I actually don't pay too much attention to who is the ref ............... until they make a clanger in a "big" game.

Steve Ganson has to be one of the worst .......... I remember discussing his performance in the 2009 Grand Final with him ........... he was shopping in Asda St.Helens, and I asked him about a couple of decisions, especially a knock on/forward pass (I forget now) that changed the game and led directly to Leeds' winning points ........... even after having had the chance to watch then again on video, he still believed he'd got them right.

It's one thing to make a mistake in the heat of the moment, when you've only got one look at it .......... quite another to be unable to see your error after having had the chance to study the video.

He also admitted that he disagreed with one of the major Video Ref decisions on the night ........ if 2 allegedly top refs can watch the same footage and come up with different decisions, then the system needs an overhaul.

I used to sit on the ringside at Wigan as a lad and I remember both Eric Clay and Ronnie Gelder (I always thought Gelder was from Warrington) BJ you are right about his high white collar, and he was a good ref.

But Eric Clay was a character. Billy Boston had just gone in for his third try and was walking back with the ball to give it Griffiths, or whoever was about to take the kick. Wigan were well ahead. Eric Clay walked along side Boston and said "Now dad, make that your last, they've had enough"
And guess what, no more tries for Billy B that day.

Billy Thompson is one of the funniest after dinner speakers you will ever hear, and a half decent ref.

The Sullivan - Murphy sending off was in the 1960 Championship semi final at Knowsley Road. It was played on Saturday evening to allow fans to watch / listen to the FA Cup final on the afternoon. Billy B scored two great tries in a Wigan win, and Wigan went on to beat Wakefield 27 - 3 in front of 87,000 fans at Odsal.

Whinging about referees is for losers. Yes they all make mistakes just like players do.

In 99% of games the best team wins irrespective of whistlers decisions and the reasons for defeat usually lie closer to home.

Was never keen on Robin Whitfield,or Robin B*****d as he was more commonly known to some of us.

He was supposed to have said before the 1990 Challenge Cup Semi with the Pies that Saints were 'getting f*** all off me today'.

Given his performance that day in awarding Wigan some rather dubious looking tries which could have easily been disallowed for forward passes,chances are it was true!

Just goes to proves the length Wigan would go to influence the the officials, "Billy Boston the father of the Sargeant Major"


I think Mr Gelder origionated from Wakefield, then moved to Wilmslow, ( Did the pies own property in Wilmslow?)

Thanks John, they are really kind words and I will pass regards to my Nan.

Ron Gelder did originate from Wakefield and then moved to Wilmslow.

Also John, thanks for referring to me as young Dave - much appreciated (I am 32 years old now and teach in a primary school so it's quite rare when I'm now called young!!!)

He always told me stories about his referreeing days and over the years of watching Saints and speaking to people on the terraces, I have mentioned my Grandad's name to people of a 'certain generation' and not one person had anything negative to say about him.

Certainly makes me a very proud Grandson!