Lean Beginnings 1900-1910
The first decade of the new century was one of disappointed for Leeds. The years since the formation of the Northern Union had seen Leeds sign plenty of players but success had eluded them indeed in the 1899-1900 season, the club used more than 50 players with 28 of those making their debut.
The first game of the new century brought victory however against Hull KR at Headingley wining 8-0. The situation looked brighter in 1901 when the Leeds Parish Church team disbanded and put all of their players at Leeds' disposal. Another key moment in 1901 was the formation of the Northern Rugby League, with a number of leading Yorkshire and Lancashire clubs forming their own league. Leeds were not admitted until the following year when they were placed in the second division and quickly gained promotion as runners-up to Keighley. The club has never been out of the top division since then.
But then came 1910 and Leeds finally lived up to their potential. The team finished in sixth place in the league but that was just a warm up for the Challenge Cup campaign. Leeds beat Hull KR, Rochdale, Keighley and then Warrington in a tense semi final, just scraping through 11-10 before meeting Hull in the final. Rain on the morning of the game meant conditions were against flowing rugby. In an incredibly tight game the scores were level at 7-7 with fifteen minutes left however neither team could break the deadlock and the final went to a replay two days later again at Fartown. Leeds made no mistake this time and ran out convincing 26-12 winners after leading 16-0 at half time. The Leeds team that day were: Young, Rowe, Gillie, Goldthorpe, Barron, Ware, Fawcett, Webster, Harrison, Topham, Ward, Jarman, Whitaker.
