Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Origins & The Early Days

Origins

The Wakefield Trinity Football Club was formed at the beginning of 1873 by members of the young men’s society connected with Holy Trinity Church. How many there are among us who can remember those far away days it is, of course, impossible to say. They must be few if any. But we know that one of our regular followers until a few years ago could claim to have been one of Trinity’s earliest players.

He was Mr. John Flinch, of Horbury, who died in 1951 at the age of 99. Here is an excerpt from the Trinity Programme for August 26th 1950. Last Tuesday we paid a visit to our oldest member, Mr. John Finch, of Horbury, to offer him, on behalf of the Committee, honorary membership of the club for another season.

In expressing his appreciation, he became reminiscent, “Things are not what they used to be”, he said. “I remember playing for Trinity against Outwood. That would be soon after Trinity ceased playing at Heath Common and came to Belle Vue. I was injured, unable to work for some weeks, and lost £20 in wages, but there was no compensation. But if conditions were not so good, the game was good, and it still is. The ground, of course, is much better”.

His memory is remarkably clear and he brings to mind without hesitation many of the players of those earliest das - Bartram, Whitehead, B. Kilner, J.W. Kilner, A. Hayley and Harry Hayley. He recalls that in one season, when Joe Latham was captain, Trinity did not lose a home match.

Now it is interesting to not that there was a Rugby Football club in existence in Wakefield before the formation of Trinity, and this was called the Wakefield Club. They had played their first match in 1872, against Leeds Grammar School, at Leeds.

Then along came Trinity, and their opponents in their first match on Saturday, February 8th, 1873, were this Wakefield Team. The game was played at Eastmoor, with the following result:

Wakefield 3 touch-downs, Trinity 1 touch-down.

From Heath Common Trinity moved to a field near the Alexandra Hotel, belle Vue and finally in 1878-9 to the present field at Belle Vue. The secretarial duties during the first years appear to have been the care of one of the players - a name prominently associated with the club, T. Oliver Bennett.

The First County Man

The team appear to have made their mark in that first decade sufficiently to establish themselves in the attention of the Rugby Union world. The first member of the club to attain count status was Harry Hayley, who had previously played with St. John’s Training College, York. He played for Yorkshire (against Middlesex at Kennington Oval on February 25th 1878.) He had not at that time player cricket for Yorkshire, but this honour was to follow.

And Others

Twenty Eight other Trinity players gained County honours in those R.U. days. These were: Fred Ash, Paul Booth, Billy Binks, T. Oliver Bennett, C. E. Bartram, Jim Bedford, Harry Dawson, Bill Ellis, Herbert Fallas, J. Gomersal, H.O. Hamshaw, Arthur Hayley, Herbert Hutchinson, Tommy Harrison, G. Jubb, W. Jackson, Barron Kilner, J. W. Kilner, Joe Latham, Ben Longbottom, Fred Lowrie, O.G. Mackie, E. J. Spink, Geo. Steele, Herbert Ward, Tommy Wordsworth, Herbert Whiteley and J. H. Jones

C. E (“Teddy”) Bartram never had the luck to play for England, but he took part in three North v. South representative matches, and played fourteen times for Yorkshire. In his prime,
his height and weight were 5ft. 8 1/2 in. and just over 11st. in the days when goals were of
greater importance, he perfected the art of the drop-kick.

Other players who took part in International trials, usually North v. South, were H. Hutchinson and J. H. Jones.

Internationals

The first Trinity player to win an international cap was Barron Kilner, who played for England against Ireland at Dublin on January 30th 1880. Other English players on that day were from clubs as widely distant as Blackheath, Richmond, Cheltenham and Manchester.

Following this, Trinity had further honours through the selection of Herbert Fallas (England v. Ireland 1884) and Fred Lowrie (England v. Maoris 1889; England v. Wales 1890). Trinity player O. G Mackie was a member of the Cambridge University team when capped for England against Scotland and against Ireland in 1897 and 1898. After the formation of the Northern Union he was unable to play for Trinity.

The Early Days

Now and again we find items which are decidedly helpful to the chronicler. Particularly with regards to fixtures. TrinityÕs standing rapidly became so high as to ensure for them a wide choice of opponents. It seems evident that the many local clubs could not all be entertained in any one season, but that a satisfactory accommodation was made by arrangements with some in one season and others in another. This system even appears to have been used in cases where engagements must have appeared very evidently acceptable, for changes were made from time to time in the list of outstanding teams to be met.

As an example, the season 1881-2 brings us first mention of a game with the Horbury Club. Cambridge University were also met. Then, on May 12th 1884, we note a proposal by T.O. Bennett, seconded by E. J. Spink, and agreed, “That next season we play Cardiff, Newport and Swansea.”

About that time, two other local clubs mentioned in the records are Belle Vue and Stanley. A little later we find reference to Wakefield Albion, Wakefield St. Austins and Thornes. One season brought fixtures with Blackheath and United Hospitals in the South and with the chief clubs in South Wales alongside such northern engagements as:

Bradford, Halifax, Swinton, Batley, Dewsbury, Manningham, Leeds St. Johns, Leeds parish church, Broughton Rangers, Hartlepool rovers, Warrington, Castleford, Manchester, Hull, Brighouse Rangers.

Good Repute

There was clearly a determination that, on and off the field, and in the club headquarters, the high standards of behaviour associated with a sporting fraternity and with a Young Men’s Society such as that from which Trinity sprang should be preserved. The club’s reputation for good football and estimable conduct soon spread, so that Trinity not only became established as Wakefield’s premier club but also earned regard far and wide.

By none more than those in closest connection with the club were this good name valued, to be safe-guarded and not lightly impugned. If it were inevitable that, at some time, there must be a happening to interrupt the smooth and happy course, it is clear that this would be regarded as a challenge promptly and met. Over those years just once do we find a club refusing an arrangement of fixtures with Trinity. The reason for this does not appear, but the reaction of the Trinity Committee of the day was immediate and considerable.

They evidently believed that the best antidote to rumour is the truth, even if it be painful. They did not hesitate. The minute giving their view was spicily and succinctly worded:

This Committee, having received the resolution passed by the (said) club, cancelling the matches with Trinity for the next season, do not for a moment regard is as “in the interests of Rugby Football,” but solely as an ebullition of temper, the foundation of which may probably be traced to their numerous defeats by the Trinity Club.

Directions were given that to the club in dispute a copy of the above resolution be sent, together with copies of letters received from referees and umpires in both matches played with them during the last season, also for publication of same in newspapers.

At this distance in time we cannot assess the impact of such a forthright stand. But we can appreciate that Trinity had been touched on a sore spot, and knew how to deal with such a matter. At any rate it was not long before fixtures were resumed.

Change

Until about 1880 the club remained attached to Holy Trinity Church and meetings were held in the Parochial Rooms. Then came a break.

It is interesting to remember that Holly Lodge became the clubs head quarters, and remained so till well over the turns of the century, a resort for all members of the club who cared to gather there. By this time Trinity was a football club purely and simply.

At the Annual General Meeting, on may 26th, 1884, the President, Mr. M. E. Sanderson, was in the chair. The main proceedings seem to have consisted of the various cotes of thanks. The following were the officers elected for the season 1884-5:

President: Mr. M. E. Sanderson.
Captain (1st Team): H. Hutchinson.
Lieutenant (1st Team): H. Ward.
Captain (2nd Team): W. Rhodes.
Captain (3rd Team): A. Roberts.
Hon. Secretary: T. B. Parry.
Assistant Hon. Secretary: C. E. Bartram.
Committee: Messrs. A. Hayley, G, Jubb, T. O. Bennett, J. W. Kilner, E. J. Spink, B. Kilner,
G. Steele, H. Fallas, H. Dawson.

The list of vice-presidents gives names well known in the life of the city - Messrs. R. B. Mackie, T. K. Sanderson, Col. Mackie, J. F. Horne, W. Vybart, Dixon, C. Leatham, B. Watson, P. R. Tomlinson, J. Haigh and H. B. Tomlinson.

Often in those years we find minutes reading: “it was decided to allow the use of the field to…” admission to matches appears usually to have been 3d. and 6d., with an additional 6d. for the stand.

The condition of the field was causing concern, and in July 1885, for the first time a special Ground Committee was charged with its care and maintenance. A month later a tender for £5710s 0d. was accepted for the work on the ground, consisting of boarding up the front of the stand, putting up hoarding, and fixing the touch posts and fences.

Yorkshire Cup

Almost a cliché is the expression we seem to have heard so often repeated, “Trinity are renowned cup fighters”. When and why did it receive acceptance? It can safely be assumed that the honour implicit in the saying was earned by the original Rugby Union Trinity in the quest for “T’owd tin pot,” the Yorkshire R.U. Cup.

Their first successes of this kind came when they had only been in existence six years. Then came a sequence which can only be described as wonderful. Trinity played nine finals in thirteen years, winning four of them. The scores we give include goals, tries and touch-downs or minor points. At one period one goal beat any number of tries.

Trinity’s Rugby Union Yorkshire Cup Finals
April 12th 1879 At Halifax: Trinity 2-1-7 beat Kirkstall 0-0-0
April 3rd 1880 At Cardigan Fields: Trinity 3-6-7 beat Heckmondwike 0-1-2
April 9th 1881 At Cardigan Fields: Dewsbury 1-0-0 beat Trinity 0-0-4
April 1st 1882 At Cardigan Fields: Thornes 1-0-5 beat Trinity 0-1-5
April 23rd 1883 At Cardigan Fields: Trinity 1-2-11 beat Halifax 0-0-0
April 2nd 1887 At Halifax: Trinity 2-0-2 beat Leeds St. JohnÕs 0-0-2
April 7th 1888 At Cardigan Fields: Halifax 0-2-2 beat Trinity 0-0-0
April 5th 1890 At Halifax: Huddersfield 1-0-1 beat Trinity 0-0-0
April 11th 1891 At Headingley: Pontefract 1-1-3 beat Trinity 1-0-3

The fifteen players constituting a team usually consisted of a full-back, three three quarters, two half-backs and nine forwards.

Finance

Even in those days the matter of funds in the life of a football club was important. We find a reference to two efforts-in-aid through a minute that E. Sugden be appointed to audit the accounts in connection with the Athletic Sports and the Annual Ball. Apart for these - and one can only speculate as to the amount of financial assistance they would bring - he club seems to have relies on membership and turnstile money.

But these pioneers had ambitions, and, the will being there, the means were found. There are signs that the club was moving at a very fair rate indeed from their humble beginnings to a position of considerable prestige. It was all round progress, no one activity being sacrificed in order to enhance another.

By 1888 Trinity showed themselves so intent on carrying out their impressive fixture list that they were prepared to undertake protection of the pitch. They were also mindful of their spectators, accepting a contract to supply new footboards 160 yards long, 5 feet wide and 1 inch thick, for £23. The playing area, which had been surrounded by a wire fence, now was to have a wooden one, and the front of the Grand Stand was to b boarded. Further signs of support awareness are by this time frequent, but, as a contrast with more modern conditions, it is clear that there were impediments to be removed, for we read that a resolution was passed that “Traps shall not be admitted to the match on Saturday next nor on any other match during the season”.

Once Well Known Players

Trinity’s Rugby union days lasted from 1873 to 1895. in those years many famous rugby players wore the clubs colours, and, so far as we have been able, we have mentioned those whose skill brought them particular prominence. At this stage we add a selection of names of players who helped to make Wakefield Trinity what it was in those distant days. For obvious reasons such a list cannot be exhaustive, our means of information being far too limited for that, and so, if any present relative of a Wakefield Trinity player of Rugby Union days should fail to find his name on this list, we hope that this present apology may be accepted.

Alderson, J. W.
Ash, Fred
Binks, Billy
Booth, Paul
Baldwin, Charlie
Bennet, T. Oliver
Burnley, Joe
Bartram, C. E.
Bake, H.
Beverley, G.
Beverlay, H.
Bedford, Jim
Cuthbert, Harry
Collins, Tom
Collins, W.
Clegg, R.
Dawson, R
Dawson, Harry
Dawson, J.
Dunn, R.
Dundas, R.
Ellis, Bill
Fallas, Herbert
Fallas, Jimmy
Forrester, W.
Frear, H.
Fotherby, Johnny
Fisher, A.
Graham, J. W.
Gomersal, Jack
Garforth, Potter
Hamshaw, H. O.
Harper, E.
Hayley, Arthur
Hayley, Harry
Hampson, H.
Head, Charles
Harrison, Ben
Harrison, Charlie
Harrison, Tommy
Hudson, Dick
Hulme, Fred
Hutchinson, Herbert
Hart, E.
Hartley, Teddy
Hartley, Oliver
Hemingway, Joe
Horner, E.
Jubb, George
Jubb, Joe
Jackson, Bill
Jones, H. H.
Kilner, Barron
Kilner, Joe
Kilner, J. W.
Kilbride, M.
Lathem, Joe
Longbottom, Ben
Longbottom, Joe
Lowrie, Fred
Logan, George
McCabe, Jimmy
Mackie, O. G.
Mawer, Fred
Morgan, Harry
Murray, Edmund
MacKenzie, P.
Morris, Phil
Ough, Billy
Oates, Arthur
Oxley, W. H.
Oldroyd, M.
Pickering, R.
Pickersgill, Herbert
Pickersgill, Ellis
Parry, Tom B.
Ross, Fred
Robinson, A. B
Rhodes, Billy
Shires, Amos
Shires, J. F.
Shaw, Bertie
Spink, E. J.
Smith, W
Scaife, J.
Steele, George
Sharpe, Billy
Tattersall, Jim
Tattersall, Fred
Thompson, A.
Stephenson, S.
Tasker, Harry
Vollans, A. B.
Ward, Herbert
Watson, Billy
Womack, J.
Wordsworth, Tommy
Whiteley, Herbert
Whittaker, Joe
Whittaker, L.
Wilsden, J.
Wilkinson, C. H.
Brannan, P
Moorhouse, E. W.
Overton, Harnell
Goodhaire, H.
Gameson, W.
Anderton, J.
Howell, T.
Milsom, E.
Kershaw, Harry

International Trialists
For North v. South

1880 Barron kilner
1882 C. E. Bartram
1883 C. E. Bartram
1884 C. E. Bartram, H. Hutchinson
1888 Fred Lowrie
1888 J. H. Jones
1889 Fred Lowrie
1890 Fred Lowrie
O. G. Mackie, whilst at Cambridge University, played for South v. North in the season 1897-8

The First Trophy

Wakefield Trinity Yorkshire (R.U.) Cup Winners 1879

Back Row: A. Hirst, W. Jackson, B. Longbottom, T. O. Bennett, Bell (Umpire), J. Longbottom.

Centre: B. Kilner, W. Ellis, J. Whitehead (seated), H. Pickersgill, A. Haley (captain), G. Steel, H. Haley, J. W. Kilner, T. Parry, E. Bartram.

Front Row: J. Leach (secretary), C. T. Baldwin

Wakefield Trinity 2-1-7, Kirkstall 0-0-0

Played at Halifax, April 12th 1879