It was a wintry "back end" day in 1967 when a severe overnight frost, adding to a preceding snowfall, had forced the cancellation of my own game for my local union team and also that of my mate in the local soccer league where not a ball was kicked anywhere.

We thus embarked upon a hazardous journey across the Pennines, more in hope than expectation, that the Third RL Test, Great Britain-Australia Ashes decider at Swinton was still on.

Incredibly it was, but even more incredible – on a rock hard pitch – was the truly impeccable performance by "King Arthur" as Britain's last line of defence.

The comparatively diminutive Keegan brought off a whole series of brilliantly-timed, crunching last-ditch tackles while his fielding of the Aussie "bombs" under intense pressure, on occasions almost defied logic.

Indeed more than once in the face of a tidal wave of green and gold clad harriers, he not only excellently fielded, but swung acute defence into brilliant counter-attack as his fleet-footed uncanny running took him way back into his opponent's half. He was man of the match by a country mile that day and although Britain still lost, Arthur performed more than his fair share in at least keeping his side in contention.

By chance, soon after I found myself sharing the same platform at a charity event and I have to say . . . what a truly smashing, friendly personality besides.

It was interesting to note amid the fine obituary you published, that Arthur had to pay admission for his Hull debut against Leeds.

Headingley must be the place for such occurrences for Keighley's Terry Hollindrake had to do likewise for his Great Britain debut against New Zealand in 1955.

From: Joe McHugh, Otley, West Yorkshire.

How right Jack Dimelow was when he suggested England's cricketers were a bunch of misfits (Sports Monday, November 10).

The day when it was an honour to play for your country does not seem to exist anymore.

The new captain, Kevin Pietersen (nothing more than a glorified slogger as far as I'm coincerned) struts about as though he's the great Messiah.

It is time we went back to basics and select real professionals to do the job.

From: Kevin Maguire, Hanover Street, Batley.

The Rugby League World Cup has not been easy to watch on the TV. England have not performed as second favourites. Scotland and Ireland have been entertaining, though.

As Monday approaches, I predict that Ireland v Fiji will top the figures for TV audiences. As I have mentioned in previous letters, the attendances have not matched the hype at the gate.

John Ledger has been excellent to read on the matches he has covered. His 'diary' as I call it has been fantastic for readers to keep in touch with events on and off the field.

The problem now lies in the UK at the Red Hall. How can we envisage a credible World Cup?

To put it another way, down under they have the state of Origin games and the Anzac test match. What does this leave in England? A game against the French!

How can we compete at international level with one game against the French?

Like everyone else it appeared through the media that England would cross the line more than once.

Rugby union at international level in England brings a full house. It is no use saying league is a better game, when attendances don't come close.