Season 1941/42

First ever victory over Wigan by 15 pts to 7 pts in April 1942

The season started with an appeal to supporters for clothing coupons as wartime rationing meant Rovers couldn’t acquire playing kit without them.  Indeed there was a tongue in cheek threat that the players “will laike in nowt” if this wasn’t forthcoming.  Thankfully this wasn’t necessary and Rovers played in the new single war league fully kitted.  The league campaign was slightly disappointing with a lack of consistency but there were some good victories notably over league leaders and eventual champions Dewsbury, and for the first time ever Wigan.  The first rounds of the Challenge Cup and the Yorkshire Cup were both over two legs and Rovers didn’t manage a win in any of the 4 games against St Helens and Halifax.

Albany Longley was the standout player of the season topping the try scoring and being selected to play for a Northern Command side against a Rugby League XIII, and for Yorkshire.  Harold Moxon was again at the heart of most of Rovers best performances and George Major was a tower of strength in the pack.  With an ample supply of new recruits from the local juniors, Rovers need to use guest players was minimal compared to some clubs.