Wigan Album

Hi James.
Your grandfather played far more games for Wigan than the official statistics state, they mention just 4 games in the 1918-1919 season, In fact Wigan played throughout the First World War and the Second War as well.
From Ian Morrisons book, "Wigan 1895 - 1985", here, for the record, are your grandfather's Wigan "stats" 1916-1917 played 9 times, tries 0, 1917-1918 played 21 times, tries 5, 1918-1919 (War fixtures) played 12 times, tries 4 1918-1919 (peace time fixtures) played 4 times, tries 2. It's only the "peace time" records that will show. He played centre three quarter and sometimes on the wing. He'd have played alongside such luminaries as Johnny Thomas and the great Charlie Seeling. My own father also played for Wigan before during and after the Second World War.

My grandad John Hurst was playing for Wigan around that time. Would he be in the picture as I don't recognise him?

Hi Geoff,
According to the records, Hurst, no initial given, played 15 games for Wigan between 1920 and 1923 so it looks as if this photo is a little too early for your grandfather. He played 5 times in 1920-21 season, didn't make an appearance in the 1921-22 or 1922-23 seasons but made 10 appearances in the 1923-24 season. Looks as if he played as hooker and sometimes second row, no tries scored.

Thanks Keith for the information.

I have several photographs and gold Rugby medals named to Harry Grimshaw.They are photo's Wigan 3rd team 1909-1910 Wigan Maoris winners intermediate competion.
Gold medal 1913/14 Wigan District winners Abram Rangers H Grimshaw.
Gold medal Lancashire Rugby Football Comination Wigan A 1911 -12 H Grimshaw
Gold Medal Wigan District juniors Wigan FC H Grimshaw.
I beleive Harry Grimshaw was a keen Rugby player at Wigan he was killed in 1918 with the Royal Artillery in Egypt.
I would be very greatfull should anyone know about any of the above or have any details on Harry Grimshaw.
Also if you would like me to post the team photo's I will be glad too!
Best Regards Julian