A small collection of programmes including an issue for the Leigh v Wigan rugby league friendly specially arranged to be the debut of the Trinidad-bor
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A small collection of programmes including an issue for the Leigh v Wigan rugby league friendly specially arranged to be the debut of the Trinidad-born Olympic sprinter Emmanuel McDonald Bailey on 16th December 1953, together with seven other programmes in the lot a mixture of rugby league & football, RL including North Island v South Island (NZ) 29.8.59, Southern Districts of N.S.W. v England May 1946, and football including Manchester City v Everton F.A. Cup 6th Round 2nd Replay at Molineux 5th April 1966, and European Cup finals for 1963, 1968, 176 & 1981 (8) Bailey turned professional in July 1953 joining Leigh for the sum of £1,000 per season for three seasons plus match fees. However, the Wigan match proved to be his one and only game of Rugby League. Reports state he handled the ball 9 times, dropping it twice. He did, however, score a try although there was more than a whisper that the opposition defence were reminded that the game was a non-competitive friendly to introduce a new star to the game! Bailey won a bronze medal in the 100 yards at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.