WITH thanks to his daughter Carol for letting us know, we are sad to spread the news of Brian Hatherell’s death, whom older fans will vividly remember as a talented scrum-half in the late 1950s.
The sincere condolences of everyone at the club go to Brian’s family and friends at this very sad time.
In his time at Watersheddings, 1958 to 1961, Brian’s surname was always given as Hatherall, but it now appears that it was, in fact, Hatherell. Again, thanks to Carol for confirming that.
Her Dad, Brian, joined Oldham from Leigh Colts ahead of the 1958-59 season and played in 16 league games plus the 1959 Law Cup game against Hornets, making 17 in total plus a whole lot more in the ‘A’ team over his three seasons at the club, 58-59, 59-60, 60-61.
What isn’t widely known is that he was the brother-in-law of the late Geoff Sims.
Brian’s Heritage number is 605.
Like a lot of players at that time, Brian faced huge selection competition from within a squad that was exceptional and won four cups in one year which included the Rugby League Championship Trophy of 1957.
He was a very talented player, nevertheless, and played in a lot of big Championship matches, both home and away.
After making his senior debut at home against Wakefield Trinity on September 13, 1958, Watersheddings became a special place for Brian, who also played there against Blackpool Borough, Leeds, Warrington
(Brian Bevan, Harry Bath, Gerry Helme, Jim Challinor and the rest), Wigan, Whitehaven, St Helens, Huddersfield and Swinton.
Away from home, he played against St Helens, Swinton, Workington, Hull, Leigh, St Helens and Swinton.
His last game was against Swinton at Station Road on March 31, 1961.
RIP Brian — yet another Leigh lad who came to Oldham for his professional rugby league at the highest level.
