Jim Drake (rugby league)


James "Jim" Gerald Drake was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s. He played at representative for Great Britain, English League XIII and Cumberland, and at club level for Heworth ARLFC, Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers, as a, or, i.e. number 1, 8 or 10, 11 or 12, or 13, during the era of contested scrums.

Background

Jim Drake was born in Workington, Cumberland, England, he was the older twin brother of fellow rugby league footballer; Bill Drake. Jim Drake died aged 77 in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Playing career

Through injury, Drake missed Hull FC's 10-9 victory over Halifax in the Championship Final during the 1955–56 season at Maine Road, Manchester on Saturday 12 May 1956.
Drake played right-, i.e. number 10, for English League XIII while at Hull in the 8-26 defeat by France on Saturday 22 November 1958 at Knowsley Road, St. Helens.
Drake played right-, i.e. number 10, in Hull FC's 13-30 defeat by Wigan in the 1959 Challenge Cup Final during the 1958–59 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 9 May 1959.
Drake won a cap for Great Britain while at Hull in 1960 against France.
Drake played right-, i.e. number 10, in Hull Kingston Rovers' 2-12 defeat by Hunslet in the 1962 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1962–63 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 27 October 1962.
Drake played right-, i.e. number 10, in Hull Kingston Rovers' 13–10 victory over Huddersfield in the Eastern Division Championship Final during the 1962–63 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 10 November 1962.
Drake also represented Cumberland.