Wigan Album

Just above Ces's head, somewhere in that stand, I was watching this match- I was 5 years of age - I was trying to make out just where my father was on the field (he was Wigan's loose forward that day), unfortunately I was in need of glasses and can remember nothing of the game.

Keith, I too was there, I can remember Mountfords brother and a N.Z winger Forrest

Wish he was our number6 today. Bradshaw and Mountford, what a half back combo they were. Upset a lot of people when he left us and went to manage Warrington though

Ces Mountford the 'Blackball bullet'. He and Tommy Bradshaw were one of, if not the best, half back pairing ever for Wigan according to my Dad. Mountford was incredibly 'fast off the mark' over 10 - 20 yards apparently.Before my time unfortunately. The best player never to play for NZ ?

I know auto-biographies are to some extent "self-serving" but if you read Ces's book and take some time to read the comments , mainly by ex-International players, you cannot help but feel impressed by their verdict on this incredible man. Apart from his fantastic ability, determination, man management and unbelievable success as a player, coach and manager there was little else for him to achieve in the game - he described "Braddy" as a master scrum half and the variety of play with his colleagues as amazing. Ces, like my own father, married a Wigan girl, Edna (nee Battersby) who emigrated with Ces and her family to New Zealand when a new phase in his incredible rugby career started. As far as I know she is still living in New Zealand.