Wigan Album

what year was this Tom and who were they playing?
Bet this pic makes you proud every time you look at it!

Scholes Malc ,I am not sure of the exact date it was before 1936,as the Duke of York became King George VI in that year. I think it was against the Australians,I have a cup when played for Castleford against the Aussie 1937,I will post a photograph on the site.

Could it be the 1934 match against Broughton Rangers, played at their ground (the Cliff) on October 20th, the score 7 - 27 and the attendance was 6,000. Prescott scored Leigh's try and Walsh kicked two goals. Leigh had beaten Broughton at home just over 4 weeks earlier by 32 points to 24.

Keith ,was it a cup match? ,it seems unlikely the Duke of York would have attended an ordinary league game.I would be grateful for any information you may have, Thankyou .

Hi Tom, it was a League match but the Duke of York, later King George V, was paying a visit to Manchester playing fields which included the Cliff. I have even better news for you if you go to http://www.britishpathe.com/video/duke-of-york-in-manchester
you will see your father on film. This is similar to my experience when i found a 1944 film of my father playing for Wigan against Bradford in the 1944 Cup Final at Odsal. Best wishes, Keith.

Keith,I've just watched the film,you mentioned,it was truly amazing to watch my dad some 78years ago,it seems surreal and unbelievable.My children and grandchildren will be equally amazed. THANKYOU VERY MUCH !

Hi Tom, good to hear you got my message. I know just how much these things mean since, I, like you, had a father who played the greatest and hardest professional game ever invented. However, unlike you, talent skipped a generation in my case, and I had to content myself with a 40 year stint at the "chalkface". Best wishes, Keith.