I've come across a photograph of E. McDonald Bailey dated 1953 taken during a friendly match between Leigh and Wigan, during which he scored a try. I've been told so far that this was the only time that EMB played for Leigh. I've also discovered that he was the athletics coach for the Trinidad and Tobago team at the 18th. Olympic Games held in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan.

The question that I cannot get answered is the identity of the Wigan player on EMB's left?? Any suggestions, please.





If you chaps don't know the answer, I'll just have to ask a Wiginer!

Is it not Ronnie Hurst who was signed by Wigan from Westleigh Recs? Hurst definitely played on the wing in that match so it may well be.

Ronnie was bought up on Abbey Lane estate. Whenever he mentoned rugby we always towd him 'You can shut tha din for starters, only man in world that McDonald Baily could score against !'

Thanks for that. The attached photo (Wigan 1951/52) shows Ronnie Hurst as the sixth player from the left on the back row. Got to say that there is a resemblance to the chap chasing EMB in the first photo.

If you go to You tube and link to Pathe News and Macdonald Bailey there are two 30 sec clips. One is of MB training with Leigh (some well known Leigh faces on that), the other is of that Leigh-Wigan match. Well worth watching.

I know Ronnie very well ,He lives in Kenneth Grove, He told me that getting hold of Macdonald Bailey to tackle him was like getting hold of a woman as He huddled himself up and curled into a ball. as for the try He said that He had to tell him to put the ball down when he was over the line.

Brian Fallon had actually crossed the line when he gave the ball to McB to touch down. Fortunately, he didn't drop it!

Thank you peawapp and Clitheroe.

Great to read that the chap is still around.

A friend of mine happens to know Ronnie Hurst's address and asked him whether it was he in the photo. Apparently not...and Ronnie doesn't know who it is either.

I'm sorry for the wild goose chase. I thought it could have been Ronnie.

My memory is not what it used to be and I have enjoyed a few beers since 1952

No worries. I'm grateful that you tried to help me.

Is it safe to venture into the Wigan section??

Just be careful going over there mate.