Description

Castleford 1969 Rugby League Final – our inspiration.

An Introduction to Vintage Castleford 1969 Rugby League Shirt

Vintage Castleford 1969 Rugby League Shirt, at 3 PM on 17th May Salford and Castleford made marched on to the Wembley turf to be greeted by a capacity crowd – for the 1969 Rugby League Challenge Cup final. The Castleford team wore white shirts with a black and amber ‘V,’ the same design as those worn by the 1935 team. The Castleford team made up mainly of local players signed from local junior rugby. In contrast, the Salford team had Dixon, Burgess, Hesketh as well as ex-British Lions rugby players David Watkins and Mike Coulman.

Both teams conceded early penalties and Ron Hill gave Salford an early lead. Then from a scrum, Malcolm Reilly and Alan Hardisty combined to create the space for Keith Howe to reach the try line. The conversion missed and shortly after Hill kicked a second penalty to give Salford a 4-3 half time lead.

About Castleford

Within minutes of the second half Castleford were back in front. Reilly took a short pass from Hardisty and made one of many charges at the Salford defence. He broke a couple of attempted tackles and holed the Salford scrum-half over his shoulder before a well-timed pass back to Hardisty allowed his to run untouched to score under the post. This time the easy conversion gave Castleford an 8-4 lead.

Salford continued to attack, but despite their efforts only managed a third penalty by Hill. Johnny Ward broke through the Salford defence before passing on to Keith Hepworth to score the third try. A few minutes later, the whistle blew, and Castleford was worthy 11-6 champions. Malcolm Reilly’s all-action display earned him the Lance Todd Trophy as a man of the match.

Malcolm Reilly inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2014, and our range celebrates this great players career which included a spell with Manly in Australia. He also was a significant part of the 1970 Great Britain Rugby League Ashes squad. Ellis Rugby celebrated this with a promotional video.

Rugby League Cares

With every sale, a donation made to the charity Rugby League Cares that helps players transition out of the sport. It also supports players past and present who are enduring poor health or hardship. RL Cares and Ellis Rugby partnership page.

The Vintage Castleford 1969 Rugby League Shirt is manufactured from satin touch 100% Cotton. Please note we use Ecru colour, rather than pure white to create a vintaged aged look to the garment. It features a detailed appliqué crest as well as herringbone finish on the vents. Also, this garment features tape on the neck opening. This Jersey is available in sizes S to 5XL.