Thoroughly enjoyed that article. I'm old enough to have seen 'This Sporting Life' on its opening round in 1963. I was not aware that Richard Harris had been knocked out in that scene. I try to get to BV at least once every season and always follow the club's fortunes. Great start to the season; hope it lasts, BUT, beware the wounded wolves!!!
Apart from the round ball comments this chap just about captures my irrational attachment to traveling half way accross the country every other weekend in the summer to BV with a heart full of expectation but a head sadly less optimistic. A beautiful piece of writing.
Slugger McBatt wrote:I think the Harris being knocked out thing is an urban myth. Unless anyone knows differently.
Cant remember who it was but an ex player was interviewed on the BBC and came out with the same story. Im not 100 % sure but i think Harris has been quoted somewhere saying this as well when interviewed regards to the film.
Joined: Jan 24 2007 Posts: 6297 Location: Over there
Just checked the footage. Turner, wearing a Wigan shirt, comes round the scrum and hits Harris with the inside of his arm. The first connect is with Harris's shoulder and then it moves onto his head area, although it is hard to gauge the force being used.
Would be a five match ban ordinarily, but as he was playing for Wigan at the time, it would be reduced to a three hundred pound fine.
For the push against the tackler committed by Harris in the preceding play, as he was wearing a Wakey shirt, he was immediately sent off, from his stretcher.
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