UP
David Lawrence Donkin Hull FC Captain
David Lawrence Donkin born in Cottinham on 12 Aug 1869 known as Laurie Donkin
was the youngest of 5 boys to William and Sara Ann Donkin Residing in Cottingham.
Other than being able to find his playing records there is very little to write about his life profile as he was a very modest man who basically avoided interviews with the press.
I have found this article that was published in the Hull Daily Mail
in 1893.
I consider Laurie Donkin a great player and captain for Hull FC, he was one of the most influential forwards in the club in his 7 seasons.
Laurie Donkin playing record:
1891 to 1892 played 32 games scored 6 tries and the most scored by an individual, 1892 to 1893 played 30 games captain of the team no tries scored, 1893 to 1894 played 32 games captain the team scored 3 tries, 1894 to 1895 played 6 games a head injury whist playing in a county trial prevented further play that season, 1895 to 1896 played 26 games, 1896 to 1897 played 29 games 1897 to 1898 played 1 games, Total games played 156 and scored 10 tries.
CHAT WITH MR. DONKIN.
SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTED.
No man in Hull is held by football players and the football public, in greater esteem than Mr. Laurie Donkin, captain of Hulls first fifteen.
A more fitting subject for an interview, therefore, it would be difficult to find.
I have searched the pages of history and of course I mean the football history of past and present players to my mind none deserve more honourable mention than Mr Donkin.
Certainly he has not yet been rewarded with his County Cap, but he has been within an ace of that distinction, and but for the regrettable accident he sustained in the trial match at Holbeck he would have without a doubt this season been fighting in the Yorkshire ranks.
However, he is still young, and with a continuation of his present form there is no reason why the Yorkshire committee should not give him a trial. He has done much to elevate and enhance the reputation of the premier club, and his labours in this direction will live long in the memory at least in the memory of the present generation of the Hull football players.
I had very little difficulty in finding the object of my search Mr. Donkin is not taciturn, but he is remarkably modest, and when I broached the object of my visit he expressed a powerful dislike to publicity.
However, after an outburst of persuasive eloquence he melted not to the extent that snow melts before sun but still sufficiently to grant me a few short moments conversation.
My course clear, this was the first question I put to him:
Are you a native of Hull, Mr Donkin.Well scarcely, although my birth-place was not far off, In fact, I was born at Cottingham.And your age is.Twenty-three.When did you commence your football career.I first played with Cottingham some five years ago 1888, after playing for Cottingham for two seasons I joined the Hull Football Club in 1891-92.I believe you were very successful during your first year with Hull.Yes, I scored the highest number of tries playing in 32 games for the first team.The following season was elected captain. It is very singular but during the first year of my captaincy I never scored.What is your opinion of the Hull team as at present constituted.I am proud of my club, and consider we have the best set of forwards in Yorkshire.And the backs.They are always reliable if not brilliant.What about the senior competition.I think we have a good chance of securing a favourable position—a better position—than many people imagine..Have you considered your prospects in the Cup ties.Well, It would be rather premature, to talk about our chances at this period. There is no saying what will happen between now and the first round.Has the Gymnasium had much to do with Hull’s present fine form.I think it was one of the grandest innovation ever suggested in the interest of the club, and It Is regrettable the Gymnasium was not introduced earlier in its career.
Mr. Donkin was not inclined to continue the interview which thereupon terminated.
Hull FC Team photo and the home of Laurie Donkin, wife Alice Mary and daughter Bessy Leona.
