GORTON STREET GAZETTE Great Scott! Sixty-Five years ago, 26th February 1955, Fullback Harry Scott of Manchester Rugby Club became England's 856th capped-player when he pulled on the white shirt to represent his country against France at Twickenham. The pride of his selection was also felt across the city at Eccles Rugby Football Club where Harry had spent his formative years. Harry was was born in Batley on 7th November 1927 and aged 8 moved with his family to Eccles. Following his attendance at Stretford and Salford Royal Technical Colleges he qualified as an engineering draftsman. His father, Bob, played rugby league for Swinton Lions and Cumberland and Harry evidently inherited his athletic ability. In the early 1950s Harry became a stalwart of the Lancashire team considered one of the strongest in the county championship. In 1954 he played for North West Counties against New Zealand at Manchester City’s Maine Road ground, where his pen portrait in the match programme described him as “an enterprising fullback with safe hands and quick to turn defence into attack”. In later years, Harry returned back to Eccles, enjoying both the playing and social aspects of the Rugby Union game. He was an active member of EGOR (Evergreens of Rugby), becoming a well-known figure at Lancashire and England matches and in 1987 he was made a Hon. Life Member of Eccles RFC. Harry, passed away in January 2012 aged 85, with his memorial service held at Peel Green crematorium and his ashes spread on the Eccles pitch by his family 4 years later. Harry will no doubt be fondly remembered by many members of both Eccles and Manchester clubs when they meet to play this Saturday at Gorton Street. (photo: England v France, 1955. H. Scott, front row right, seated on ground)
39 Publizr Home