were missing key players and only 1,500 turned up to watch. Despite their protestations, playing for ten bob didn’t affect Halifax’s performance as they ran out easy winners 29-16.

Back in the early days of the Northern Union forward Albert Lunn made his debut in 1899 at home to Hull Kingston Rovers. He signed from Stourton and was a Yorkshire County player while at Parkside. After 72 games he transferred to Leeds in 1904.

Albert Lunn

Just one international match was played today involving a Hunslet player. Charlie Sage had come north from  Wales in 1920 and in 1925 he was selected to play for his country against England at Wigan. England’s forwards, despite losing one member to injury and being out-weighed secured a majority of possession from the scrums and outplayed Wales to win 18-14. Charlie was the grandfather of recent Hall Of Fame inductee David Brook.

Charlie Sage

A trip to Wakefield today in 1936 for the Yorkshire Cup semi-final. Hunslet were without four first teamers and found themselves 8-0 down at half -time to a 12 man Wakefield. Frank Abell pulled a try back but Wakefield restored their lead before Cyril Plenderleith scored a late try. The match report blames Hunslet for their own downfall through missed goal-kicks and squandered chances.

In 1948 it was a trip across the city to Headingley for the Yorkshire Cup quarter-final against Leeds. Two refereeing decisions played a big part in the result. Early in the second-half Ted Carroll dived in at the corner but the spectators close to play were convinced he had dropped the ball. Ref Albert Dobson let it stand. Twelve minutes later a Leeds penalty hit the upright, a Hunslet defender fumbled and Arthur Clues followed up to gather the ball and score. Mr. Dobson said ‘no try’ due to Clues knocking on. However the reporter at the ground felt Hunslet were worthy winners with ‘terrier-like defence’ and an abundance of possession. Tuss Griffiths was clearly the Man Of The Match and Hunslet won 11-7, Leeds scoring five points with the last move of the match.

In 1921 Leeds had scored 29 points at Hunslet, the most they had conceded and today Halifax visited and repeated the feat.

In 1977 a young lad from New Zealand came across for the season and signed on today. His name was Gary Kemble and he had a great season at the Greyhounds. Over at the Boulevard Hull  obviously took note and in 1981 brought him back to England where he played in their very successful team. He had played for Auckland before Hunslet and represented New Zealand and New Zealand Māori after. He played 22 games for Hunslet scoring 6 tries.

Gary Kemble