I’m afraid it’s another sad post as we have heard of the passing of another former Haven player.
Older fans will remember this guy…..LOUIS SHEPHERD.
Louis played his junior rugby league at Hensingham ARLFC gaining County honours at under 18 and open age. He also represented Great Britain at under 21 level. In 1956 he was invited down to Warrington where he played a trial match alongside greats like Harry Bath and Brian Bevan. Warrington coach, Ces Mountford, wanted Louis to sign but Louis didn’t want to leave his home town and a week later in August 1956 he signed for Haven.
The 19 year old centre/winger made his debut for Haven away to Oldham on the 16th March 1957. but it wasn’t a good debut for Louis. Louis was a tough, uncompromising player and you certainly knew when you were tackled by him. He was Haven’s enforcer back in the day, no one liked facing him. After a couple of indiscretions in his debut game the referee called him out. He asked his name to which Louis replied, “It’s in the programme.” Needless to say he was sent from the field. The RFL were less than pleased and banned him sine-die for it.
He played 174 games for Whitehaven scoring 35 tries, kicking one goal. He had two spells with Haven. The first ended in an away game at Salford on the 20th September 1968. He then joined Workington where he went on to play twenty five games for them between the 1969/70 and 1972/73 seasons scoring two tries. His debut was in a televised game against St Helens, apparently rated one of the dirtiest games televised with Bill and Dennis Martin in fine fettle.
Whilst at Workington Louis became the first player to be sent to a RL sin bin. He was also frog marched out of Hull KR’s Craven Park for allegedly starting a fight when he was on the bench. He intercepted a Rovers player who was about to hit Boxer Walker but Louis got to him first. The referee ordered two Policeman to escort him from the ground.
Louis returned to Haven, making one final appearance from the bench against Hutton in the Lancashire Cup on the 1st September 1974.
He represented Cumberland on four occasions, including winning two County Championships in 1963 and 1966. He also played against the touring Australian team in 1963
Certainly a colourful character, someone I always remember as one of the hardest tacklers I’ve seen. Definitely uncompromising in his style as his disciplinary record will have shown. A loyal servent to Haven for 12/13 seasons only to be let down and not awarded a benefit (testimonial).
Louis ended his career at Egremont where he got to play in the same team as his four sons, Clive, Neil, Kevin and Nigel.
The family emigrated to Australia over forty years ago. Louis passed away after a short illness at Narrabri, New South Wales.
Our condolences and thoughts go to his family and friends at this sad time.
Rest in peace Louis and thank you for the memories you gave Haven fans when wearing the chocolate, blue and gold.
