Saints vs Royal Engineers - First Half

[Guided Missile]

Hampshire Cup Final, 1891

 

Hampshire Advertiser - Wed, 18 Mar, 1891

 

St. Mary's v. Royal Engineers.— Considerable anxiety prevailed in Southampton football circles as to what would be the result of the final competition for the Hampshire Senior Challenge Cup, which was fixed to come off at the Cricket Ground, tbe opponents being the St Mary's team, who had to meet the Royal Engineers (Aldershot), the winners of the cup for two years in succession, and who only required to be successul on this occasion to become the absolute owners of the trophy. It is generally known how the St. Mary's, as juniors, defeated year after year all comers, ultimately gaining entire control over the Junior Cup, and this year saw their flrst appearance as a senior-team. In the various cup ties this year all their opponents have had to succumb to their prowess, until, at last, they had to meet the holders of the cup, and it was confidently anticipated that they would have to lower their colours to the representatives of the scientific branch of the Army. The Royal Engineers first obtained possession Of the cup in 1889, when they bowled over the representatives of Portsmouth, and last year they defeated the Kings Royal Rifles in the final ties. As this year they had worked through the various rounds into the final, and, as their success in this meant ownership there was every incentive for them to put forth their utmost efforts to win. With a knowledge of these facts, many felt certain that the civilians would have to acknowledge the supremacy of the military in the popular game ; but the result proved the wisdom contained in the old adage, "There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip."

 

The weather was very cold on Saturday afternoon there being a keen northerly wind blowing, but this, however, did not interfere with the play or the attendance, which was very large. While on this point however, we might throw out the suggestion that some accommodation should be provided for members of the Press— the same as at cricket matches— inasmuch as the task of jotting down a few notes with the fingersnumbed with the cold, and an excited crowd surging round, is by no means easy. Thanks to the forethought of Dr. Bencraft, who, in addition to being one of the hon. secretaries of the County Cricket Club is president of the St. Mary's Football Club, the snow of the early part of the week had been entirely removed from the ground almost as soon as it fell, and there appeared every indication on Saturday afternoon there was to be another fall, but, happily, this kept off. Several thousand spectators assembled to view the match and there was not a vacant space around the ropes. The military were first on the field, doing a little practice and, as the bell rang to announce " time,'' the home team put in an appearance, both sides being encouraged by hearty plaudits as they took up their respective positions— the military the western end, and the home side the eastern.

 

St. Mary's lost the toss, and, after the "kick off", at once commenced the attack Farwell making a mark for goal, but missed, though the ball was in close proximity to the citadel of the Engineers. An instant after, the Saints obtained a corner but nothing resulted. Play was quickly transferred to the territory of the civilians, who were put on the defence and two shots put in by Corporal Smith were well saved by Ruffell. Hands," twice in succession, were given against the home team, and a similar verdict followed soon after. A smart shot from the military was neatly headed out by the captain of the civilians. Some pretty play ensued, and it was seen that the Saints had improved on their play of the previous Saturday as they showed a good passing game. The fight in the home territory was relieved by Kiddle and Bromley taking the ball to the opposite quarters, and Nicholls lost an epportunity by being too alow. Soon after it appeared as though there was a foul on the part of one of the military, but it was not sustained. The civilians did all the pressing, and a corner was kicked by Verney, but resulted in nothing. Subsequently Sapper Jones deliberately fouled Nicholls and this was allowed. The Saints obtained another corner, the kick being taken by Verney, and Kiddle just missed by shooting over the bar. The home team were now playing a very fast game, shot after shot being sent in, but the defence of the military was too good, the kicking of Sapper Hamer and Corporal Kilburn being especially noticeable. After a brief scrimmage in front of the goal the ball was prettily shot in by Bromley which evoked a mighty shout of gratification.

 

Shortly after the kick off there was some rough play but,in spite of this, the leather was kept in the territory of the military and the Saints only just missed another goal by the ball being sent over the bar. The Engineers now seemed to lose their coolness, and showed a lack of combination, while the Saints, receiving every encouragement from the shouts of their supporters were playing remarkably well. Corporal Smith having obtained possession of the ball, transferred the contest into the other end of the ground, and a corner was obtained, but nothing resulted, as Ruffell, in excellent style, kept out the leather. Some give-and-take play ensued, and Lieutenant Bourne lost a good opportunity of scoring on account of his erratic shooting. Then followed some exciting play, and " hands " were given against the Engineers in front of goal. Carter missed a pretty safe kick, and Driver Gray, getting possession, shot for the goal with a neat " daisy-cutter," which all the efforts of Ruffell could not stay and matters were thus equalised. Great excitement then prevailed, especially as shortly after " hands " was given against the civilians, which resulted in a corner for the Engineers. Delamotte, by a splendid run, took the fight into the territory of the soldiers, but Sapper Hammett, in goal, was equal to the occasion. There was some pressing on the part of Farwell, Nicholls, and Delamotte, resulting in the latter shooting, but the goal was saved at the expense of a corner. Verney kicked out, but "hands" were given against the Saints, shortly after which the combatants were separated by the signal for half-time, and to enjoy a well earned spell, the score standing at one goal each.

Edited 2 December, 2011 by Guided Missile