Jack Harrison VC, MC

HARRISON FOR HULL. IMPORTANT RUGBY CAPTURE. INTERESTING PARTICULARS. (BY ORION Hull Daily Mail 03 Aug 1012)

The question will John Harrison sign on for Hull or Rovers? was answered this morning, when information was made known that the Hull F.C. had succeeded in adding the ex-York wing three-quarter to their list of this seasons captures.

Both Hull and Rovers have been anxious to secure the young athlete services and Messrs Arthur J. Boynton (Hull president) and A Charlesworth, the popular secretary, were entitled to express their satisfaction.

Jack Harrisons cleverness as a N.U. wing three-quarter is known throughout the leading clubs in the League, and I am not betraying a secret when I inform our readers that not Hull and Rovers, but Wigan, Oldham, Leeds and others have vainly endeavoured to obtain Harrisons signature to a professional form.

The circumstances in connection with the local lads transfer from York have been previously stated in our columns, but a few interesting facts of the efforts of more than one clubs representative to sign on Hulls latest capture are worth naming.

Immediately John Harrisons application for a free transfer from the York Club had been agreed to at the last League meeting, an official of a prominent Lancashire Club left the discussion of other business intending to blind the officials that he was in no way interested in Harrison.

Within a couple of minutes he was trying to find the Hull footballer but too late, there was other official too close upon the scene. Reaching Leeds, another club official was accidentally finding Jack Harrison and another party assembled at Paragon Station

During the past fortnight, I chanced to learn that Mr James Goldthorpe the Leeds secretary, with professional form ready, was busily occupied in tracing the young man not far from Holderness road. Meantime Hull and Rovers were baiting to the best of their ability.

It was, by a stroke of luck that I chanced to meet Harrison in the crowd of interested folk watching the County Cricket match. He is one of those reserved persons, who think much and say little, especially concerning their own ability.

I was pleased to learn that he had, paid strict attention to forms of training, and believes in keeping fit in both the active and close season. Evidence of this is clearly borne out in that Harrison is a non smoker and a life Long teetotaller.

Need one wonder that a promising footballer, with these assets on his side, should be sought by the best league clubs? As to my football career, said Harrison, I have played Soccer and Rugger for the last six seasons for four years I assisted Craven-street, Secondary School as an Association forward.

THE ONLY RUGBY GAMES

I played prior to leaving for my two year at York St. Johns Training College were two for Craven-street Secondary against Boulevard Secondary. I knew little of the game when I turned out in a practice match at St. Johns, although by putting my heart into the play and gaining confidence in running I evidently made an impression, seeing I gained a regular place in the College first team from that date.

My position in the St. Johns team was

LEFT-CENTRE

Though, as you will be aware. I played on the wing with York N.U. Team. What about the trouble respecting your transfer from the York Club I asked.

Harrison was perfectly frank in his reply. I do not wonder at the Northern Union promptly ruling in his favour.

I signed as an amateur with York on March 20th, 1912, on the distinct understanding that on my leaving college I should be allowed to play for any club I wished.

An assurance was given by the York official that a free transfer should be given me on application and no one regrets the hitch, which has unfortunately occurred more than I. In answer to you question, Yes I played with York in five League matches, Salford and Runcorn at Clarence street,  Leeds, Bramley, and Ebbw Vale, away, my record was five tries for the games.

The last time I turned out at York was in Tot Moores benefit match. It was in this particular display that J. Harrison made a name for himself in a certain Hull circles, and caused inquiries to be made by at least one club.

Frank Boylen and G. T. Cottrell confirmed the flattering remarks of H. Havelock, a forward Hull gratuitously transferred to York. Harrison fairly surprised himself, as well as the Hull and York officials and players at York that afternoon.

He is not a victim of stage fright, or of another footballers downfall, swollen head he is out for good sport and may be depended upon to do his very best for his masters and colleagues.

Harrison born in East Hull 21 years ago and is now following a scholastic, appointment in the city.

Local football followers in fact all interested in sport will join me in wishing Jack Harrison a long and successful career with the Boulevard Club.

Of course, we cannot hope that he will experience anything like the smartness achieved with York St. Johns for which club he scored 35 goals from place kicks and penalties, 30 tries, 167 points out of a total of 303 in one season. Harrison is 5ft. 8in. in height, and weighs slightly under 11stone, it is rather singular that his first match at the Boulevard will be on Thursday September 5 1912 at 5.30pm, between his new club and York.