Len Bratley
Leonard Bratley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 September 1914 Newton Hill, Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | July 1974 |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby league footballer, pub landlord, colliery worker |
| Years active | 1930s–1940s |
| Known for | Playing rugby league for York, Wakefield Trinity, Hull FC; representing England and Yorkshire |
Leonard Bratley (24 September 1914 – July 1974) was a distinguished English rugby league player whose career spanned the 1930s and 1940s. He represented both England and Yorkshire at the representative level, and played club rugby for York, Wakefield Trinity, as well as appearing as a wartime guest for Hull FC. Bratley’s primary positions on the field were prop and loose forward.
Background
Born in Newton Hill, Wakefield, within the West Riding of Yorkshire region of England, Len Bratley later became the landlord of the Admiral Duncan pub located at 100 Thornes Lane, Wakefield. Additionally, he was employed at Lofthouse Colliery. He passed away at the age of 59. His elder sibling, Arthur, also played rugby league, turning out for Featherstone Rovers during the 1936-37 season.
International honours
While playing for Wakefield Trinity, Len Bratley received an England cap in 1945 in a match against Wales.
County honours
During the 1945–46 season, Bratley was selected to represent the Yorkshire County XIII while affiliated with Wakefield Trinity.
County League appearances
Bratley played a key role in Wakefield Trinity securing the Yorkshire county league title in the 1945–46 campaign.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
He featured as left loose forward in Wakefield Trinity’s narrow 13–12 triumph over Wigan in the 1946 Challenge Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium on 4 May 1946.
County Cup Final appearances
Bratley took up the left loose forward position in multiple Yorkshire Cup Finals: a 2–5 loss to Bradford Northern in 1945, a 10–0 victory against Hull F.C. in 1946, and a 7–7 draw with Leeds in 1947. Notably, he scored a try in the subsequent replay where Wakefield Trinity secured an 8–7 win over Leeds.
Club career
After transferring from York to Wakefield Trinity in November 1937, Bratley made his debut on 13 November 1937 in a 12-5 victory over Salford at Belle Vue, Wakefield.
Testimonial match
A testimonial match honoring both Len Bratley and Billy Teall was held at Wakefield Trinity during the 1947–48 Northern Rugby Football League season. The event featured a commanding 29–0 win against Hull F.C. at Belle Vue on 3 April 1948.
Career records
Bratley established two forward records for Wakefield Trinity by scoring 15 tries throughout one season, including setting a club record by crossing for five tries in a single match during a 34–12 win over Huddersfield.