Jack Arkwright (Snr) :: 1934-1945
First game: 29/09/1934, Last game: 08/09/1945, Played: 164, Tries: 30, Goals: 4, Points: 98
Jack Arkwright joined from his home town club, St. Helens in 1934, his debut ironically being back there at the City Road ground, home of St Helens Recs., on 29 September 1934, in a 3 - 11 defeat. The following week he scored his first try for the club in a 7 all draw with York.
Arkwright was selected for the 1936 Great Britain tour of Australia. On tour he had the dubious and probably unique distinction of being sent off twice in the same match. He tackled a player a little hard and another player rushed over and Arkwright thumped him and was dismissed by the referee. The opposition captain persuaded the referee to let him return. No doubt in the hope that his side would gain revenge. Later in the game Arkwright thumped the opposition captain and was dismissed from the field a second time.' when the going gets tough' the tough get going!
Such was his dominant force in the second row over the next few years, that the club made him captain for the 1937-38 season. Despite being unbeaten at Wilderspool, the club had to settle for Championship runners-up. The following season however, Jack led them to a first Lancashire League title and Lancashire Cup double, this was also his best try scoring season with nine. Jack followed this up by claiming the inaugural Wardonia Cup from Wigan, after it was won on the toss of a coin after a 17-17 draw!
The Second World War unfortunately intervened and effectively cut short his career. He did play twice after the war, his final appearance was at Parkside, Hunslet, 8 September 1945, in a comprehensive 6 - 30 defeat. At 6ft 3in and 16 stone he was man you wanted on your side and not the opposition's.Jack Arkwright made 164 appearances for Warrington scoring 30 tries and kicking 4 goals for a total of 98 points.
