SOME fascinating family history has been unpicked from my brief earlier mention about the old Unos Dabs rugby team (pictured above) who lauded it over the amateur handling code ranks in pre-war times.

In their brief existence, the back-street heroes from the Fingerpost area of St Helens (shown above) picked up a showcase full of trophies and made a bold assault on the pro ranks, reaching the RL Cup's second round.

Among local contributors providing some welcome update were 32-year-old Ian Rowe, his father Charlie; Bill Bond from Haydock; Jack Smith from Garswood; and Kevin Eccleston.

Bill tells us that it was, indeed, true that the local chip shops would act as runners for the local bookies. "So anyone could pop in for fish and chips and put a bet on the horses."

And that Unos Dabs title came from two brother bookmakers who sponsored the team. "My parents had a chip-shop on the Fingerpost", says Bill. "Mother used to tell me that the Black Maria (the old police van) would call many times to take dad to the police station."

In those prohibitive times, he'd be charged with taking part in illegal betting. "The fines used to go to the police Clog and Stocking fund and for poor children in need."

Stan and Gil Bond were the brothers behind the Unos Dabs lottery. "My father, Stan, had tickets called 'Dabs' while Gil had tickets called 'Unos'.

"When the rugby team was formed my dad bought the jerseys and stockings, and, not to be outdone, Uncle Gil bought the shorts and boots."

This brought about the unusual Unos Dabs team title and as a nine-year-old, Bill Bond, acted as mascot. "When the team played away we used to travel on Jimmy Critchley's fish motor."

On an historic note, Bill adds: "One of the grounds the Dabs used to play on was the site of Saints' proposed new stadium."

Some of the legends that the Rowes can still recall, almost seven decades later, were Jimmy Chilley, Doper Helsby, the Walkers and the Willets.

The Rowe family were closely attached to the old Dabs. Ian, a 32-year-old cook at the Moss Bank old people's home, tells me that his granddad, Ernie Rowe - skipper of England's amateur rugby team and of the Dabs - was one of the originals.

The Dabs were helped to set up in 1928 by his father, Ernest, who approached the bookie brothers for some assistance.

In times of hardship and high unemployment, the Dabs played before large audiences on their pitch off Park Road.

"The team went on to win every trophy it entered into and in 1932 brought home the silver in the shape of the League and Lancashire Cup, plus at least two other trophies."

Jack writes: "I think that Gil Bond, one of the men who backed the Dabs, was known as the pocket Hercules of Parr - a shopkeeper, athlete and body builder."

Kevin Eccleston writes: "My dad played for the Dabs and told me the name came from letters on a Marajax ticket. I seem to remember that these tickets were a kind of local lottery."

Another who was fascinated by the Unos Dabs tale was Joyce Holden of Myrtle Grove, Billinge. "My father, James Fisher, and my uncle Walter Seddon both played for them," she explains. The official photograph she provides, with all their silverware, shows her dad standing, arms folded, the first player on the right hand side.