1900-1901

This was almost a case of? as you were?, the playing record being identical with that of the previous season apart from the points scored? for? and? against?.

On this occasion, however, the team did start on the winning track, gaining a splendid victory over Castleford at Headingley by 29 points to nil. There was general satisfaction with the performances of five new players: T. Coleman, from Leigh, and C. Law, centres; H. Varley, the International half-back from Oldham; A. Laycock and S. Malins, two Gildersome players. in the forwards.

But the rejoicing was short lived. By the turn of the year only three more victories had been gained out of eighteen matches, and the team was once again languishing near the foot of the table.

The first match of the new century did provide a real tonic, with a win over Hull Kingston Rovers at Headingley. In this match, too, the Committee introduced a promising young centre, R. Ward, of Pontefract.

The next game brought tragedy, the defeat suffered at Holbeck being of very small consequence compared to the injury sustained by Jimmy Lumley. Falling awkwardly in a tackle his right leg was fractured. This regrettable accident brought to an untimely end the career of a very accomplished and popular player. Lumley had made I 13 appearances, scoring thirty-six tries and thirty-two goals. A special match arranged for his benefit at the end of the season was controlled by two referees and two touch judges, but the experiment was a failure.

The League programme ended as it began with far more defeats than victories, so that we finished fourth from the bottom of the table, and the Cup competition brought no solace as Warrington completely outplayed a weakened Leeds team in the 1st Round. The Lancastrians were a powerful combination and they returned to Headingley eight weeks later to meet the challenge of Batley in the Cup Final. A record crowd of almost 30,000 thronged into the ground to see the Gallant Youths make their third Cup victory in five years.

The Football Committee had made strenuous efforts to achieve a successful team. In addition to those already quoted they had introduced: W. Bogg, F. Chadwick, J. Coleman, C. Crowther, H. Day, T. Hanson, E. T. Harrison, H. Horner, J. W. Phillips, T. M. Phillips, A. J. Ross and T. Taylor. They had, further, made several excursions into Wales and Southern England in attempts to secure? star? players, such as Pritchard, of Newport, Vivyan, Gould and Jenkins, of Devonport Albion, but they were unable to persuade these players to throw in their lot with the club.

Immediately the season ended the Committee set about the task of restoring the fortunes of the team with renewed vigour, and were soon on the track of two players who were to give good service: H. Littlewood, centre, from Lofthouse, and J. Dean, full back, from Shipley. But while the scouting went on at full speed, there were other developments which were to have a vital bearing on the future.