Wigan Album

Robert, thank you for posting this series of photographs. I know your Uncle Gerard very well, as nice a man as you would wish to meet. The next one in this compilation St. Patricks team is fascinating I know most of the lads on that team. The proud rugby tradition still carries on today ,you still hear the cry "come on the Pats"

At least 2 other ex Wigan players, Ernie Ashcroft and Ted Slevin. Both front row on the right.

Please, someone educate me. How, and why did Ernie Ashcroft end up playing for Huddersfield?

Syd,
I believe he went as player coach.

Aubrey; See:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Ashcroft

Ernest,
Thanks for the info. I can remember him playing at Huddersfield. He was a good centre and probably the best exponent of the 'dummy' pass.

Wasn't Ernie Ashcroft's father, Jack Ashcroft, who in the fifties lived in Birkett Bank? When I worked in the tunnels, at the Maypole pit, Jack Ashcroft was the overseeing fireman.

Back row,4th from left ,looks like another wigan lad ROY
Thornley.

My father Ted Slevin was mates with Gerry Howe and often bumped into him in Wigan when they had retired. Lots of Wiganers tried out Huddersfield and Ernie Ashcroft was a great friend. I often saw Ernie, Roy Thornley, Brian Shacklady and Gerry as I was growing up. Lots of Wiganers ended up playing for Huddersfield George Curran was another one. Thanks for the photograph I will try and name the team in another post.

The team is back row Curry, Noble, Bowman. Thornley, Heaps?, ?, Breen, ? Front row Howe, Wicks, Smales, Ashcroft(c) Slevin.

Huddersfield lost 9-22. I have checked the team sheet. Curry, Noble , Bowman, Thornley, Deveraux, Woods, Breen, Brown, Front row Howe, Booth, Smales, Ashcroft(c) Slevin. Sorry for any confusion.

I remember going to Fartown Huddersfield in the 1960-61 season with Ernie and his nephew Tony Meadows to watch a couple of matches. We travelled in Ernie's old Ford Popular car, on those minor roads over the top to Huddersfield (pre M62), which had a nightmare return journey home especially in Winter. I can remember quite a few Wigan lads playing at Huddersfield at that time that Jeff has named. I have fond memories of Ernie, a true gentleman of the game.

My late father is on this photo. Thanks for uploading it, Robert. My dad had very fond memories of Fartown.
They were a decent side then. The Wigan based players used to travel over in one or two cars for training, matches etc. A long journey in those days especially after doing a shift down the pit. The spirit at the club was second to none(according to my dad). Two fearless prop forwards in the team, Ted Slevin and Jack Fairbank spurred him on.
Norman Cherrington also did a spell at Fartown around 1962.
He scored a few tries for them.

One Easter Monday we were behind Ernie, it was snowing and his car nearly went over the edge,a very precarious jouney indeed. The game was called off. My father described Ernie as a true gent and a great player.

Jeff,
Your father was o.k. as well. I got to know him when you were in The Bridgewater Arms.

Robert
Your picture has brought back many happy memories. I played rugby with Ian T. Thanks to you for sharing and all the marvellous comments. For your information all the players records are available on the Huddersfield rl heritage site (thats if you didnt know already!)

I remember you well, Jeff. And a bloody good hooker you were! I remember my dad telling a tale when Huddersfield played Whitehaven away. Your dad had "roughed a few of the Haven players up during the game. In those days at the Recreation Ground you came off the pitch in the corner and had to walk through the crowd to get to the changing rooms.
A little old lady spied her chance and proceeded to attack your dad with her umbrella calling him a dirty so and so!
Hilarious!

Yes Ian. All the older players had funny stories to tell. I know all the Wigan players at Huddersfield were good mates and when they were together had great times. Anyone who has been on this thread please feel free to e mail me.

Jeff, I seem to remember that I used to live a few doors from you when you lived in Brook Lane, Orrell/Pemberton, I remember your father playing for Huddersfield, I recognised him immediately from the photo.

Just heard about Geoff Aspinall ex Wigan and Leigh rl very sad news. Aubrey had mentioned the Bridgewater Arms. Geoff was a regular there and I knew him and his dad well both true gentlemen. I believe Geoff set up a rugby team there in the late 80's.