The Riders - R
Maury Robinson: Came up through the junior ranks and second half rides in the 1965 season, and was used during the double-winning season of 1966 on a number of occasions. Spent 1967 and 1968 in and out of the side before being released. Was involved in one of the most frightening crashes ever seen at The Shay in June 1967 when he was catapulted over the fence on the fourth bend, but miraculously escaped with a broken thumb. Joined second division Berwick for 1969, where he spent 3 successful seasons, before retiring from the sport at the end of 1971.
Tommy Roper: One of the few riders to have had two separate spells with Halifax, Bradford-born Roper initially signed to replace Clive Hitch in mid-1965. Was part of the Dukes' double-winning side of the 1966 season, but was then forced out of the side and to Belle Vue by rider control. Had his most successful seasons at Hyde Road, becoming the Aces captain in 1968. Re-joined the Dukes in April 1972, but only rode in a handful of matches before quitting the sport. He made a comeback for Hull in 1974 but retired at the end of the season.
Preben Rosenkilde: Signed from defunct West Ham at the start of 1972, and rode in 7 meetings for the Dukes, averaging over 6 points a match. In mid-April however, he was the victim of a team-reshuffle - Halifax wanted to bring Tommy Roper back into the team, and had to release Rosenkilde to Oxford at the order of the Rider Control Committee. He only rode in a handful of matches for Oxford, and didn't return to the UK then until 1976, when he had an aborted comeback with Newport.
Larry Ross: Top New Zealander Ross was often a thorn in the Dukes side for much of his career. Six seasons with Wimbledon, and a further 4 with Belle Vue, including the league title in 1982, plus a place in the 1981 World Final at Wembley, and a part of the NZ team which sensationally won the World Team Cup in 1979 were all fantastic achievements. Ross joined the Dukes for 1985 on loan from the Aces, the hope being that he would augment the Carter/Evitts partnership and give Halifax a strong top three. But in a stronger league, Ross experienced a nightmare start to the season, dropping to reserve by May. An ever-present in 85, he managed to increase his average by 2 points in the League campaign, which was enough to persuade the Dukes to retain him upon the move to Bradford. Ross had another up and down season at Odsal in 1986 before retiring.