Hunslet Official Suspended
In 1902, the public received, in their morning papers, a report on the meeting of the General Committee Of The Northern Union. In it, it was stated that it was “Resolved that Mr Bairsto, having refused to apologise for his speech at the Hunslet General meeting, and this committee regret they have no course but suspend him from taking further part in Football management.” As the Yorkshire Post put it, what caused this “ruffling of feathers”. For an alleged breach of the Employment Clause by Billy Hannah on the 14th of December, he was subsequently debarred from playing on the 1st of February. Hannah was reinstated at a further meeting but Hunslet were fined £5 5s and deducted two points. At the Hunslet General Meeting, Mr Bairsto, believing Hunslet were the victims of a clerical error, made a scathing speech on the matter. The Northern Union asked him to apologise for his comments which he refused to do. He was suspended from holding a position at Hunslet or on the Northern Union and subsequently resigned his positions, never to partake in administrative duties again.
Today in 1893, under Union rules, Hunslet played their final game of the first Yorkshire Senior Competition. 10 teams competed and Hunslet ended the season in 2nd place, having won ten and drawn three of their 18 matches. Bradford were the first winners of this new competition.
In 1914, Tour Trial was taking place at Headingley. For the Whites against the Stripes, Hunslet provided winger Albert Jenkinson, half back Fred Smith and forwards William Fowler and Walter Guerin. The whites won 26-18 with Jenkinson getting a try. Smith and Guerin booked a place on the boat, together with John Smales who did not play in the Trial.
The 1906 Challenge Cup started today. Hunslet had a home draw with Cumberland junior club Parton and went through comfortably 22-3. In the second round at the Boulevard, which Hunslet won 7-5, the players and referee were subject to stone throwing and abuse at the end of the game. The Boulevard was suspended by the authorities until the end of the season. Hunslet’s attempt to reach a 2nd final were thwarted in the quarter final with a 2-8 defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers.
