GORTON STREET GAZETTE previous day, was absent and his place was taken by Peter Clough who scored one of the second half tries resulting in a final score of Eccles 11 v Sale "A" 0. The Boxing Day games with Manchester were cancelled owing to the hard conditions of the frozen ground. The railway embankment can be clearly seen in the background of the 1948/49 Eccles RFC team photo. Back row -N. Bisbey (Chairman), E. C. Salter (Bridegroom), R. Holker, A. Farnworth, F.N. Brennan, J. Haughton, T.R. Scanlon, N. S. Davies, A. Pilkington, J.W.J. Rooney (Hon. Secretary) Middle row - L. Nabb, G.J. Chapman, E.S. Mayor (Captain), K. Taylor, H. Palmer. Front row - H. Scott (went on to play for England in February 1955), A.R. Gilbody (Hon. Treasurer), H. Broomhead (went on to become club President). Documented in the club committee minute book on 1st December 1980, the Eccles Borough Band made a request to attend to play carols and make a collection. It was agreed that they would be invited at 6pm on Saturday, 20th December 1980 as it was thought "this could be a successful pre-Christmas event.” Well, it must have been, as they are still attending some 41 years later and long may our annual association continue! And finally to wrap up this edition of the Gazette, a short piece from our archives on the 2XV opponents today, Broughton Park "29th September, 1899. Eccles and Broughton Park met at Heaton Park in boisterous weather on Saturday. Eccles played with 14 men. Eccles were chiefly on the attack, but couldn't score. Final score - Broughton Park 1 goal, Eccles nil. The "A" teams met at Barton where Eccles had only 12 players, but an exciting game ended with Broughton Park 1 goal v Eccles nil.” Let's hope that we have a full compliment of players and some tries when the two teams kick off at 2.15pm today! Eccles RFC historian Sheila Thomas (with Chris Gaffey chipping in).
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