Leeds Parish Church RFC (Rugby League)
Encyclopedia
Leeds Parish Church RFC was a (semi) professional rugby league club.
The club was based in Leeds
(population approximately 450,000 – Greater Leeds 800,000), a city
and metropolitan borough
in West Yorkshire
, England
.
The club played (semi) professional Rugby League for a total of 5 seasons from 1896-97
to 1900-01
.
Each of the five seasons was spent in the Yorkshire Senior Competition.
At the end of season 1900-01
the club withdrew from the league.
As the game’s popularity increased and travel became easier due to the expansion of the railway network, Neath
from South Wales
embarked on Northern Tours. In 1887/88 a tour led them to play against Wortley (Leeds), Manningham (Bradford) and Hartlepool Rovers
. In 1888-89 over the Christmas period they played games against Leeds Parish Church, Bramley
, Radcliffe
, Brighouse Rangers and Huddersfield
, all within the space of six days.
The city of Leeds had an abundance of Rugby Union clubs and although members of the Yorkshire RFU (which was in turn a Constituent Body of the RFU
), it was decided to form a ‘more local’ association. It was for this reason that the Leeds & District organization was formalised when a meeting took place at the Green Dragon Hotel, Leeds on the 27th September 1888. The foundation clubs were Bramley, Holbeck, Hunslet
, Kirkstall
, Leeds Parish Church, Leeds St John’s
(later to become Leeds (Rhinos), and Wortley.
In the early years of the sport, the Church elders and officials saw the development of its rugby league team as an attempt to stem the tide of drinking and depravity which they saw all around them in the city. The irony of their ‘muscular Christianity’ mission was that large numbers of its rugby team’s supporters were the newly-arrived Jews who had been confined to the poorest areas like around the Leylands, near the city centre. They were not muscular, unloved by many Christians and condemned by their own religious leaders for breaking Shabbat. But they felt that it was a way to join in the life of the city.
A photograph of the Leeds Parish Church of 1893 is shown on the “Gallery” section of “The Goldthorpe Brothers” website– Gallery.
By June 1897 there were no rugby union clubs in the Halifax district RFU, the Bradford and Huddersfield district rugby unions voted to change affiliation to the Northern Union, and by the start of the following season the Yorkshire Post reported that “in Leeds, rugby union football is practically non-existent”
.
They joined the ranks of the (semi) professionals when they became members of the Northern Union
in its second season 1896-97
and played for the following four season in the Yorkshire Senior Competition
, which was effectively Division 2 (East
).
In this first season Leeds Parish Church RFC managed only a lowly 13th place out of 16 clubs, but this was one position above their fierce rivals Leeds
.
In the club’s second season 1897-98
they improved to a mid-table 8th out of 16 clubs, but, for the only time below Leeds
.
The third season 1898-99
was their best when they excelled and finished 4th out of 16 clubs, whilst Leeds
finished in 11th places.
In 1899-00
the club slipped back finishing 14th out of 16, but still one place above Leeds
.
And a slightly better position was reached in the final season 1900-01
when they finished in 10th place out of 16, this time three places above Leeds
.
Leeds Parish Church RFC dropped out of the league after the end of the season.
Only once in the of the five seasons did Leeds Parish Church RFC finish below Leeds
, only once below Bramley
but conversely only once did they finish above Hunslet
.
In the early days, the club had been looked upon by the elders as a flagship of muscular Christianity, which the Jewish community had become passionately involved in.
It was closed down because of its rough play, attacking referees, a violent crowd (echoes of worldwide Association Football in the late 20th century) – but also, it has been suggested - because it attracted the Jewish working-class community.
RL = Single Division; Pl = Games Played: W = Win; D = Draw; L = Lose; PF = Points For; PA = Points Against; Diff = Points Difference (+ or -); Pts = League Points
% Pts = A percentage system was used to determine league positions due to clubs playing varying number of fixtures and against different opponents
League points: for win = 2; for draw = 1; for loss = 0.
The club was based in Leeds
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
(population approximately 450,000 – Greater Leeds 800,000), a city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
and metropolitan borough
Metropolitan borough
A metropolitan borough is a type of local government district in England, and is a subdivision of a metropolitan county. Created in 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972, metropolitan boroughs are defined in English law as metropolitan districts, however all of them have been granted or regranted...
in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
The club played (semi) professional Rugby League for a total of 5 seasons from 1896-97
1896-97 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1896–97 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the second ever season of rugby league football. Following the success of the Northern Union's first season, several more clubs from the established Rugby Football Union joined the rebel competition...
to 1900-01
1900-01 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1900–01 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the sixth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Oldham and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
.
Each of the five seasons was spent in the Yorkshire Senior Competition.
At the end of season 1900-01
1900-01 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1900–01 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the sixth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Oldham and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
the club withdrew from the league.
Early Days
Leeds Parish Church Rugby Club was formed many years before the “Great Schism” of 1895.As the game’s popularity increased and travel became easier due to the expansion of the railway network, Neath
Neath RFC
Neath Rugby Football Club is a Welsh rugby union club which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. The club's home ground is The Gnoll, Neath. The first team is known as the Welsh All Blacks because of the team colours: black with only a white cross pattée as an emblem...
from South Wales
South Wales
South Wales is an area of Wales bordered by England and the Bristol Channel to the east and south, and Mid Wales and West Wales to the north and west. The most densely populated region in the south-west of the United Kingdom, it is home to around 2.1 million people and includes the capital city of...
embarked on Northern Tours. In 1887/88 a tour led them to play against Wortley (Leeds), Manningham (Bradford) and Hartlepool Rovers
Hartlepool Rovers
Hartlepool Rovers are an English rugby union club who play at The Friarage, West View Road in Hartlepool. Hartlepool Rovers have a coaching set-up with Alan Brown as head coach and Ian Cook as fitness guru.-History:...
. In 1888-89 over the Christmas period they played games against Leeds Parish Church, Bramley
Bramley Buffaloes
Bramley Buffaloes is a rugby league club from the Bramley area of West Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. Previously known simply as Bramley RLFC, the club is a famous name in rugby league, having existed prior to the formation of the Northern Union in 1895...
, Radcliffe
Radcliffe (Rugby League)
Radcliffe was a professional rugby league club.The club was based in Radcliffe, a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, in Greater Manchester, England....
, Brighouse Rangers and Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C....
, all within the space of six days.
The city of Leeds had an abundance of Rugby Union clubs and although members of the Yorkshire RFU (which was in turn a Constituent Body of the RFU
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
), it was decided to form a ‘more local’ association. It was for this reason that the Leeds & District organization was formalised when a meeting took place at the Green Dragon Hotel, Leeds on the 27th September 1888. The foundation clubs were Bramley, Holbeck, Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
, Kirkstall
Kirkstall
Kirkstall is a suburb of north-west Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, on the eastern side of the River Aire. To the west is Bramley, to the east is Headingley and to the north is West Park. Kirkstall is around from the city centre and is close to the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan...
, Leeds Parish Church, Leeds St John’s
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
(later to become Leeds (Rhinos), and Wortley.
In the early years of the sport, the Church elders and officials saw the development of its rugby league team as an attempt to stem the tide of drinking and depravity which they saw all around them in the city. The irony of their ‘muscular Christianity’ mission was that large numbers of its rugby team’s supporters were the newly-arrived Jews who had been confined to the poorest areas like around the Leylands, near the city centre. They were not muscular, unloved by many Christians and condemned by their own religious leaders for breaking Shabbat. But they felt that it was a way to join in the life of the city.
A photograph of the Leeds Parish Church of 1893 is shown on the “Gallery” section of “The Goldthorpe Brothers” website– Gallery.
Northern Union
In 1896, at a special meeting, Leeds Parish Church RFC, that season’s Yorkshire RFU champions, had only five votes against their switch of allegiance to the Northern Union. At the same time, most of the clubs who had played in the Yorkshire RFU 1st Division resigned. The following Summer most of the remaining 1st and 2nd Division teams resigned en bloc to form the second division of the Yorkshire Northern Rugby Union.By June 1897 there were no rugby union clubs in the Halifax district RFU, the Bradford and Huddersfield district rugby unions voted to change affiliation to the Northern Union, and by the start of the following season the Yorkshire Post reported that “in Leeds, rugby union football is practically non-existent”
.
They joined the ranks of the (semi) professionals when they became members of the Northern Union
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
in its second season 1896-97
1896-97 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1896–97 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the second ever season of rugby league football. Following the success of the Northern Union's first season, several more clubs from the established Rugby Football Union joined the rebel competition...
and played for the following four season in the Yorkshire Senior Competition
Rugby league county leagues
The Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
, which was effectively Division 2 (East
).
In this first season Leeds Parish Church RFC managed only a lowly 13th place out of 16 clubs, but this was one position above their fierce rivals Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
.
In the club’s second season 1897-98
1897-98 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1897–98 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the third season of rugby league football.-Summary:The leading try scorer this season was Hoskins of Salford, who crossed the line 30 times. The leading goal scorer was Goldthorpe of Hunslet who was successful 66 times...
they improved to a mid-table 8th out of 16 clubs, but, for the only time below Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
.
The third season 1898-99
1898-99 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1897–98 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the fourth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Broughton Rangers and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Batley.-Lancashire Senior Competition:...
was their best when they excelled and finished 4th out of 16 clubs, whilst Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
finished in 11th places.
In 1899-00
1899-00 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1899–1900 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the fifth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Runcorn and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
the club slipped back finishing 14th out of 16, but still one place above Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
.
And a slightly better position was reached in the final season 1900-01
1900-01 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1900–01 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the sixth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Oldham and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
when they finished in 10th place out of 16, this time three places above Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
.
Leeds Parish Church RFC dropped out of the league after the end of the season.
Only once in the of the five seasons did Leeds Parish Church RFC finish below Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
, only once below Bramley
Bramley Buffaloes
Bramley Buffaloes is a rugby league club from the Bramley area of West Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. Previously known simply as Bramley RLFC, the club is a famous name in rugby league, having existed prior to the formation of the Northern Union in 1895...
but conversely only once did they finish above Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
.
In the early days, the club had been looked upon by the elders as a flagship of muscular Christianity, which the Jewish community had become passionately involved in.
It was closed down because of its rough play, attacking referees, a violent crowd (echoes of worldwide Association Football in the late 20th century) – but also, it has been suggested - because it attracted the Jewish working-class community.
Stadium
The club’s stadium was on Clarence Road, a ground which attracted thousands of fans to their games when Leeds Parish Church RLC were a top team .Club League Record
The League positions for Leeds Parish Church RFC for the 5 seasons in which they played (semi) professional Rugby League are given in the following table:-RL = Single Division; Pl = Games Played: W = Win; D = Draw; L = Lose; PF = Points For; PA = Points Against; Diff = Points Difference (+ or -); Pts = League Points
% Pts = A percentage system was used to determine league positions due to clubs playing varying number of fixtures and against different opponents
League points: for win = 2; for draw = 1; for loss = 0.
Several fixtures & results
The following are just a few of Leeds Parish Church RFC fixtures during the three seasons (and other times) in which they played (semi) professional Rugby League:-
| Season | Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | H/A | Result | Score | Att | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1896-97 | Sat 21-11-1896 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
Clarence Road | H | Draw | 5-5 | |||
| 1896-97 | Sat 27-02-1897 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 3-9 | |||
| 1897-98 | Sat 04-09-1897 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
Clarence Road | H | Won | 13-3 | |||
| 1897-98 | Sat 16-04-1898 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 2-26 | |||
| 1898-99 | Sat 15-10-1898 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
Clarence Road | H | Won | 13-2 | |||
| 1897-98 | Sat 18-12-1898 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 2-10 | |||
| 1898-99 | Sat 21-01-1899 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 0-14 | |||
| 1899-00 | Wed 10-01-1900 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
Clarence Road | H | Lost | 2-5 | |||
| 1899-00 | Sat 24-02-1900 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 0-8 | |||
| 1900-01 | Sat 13-10-1900 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
Clarence Road | H | Lost | 0-6 | |||
| 1900-01 | Sat 03-11-1900 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 0-31 | |||
| 1900-01 | Sat 19-01-1901 | Yorks Sen Comp | Hull Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
The Boulevard The Boulevard (Stadium) The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches... |
A | Lost | 0-5 | |||
| 1900-01 | 23-03-1901 | CC R3 | Warrington Warrington Wolves Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003.... |
Wilderspool Stadium Wilderspool Stadium Wilderspool Stadium is a rugby league stadium located in Warrington, England. The ground was Warrington RLFC's old ground before moving to the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It holds just over 9,000, after substantial decreases for crowd safety... |
A | Lost | 0-11 |
See also
British rugby league systemBritish rugby league system
The British rugby league system is based on four separate structures: the professional leagues administered by the Rugby Football League, the reserve leagues, the amateur leagues administered by British Amateur Rugby League Association and the Rugby League Conference.There is no system of automatic...
Cumberland League
Cumberland League
The Cumberland League is a series of rugby league divisions in the traditional county of Cumberland.The league is run by the British Amateur Rugby League Association . Teams from the Cumberland league can apply for election to the National Conference League if they meet minimum...
Rugby league county leagues
Rugby league county leagues
The Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
1896-97 Northern Rugby Football Union season
1896-97 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1896–97 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the second ever season of rugby league football. Following the success of the Northern Union's first season, several more clubs from the established Rugby Football Union joined the rebel competition...
1897-98 Northern Rugby Football Union season
1897-98 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1897–98 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the third season of rugby league football.-Summary:The leading try scorer this season was Hoskins of Salford, who crossed the line 30 times. The leading goal scorer was Goldthorpe of Hunslet who was successful 66 times...
1898-99 Northern Rugby Football Union season
1898-99 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1897–98 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the fourth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Broughton Rangers and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Batley.-Lancashire Senior Competition:...
1899-00 Northern Rugby Football Union season
1899-00 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1899–1900 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the fifth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Runcorn and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
1900-01 Northern Rugby Football Union season
1900-01 Northern Rugby Football Union season
The 1900–01 Northern Rugby Football Union season was the sixth season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The Lancashire Senior Competition was won by Oldham and the Yorkshire Senior Competition by Bradford....
List of defunct rugby league clubs
External Links
- 1896–97 Northern Rugby Football Union season at wigan.rlfans.com
- Hull&Proud Fixtures & Results 1896/1897
- Widnes Vikings - One team, one passion Season In Review - 1896-97
- Saints Heritage Society
- Folly Field
- 1895 And All That...: Inside Rugby League's Hidden History - chapter The curious rise and fall of Leeds parish church RFC
- Secret Leeds by Parksider 11-Jun-2011
- html Caryl Phillips interviews Anthony Clavane in Leeds: 21/10/2010 ‘The Promised Land?’
- Leeds Parish Church 1893