Profile

William Bernard Ganley signed for Oldham originally as an amateur in August 1950, turning professional one year later. His father Bert had played for Leigh, Huddersfield and Leeds. Bernard was, of course, a full back, but had played at half back in his amateur days with the Leigh Spinners club.

His debut came in the match against Liverpool Stanley on March 3rd, 1951, his contribution being two goals in a 16 – 3 victory over the Merseysiders. A humble beginning to a truly remarkable career. The following 1951-52 season saw Bernard become the first Oldham player to land over 100 goals, finishing with a total of 106.

This was only the tip of the iceberg as records tumbled to the Ganley boot. He would surpass the 100 mark on another six occasions and in 1957-58 became the first player in history to kick 200 goals, in club matches only. 1958-59 brought him another record that of goals in a match, splitting the uprights fourteen times with Liverpool again being on the receiving end on April 4th, 1959.

Bernard played in all the cup-final wins in the 1950’s and not surprisingly scored in each one, with his kicking expertise being supplemented by a rare try in the 1957 Lancashire Cup Final victory over Wigan. He gained county honours and three full Great Britain caps, all against the French. His debut yielded him five goals and another try ! The second appearance saw Bernard again creating records, with ten goals as the French were demolished to the tune of 44 – 15 at Wigan.

There have been many great goal kickers in Rugby League, but for the Oldham fans there has never been anyone to compare with “The Maestro”. Bernard was the most lethal of marksmen and broke many the heart of opposing teams and their supporters, with his deadly accuracy, whether it was part of a runaway win or tipping the balance for a single point victory.