Knights launch York Hall of Fame
York City Knights have celebrated the history of York Rugby League by launching their first ever Hall of Fame with a glittering sportsman’s dinner at Bar 13 in Huntington Stadium on Saturday night.
The sold out event was organised by the Knights Independent Supporters Society [KISS] in aid of the York City Knights Squadbuilder initiative, which raises vital funds towards maintaining the best squad possible over a number of years.
The first inductees were decided by a committee comprising representatives from the KISS, the Knights club management, ex-players, club historians and the York Press after receiving a huge amount of suggestions from York fans far and wide over the last few weeks.
And they have been announced during a highly successful evening with ex-Leeds and Great Britain star Keith Senior as the guest speaker, with inductees, or members of their family, were attending as special guests.
To qualify for the York Rugby League Hall of Fame, eligible players must have played for the club for a minimum of four seasons and they must be retired for five years. All eras, from 1868 onwards are considered.
The first Seven players to be inducted in to the York Rugby League Hall of Fame are:
Geoff Pryce
Signed from Queensbury and went straight into the Division 2 Championship winning side, played for Yorkshire and scored a hat –trick on in county debut. Played in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final in 1984.
Debut 28th December 1980
Played 271 games + 15 as substitute
Scored 101 tries – (374 points)
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Gary Smith
Utility player, represented Yorkshire unlucky not to be selected for Great Britain after his performance against Australia at Clarence Street in 1975. Played in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final in 1984 and Yorkshire Cup Final 1978
Debut 3rd April 1972
Played 406 games + 21 as substitute
Scored 107 tries – (334 points)
Played last game for York 12th December 1985
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Vic Yorke
Prop Forward signed for York from Old Priory Youth Club, Outstanding Goal Kicker, Kicked 11 goals in a game playing for Yorkshire. Played in 1957 Yorkshire Cup Final side narrowly beaten by Huddersfield
Debut 19th April 1954
Played 362 games
Scored 13 tries & 1061 goals – (2161 points)
Played last game for York 19th November 1966
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Norman Fender
Back Row Forward Signed from Cardiff Rugby Union, Wales Rugby Union International. Selected for Great Britain RL and toured Australasia Scoring 11 tries on the tour.
Debut 29th August 1931
Played 228 games
Scored 22 tries & 17 goals – (100 points)
Played last game for York 18th September 1938
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Willie Hargreaves
Full Back Signed for York from Stanley, Unlucky never to gain representative honours, named in the “shadow” squad many times. Played in 1957 Yorkshire Cup Final side narrowly beaten by Huddersfield
Debut 3rd November 1952
Played 444 games + 2 as substitute
Scored 61 tries & 21 goals – (225 points)
Played last game for York 20th November 1966
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Baz Watts
Back Row Forward Represented Great Britain in 1954 World Cup, Played in 1957 Yorkshire Cup Final side narrowly beaten by Huddersfield
Debut 8th October 1949
Played 354 games
Scored 65 tries – (195 points)
Played last game for York 6th May 1961
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013
Edgar Dawson
Back Row Forward Capped for Great Britain Played in 1957 Yorkshire Cup Final side narrowly beaten by Huddersfield
Debut 30th August 1950
Played 339 games
Scored 55 tries & 1 goal – (167 points)
Played last game for York 1st June 1962
Inaugurated in Hall of Fame March 2013.