Hopping Mad

Former footballer Charlie Hurley, 87. A centre-back, Cork-born Hurley played for Millwall, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers and Republic of Ireland. He managed Reading. Sunderland tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC." Hurley spent 12 years at Roker Park, making more than 400 senior appearances. An Irish FA statement read: "Capped 40 times by his country, Charlie will always be remembered as 'The King'. We are proud he played for Ireland and offer our sympathies to his family and friends."

King Cross Park ARLFC player Henry Grierson. A 23/4 statement on the Halifax club's Facebook page reads: It is with deepest sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Henry Grierson, who was a member of our current U18s team. As a former Siddal ARLFC junior, we were thrilled when he came to join our U18s, where he became an instant favourite with players and parents due to his outgoing and funny nature. He was always around the lads and became part of the furniture at the club. It is hard to take in that this photo [on the club's Facebook page] was only taken just over two weeks ago as part of our media day to now acknowledge that he is no longer with us. Losing somebody at such a young age is hard to take in so as a club we are simply thankful of the time we had with him and would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, young man. You made an impression on the world which will never be forgotten.

1,116 @ Barrow v Doncaster.

Owing to an unfit pitch, tomorrow's (20/4) Division One game between Clock Face Miners and Dewsbury Moor Maroons is off.

I went to Rochdale's previous home game, against Hunslet. Just 448 watching (and that included a coach of away fans). The only bit of the ground open was half the main stand! Clearly, Hornets have barely any supporters left.

If Rugby League Cares doesn't have any amateur club programmes in its archive, it should consider adding some. I'll drop them a line.

It's an independent charity. https://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/news/general/heritage/rugby-leagues-national-programme-archive-nears-25000-milestone/

First game for 'Grelland' ended in a 4-16 home defeat by Dodworth Miners. No disrespect to Dodworth but that's a fair indication of how far two former NCL members have fallen.

Give the residue to Rugby League Cares, for their programme archive. As the name implies, they do care.

Couple of updates from the weekend: Championship club York's programme is a 40-pager for £3. Available in the club shop and from a seller outside the east stand turnstiles. Staff in the club shop told me only 100 are printed. NCL 2024 newcomers Distington offer an all-colour eight-pager, included with their £3 admission charge. Distington were reliable issuers in their Cumberland League days.

Southport very unlucky to be voted out (in 1978), when Wigan took their Football League place. The Sandgrounders had been Division Four champions in 1973. The first vote ended with Southport and Wigan tying (some would say Southport should have survived because they hadn't actually been voted out). Wigan then got through on a second vote.

And Halifax Town (founded 1911, elected to the Football League 1921, after playing only very local opposition).

Halifax used to have a Football League club (and may again).

I made the women's game 70-0. Reported in some places, including BBC Sport online, as 74-0 (although York Valkyrie's twitter later amended to 70-0). Either way, a comfortable win for City of York over Wakefield Metropolitan District!

As I feared, at York, not the most exciting afternoon I've had watching rugby league (bought my ticket, a once or twice a season thing at the LNER, before realising Knights had so many absentees). Two very one-sided games, with little to engage the neutral. Decent conversation - the non-stop loud music notwithstanding - with the people sitting around me, though. Did the crowd look about 3,000? No idea why York can't announce/publicise their attendances, in the way stadium-sharers York City FC do.