Thursday 16 December 2021

Gordon Burton, An Ex Player, Captain and ‘Legend’ of Ilkley Rugby.

After an earlier post regarding the Ilkley RFC Ex Players Lunch I sent a link to contacts I thought may be interested to see the post. 

As an afterthought I remembered a good friend from several years ago when we worked at the same Ilkley estate agents and sent him a link as I vaguely remembered he had some connection with rugby (what an understatement!!).

It was a very pleasant surprise when a few days later Nigel replied sending me several photographs and mementos of his dad, Gordon Burton who had been Captain at Ilkley RUFC 1950-51.

I had not expected such a treasure trove of information relating to an ex player, Captain and ‘legend’ of Ilkley rugby.


Gordon Burton, Ilkley RUFC (Captain)

Cigarette lighter presented to G.Burton (CAPT.) for leading point score. IRUFC 1950-51  134 POINTS

Cigarette lighter presented to G.Burton (CAPT.) for leading point score. IRUFC 1950-51

134 POINTS

It would seem that Gordon had started quite a sporting legacy from his time at Ilkley RUFC.
 
Son Nigel played rugby for Ilkley Grammar School and at the Schools Sevens held at IRFC.  Later at Ilkley he had trials and played for Yorkshire Colts
Following an injury Nigel stopped playing for a couple of years then moved to Lancashire and played for Fylde Rugby, where Bill Beaumont (England Captain) was his captain with Tony Swift (England) on the right-wing and Nigel on the left-wing.
 
Following a spell with Preston Grasshoppers then moving to Bristol and subsequently playing for a local combination Club.
 
By this time with a growing family of 4 children Nigel had qualified as a junior coach and coached at Clifton Rugby Club for 16 Years.

Nigel's sons, daughters and grandchildren all followed in Gordons sporting footsteps and are prominent participants of their chosen sports.

 I hope you will take the time to view more photographs and information supplied by Nigel.

Of particular note are the details of Ilkley RUFC Golden Jubilee 1899-1949.

Also a must read article ‘A Few Useful Tips for Young Players’


 To view please follow the link to the Archive Image Library on my dedicated website.


Many Thanks Nigel and Family

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