Len Bowkett
Leonard Charles Bowkett | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Coventry, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | February 1, 1976 (aged 69) Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby union and rugby league footballer, rugby league coach |
| Years active | 1920s–1930s |
| Known for | Playing for Coventry R.F.C., Huddersfield, Batley, Keighley; England rugby league international; coaching Keighley A-Team |
Leonard Charles Bowkett (6 September 1906 – February 1976) was a distinguished English athlete who played both rugby union and professional rugby league during the 1920s and 1930s. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching rugby league in the 1930s. In rugby union, he represented Warwickshire and competed at the club level for Coventry R.F.C., while in rugby league, he was selected for England’s national team. His club career in rugby league included stints with Huddersfield, Batley (on loan), and Keighley, where he fulfilled roles as a fullback, centre, or stand-off. Additionally, Bowkett took on coaching responsibilities for Keighley’s A-Team.
Background
Born in Coventry, Warwickshire, Len Charles Bowkett received his education at Broad Street School in Coventry. Around 1934, he operated as the landlord of The Fleece Inn located in Sheepridge, Huddersfield. He passed away at the age of 69 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.
International honours
Bowkett participated in an England rugby union trial approximately in 1926 and later secured a cap representing England in rugby league during a 1932 match against Wales.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Serving as left-, Bowkett captained Huddersfield to a narrow 21–17 triumph over Warrington in the 1932–33 Challenge Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium, London, on 6 May 1933. His outstanding performance earned him the man of the match accolade, having successfully kicked three penalties and two conversions. The trophy was presented to him by Edward, Prince of Wales.
County Cup Final appearances
In the 1930–31 Yorkshire Cup Final at Thrum Hall, Halifax, Bowkett played left- and contributed a goal despite Huddersfield’s 2–10 defeat to Leeds. The subsequent season saw him again feature at left-, scoring a goal to help Huddersfield secure a 4–2 victory against Hunslet at Headingley, Leeds.
Club career
In April 1936, Bowkett was temporarily transferred from Huddersfield to Batley for two fixtures: a 12–9 win over Huddersfield at Mount Pleasant, Batley, followed by a 7–10 loss to Leigh at Mather Lane, Leigh.
Len Bowkett married Jessie (née Taylor) with their union registered early in 1926 in Coventry. The couple had three children: June Bowkett (born 1926), John L. Bowkett (born 1931), and Roland G. Bowkett (born 1937), all of whom were registered in Coventry.