Saints and Sinners

Over the years at least 20 Trinity Old Boys turned out for Northampton Saints either before, during or after their playing careers, notching up almost 1,000 appearances between them, as detailed in the “Nothing Without Labour” book on the history of the Saints first 125 years.

On top of this many others turned out for the 2nd/3rd teams, the Wanderers and Crusaders, but made no recorded 1st team appearances.

In addition 3 former teachers at the school also played for Saints: Glyn Jones, Ian Gibson and of course Bryan West, the elder brother of the late Alan, who also represented England and the British Lions before moving to Rugby League at Wakefield Trinity.

Name	Seasons	Appearances
Fred Matthews	1950 – 61	85
Peter Haddon	1951 – 69	111
Fred Wilson	1951 – 55	2
Roy Dickenson	1954 – 64	79
Mick Ryan	1962 – 65	10
Geoff Wright	1967 – 83	246
Gary Wilson	1970 – 74	30
Ray Pope	1971 – 72	1
Chris Morgan	1971 – 78	74
Trevor Crane	1971 – 81	69
John Berrill	1972 – 73	2
Andy Sturgess	1973 – 78	9
Dave Faulkner	1974 – 75	3
Dave Mason	1974 – 90	190
Alan West	1979 – 80	1
Geoff Benstead	1980 – 83	16
Jerry Sharpe	1981 – 84	20
Terry Burwell	1983 – 85	9
Steve Waldron	1986 – 87	14
Karl De Groot	1987 – 88	3
Dave James	1987 – 89	31

Unfortunately a number of players incurred the wrath of match officials and were asked to leave the field of play. Records from 1975 are below (the copy is not great, due to originals).

However, there must have been some mistaken identities: Ronnie “F***ing” Howe using abusive language? Terry Pepperell kicking and punching – surely not? Note that Gary “Buzby” Welsh must have been “turned” as he is now one the RFU coaches for the top Premiership Referees!