1901-2 Lancashire League

On the 4th June, 1901, a meeting of the General Committee of the Northern Rugby Union took place at the George Hotel, Huddersfield. Twenty-three delegates were present. It was to be an important meeting as they met to discuss and implement the establishment of a new Northern Union league.

It led to a long and animated discussion. It's formation was ultimately confirmed by 12 votes to 11. Leigh and Brighouse Rangers, who had formerly been opposed to the formation, went over to the other side and decided to vote in favour of the new venture.

The bye-laws, which had been agreed by the clubs in the League, were brought up and adopted by the Union. The important rule that concerned Wigan was that the club having the lowest number of points at the end of the season shall retire from the League, and it's place shall be taken by the accredited champions of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Competitions. If you haven't had guessed already, Wigan were not to be included in this new venture and of course, they did not vote for the League and was part of the "11".

The reason for this exclusion was simple; they finished 9th in the Lancashire Senior Competition during the 1900-1 season and were not ranked high enough to trouble the selectors on scraping into this new League. The clubs comprising the new League will be Hull, Hunslet, Huddersfield, Halifax, Batley, Bradford, Brighouse Rangers, Oldham, Swinton, Salford, Broughton Rangers, Warrington, Runcorn and Leigh. As you can see, once Brighouse and Leigh felt that they were to be included to the top tier, they changed their minds. Both clubs finished in 7th place in their respective County Leagues the previous season.

At an adjourned annual general meeting of the Club on the 7th June, the members were anxious to hear how the club stood with regard to the formation of the Northern League. Mr. J. Underwood, the club's representative on the Northern Union Committee, made an important statement. He said they never thought it all likely that there would be a Northern League; as he told them a fortnight ago they had no fear of any such League forming, and he then thought they might rest assured that there was no chance of any clubs being left out. Several meetings had been held in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and the originator of the Northern League scheme was Mr. Skinner, of Halifax. It was the Halifax people who had rammed the Northern League down the throats of the others to such an extent that they were bound to go along with it, that it was the flowing tide, and something bigger than they were accustomed to, and something good for their patrons during the coming and succeeding seasons.

Underwood went on, "Had it not been for traitors, there would have been no Northern League today". Mr. Platt, the secretary of the Northern Union, suggested that they (the clubs left out in Yorkshire and Lancashire) should have a senior competition amongst themselves. These clubs would include: - Wigan, St. Helens, Stockport, Millom, Barrow, Rochdale Hornets, Widnes, Birkenhead Wanderers, Lancaster, Morecambe, Tyldesley, and Altrincham. Mr. Platt also suggested that the South-West Lancashire Cup Competition should be formed into a League, and that they should abandon the "knock-out" principle, and play home and away fixtures. The clubs in that would be Runcorn, Warrington, Leigh, Wigan, Widnes, and St. Helens. It would be termed the South West Lancashire League, and the meeting would notice that such a scheme would assist to fill up the fixtures in the Northern League.

By the end of June, 1901, Wigan had secured a new ground to play their matches on: Springfield Park. The old Frog-Lane/ Prescott Street ground was tired and not really fit for purpose any more. You can read more about all this here.

The rugby club during the long hot summer of 1901 were feeling positive. The committee found themselves with a strong team who got their act together at the back end of the previous season (how they wished to have that sort of form at the start of it) and indeed, their form at the back of the season saw them being one of the strongest clubs in the League. They believed that 'lesser; clubs such as Birkenhead, Ratcliffe, Morecambe, Altrincham, and Lancaster were quite rightly not of the quality of Swinton or Oldham and the Wigan club could see themselves heading the Lancashire Senior League. A new player in Downs, formerly of Tyldesley, had been secured but it was unclear which position he would play. Barr, Eckersley, Rouse and Nixon were to be the backline with Nelson, Rothwell and Lees in the halves. The Wigan forwards would greatly be unchanged except for the retirement of Prescott.

So it came to be. Saturday September 7th, 1901. Wigan v St. Helens. As the start of the match report above indicates, the game with St. Helens was more or less a 'four-pointer' as it was the opening match of the Lancashire Senior Comp. and of the South West Lancashire League. the players showed from the off a determination that they should do their best. Wigan were nearly full strength, only missing Eckersley who missed the game due to an injury picked up at training at the Springfield Park ground falling hard on the cinder track. He was replaced by Webster.

It was noted that around 400 Wiganers made the journey along the new Great Central Route to the Boundary Road ground to see Wigan kick off with the wind at their backs yet with sun in their eyes. It wasn't long before Wigan opened up the scoring, Bert Webster picking up a loose ball from a scrimmage darted clean between two opposing centres and ran. Before being clattered by the Saints fullback Faulkes, Webster laid the ball off to Jimmy Barr who ran half the length of the field to score.

The game was in the forward pack for most of the first half. The St. Helens backs failing to capitalise on anything positive the forwards gave them meant that Wigan were never really in any trouble for much of it. Downs, who was playing at fullback for Wigan , filled many of the 400 travelling fans with apprehension, because he made a 'reckless' flying kick in the first half, began to play a very safe and cool game.

Eventually, Rouse and Nixon found an opening and ran up field towards the Saints goal. Playing as though he were to pass to Nixon, he circumvented his opponents, and seeing an opening ran over in an 'exceedingly smart manner'. This was the game for Wigan and a positive start for the 1901-2 season.

The Birkenhead game, in front of 3,000 on a wet afternoon at Springfield Park, showed where the Wigan team is weakest and strongest at the present time. In the Forwards, it is superior to ay team met so far this season; it is behind where the principle faults betray themselves. The same old tale of lack of combination could be told in the backs. It was seen that there wasn't the cohesion which is so greatly to be desired, especially on Wigan's right wing. The problem seemed to be Rouse and Nixon, the latter playing a rather disappointing game against Birkenhead. It was said that he lacks in judgement and nerve. The half-back pairing of Nelson and Rothwell do not show any striking combination. This said, however, the Wiganers are high on enthusiasm and willingness to do their best.

As a small reward for his forward play, the Wigan Captain Harry Ball was selected for a Lancashire trial match under the 'Possibles' team, which was played at Wigan's Springfield Park ground on October 16, 1901. He was rewarded with a reserve place.

Rochdale Hornets visited a wet Springfield Park, where upward of 4,000 spectators witnessed a struggling Wigan win. The same faults were shown in the Wigan team - that being a lack of combination and understanding in the half back positions.

The biggest gate of the season so far turned up at Springfield Park for the visit of Barrow. The game was remarkable for the fine goalkicking on each side. Bowker, of Barrow was equally matched by Wigan's Nelson. There was an improvement in the Wigan half back play, finally, yet there was still suspicion of selfish play on the part of Nelson. The biggest improvement for Wigan was seen in the three quarters. Downs was moved into the centre position to partner Rouse, whilst a new trialist Macauley was tried at fullback. Macauley did not start very well. His kicking was seen to be a failure but as the match went on, he improved. The reason he was dire with the boot was because he was wearing boots much too big for him!

With Nelson kicking three goals, Dick Rothwell got Wigans sole try in an entertaining match, Wigan winning 9-6. It was a good job too for the Wigan Treasurer that the past few matches held at Springfield Park attracted large gates. Wigan were not due to play a fixture at home during the whole of November!

The Great Central Railway Company again offered their services when Wigan faced a trip to Altrincham. Around 250 Wiganers took advantage of the slight dip in rail fare and accompanied the Wigan team to Cheshire at the start of November. Altrincham were sitting at the foot of the table, having lost all 7 of their opening ties and having failed to secure a single try! Wigan were hot o the heels of Widnes at the right side of the league table. So was it inevitable that Wigan would win comfortably? In short, yes. A 28 points to 2 victory was easily secured. The Man of the Match fell to Jimmy Barr: four tries he registered along with two goals.

A week later, another attractive journey was to be had and cheap rail fares were yet again offered by the rail companies. Around three hundred Wiganers accompanied the team to the seaside resort of Morecambe on November 9th. Indeed, it was reported that half of the 'gate' that day were Wiganers, pleasing the Morecambe officials. Wigan came up trumps by winning 17 points to nil, with Eckersley scoring a brace, adding to the tries from Barr, Rothwell and Rouse. Eckersley was in fine form, which must have delighted the Wigan followers and the Committee, he had a hand in two other tries too. For Wigan, they were to have a week off (due to frost and fog with their game against Radcliffe) before travelling back Bowland-way to face Lancaster. Meanwhile, Widnes were kicking on in the League and remained undefeated after 11 matches.

The match with Altrincham was high scoring for Wigan. Jimmy Barr grabbing a hat-trick, Benny Rouse and Fred Lees grabbing two, whilst Rothwell, Webster and Halliwell added to the fun. Of course, it was a one-sided affair but a glance at the League table saw that Widnes were still unbeaten after fourteen games. The difference between Widnes and Wigan on the point-scoring front was nothing. Both teams had the same amount of goals and tries (and points), with Widnes commanding a slightly better defensive record. The only real difference was that Wigan had a game in hand but were still four points adrift of the Chemics.

It's only St. Helens, who's bothered?

Avenging a Christmas Day defeat? No problem! Stockport turned up to Wigan on New Years Day with up to an estimated 6,000 spectators in at Springfield Park. Eckersley was a victim of the snow storm against Stockport on Christmas Day and Lees was missing in the halves. Harry Ball occupied a back position and played really well by all accounts. With the ground still being heavy from the festive bad weather, the going was tough. Wigan edged their opponents, keeping them at arms length all the way through and via tries from Barr and Roue, they did enough to defeat Stockport by 10 points to 3.

The following day, January 2nd, Leigh travelled to Wigan for a South West Lancashire League game. If you recall, Leigh weren't on Wigans Christmas Card list after jumping ship and opting to vote for the newly formed Northern League back in August. As a filler, Leigh were on the fixture card to face Wigan in the South West Lancashire Competition. Rain threatened, the grass was soft and slippery, ad the wind blew with a great force. it was a horrible day (the weather, not because of Leigh). The four-thousand spectators were rewarded by a brilliant exhibition displayed by the Wigan team. There were many who, before the match, thought Wigans chances of winning the game were rather remote. Leigh were not exactly a second rate club, or had ever lacked in the back depeartment, but in every department Leigh were woefully overplayed. Tries from Harry Ball and Jimmy Barr were enough to nil the Leighers and gain an important 2 points for the SWLL competition.

Meanwhile, Widnes lost over the New Year, meaning a glimmer of hope for Wigan at the pointy end of the table. With the Wigan Club having another week off, this time no fixtures scheduled, they did a bit of business with Swinton. E. Yates, the Wigan forward, was exchanged for W.H. jones, a Swinton three-quarter. Jones had not been on the best of terms with Swinton.

The Dark Greens of Runcorn were next, which meant another train journey to the banks of the Mersey, this time for the South West Lancashire League. Wigan lost. Given the strength of that particular Runcorn squad, and that they were a quality team in the league above, Wigan made a brilliant account of themselves. Despite a try by Webster and Joe Nelson converting the goal, Wigan were edged out 8 points to 5.

Eyes, however, were focussed on the Hull Kingston Rovers match a week later on January 18th, 1902. The Rovers were mid-table but had played far fewer games than the teams above them. Their appearance at Springfield Park was eagerly awaited and talk was of a record attendance for the ground. These estimates did not disappoint. Over 7,000 people turned up to set a Springfield Park record for the time. The receipts would have formed a very handsome addition to the funds of the club. The people were able to see a game that was most keenly contested and full of spirit, but yet did not contain any of those fine movements which have made Northern Rugby Union play so famous. Even though Wigan won, they didn't show the form that was expected of them. Against a more quality team, Wigan would have lost. The Wigan back line failed to play as well as we know they could have done. Macauley was uncertain at full back, and gathered the ball badly. Smith, the Hull KR fullback outplayed him in all aspects of the game.

The game was won when a minute before time, Wigan were a point behind the Humberside club. Some spectators were leaving the ground, the Wigan Walk shall we say. Wigan had gone down to fourteen men (remember they still played 15-a-side) after Ellison's knee gave way and had to retire. The fourteen gave one last push with the clock ticking, and Billy Halliwell, the forward, gained a free kick within kicking distance. The ground fell silent as Nelson took aim. It was a long and difficult kick, with a heavy greasy ball, but the ball sailed beautifully between the posts and the match was won. Spectators and players alike went "off their heads" with excitement, as the Wigan Observer put it.

Perhaps an important signing for the Wigan club at this point is that of Jack Hesketh. Hesketh would become revolutionary for the Wigan club, a former wrestler, his training techniques would lift Wigan to the very top. His exploit, in time, will be elsewhere on this website.

Spring was now upon the town and a spring was in the step of the Wigan Club. March 1st saw the visit of Millom to Springfield Park. The recent success of the away win at Hull Kingston Rovers and the several weeks which had elapsed since the Wigan public had seen any rugby meant that a crowd of 7,000 turned up to see Wigan win by 8 points to nil thanks to tries by Nelson and Rigby, rounded off with a goal by McCauley.

Talk, however, was all about the League. The main reason of thought seemed to be that Widnes had ahead of them a harder run of fixtures compared to that of Wigan. Widnes, despite playing good football and still having lost once during the season - to Wigan's three - will slip up sooner or later. Some publications were already installing Widnes to the Northern League, or seemed to be.

The first of the re-arranged fixtures took place on a Thursday night (6th March), when the Wiganers made the trip to Birkenhead. A 17 points to 2 win not only saw the Wigan forwards obtain mastery in the scrimmage, but the backs passed finely and this led to all the scoring being done by the threequarters. Jimmy Barr nearly missed the game due to an injured leg, but decided to give it a go. A good job too as he scored a hat trick of tries all served up on a plate by man of the match Eckersley. Eckersley also scored and supplied Rouse with the other try.

An article in the "Northern Express" says; - There is no doubt that the present position of the Lancashire Senior Competition is causing much anxiety to the officials. So far as can be gathered only about two of the clubs, Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers, are paying their way properly, and it is certain two or three of the organisations will drop out before next season. Mr. Welsh, the chairman, fully recognises the fact that some drastic measures will have to be taken if the remaining clubs are to be successful. What he advocates as a scheme likely to be beneficial is an increase in the present Northern League, and the formation of a second league, the same as in association football. Asked about what clubs he thought ought to be promoted, Mr. Welsh replied, Wigan, Widnes, and Hull Kingston Rovers. His reason for selecting these is that the two Lancashire organisations have clearly proved the pick in their own county, whilst Hull Kingston Rovers have throughout shown allegiance to the league. This is more than the other Yorkshire Senior clubs have done, and as Lancashire clubs have endeavoured to reach the league in a legitimate manner, Mr. Welsh thinks any promotion should see them having first recognition.

I wonder what the St. Helens organisation thought of that?!

What was pleasing for the spectators was the news coming out of Widnes. St. Helens were busy making their own assault at the pointy end of the table and handed Widnes their second defeat of the season, allowing Wigan to leapfrog above them at the top of the table. Widnes, as you can see, had played two fewer games than Wigan. The two clubs were due to meet on the 19th, the Wednesday after the Northern Union (Challenge) Cup weekend in what could be an early title decider. The Wigan forwards had by now a strong feeling that the championship ought to be assured for them as they scorn a the idea of being beaten by any pack. The only issue for Wigan are the backs.

Attention now was focused on Bramley, who play a strong forward game. Wigan had never progressed far in the Northern Union Cup competition and all eyes and thoughts were mostly on the Widnes match the following Wednesday. The Wigan forwards were on top form and were the major reason for the narrow 2-0 victory, a drop goal on the stroke of halftime via Rothwell being the difference. The day was bright and cold with a wind blowing from end to end. The Wigan Captain Joe Nelson secured the toss and played with the sun at their backs, which fell into Wigan's favour. The first half was all Wigan attack but they couldn't get the result they wanted. The Bramley backs doing well to clear time after time.

But now to Widnes on Wednesday night. A record crowd, especially for Springfield Park, gathered to witness the battle with the winner almost certainly having the momentum to go on and win the League. On anticipation of a large crowd, the committee raised the gate prices at sixpence. Some thought that due to an increase many people would be turned away but the committee insisted that the extra cash generated would go towards the new ground fund. The Widnes match had been running in the thoughts and imaginations of the people for weeks, the game above all others the people were waiting to see. The price hike didn't make a difference at all!

The contagion spread to sober sided shopkeepers, the crowd rolled on to the ground in one thick, apparently unceasing stream. A large number of rugbyites came with the Widnes team, and these swelled the crowd of people that came from every part of the district. Estimates were made that over 10,000 people crammed into Springfield Park with the gates coming in at £192 14s. 3d., a handsome sum which should prove o great service to the new ground fund (Central Park).

A huge cheer erupted when Jimmy Barr made his appearance after he missed the Bramley game via an injury picked up in training, (Or was he being rested?). Wigan started the match, losing the toss, into a stiff wind and it took a few minutes for the excitement of a large crowd to calm the Wiganers down. The key, as always for Wigan, were not to take ay risks and let the forward pack do what they do best.

After Benny Rouse made a dashing run, Widnes were penalised under their own posts. The crowd expected the scorekeeper to be busy at this point by Nelson failed at goal it was said, to his own disgust. The Wigan Observer called it 'galling'. Wigan held on for the half despite the gripping wind and went in with the scores tied nil apiece. Apparently, the spectators were in jubilant mood knowing that they had the advantage of the wind in the second half and many were talking of a win.

With this wind the Wiganers inaugurated a kick and rush tactic all through the second half. Viewing the way that the ball travelled, the wind was fierce which meant that Widnes had to practically defend for the majority of the second half. For Widnes, they had two or three chances in the Wigan half, and on one occasion had a very good opportunity to score.

The deadlock was eventually broken midway through the second half when Widnes were penalised for 'becoming highly obnoxious and unnecessary... (which) inflamed the passions of the people.' Twice this happened, and twice Wigan happily converted the penalties by Rothwell and Nelson.

Being four points ahead, the play of Widnes and the roughness in the forward did not die down. A thin lead still made may of the 10,000 crowd anxious. On a few occasions the Widnes left wing did threaten but the Wigan backs of Rouse and Webster stepped up and tackled admirably. Towards the end of the tie, Joe Nelson found a pass to Rothwell who, finding his way barred on one side, rushed round to the blind side of the scrimmage and got what many people considered to be a reasonably good try, although he did knock down the corner flag in the act of scoring. The referee consulted his touch judge (who was from St. Helens... of course...) who then disallowed the try. After the game, Rothwell stated that it was one of the best tries he ever scored!

The Widnes line continued to be battered but their defence held firm time after time. Wigan finally won what could be considered a great game by any means, but was certainly one of the hardest contests in the history of the club, and they fully deserved their victory for their dash, their insistence, and their reliable and splendid checking of any Widnes movement.

On Easter Monday Wigan travelled to Warrington. A day out in Warrington was always well attended, even in Jim Slevins day. Even today! 1,000 Wiganers took advantage of the cheap train fares offered by the Great Central Railway company. Hampered with injuries in the backs, Wigan were still determined to make a good show of it. Harry Ball managed to get over for a try and a goal by Nelson gave Wigan 5 points, but ultimately Warrington were too strong and ran out 10-5 winners. In the second half the Wigan forwards absolutely held the game, and Warrington were almost continuously defending. The passing and general play of the wigan backs was poor, as had been the case for the majority of the season. The Warrington back four of Fish, Dickinson, Harris and Company were playing at a different level. Herein lies the issue with Wigan and ultimately why they were playing in a "second division" as it were. In time, (1903), the Wigan club would start to build the Greatest backline the Club had ever been honoured to have with the signing of James Leytham... but that's for another day.

The return match with Warrington at Springfield Park on April 5th would be a chance for Wigan to rest up and be strong for the continued assault on the Lancashire League. The weather was again awful and the pitch was a quagmire. In an unremarkable match Wigan lost 7-0 and with it too any slim hope of carrying off the South West Lancashire League Trophy in a few weeks time.

Luckily for Wigan, St. Helens were not up to their usual form, the form which first defeated Widnes a couple of weeks past. They put up a good fight. Having gone behind to a goal by Wigan's Nelson, the Saints replied with a goal themselves. This was the only scoring on their part. The Wiganers now bent their backs to the business and some excellent play was seen in the forwards and backs. The re-emergence of Eckersley was visible. His kicking aided the Wigan forwards whilst his passing and running made him be the most finished back player in the side. Jimmy Barr capitalised on some fine play by Eckersley who made some room open up and again, Joe Nelson gifting Barr another try under similar circumstances. Jack Hilton in the forwards was the pick, dripping with dash and style (I imagine) he seemed to be continually where the ball was. This gave Wigan a deserved 11-2 victory with only a trip to Millom remaining two days later on the Monday evening.

All Wigan could do now was sit and wait... and play Runcorn in the remaining fixture of the South West Lancashire League at home. In the end it was a tame affair. Nothing was at stake and little interest was given to it. Runcorn won 2-0 but Wigan played most of the game with a man less, as Webster was roughly tackled which broke his collarbone. He was carried off to the Infirmary, where his bone was set and then taken home to rest.

Barrow were Wigans saviours as they heavily beat Widnes. Again, a lot of anxiety was felt in Wigan as Widnes had a narrow victory over Rochdale Hornets, a dropped goal separating the sides, meant that Barrow had thousands of more supporters willing them to defeat Widnes. Quite a number of Wiganers attended the match and described it as being one in which Widnes were practically played to a standstill. It was a sad evening for the Widnes team and their supporters, but it would be idle to say that there was not great jubilation in the Wigan camp.

Most source material: Wigan Observer, Wigan Examiner, The Athletic News, Wigan Archives, Mike Latham, WiganWorld, Keith Bowen, Myself M. Selby.