I believe that Steviewire is correct.

Brian Bevan played in only one testimonial game in the 70's - Alex Murphys, which was controversial because it was at least the second and possibly the third testimonial of Murphy's career, even though he had been at Warrington for less than the stauatory 10 years.

If my memory serves me correctly, Warrington played a Salford side, and Brian Bevan only came on to the field in the second half to replace John Bevan who then switched sides to play for Salford (hence in the famous photo John is wearing a Salford shirt - with Warrington shorts and socks).

Brian Bevan scored one try - courtesy of players doing what ever they could to avoid tackling him.

It was his second. He'd had one at Saints. The one with us was awarded on his announcement of his retirement as a player.

I've got a copy of the programme with some classic autographs on it including Brian Bevans.

Eric Clay was referee........an old adversary of Murphy's....they'd had many a run in. Clay used to claim that he'd awarded opposition teams more yards for Murphy's back chatting than Murphy had made in his career!! In the second half of the testimonial they swapped shirts with Murphy going to Ref. Rather predictably he sent Clay off!!

By the way Mark Forster had two testimonial matches joining Murphy and Don Fox from Wakefield as the only RL players to have done so.

I have some very vague memories of going to this game with my Dad, the only thing I really remember about the game is Brian Bevan scoring because my Dad had told me so much about him.

Sorry can't be any further help but Albino seems to remember it well..

did a lttle research and found that the testemonial game where the two Bevs played on opposite sides was actually for Dennis Curling in 1977. Brian in wire kit and JB in Salford kit. The centenary book rubber duckie quoted gives brief details.

I think Murphy testemonial was against a GB or England select side.

there were a few other testemonial games including Parry Gordon, JB and I think Derek Whitehead, I don't recall Brain Bev playing in these.

Too much work for the brain on a friday tea time I'm afraid

iam almost certain it was very early 80s as ihad just left school

Taken from "Images of Sport Warrington Rugby League Club 1970 - 2000" compiled by Eddie Fuller and Gary Slater on page 42 below a photo of Brian with ball in Warrington kit and John in background in Salford kitBevans at the double. Dennis Curling was rightly awarded a testimonial season which raised the impressive sum of £3,500. The highlight of the fund-raising was a testimonial match that featured John Bevan and Brian Bevan on opposite sides[/i."

So that comfirms my original thoughts of it being Dennis Curling's testimonial. Can anybody dig anything out on these other "alledged" games?

Just checked in Robert Gate's fabulous book "The Great Bev" and he recordsIn the years following his retirement ....... occasionally he would appear in a benefit or charity match.... As late as the mid-late 1970's he appeared in such games at Wilderspool in benefits for Alex Murphy and Parry Gordon and in a testimonial for the late Jim Challinor."[/i


I reckon a few people's memories are playing tricks with them.

Quite a few people have stated already that they couldn`t have been at the game in 1977 for one reason or another but they remember Brian Bevan making an appearance in the 80`s in one of these testimonial type games, from memory i don`t think he started the game that people like myself and others are referring too, due to his age at the time he only came on for a short spell but that was more than enough to wow the crowd and send everyone home happy at witnessing the great man on a rugby field.

You stated Parry Gordon above, i thought his testimonial was in 1981 or did he have another benefit type game in the 70`s as well ?

Found it.......


Parry Gordons Testimonial Brochure

titled Parry Gordon -Mr Loyalty

price 50p


autographs on the front cover Stuart Wright (told you I waited for it)
neil courtney, Paul ford, and one Brian Bevan

theres no date on the programme but it shows him signing in Feb 61 and says "Thanks for 20 marvellous years"......
and Paul Fords debut was in 1981 so there you go............

Bevan definitley played in that game and from the all stars team sheet i'm sure it was someone like Mick Adams that tackled Bevan

Nice work Bick even though some of our memories on this thread aint what they used to be

I too think it was Murphys testimonial.

It was around mid seventies.

I think it was the one and only time i ever saw Brian Bevan play.

To add a bit more Murphy swapped shirts with ref ( Fred Lindop I think ) and Lindop took a kick at goal following a try and completely spooned it.

I went this game, it was Parry gordons testimonial.

How old are you Rob?