St.Helens R.F.C. is saddened to learn about the passing of Saint #801, Bill Harper, aged 89.
Bill played two matches in four days for the Saints at hooker, both away from Knowsley Road. The first was against Blackpool Borough, on 29th September 1962, in a Western Championship fixture, which Saints drew 12-12.
Four days later, he was at Watersheddings, Oldham in a Lancashire Cup final tie which Saints won 10-8. In both games he was partnered in the front row by John Arkwright and Cliff Watson.
His senior Saints’ career was a relatively short one and St Helens-born Bill came up against his former club whilst playing for Salford, on 16th October 1966. The club programme gave us an insight into his post-St Helens career: “Bill is yet another St. Helens boy who, due mainly to the wealth of playing talent which has prevailed at Knowsley Road for at least this last decade, has had to make his name in our game outside his native town. Billy has proved to be a rare bargain for us having joined us last season [1964-65] from Warrington on the recommendation of his former Coach, Ernie Ashcroft.”
Unfortunately, Bill suffered a serious injury at Salford when he displaced discs in his spine as a result of a collapsed scrum. A joiner by trade and brought up in Chamberlain Street in St Helens, he emigrated to Australia in 1970 with his family to live in Moorollbank in Victoria.
Everyone at St Helens R.F.C. sends their condolences to Bill’s wife, June, and son, Ian at this difficult time.
