In 1889 the last of the Goldthorpe brothers to start his Hunslet career made his debut. Against Kirkstall at Parkside, 16 year old Walter donned the Hunslet shirt to begin a 20 year association with the club. It was a scoring debut as he converted Charlie Lapping’s try late on. He played 38 games the first season and drew the attention of the Yorkshire selectors in 1891 when he played in two trials for Yorkshire before making his county debut in November against Durham at Hull along with brother Albert as they become Hunslet’s first representative players. Walter’s next highlight was appearing in the 1892 Yorkshire Cup final victory over Leeds. Moving into the Northern Union era he featured in the 1898 Championship Play-Off and the following year’s Challenge Cup Final. He missed 1907’s Yorkshire Cup final  but made the Challenge Cup and Championship finals. Early the next season it seemed Walter’s opportunities would be limited as he only made three appearances in the first two months and in November transferred across the river to Leeds. He had played 203 Union games and 408 in the Northen Union racking up 91 tries and 129 goals for 531 points. He was with The Loiners for two seasons playing 50 matches (16 tries, 44 goals and 236 points). He played in Leeds’ drawn Challenge Cup Final and replay against Hull, scoring a try in each game.

Walter G.

In 1986, Hunslet had engaged David Ward as coach, assisted by Peter Jarvis. Having been told to get the players they wanted who would do the job, five newcomers were on debut today. Coming in from Hanging Heaton ARLFC, winger Mick Bell would play for two seasons scoring 18 tries in 47 games. Centre Gary Senior came from Huddersfield and scored 11 tries in his two seasons. Another from the amateur ranks was half-back Jed Coates from Yew Tree ARLFC. In five years at the club he played 109 games and got 23 tries. Coming up the M1 from Fulham was second-row goalkicker Alan Platt. The first home programme didn’t reveal Alan’s transfer fee, just stating it was more than the total taken at the turnstiles the previous season! In 60 games he kicked 141 goals and got 14 tries. Coming across the river was Leeds forward and the club’s new captain Terry Webb. After three seasons at Headingley he came to Elland Road and made 58 appearances and scored 13 tries. The match at Runcorn was an easy 36-0 win and with more signings to come it was looking like a promising season for the club.

The 1940 Lazenby Cup was played today at Parkside and Leeds sent a scratch side over with only full-back Kelly a regular. Consequently, Hunslet ran out easy winners 45-10.

The first round of the 1957 Yorkshire Cup was today and Hunslet faced a tricky tie at The Boulevard. Tries by Stockdill and Gabbitas with 5 Talbot goals eased Hunslet through 16-14.

The last match of the 2008 season was played today at Doncaster and a disastrous season where only five games were won (and one of those was against amateurs Bank Quay Bulls) ended with a 4-52 defeat.

Registrations for the new seasons included George “Jock” Cornell in 1930 from Leicester RU. A centre, he played 44 games for Hunslet and scored 15 tries. 1944 saw forward Des Clarkson join the first team ranks from Lock Lane ARLFC. In five seasons he played 144 games including both legs of the 1944 Yorkshire Cup final. He kicked 214 goals and scored 21 tries before moving to Leeds and then Halifax. He played for England, Yorkshire and in a Tour Trial while at Hunslet. Goalkicking forward Mark Tolson signed on in 1930. In twelve season he played 248 games and kicked 348 goals. He played in the 1934 Challenge Cup and 1938 Championship finals. He was on Leeds United’s books before his rugby career. Forward Charles Uttley signed in 1903 from Thrum Hall ARLFC. 68 games in three seasons and a County Trial was his contribution to the club.

Mark Tolson