It was a moment three and a half long weeks in the making, but rugby league finally made its highly-anticipated return to Halifax yesterday (Sunday).
The result, a 4-42 defeat against Championship leaders London Broncos, was secondary to the fact that a new Halifax Panthers have been allowed to form and gain RFL membership following the sad demise of the old club at the start of February.
And 2,062 Fax supporters came to The Shay to see the start of a new era, led by chairman Martyn Buchan who told the Courier:
“We are going to pull it back to basics so that people can enjoy community rugby and come down to The Shay to watch the boys play with a smile on their face. I think it simplifies from where we were.
“It is 153 years and counting so I don’t think it would have rested that easy if it had died there and then.”
Head coach Kyle Eastmond added: “They are just good people who are here no matter what. This town deserves a rugby league team.
“It has been a tough few weeks for everybody, players and fans, and I am just so glad that we are back and we get to build this thing back up to where it needs to be.”
The sensational news of the Panthers securing RFL membership was also welcomed by Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax, who said ahead of kick-off:
“The swift action and dedication shown by all those involved in saving the club really gets to the heart of Halifax’s community spirit.
“I now can’t wait to join the fans coming out in full force on Sunday to cheer the Panthers on against the London Broncos.”
Were you, or someone you know, at Fax’s first game back with the Broncos? If so, you may be in one of these fantastic 19 photos taken by our photographer, John Clifton.
1. Fan gallery
Halifax Panthers fans were loud and proud against London Broncos in the new club's first game back. Photo: JOHN CLIFTON
4. Fan gallery
Fans make their way to The Shay to see the return of rugby league to Halifax. Photo: JOHN CLIFTON