It’s the 40th anniversary of the closing of the Parkside ground, the historic home of Hunslet rugby league club.
Photo courtesy of hunsletrugby.co.uk
On the 21st April 1973 Hunslet played York in the last ever game at Parkside. Geoff Gunney was the last player to leave the pitch after Hunslet lost 5 -22. Thankfully, the club reformed under the ‘New Hunslet’ name and, driven on by, directors, fans and players such as Geoff Gunney, continues to play to this day. A full history of the club can be found on their website.
To commemorate this 40th Anniversary, this Sunday (28th April), Hunslet Hawks will again take on York City Knights, and players from both clubs who played in that last ever game at Parkside will be in attendance.
Joining the fans on Sunday will be many of the players who played in that 1973-4 season as well as several older players.
From York come, Full back, Keith Gullen; wingers, Clive Hill and Steve Quinn; centre, Dave Rippon; half-back combination, Gary Smith and Tony Sullivan; hooker, Ian Payne; forwards, Colin Forsyth, Charlie Hillman and Danny Sheehan. Also joining us will be the 2 York subs, Brian Meillam and Peter Cookland, along with kitman, Jeff Whitaker.
For Hunslet, we are proud to welcome back Geoff Gunney, who played full-back that day. Joining him will be, George Clark, the winger; Peter Rycroft and Phil Horrocks, the Hunslet half-backs; Ron Dobson, the number 8 will be joined by numbers 10, 11, 12 and 13 Billy Adams, Kenny Sykes, Alan Griffiths and Phil Sanderson. Super-sub Tommy Taylor completes the Hunslet line-up.
The players will be introduced to the fans at half-time and we know that all fans of Hunslet and York will want to come along to this special occasion and introduce their children to the greats of yesteryear. Admission is only £3 for children, £8 for concessions and £16 for adults. Superleague season ticket holders can show their season ticket in the club office to get admission for half price, as can Leeds University students, on production of their Student Card. Kick Off is 3pm at the South Leeds Stadium.
Come along for a great afternoon of rugby league and to relive past memories with the former players.
I played with Hunslet supports in 1958 to 1968.
we used to change in the cricket pavilion