Harry Beverley, a hugely popular forward with Workington Town during two spells with the club, has died at the age of 74.
A tough Yorkshireman he first made his name with Dewsbury where he earned a call-up for England during the 1975 RL World Cup against Australia.
He was an exciting capture for Workington Town in 1978 and while with the Derwent Park club represented England again in a game with Wales. He played in two losing Lancashire Cup finals for Town.
In 1980 he was signed by the new Fulham rugby league club and spent four years in London before returning for a short, second spell with Town before retiring.
Harry loved the west Cumbrian way of life and after retirement settled in the area with his son Mark going on to play for the Aspatria rugby union club.
One of his contemporise, Jim Mills, the former Widnes and Workington prop said: “So sad that Harry has passed away. He was a big, strong-running forward who took some stopping when he got into his stride.”
The Workington club added: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Harry Beverley. Harry played 94 games for us and is fondly remembered by everyone who saw him in the blue and white in the 70s and 80s. Our sympathies are with his family and friends.”
Dewsbury fans have also being paying tribute to a player who was generally regarded as being ahead of his time.
He will forever be remembered for being a key member of the Dewsbury championship-winning team which beat Leeds at Odsal to lift the play-off trophy in 1973.
