The big day arrived- 1934 and Hunslet’s first visit to Wembley to meet their Lancastrian opponents Widnes in the Challenge Cup. There were no favourites as both teams were described in the Leeds Mercury as “outstanding examples of the merits of team work and unfailing spirit in the sternest side of football”. James Traill and Ernest Winter were injury doubts during the week and Traill stood down on match day for Len Smith to take his place. The Mercury printed the teams ages and weights- it was 13 Lancastrians against 12 Hunslet locals and Les White, a Welshman.
41,280 attended and saw Cyril Morrell open the scoring on 26 minutes, but he broke his collarbone as he was tackled on the line and had to leave for hospital. Loose forward Harry Beverley took his place and it was five forwards against six. It was 5-3 to Hunslet at half-time and in the second half Harry Beverley scored from a Dolly Dawson pass and Len Smith when, expected to pass to his winger, drove to the line and scored before the Widnes defenders reacted. The first Challenge Cup success since 1908 had been achieved.
In 1966 a Rugby League XIII travelled to France to play a Paris XIII and Hunslet were represented by Dennis Hartley and Billy Langton. The French won 20-0.
On debut today at Swinton was Shaun Irwin. He played an initial season for Hunslet before moving to Featherstone Rovers for two years. He came back in 1999 and played in the Grand Final against Dewsbury and one further season. He played a total of 66 games and scored 21 tries
