In the early post-war years when Arthur Clues and Bert Cook came, amid much heralding of their arrival, they were put up in digs in Headingley Avenue, just opposite where I lived.
They had no sooner got here than the snows came with a vengeance and my friends and I ended up out in the street having a huge snowball fight with them, as they were absolutely fascinated by the stuff. We didn’t know a lot about them before they set foot in Leeds, but they made a massive, immediate impact and we couldn’t wait to see them in action.
Clues was a giant who we were grateful was on our side but full-backs like Cook were masters of their own domain in those days.
The legendary kicking duels were a sheer battle of will between two opposing players, it was like chess pieces being moved about on the field of play aiming to get a crucial advantage for their team - especially as with unlimited tackles and contested scrums - possession was everything.
Another who came with them who made a tremendous impression was Australian winger Len Kenny who was very small but extremely fast. He was only here for a season but he scored some terrific tries.
There was one where he scorched down the sideline like a rocket only about six inches in from the touch.
Gordon Morrish
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
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Memory added on November 26, 2012
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