Old guard : Tue Dec 07, 2021 4:22 pm  

The bloke who introduced me to fax and rugby league back in the sparkling running back Joe kilroy days unfortunately departed last week .
Causing me to reflect on the group of about 20 of us who used to stand by one of the old pylons at Thrum hall by the side of the main stand . I think I am now the only one left alive so my days are numbered. He must have watched for 50 years or more . Let's hope this year's squad leaves supporters with memories to cherish , we are about due a season to remember again

Re: Old guard : Tue Dec 07, 2021 4:54 pm  

Ohmetoe wrote:

The bloke who introduced me to fax and rugby league back in the sparkling running back Joe kilroy days unfortunately departed last week .
Causing me to reflect on the group of about 20 of us who used to stand by one of the old pylons at Thrum hall by the side of the main stand . I think I am now the only one left alive so my days are numbered. He must have watched for 50 years or more . Let's hope this year's squad leaves supporters with memories to cherish , we are about due a season to remember again

I'll second that. A very poignant post but as you're say we are due a memorable season. Here's hoping. Up The Fax!

Re: Old guard : Tue Dec 07, 2021 9:53 pm  

Ohmetoe wrote:

The bloke who introduced me to fax and rugby league back in the sparkling running back Joe kilroy days unfortunately departed last week .
Causing me to reflect on the group of about 20 of us who used to stand by one of the old pylons at Thrum hall by the side of the main stand . I think I am now the only one left alive so my days are numbered. He must have watched for 50 years or more . Let's hope this year's squad leaves supporters with memories to cherish , we are about due a season to remember again

Which pylon? I used to sit on the one by the Taveners in the mid 80's.

Re: Old guard : Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:44 pm  

I used to stand by the pylon near to where the players came onto the pitch from the pavilion. Different areas of the ground attracted the same group of supporters each week and while I never knew their names you would share thoughts on the game and the referee. One bloke one day said of our then fullback Steve Smith - "he's a real 90 minute player" - I'm ashamed to say that I didn't have the confidence to tell him that while I liked Smith the last 10 minutes each week would be a bit if a waste!

Re: Old guard : Wed Dec 08, 2021 12:48 am  

I always stood behind the posts, or more accurately just to the right of them so the cross-bar didn't get in the way. Swapped ends at half-time, usually across the pitch!

Can't remember the details, but remember (I think, it's a long time ago) Steve Smith kicking an 80th minute kick from the touch-line to win a game.

First game for me was in the late 60's when my dad took me to a game. Didn't have a clue what was going on then, but started as a regular in the mid 70's.

Re: Old guard : Wed Dec 08, 2021 10:32 am  

Started going early sixties when my big brother finally said he would let me go along with him. First few years just for the cinder toffee from the cabin on the east side and a run around. Remember great fun playing around at Crown Flatt and Bramley. Great pies at Leigh.
I Took more interest in the rugby after the Championship winning Season. We always stood at the back of the east stand with some fantastic old (well seemed old to me at the time) chaps. Sadly they gradually all stopped going for one reason or another. One grand gentleman never went again when games move to Sunday as "that day was not for work". Was happy to take my children along and stand at the back of that stand. Two of them followed to the Shay. Sadly they are spread around the world now., well Leeds and Sydney. Lovely memories of seeing Aussies at Elland Road with them. Last game two of them went to with me was the semi final v Saints. Another great day.
I hope we get to Championship Final and I can get them there again.