» Town News

Sad news: the death of Brian Edgar

The death has been announced of Town stalwart Brian Edgar.

Keith Singleton writes about the Workington legend.
When I first became an avid Town supporter, in 1961, Brian Edgar was the skipper and star of a very good Workington team. The Town pack of that season was one of the best in British Rugby League. In fact perhaps that is an understatement because the top teams of that era Wigan, Wakefield, Swinton and St. Helens did have decent sets of six but they won most of their honours via their prominent back divisions - all of those teams feared the journey into West Cumbria to meet the might of Brian Edgar and co.

Brian was my first real RL hero during my schoolboy youth, yet my most abiding memory from my inaugural season of Oxo and pies Derwent Park style was of Brian Edgar in his Cumberland county shirt.

It was a fine September evening and Cumberland were to clash with the redoubtable giants of Lancashire for the ultimate title of County Champions for the 1961-62 season.

I believe more than seven thousand were in attendance that evening. And Cumberland were regarded as the underdogs against the mighty combination their visitors fielded, with Swinton, Wigan and Saints players to the fore. But the true grit of Cumberland had no respect for such illustrious company. With second row forwards Brian Edgar and Dick Huddart paving the way for Cumberland to land the much-vaunted trophy as County Champions following their 21-13 victory.

I can still very much see the wild celebrations amidst the packed Derwent Park as the vanquished super stars left the field and Cumberland were officially tops, with Brian Edgar voted 'King for the day'. Obviously Brian also commanded respect from the Great Britain selectors too. It's well documented regarding his tour appearances, and he still remains the most capped Workington Town player.

Along with such greats as Gus Risman, Billy Ivison and Tom Mitchell, Brian Edgar will long remain in the memories of the Workington Town, and indeed Cumbrian, people as being one of the eminent ambassadors of the game of Rugby League.