7th September 1895 is one of the most important dates in the history of Rugby League – the day that the new Northern Union saw it’s first fixtures played. Hunslet’s start under the new regime was an away game over in Lancashire at Warrington. Whilst Hunslet had played in Cumberland, Wales, Ireland and Isle Of Man, these were tours where the players stayed over and played two or three fixtures. Only twice had they travelled over the Pennines for a fixture and returned the same day. The first was in 1890 with a trip to St. Helens and the last match of the Union era at Lancaster, so it was a relatively new experience for the club to adapt to. On the day, Hunslet’s ranks were depleted due to Albert Goldthorpe and Herb Robinson playing for Hunslet CC in the Leeds League cricket final. Jack Rathmell was also unavailable. The teams were evenly matched, it was 0-0 at half-time. Walter Goldthorpe dropped a second half goal before Burton converted Foden’s try to give the home side a 5-4 win. Of all the teams Hunslet have faced since 1895, Warrington are the only opponents who they have not beaten away. The nearest they came was in 1903 and 1945 when they drew 5-5 and 8-8. Other one point defeats were 1905 7-8 and the 1986 John Player cup tie when Warrington got the fright of their lives as Second Division Hunslet led 10-6 at half-time only to fall to two penalty goals and a drop goal 15 minutes from time. In 1928 Hunslet did get some satisfaction when the 68 points they scored at Parkside was the highest match points scored, a record that stood until 1993.
In Albert Goldthorpe’s second season he set a new goals in a match record with 5 against York at Parkside.
Yorkshire Cup ties over the years were 1959 at Headingley where Leeds progressed to the semi-final with a 15-10 win. After a 63 match run of scoring in every game, Billy Langton maintained his record but missed 9 penalty goal attempts which would likely have taken Hunslet through. In 1963 Wakefield Trinity came to Parkside and left with a 9-4 win. Hunslet, the Cup holders, were without Bernard Prior and Jeff Stevenson an a wet night. It was 2-0 to Trnity at half-time. Payne and Langton swapped penalty goals before winger Hirst scored Trinity’s decisive try, kicking through three times on a 45 yard run before just beating Langton to the touch-down. In 1968 Huddersfield were the visitors and Hunslet saw them off 19-11 with two Phil Morgan and Johnny Walker’s tries.
On debut today, in 1940, was Frank “Shanks” Watson. He would play 250 games for Hunslet, including the 1944/45 Yorkshire Cup final before transferring to Leeds. In 1986, David Ward and Peter Jarvis brought in no-nonsense prop Keith Mason from Dewsbury. He was an important member of the promotion team and was at Hunslet for five seasons making 87 appearances.
Keith Mason
Before the start of the today’s 1907 match with Dewsbury Councillor Wainman, President of the club, hoisted a new club flag in the chocolate and white colours with the letters H. C. F. and A.C. It certainly brought good fortune as the club swept all before them to win all four trophies on offer.
