Albert Goldthorpe and Family

Hunslet v Halifax

Hunslet secure well earned victory

Hunslet's route to the final had seen them defeat the Leeds based junior side Saville Green and Keighley in the early rounds. The semi final against Hull Kingston Rovers was something of a cricket score 'Bad Light Stopped Play!' but the Parksiders were victorious in the replay.

An official crowd of 17,000 were at Park Avenue, the home of Bradford, on Saturday December 2nd to see the game against Halifax. The actual attendance was much greater as hundreds more who looked like missing the kick off gained admission in whichever way they could.

The Hunslet team line up was:- Herbert Place, Charlie Ward, Billy Eagers, Walter Goldthorpe, William Ward, Albert Goldthorpe, Albert Everson, Billy Brookes, J W Glew, Tom Walsh, Billy Jukes, Jack Randall and Harry Wilson.

In the opening stages Fax enjoyed plenty of possession and following a good passing movement they took the lead when Drummond scored an unconverted try in the corner. Little had a couple of chances to increase the lead with long range penalties but both failed. Wedgewood also missed a fairly easy kick. But then it was time for Albert Goldthorpe to take charge. He started to use the kicking game to great effect especially with short kicks which were ideal for the stronger Hunslet forwards. Before half time Halifax were forced to concede a penalty which Walter Goldthorpe kicked. There was further Hunslet pressure before half time but the Halifax line held and they still led 3 - 2 at the break.

The second half opened with Albert dropping a neat goal from a scrum to give his team the lead. Hunslets advantage then became much more prominent and the 2nd half became almost one way traffic with the forwards dominating the Halifax pack. Further scores came with 2 more drop goals from Albert, a second penalty goal from Walter and a try from Charlie Ward. Halifax were relived to hear Referee McCuteheon's final whistle and the Hunslet team had secured the trophy.

Final Score - Hunslet 12 Halifax 3

After the game 'Arh Albert' received a tremendous reception as he stepped up to accept the trophy on behalf of his colleagues from Mrs J B Cooke.

Without doubt the best side had won, all the Hunslet players played well but the victory was down to the hard working forwards and the leadership of man of the match Albert Goldthorpe. His achivements here were all the more remarkable as he had been under the care of a London doctor and doubtful for the game following an injury sustained the previous week.