Trojan

In the early days of soccer, teams like Royal Engineers and Corinthian Casuals won the FA Cup, with the advent of the Football League and professionalism their days were gone I'm afraid and it was northern sides like Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End that dominated the game. IMO the RFU saw this and were determined not to lose control of the game like the FA had. Hence the split. It wasn't just about money though, it was about the power of the ruling class.

I live in Lincolnshire now, but I've been amazed at how many Leeds Utd fans there are around here

Compared to rugby, pro soccer was late into West Yorks. The NU was well established when most of the West Yorkshire sides were formed. Soccer proved a more open and attractive game and that's why many of the original NU rules were changed to open up the game and stop the drain of not only supporters but clubs to soccer. Up to the 60's Leeds was (according to John Giles) a rugby city. The rise of Leeds Utd almost parallels the decline of Hunslet - a major club up to that time. In 1965 both Hunslet and Leeds U went to Wembley. But was Hunslet's last hurrah. They've never recovered.

In the days before Wembley was rebuilt it was described by some wag as the Odsal of the South. In my experience it's not much better now. I hope they can improve Elland Road because on the occasions I've been there for RL I've been less than impressed. I suppose OT is getting a bit tired. But the atmosphere there on GF nights takes some beating, and access is brill. I speak as someone who hates Man U and was born less than 3 miles from Elland Road.

Sad news. Makes me feel old. Still while Big Neil is still with us I can recall my youth.

In the 60's in Wakefield football always meant RL

I think people are leaving out of their equations the threat of Bottica. Sides would be very cautious taking liberties anywhere within kicking distance, he was lethal. I think Skerrett was very over rated compared to other props paying at the time - Kevin Ward say or Lee Crooks

Can't see Fev winning this, the way they're playing this season. Shame really if there's one RL side I really hate it's the Bulls. I'd be tempted to make the 180 mile round trip, but after the reports of Bradford's treatment of Fev supporters last time out I don't think I'll bother. Good luck Fev. UTR

Why Yorkshire batted on to over 700 runs is beyond me. Perhaps having not been set a realistic target Northants let it be known they wouldn't be bothered if they didn't bat again. Shame really. Still Yorkshire up and Lancashire down, what's not to like

I thought he was in touch. But if the VR can't see it then the try remains. Great game. Very exciting. Shame it had to end with the anti climax of the golden point. But them's the rules.

Never been to a four day county match before. Went to he second day (Friday) of Yorkshire v Sussex at Scarborough. The weather was good, play was uninterrupted, Scarborough cricket ground it a nice ground, with good bars and excellent food facilities, and great views the play was attractive, all in all an excellent day. I'll probably give county cricket another go.

Didn't former RFL General Secretary Bill Fallowfield turn out for Moortown in the 50's?

First of August is here again, happy Yorkshire Day everyone.

Oh dear. This shows my age. Boxing Day 1960 Leeds v Wakey. I think Wakey won 14-7. We sat on the wall beside the slope where the players used to come out at Headingley. The next game was Wakey v Wigan at Belle Vue, 2nd round of cup, Wigan won 2-0 Fred Griffiths goal. I won half a dollar on the Leeds v Wakey game, and risked it again with the same lad against Leeds winning the Championship - I lost.

Edwards was s great player but not a "big name" like Offiah