Dewsbury Rams are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of former player Harry Beverley aged 74 after a long illness.
An athletic prop forward who was much admired amongst Dewsbury fans, Harry joined the club in 1971 and played for six years, being a key part of the 1973 Championship winning side that beat Leeds at Odsal. His barnstorming runs and never give up attitude cemented his place as a fan favourite.
Coach of the 1973 side Tommy Smales remembers Harry well, “Harry was outstanding, every team wants a Harry Beverley in their side. He was a hard runner with those high knees, hard tackler and he did everything that you wanted him to do in attack and defence.”
“He was a gentle man who was very easy going, but was tough as brass. I remember when he first came to training and was getting changed afterwards when he asked for the scrubbing brush, which I assumed would be to clean his boots or his socks. So he got the brush, jumped in the bath and started scrubbing his face with it!”
After leaving Dewsbury in 1977, Harry went on to play for Workington Town, followed by a four-year spell at Fulham RLFC before returning to Workington in 1984 playing for one more season before retiring.
Harry also represented both Yorkshire and England, where he was a part of the 1975 World Cup Final Squad.
Ahead of our next home game against Workington Town we will be holding a one-minute silence to remember Harry.
The club would like to extend its deepest condolences at this time to Harry’s family, friends and former team-mates.