David Hall Debut, Saints Victory, Fax Promotion

On This Day... April 4


Rovers stalwart David Hall made his debut for Rovers at centre in a 17-7 defeat at Odsal Stadium, Bradford in 1971. Over his 14-year Rovers career, Hall made 383 appearances, kicking 166 goals and scoring 89 tries. He made a very successful transition to loose-forward later in his career, and also earned two Great Britain caps.

On 4 April 1982, Rovers won 28-16 at Knowsley Road, St Helens. It was their first win on the ground for 50 years. Full-back George Fairbairn, enjoying a prolific first season with Rovers, scored 13 points with five goals and a try. The Rovers team that day was – George Fairbairn; Steve Hubbard, Ian Robinson, Phil Hogan, Peter Muscroft; Mike Smith, John Walsh; John Millington, David Watkinson, Steve Crooks (sub: Kevin Watson), Phil Lowe, Chris Burton, David Hall.  Sub not used: David Laws

In 1990, Rovers beat Halifax 29-6 in a Division Two game at Craven Park to clinch promotion back to Division One. Mike Fletcher’s fourth minute try set Rovers on their way, breaking at the same time Steve Hubbard’s record for the most points in a season. Paul Lyman scored a second two minutes later, and although Halifax tried all they knew to stop Rovers from breaking loose, two late tries ensured a comfortable win for the Robins.