UP
Gloucester Boys sign for Hull FC.
John William Stone
John William Stone a rugby league wing-three-quarter came from Bream in the Forrest of Dean and selected to play for Gloucestershire County.
After his display against Bristol, Hulls directors were keen to sign Billy Stone and on the 16 October 1919 Billy Stone was a Hull FC player.
All eyes in Hull Rugby circles were turned on the new Hull F.C. three-quarter, Stone in his debut game against Wakefield on the 18 October 1919.
The Gloucester recruit was early in evidence, and In addition to scoring made play in a manner which delighted the critics.Brilliant dashes, beautiful passes, quick measurement of a situation, and a fine conception of the N.U. game are all attributes to reveal in his first game.
Stone is described as the biggest Hull capture for years, always excepting the greatest force in the. N.U.
William Batten.
Hull was full value for their splendid victory over Wakefield Trinity, and greatly pleases a crowd of admirable dimensions.
Amongst a whole heap of matter for congratulations the outstanding item was the brilliant debut of William Stone.
Of all the fans whom had the pleasure of seeing in their players Boulevard baptism
surly cannot recall one who has made a more successful entry from either Rugby Union ranks or any other.
Playing like county veteran Stone seemed to fit into the Boulevard combination as if he had been playing centre to Francis for years and Hull generally and Director Mennell particularly, are to be heartily congratulated upon their keen perception and successful negotiation.
Billy captained Hull in the 1921-22 1922-23 seasons and became one of the most attractive of Rugby League wing-three-quarter which earned his place in the Great Britain team that went to New Zealand and Australia in 1920. He played with distinction in five test matches and was the leading try scorer, and in Australia the football crowds went nearly crazy over the speedy, side-stepping Hull representative.
Billy won caps for England against Wales and Other Nationalities and in 1922 against Wales and Australia and would certainly have stayed in Englands team for some time had it not been for a back injury which compelled him to retire from international games.
His last game was in 1927 having played 222 matches scoring 149 tries 40 goals and 527 points.
Billy was forced to retired to a nursing home in Gloucester with a serious back condition after many months his condition did improve.
NEWS OF W.STONE.
The former Hull FC and England wing-three-quarter, in his Latest epistle expresses the pleasure and satisfaction at the financial result of his benefit match.
The medical report has now arrived, and Stones many admirers will be pleased to learn that this is far more reassuring than might have been anticipated. Nevertheless Hull International wing is advised keep to his bed for two or three months longer in spite of the fact the X-Ray photograph give the welcome that the abscesses have now disappeared and the disease flow appears to be quiescent.
George Hall and Richard Goddard.
The local Gloucester paper reported that the Rugby football in the West has received another severe slap in the face, or stab in the back call it what you like when George Hall and Dicky Goddard two of the very best and smartest players who have ever appeared in the ranks of the Gloucester City Club.
George Hall one of seven brothers came from Gloucester, along with team mate R. T. Goddard they came north and signed professional forms to play for Hull FC.
They both formed a great partnership in the half-backs. At the base of the scrimmage Goddard was seen at his very best and was continually earning encomiums for his sterling work George Hall was an excellent partner and twain seldom failed to make headway when they got the ball.
But best of all they managed to get the three-quarter line into motion time after time and this was one of Hulls success.
James Cook and Jack Lewis also signed for Hull FC at the same time as Goddard and Hall and is featured in the photo below.
Bill Holder was born in Tewkesbury he played club level rugby for Gloucester RFC and signed for Hull FC on the 05 Sep 1907. Considered one of the best all round forwards in the Northern Union Bill won International honours for England against Wales in 1908 and in the same year won his Great Britain cap in the match against New Zealand. He was one of the Hulls forwards in the 1914 Northern Rugby Football Union Challenge Cup winning team. At the end of a long rugby career with Hull he took on the role of A team coach. His Hull FC playing record is 371 game out of 509 matches, scored 32 tries and 11 goals.
James Elms Wyburn born in South Hamlet Parish, Gloucester on the 15 April 1887. He signed to play for Gloucester at the age of 18 and was referred to as a diamond in the rough. In 1907_08 was selected to play for his county a great honour.
Danny was a very good professional boxer and one of his successes was stopping West Country champion Bill Wilmore in three rounds of a six round contest. His professional status stopped him playing Rugby Union.
However Danny was keen to play in the professional ranks and signed for Hunslet and became one of Hunslet best forwards, unsettled with Hunslet he was put on the transfer list where a number of clubs were after his signature.
Hull FC were the successful club, signed for Hull FC 03 Sep 1914 played 162 matches. At the end of his playing career Danny coached Hull FC Juniors and produced some very good players who became Hulls first team players.
Photo of Billy Stone and fellow Gloucester boy James Edward Humphries
24 year old Humphries started his rugby with the famous Gloucester National Schools. He then moved to Gloucester St Mark and later to Stroud. The outbreak of WW1 interrupted his rugby career when he was conscripted into the 3rd Gloucester R.F.A. and served in France and Italy. At the end of the war Humphries returned to his Gloucester team where he made an immediate and sensational success and this attracted the eyes of the Northern Union. Hull FC was quick to get on the scene and signed James Humphries and he arrived in Hull from his home town Gloucester on the 20 April 1920 five days before his debut game against Barrow winning 16 points to Barrow 5points. His total games for Hulls first team is 28 over two seasons.
James Harrison was a successful Centre three quarter in the Union game having played at County level and showing great ability playing for his local club in Gloucester. Hulls board of directors were keen to sign this classy centre and James Harrison joined Hull FC.
There was another James Harrison playing in the forwards and to avoid confusion he got the nickname Gloster
following a couple of warm up games was selected for the first team against Hunslet at the Boulevard on the I Sep 1906 his first experience playing the professional game was a difficult one and did not impress the supporters.
Although Harrison found it difficult to get a regular place in the team he was well liked by the players and supporters and outside playing he was a good organiser of gala events in aid of charity and entertained the fans with is Baritone singing.
Following a number of games he was transferred on the 8 Jan 1908 to Merthyr rugby league, Where, behind the Merthyr pack his halfback partner Rhys Rees and Gloster
Harrison overshadowed the opposing half-backs and Harrison admits that he is playing better than ever, he has regained his speed and dash often lacking with the Boulevardiers.
Milson George (Miles) Short.
Milson George Short born 1902 and lived in the mining village of West Dean.
Milson George also known with the nick-name 'Miles' started his rugby career in 1923 with Berry Hill the Gloucester rugby union club.
He later moved to the Cinderford club, then for the 1924-25 season the strapping 5ft 11in 13st 7 lbs forward from the forest of dean was promoted to the senior Gloucester rugby club.
His playing record for Gloucester first team during the 1924-25 season, 27 games,
For the 1925-26 season 19 games.
and for the 1926-27 season 36 games, making a total of 82 first team appearances.
Miles had the honour of representing his county for the 1925-26 season on 7 occasions.
for the 1926-27 season 4 county appearances, giving a total of 11 Gloucester Rugby Union County appearances.
Miles was due to get trials to play for England but he decided to join the professionals of the Northern Union.
Oldham Rugby League made him an offer of 300 pounds signing on fee but Miles after a couple of trial games with Hull FC he decided to throw his lot in with Hull FC.
Miles made his debut for Hull FC on the 22 Sep 1927 against Bradford Northern, Hull wining the match 18 points to Bradford 4 points.
It was noted that Miles Short was impressive in defence and in attack. Miles became a regular first choice forward and was a fans favourite for his strong performances throughout his time with Hull.
Miles playing record over 4 seasons is 131 first team matches.
In 1931 Miles married a local Hull girl Violet E Taylor and following a period of living by the coastal town of Hornsea.
The family move back to Five Acres Coleford West Dean R D where Miles was employed in the Colliery industry.
Sadly in 1951 and at the age of 49 Milson George Short died at home in Coleford.
