With
the retirement of Ken Kellett in 1983, a new generation of Rovers wingmen came
through. However, it was a time with quite a few changes in the coaching
staff, and so there was a similarly rapid turnover of players.One
of the longest serving wingmen of the period was Richard Marsh, who played 123
games from 1981 to 1988. Richard was a quiet achiever, rarely grabbing the
headlines, but he served the side well and finished as the club’s top try
scorer in 1984 after taking over Ken Kellett’s left wing spot. That same year
on the opposite wing to Richard was David Barends. David had come over to
England from South Africa where the Apartheid system ensured his rugby talents
would never be appreciated. He was a popular character at Post Office Road,
although he was coming to the end of a career that had included, oddly enough
for a South
African, two Great Britain caps. After Barends came local youngster Neil
Woolford, who arrived with the best of credentials, the son of 50’s legend
Cyril. The weight of expectation was always on Neil’s shoulders but he made his
own way, playing 45 games.
One of my
favourite players from the 80’s was Calvin Hopkins. Built more like a second-rower,
Calvin was just the kind of wholehearted, uncompromising competitor the fans
loved. He played 70 games from 1984 to 1987, topping the try charts in 1985. No
respecter of reputations, he was never happier than getting stuck into his
opposition number. This excellent photo by Eric Lorriman shows Calvin in full
gladiatorial mode about to enter the arena. Many other players were tried out on
the wing but failed to make a lasting impact although you may remember names
such as Joe Bardgett, Danny Beach, David Jones and Dave Sykes.
There were two
particular players who had the briefest of careers but nevertheless stuck in my
memory. One was Andy Bannister. Small but nippy, Andy was brought into the
first team for the last four games of the 1988 promotion season and went to
the
Premiership final at Old Trafford where he scored a superb individual try in our
amazing comeback against Oldham. He seemed set for a decent career but never played
again.
The
other was Mark Knapper, who made his debut in 1989 and played for long enough to
write his name into the record books for most goals in a match. His 13 goals
against Keighley in 1989 came in only his third ever game. He also won a
special place in our hearts for kicking a last minute touchline conversion to
beat Castleford in the Yorkshire Cup semi-final that same year. He unfortunately
missed the final through injury and his place went to Barry Drummond. Knapper’s
career spanned just 15 appearances but he’ll always be remembered for that
kick.
I'll never forget that kick.
ReplyDeleteI remember being up a Workington in late 84. Neil Woolford had just broken into the side but was injured. A winger called Brian Waites made his debut and scored a last gasp length of the field try to win the game. I think he joined the police.
ReplyDeleteJust meant to say some good lads came through that era lost to the game good local lads Bannister Garbutt, Hunter all spring to mind all good players just on the fringes
ReplyDeleteHunter and Garbutt in particular could have made it both quality players
ReplyDeleteAgree some cracking talent produced
DeleteWe were always good at producing local talent I can remember them guys hunter knapper Garbo Hopkins etc good tough players always 100% and local
ReplyDelete