Halifax 7-0 Salford, 25 April 1903 (Northern Union Challenge Cup final)

A then record Rugby League attendance of 32,507 packed into Headingley, Leeds for the 1903 Challenge Cup final. On what was a hot and sunny day, Halifax's pack dominated the more nimble and athletic Salford team, scooping the silverware by 7-0.
Salford had not conceded a try in the previous four rounds (5 matches including a replay) until this final. However, according to the Manchester Guardian, the general consensus was that Salford were lucky not to concede more points. The same newspaper reckoned that Halifax supporters and Yorkshire sympathisers outnumbered those favouring Salford by 9 to 1.
This clip, part of the Mitchell & Kenyon archive, is taken from above the West Terrace.
Salford team: D. Smith, Norris, Messer, Lomas, Bell; Harter, Griffiths; J. Williams, R. Shaw, Heath, H. Shore, Brown, Rhapps, H. Buckler, Tunney.

[@Zaon2kx4]

Great Footage, my Grt Grt grandfarther played in this match for Halifax as a forward. i have one of the cups awarded to the players thats been passed down

[@mig196811]

Good to see Halifax kicking some ass. Amazing rugby league footage. TGG

[@mwidunn]

Interesting how close much of this looks to American Football at the time.

[@stuartbannister6756]

get in