Remembering key player Malcolm Shuttleworth of Batley RLFC

TEAM PLAYER Mr Shuttlework, front row, third from the right.

Malcolm Shuttleworth joined Batley RLFC’s junior team, captained the first team and coached a new generation of players after his retirement from professional rugby.

Long-time fans remember Mr Shuttleworth scoring the only try against favourites Halifax in an early 1960s cup match that left the local underdogs triumphant.

Mr Shuttleworth’s sons said: “At that time it was a bit like Batley knocking out the Rhinos or Wigan. We were always amazed at how many people came up to him and remembered him scoring that try. There were offers of him joining other clubs but there was only one club for him –Batley.”

He spent several years in the navy before working as a postman and at Fox’s Biscuits while playing rugby.

Mr Shuttleworth has three sons, Graham, John and Tony, and a daughter, Pauline.

Tony said he made sure all of them were born in Yorkshire.

Mr Shuttleworth passed away on October 21. His funeral will be held at 10.30am on Tuesday November 4 at Heckmondwike URC and then onto Dewsbury Crematorium.