Seasons To Remember 1913/14

SEASON 1913-14

The financial troubles that had beset the club during the summer were put aside on they turned their attention to a new campaign which was to turn out to be am historic one with the side winning their first ever trophy in the northern R.L.

After showing a marked improvement in their league status in 1912-13 when they finished 7th following a lowly 20th place in 1911-12, hoper were high of continuing the trend.
The club had not secured any new players of note and put their faith in the hands of such stalwarts as full back Harry Launce, half backs Edgar May and Dai John plus evergreen forwards Evan Thomas, Charlie Rees, Harry Goldsmith and Robert Ritchie.

Leading the way was skipper Willie Thomas who had been captain of the side since 1911 a position he was to hold until 1921. The new season began with the Reds securing 13 points to 6 home victories against Rochdale Hornets but they narrowly lost their match at Yorkshire club Hunslet by 9 points to 8. Back at The Willows St.Helens were no match for the Salford who ran out winners by 17 points to 4, Mesley (2) and John scoring the tries.

The Reds continued to be consistent and they won five out of their next six games including a 23-6win against barrow, which was quite a high score in there days. Wigan became the first side to back Salford at The Willows when they knocked us out of the Lancashire cup in a 1st round tie by 9 points to 7. For several years, Wigan had been the top side this side of the Pennines and it was quite a feat to run them so close.

The Reds impressive form continued and when the Challenge Cup draw was made hopes were high that Salford would give a good account of them selves. A narrow 8 points to 5 defeats at Hull in the first round was a set back though.

However, Salford picked them selves up and thrashed Runcorn 27-0 at The Willows in their next league match, to record their highest victory of the season. The final league game gave us a tremendous 11 points to 3 success over Wigan who were Lancashire league winners, with Salford finishing a point behind them. On the other hand, the Northern Rugby League table was based on percentages of games won, as some teams did not play as many matches as others clubs. On that basis Huddersfield finished top, Salford second, Wigan third and Hull fourth.

Bernard Mesley

The Reds beat Wigan 16-5 in the semi-final to go forwards to meet Huddersfield in the final, after they had beaten Hull by 23 points to 5 in the other semi.
Huddersfield who had already won the Yorkshire cup and Yorkshire league had won the championship for the last two years and they were favourites to make it three in a row.
Despite an unconverted try from Gleeson to give Huddersfield a 3-0 lead. Salford stuck to their task to thwart the Yorkshire sides and with the elements in their favour in the second half, the Reds were in with a sound chance of causing an upset. Charlie Rees scored in the corner and the fans went wild when Bernard Mesley’s touchline conversion attempt sailed between the uprights. Although Launce had to retire with damaged ribs, twelve-man Salford struggled fiercely to hang on for a marvellous victory.

When the team arrived back at Manchester exchange station, they were met by the Mayor and Mayoress of Salford.

A report in the Yorkshire post started that “it was a popular victory and a remarkable one for Salford. Only last summer they appeared to be on their last legs and in grave danger of going under”. How true, for Salford was at the time in the official receiver’s hands

Salford’s team on that momentous occasion was: – Launce, Mesley, W.S. Thomas, Loveluck, Clegg, John, May, E.J. Thomas, Bevon, Ritchie, Woods, Rees, Goldsmith. Referee W. McCutcheon (Oldham) attendance 8091