History of Lacrosse - Saint John
HISTORY OF LACROSSE IN SAINT JOHN
1889 – 1895
The following is an excerpt taken from the book “Saint John A Sporting Tradition 1785 – 1985” authored by Brian Flood and published by Neptune Publishing Co. Ltd.
“The man responsible for the introduction of lacrosse to Saint John was Adam Bell. In April of 1889, Adam and a number of interested young men got together and formed the Union Lacrosse Club. Shortly thereafter, the Y.M.C.A. and the Beavers also formed a lacrosse club. By the early summer, a number of games were being played between teams from these three clubs. Probably the most exciting event of the year took place in late July, when a grand exhibition was being held in Saint John. For the event, Mr. Bell brought in the famous Chaughnawaga Indian lacrosse Club. Two matches were played between an All-Saint John squad and the Indians. The first game was played on the Barrack Green while the other match took place on the old Shamrock grounds. Surprisingly, the local men did extremely well against their renowned opponents. The Indians captured game one, but were upset in the second contest by a score of 3-2.
The year 1890 was an exciting year for local lacrosse. In the spring, a city league was formed, composed of the Y.M.C.A., Beavers, and the Unions. During the course of the season, the Unions emerged as the strongest team, partly due to the fact that the Unions benefited from a number of players who had learned the game while attending college in Ontario. The games attracted the attention of local sporting fans. Besides that, the Upper Canadians began to take an interest in the fact that the boys from down east had started to play the national game. This lead to a trophy being sent down by the Montreal firm of H.A. Nelson & Son. The large silver cup was to be played for by maritime lacrosse teams. The winner was to be declared the Tri-province champion.
Six lacrosse teams existed in the Maritimes in the year 1890. In addition to the three Saint John teams, there was one each from Pictou, Springhill, and Halifax. In the fall of that year, the Unions traveled to Moncton to compete for the Nelson Cup and defeated Pictou to capture the trophy. When the Unions returned to Saint John, they were faced with the challenges from both the Y.M.C.A. and the Beavers. A number of superb games were played between the three local squads. However, the Unions retained possession of the cup.
The game of lacrosse continued to be played during the early 1890’s. During this time period, a number of games were played with Moncton, Truro, and Halifax. Although Saint John fielded first class teams, interest and enthusiasm for the game dwindled. In fact, by 1895 the game had all but disappeared.”
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The following are newspaper articles written between 1889 and 1895.
Articles sourced from New Brunswick Museum.
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SPORTING MATTERS
March 13, 1889
A number of the senior members of the Y. M. C. A. assembled in the parlor of the association last night to discuss the advisability of organizing a lacrosse club. George W. Jenkins was chosen chairman. A. H. Bell was called upon to give some information about the game, and stated that it required twenty-four players - twelve on each side. He gave an estimated cost of sticks and balls. Mr. Allingham also gave some information about the game, and said that it was fast growing to be a popular game in England, the United States and in Canada. Several others spoke, and on motion of has. Milligan, G. McAndrews and Jas. Dinsmore were appointed as a committee to ascertain from the Y. M. C. A. members how many were willing to join the proposed lacrosse club and report at a meeting to be held on Tuesday evening at 9 o'clock. So far the following have consented to join: F. McAndrews, J. E. Dinsmore, L. Northrup, J. Steele, C. J. Milligan, A. Norris, H. H. Disttin, J. Kennedy, M. Henderson, H. McLean, H. Potts, A. Tufts, G. Hevenor, G. Jenkins, D. Hunt, J. McCarthy, W. Stackhouse, F. White, W. Knowlton.
LACROSSE
APRIL 17, 1889
Y.M.C.A. and Union Clubs to Play.
The meeting of the Y.M.C.A Lacrosse club held in the association's parlor, last evening, was very largely attended. Twelve new members enrolled their names, making the total membership 30. The following were elected office bearers: George Jenkins, president; J. C. Milligan, vice-president; F. McAndrews, secretary-treasurer. Messrs. Charles Mac Michael, J.C. Milligan and Mr. Wheeler were appointed a committee to procure sticks and balls. It was decided to play the Union Lacrosse club on Good Friday afternoon at the Barrack square, and the following team was selected: J.C. Milligan, James Kennedy, F. McAndrews, A. Norris, A. Tufts, W. Stackhouse, G. Hevenor, H. McLean, James Dinsmore, M. Henderson, H. Potts and Charles Hall. Mr. Distin was appointed field captain for Friday's game.
LACROSSE
1889
The boys were down to the Barrack last evening getting in trim for the games on the Queen's birthday. A scratch match between teams from the Unions and Y.M.C.A's raised considerable excitement, and judging from appearances lacrosse will flourish in this city. Baxter and Tufts seem to be among the favorite players, and handle the sticks with considerable skill. McLean in combining practice with agility is rapidly becoming one of the leading stars. Jim Steel made a fine throw through the flags last evening and received rounds of applause. Geo. Jenkins, the president of the Y.M.C.A., seems deeply interested in the game and laying aside the business cares of life waded right in with the boys last evening, and bore the bruises of the contest with an equanimity of spirit was praiseworthy. The others of the teams play extremely well and manage to keep the ball in the air most of the time. May 24th promises to be a big day for the sport, and a match game of lacrosse will take place on the Barrack Square in the morning between Y.M.C.A's and the Beavers. The Beavers are in good condition as are the Y.M.C.A's and the game will be a hot one.
The Y.M.C.A's will put the following team on the field:
A. Tufts, captain; J. Milligan, A. Baxter, W. Foss, G.N. Hevenor, J.E. Dinsmore, W. Stackhouse, H. McCarthy, G. Dixon, F. Roderick, H. McLean and J. Steele. The game will be called at 9:30 o'clock.
The Unions go to Fredericton the same day to play the N.B. University students.
The sticks of the St. J.A.A. Club arrived some time ago. Practice will be begin after May 24. Two nights in the week are to be devoted to the game, and a good team will soon be ready for the field.
LACROSSE
MAY 21, 1889
Game on the 24th
The managing committee of the Y.M.C.A. club met last evening and selected the following team to play the Beavers on the morning of the 24th, at the Barrack square: A. Tufts, Captain; J. Milligan, Alex Baxter, W. Foss, G.N. Hevenor, J.E. Dinsmore, W. Stackhouse, A. McCarthy, G. Dixon, F. Roderick, H. McLean and J. Steele. The game will be called at 9:30 o'clock.
SPORTING MATTERS
1889
The Y.M.C.A.'s and Unions Play the First Lacrosse Game of the Season.
The Y.M.C.A.'s Defeat the Unions.
Yesterday was a great day for the Ojibaways. The first game of lacrosse played here for some years was played between the Unions and the Y.M.C.A. team on the Barrack Square yesterday afternoon. Over a thousand people were present when the game was called. No display of science was expected, since the game was new to nearly every player. The play partook largely of the nature of a prolonged scrimmage, varied by diligent rubber hunting when some unpracticed hand sent the ball skimming away at right angles to the line of the goals. During the first game the crowd persisted in pushing in on the field, greatly hampering the action of the players. At the conclusion of the first game a pelting shower began and the majority of the onlookers fled for shelter. The weather cleared in a few minutes and those who remained saw a much better game than the first. The teams were stationed as follows:
Y.M.C.A. - Goal, A. Norris; Point, J. Milligan; Cover point, J. Dinsmore; Centre, M. Henderson; Fielders, J. Kennedy, G. Hevenor, W. Stackhouse, A. S. Tufts, A. McAndrews, H. McLean and H. Potts; Home, A. McCarthy: Captain H. H. Distin.
Unions - Goal, J. Maybe; Point, A.F. Deforest; Cover point, E.A. Martin; Centre, A.H. Bell; Fielders, Baxter, Bartch, Pullen, McFarlane, Lewis, Tufts, Robinson and W.G. Knowlton; Home, H.P. Chestnut; Captain, A.H. Bell.
H. H. Allingham acted as referee, and the umpires were: For the Y.M.C.A's Geo. Jenkins and C.E. Mac Michael; for the Unions, Morton L. Harrison and E.S. Williams.
The first game was called at 2:45, faced by Bell and Henderson. In a few minutes the ball was right in front of the Y.M.C.A. goal. Then a funny thing happened. With a rush and a shout the players closed in, the goal keeper braced his nerves, the crows held its breath - and a large Newfoundland dog seized the ball in his teeth and ran off with it. The crowd let itself loose then and the players chased the dog. The latter soon retired from the field. The game was resumed and surged all over the field, the gymnasium training of the Y.M.C.A. As being apparent whenever a hard run or a quick turn was to be made. The heavy fighting in this game was done, however, around the Y.M.C.A. goal. The contest was stubborn throughout, but the Unions were finally forced to take the defensive and despite their efforts a neat shot by W. Stackhouse won the coveted goal and the game was up - Time 40 minutes.
The second game showed more skill, and was much more exciting. The Unions were hard pressed from the first, and as fast as they drove the ball down the line it was shot back again and the struggle at goal renewed. For thirty minutes the game surged back and forth, and then through the flying medley of sticks and arms and legs, F. McAndrews piloted the ball in safety past the goal keeper. The Y.M.C.A's had won again, and the crowd, whose interest in the game was all the time increasing, sent up a cheer for the victors. Then the teams cheered each other and the fun was over.
As an exhibition of muscle and agility, yesterday's play left nothing to be desired. The difficulty was that the men lacked discipline. Every player went in on his own account, and in some cases a player was checked by a member of his own team. There was very little "tacking" toward the goal, and there was altogether too much bunching of the players. But these are matters easily settled by a little study and practice. The boys have the muscle and endurance already. A gentleman who has seen first-class games in Montreal, remarked that for a first trial the playing yesterday was excellent. Individual players did some good work. H.P. Chestnut held the Union goal with skill and coolness. A.H. Bell made several fine plays, and when he sat down on his back did it with much grace. James Kennedy did some capital checking and shared the honors with Mr. Bell in biting the dust with force and frequency. Henderson of the Y.M.C.A.'s was the favorite of the field, and Milligan did some fine work at point. J. Dinmore wore a plaster under one eye during the last game with perfect good nature. Umpire Harrison stopped the ball with his body once and could hardly refrain from shouting " dead ball!" There was lots of fun in the game both for the players and onlookers, and when the boys bring science to their aid baseball will have a formidable rival in lacrosse.
THE LACROSSE MATCHES
JULY 12, 1889
Mr. A. H. Bell has secured the services of four crack Montreal players to assist his team against the Indians. The others of the team will likely be; - Milligan, Tufts and Baxter of the Y.M.C.A.'s; Magee, McFarland, O'Reilly and Bartch of the Union; Johnson of the St. John A. A. Club.
A.H. Bell of the Unions will captain the team. The first game will be played Wednesday afternoon, the 24th inst. At the Shamrocks' grounds. The second game, in which there will be a change of the home players, will be contested at the Athletic grounds, Thursday afternoon. Possibly there will be a game Friday as well.
At a meeting of the Y.M.C.A.'s held last evening a number of new sticks were distributed amongst the members. Messrs. F. McAndrews, C. J. Milligan and A. Tufts were appointed a committee to meet with the Beavers in reference to a match between these two clubs in Carnival week. Mr. McAndrews reported that the Shamrocks had kindly consented to the use of their grounds for the match. The committee meet the Beavers again tomorrow evening to complete arrangements.
CANADA'S NATIONAL GAME
The Y.M.C.A's Win from the Beavers by Two Goals to One
That lacrosse is bound to speedily become popular in St. John was amply attested by the large number of people who, yesterday morning, assembled at the Barrack Square to witness the match between the Y.M.C.A. and Beaver club teams. And the game itself proved to be a great improvement on the initial one, played Good Friday between the Unions and Y.M.C.A's. Since then the latter has considerable practice on the Barrack square and its results were apparent both in their catching on sticks, carrying, pushing and throwing of the ball, as well as in running and quick recovery. Although the Beavers are a younger team than the Y.M.C.A.'s, and not as heavily built as their opponents, yet in running, catching and throwing the ball, they were fully the equal of their seniors. The Y.M.C.A.'s team has a stone wall defence, so to speak - doubtless due to the systematic winter's gymnastic training - whenever the ball was sent their way and who always returned it back with lightening like rapidity. To this cause, more than any other, was the Y.M.C.A's success in yesterday's game due. Much praise is due to Tufts, Roderick, Steele, Milligan, Dixon, Stackhouse and Baxter of the Y.M.C.A.'s, Frith, Robinson, Schofield, Sturdee, Johnston and Maber of the Beavers, all of whom, by their timely throws saved their side at a critical stage for the game, and prevented their opponents from making a goal.
Messre. H. Allingham and A. H. Bell, officiated as umpires, the former for the Y.M.C.A.'s and the latter for the Beavers. Mr. R. Watson discharged the duties of referee in a manner pleasing to all parties; his decisions were always quickly given, and no player was allowed to take any undue advantage, no matter how slight it might be, of an opponent.
The players and their positions were as follows:-
Y.M.C.A.'s
Positions
Beavers
George Dixon
Goal
H. Robinson
C J. Milligan
Point
A. Schofield
A. Baxter
Cover Point
R. Ferguson
J. Steele
Right Defence
L. Johnston
W. Stackhouse
Left Defence
J. Mahar
G. Hevenor
Facer
C. Rowe
A. Tufts (Capt.)
Fielder
K. Frith (Capt.)
WC Foss
"
W. Barbour
A. McCarthy
"
H. Sturdee
F. Roderick
"
H. Wright
J. Dinsmore
"
D. Puddington
CH McLean
"
R. Frith
The game was called at 9.45, the facer of the Y.M.C.A's getting rather the best of the send off. This, however, proved to be but a temporary advantage, for the ball was quickly returned by the blues who sent it to the eastern end of the field. At this point it was met by the Y.M.C.A.'s goal keeper and quickly returned to centre field, where it was taken up by the blues and again sent to within a few feet of the Y.M.C.A.'s goal. Here, after a desperate struggle, Baxter managed to get the ball on the end of his stick, and by quick wheeling, and good sprinting, although hotly pursued by his opponents, passed it on to Captain Tufts who, catching it fairly on the stick, made a quick throw of over 30 feet, sending the ball square between the blues' goal posts. The playing for the first goal took just 30 minutes.
After a 10 minutes' rest play was called and the fight for the second goal began. This contest, though about 10 minutes' shorter than the first, was more stubbornly contested and better played, the ball being kept more in the air. As in the first trial, Hevenor gained the advantage in the send off. Steel and Roderick at once followed it up and sent the all flying in the direction of the Blues' goal, from which it was soon returned by their defence. Following up the advantage gained, Sturdee, amid loud applause, carried the ball to the yellow and blacks' goal, where it was only by active work on the keeper's part that it was prevented from going through. Dixon's fine throw then sent the ball well in the direction of the western goal, where it was taken up by Baxter, Steele and Stackhouse who passed it on to Tufts, who amid the loud applause of his comrades, apparently sent it through the western goal. But they were mistaken. The ball had not gone through. It has passed to one side. This the Beavers were quick to find out, and Robinson, before the yellows knew of it, had the ball on the end of his stick, and was nearly down to the other end of the field before they started in pursuit. Too late tough for as no goal keeper was on band, Robinson threw the ball clear through the posts when about 50 feet distant there from.
The third goal was quickly played, not lasting five minutes. Again the facer of the yellows got the best of the start, and despite good sprinting and hitting on the part of the blues, the ball was quickly passed by the yellowed from one to another, and finally to Tufts, who, running nearly to the blues' posts, shot the sphere through the second goal for the Y.M.C.A.'s.
No time was lost in making the fourth start, but, although the blues this time got decidedly the best start, they failed to even get the ball beyond centre field. As fast as it advanced to this point it was returned only to be again sent back to the same point. After playing in this manner for about 20 minutes time was called, and at 11:45 the game was given to the Y.M.C.A.'s two goals to their opponent's one.
LACROSSE
1889
Caughnawaga vs. St. John
The venture of bringing the Caughnawaga Indian Lacrosse team to St. John has proved to be very successful. The first lacrosse match of any notice that has yet been played in the Maritime Provinces took place on the Shamrocks grounds yesterday afternoon. The grand stand was black with spectators, the presence of the fair sex helping greatly to encourage the home team. The game was started at 3.15. Immediately after the face the Indians secured the ball, but by good playing on the part of the defence of the St. John men the ball was sent back to the Indians' goal. After some very nice play on both sides the Indians finally scored, White Canoe sending the ball through the St. John goal; time 19 minutes.
After the usual rest the ball was again faced. In this game the St. John team woke up and after six and a half minutes of sharp play Watt scored for the home team.
The third game started with some fast play on both sides, and after 11 minutes of play, during which there were some hard scrimmages, Magee scored the second time for the home team.
The fourth game was well contested, but the running of the Earthquake and his quick throws told for the Indians. In eight minutes Small Mouth sent the ball through the St. John goal amid loud plaudits.
The fifth game fell to the lot of the Indians, Two Clouds succeeding after 12 1/2 minutes in forcing the ball through the goal of the home team. The hour and a half allotted having expired the referee declared the game won by the Caughnawagas, three to two.
For the home team the playing of McGee, Watt, Tufts and Irvin was remarkable for its quickness. All the Indians showed up magnificently, the manner in which they threw the ball from one to another of their own men being greatly admired. Much credit is due to Mr. A. H. bell for introducing and promoting the game of lacrosse in St. John and it is hoped that his efforts in bringing the Indians here will draw a much larger crows to the A. A. grounds to-day, when the St. John men will make a final effort to retrieve their defeat of yesterday.
Following are the players and their positions:-
Caughnawagas
Position
St. Johns
Good Island
Goal
C.M. Cameron
Planted Palm
Point
A. A. Henderson
Earthquake
Cover point
Geo. K. McLeod
Two Clouds
Defence field
Bartsch
Hanging Sun
"
Johnston
Council
"
McFarlane
Running Name
Centre
E. T. Irwin
Small Mouth
Home field
W. A. A. Watt
Thick Blue
"
McLean
Small Corn
"
Baxter
Distributer
Outside home
Tufts
Cross River
Captain
A. H. Houghton
Robert Watson
Umpire
Sheriff Harding
Referee. Jas Millard
The foot race between Council and Fred Connors was won by the latter after a close and exciting contest.
LACROSSE
APRIL 2/1890
The Y.M.C.A. lacrosse club held their annual meeting last evening, Geo. Jenkins in the chair. Secretary McAndrews submitted the financial report, which showed a balance on the right side. A. Baxter’s resignation of membership in the club was submitted and accepted. A letter from the secretary of the National Amateur Lacrosse Association was read, and on motion it was resolved that the club enter the association. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: George Jenkins, president; J. Milligan, vice president; L. Tilley, secretary: and these with F. A. McAndrews, H. McLean and Clair Davis to compose the managing committee. A. Tufts was elected captain for the team. Thanks were tendered for the retiring secretary for his efficient services last year. Fifteen new members were elected, making a total membership of over 50, of whom 30 were present last night. The members were urged to take exercise daily in the gymnasium, and much enthusiasm was evinced regarding the season’s sport. The Nelson trophy has greatly added to the interest of the members. A special meeting of the club will be held Thursday evening at 9 o’clock.
A meeting of the Union lacrosse club will be held in the Domville building, second flat, Thursday evening, April 3rd, for the election of officers and other matters for the coming season. All those interested are hereby invited to attend. Over twenty new members are to be elected and a full attendance is requested.
LACROSSE
MAY 10, 1890
The Local Clubs
Representatives from the Beavers, Union and Y.M.C.A.'s parlors and arranged a schedule of games to be played for the Nelson trophy. The schedule is to be submitted to each of the clubs for approval. It provides for six games in all, each club playing four, the first game to be played June 14th. The games will be played either on the A. A. or Shamrock grounds, and each club feels confident.
The Y.M.C.A. club will hold a meeting in their rooms on Monday evening at which time all members are requested to attend.
GREAT EXHIBITIONS OF
CANADA’S NATIONAL GAME
(May 26/1890)
Y.M.C.A.’s AND BEAVERS GO TO ST. STEPHEN
About 300 people enjoyed the excursion to St. Stephen by the Shore Line, Saturday, leaving West End at 7.30 and arriving at St. Stephen at 11.15. The Y.M.C.A. and Beaver Lacrosse teams accompanied the party to play an exhibition game. The day was all that could be wished for and every one thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The 62nd Band was on hand and discoursed sweet and loyal music for the pleasure of the excursionists and in honor of the queen. The St. Stephen people sustained their character for making strangers at home and giving them a good reception. A large number of the people turned out in the afternoon to witness Canada’s national game, and a good game they saw. The ball was played on the field and the opposing teams took their positions at 2.45 o’clock. Mr. McLellan and Mr. Wright acted as judges and Mr. McAvity as referee, while the teams were made up as follows:
Y.M.C.A. – Roderick, Hevenor, Tufts, Milligan, McAndrews, Davis, Lawton, McLaughlan, Barnes, Northrup, Steele, Tilley, Dinsmore, Roach and Dixon.
Beavers – Watson, Robinson, Wright, Puddington, Patterson, Baxter, Barbour, Sturdee, Rowe, Carvill, K. Frith, B. Frith, Ferguson, Foster, Johnson and Holman.
The struggle continued for an hour and a half, and though the grounds were in a very poor condition the playing was exceedingly sharp. It is impossible to say who deserves special mention for both teams worked hard. Probably during the first half of the game among the Y.M.C.A. ‘s, Tufts, McLean, Milligan, Tilley and Dixon were most promment and in the Beavers, Baxter, Barbour, Frith, Holman and Ferguson did some good playing.
To the Y.M.C.A.’s belong the honors of the day, and to George Dixon of that team special credit is due. He worked valiantly and secured for his club the only goal won. It was noticeable throughout that those most prominent in their game were greatest favorites with the ladies, who were there in large numbers, and accepted the attention of the boys in the same spirit in which they were offered. Sad and sorrowful were the faces of many of St. Stephen daughters who watched the train roll off from the station, and in the train many of St. John’s sons expressed a determination to visit St. Stephen again at an early day.
Both clubs desire to express their appreciation of the manner in which they were treated by the citizens, and many of the boys have decided to spend a part of their holidays in the border town. Messer, Watson,,, Maher, Rowe and Payne remained behind will enjoy a fishing cruise at Barney Oliver.
His Honor the Lieutenant Governor was among the spectators at the game. It is said that one member of the party had to be forcibly conducted to the train, so great were the attention of the fair sex.
The train arrived at the West End in time for the excursionists to connect with the 11 o’clock ferry.
The Y.M.C.A.’s meet this evening at 8 o’clock when a full attendance is requested.
LACROSSE
1890
The Pictou team will arrive in the city this evening to play the St. John picked team tomorrow afternoon on the Shamrock grounds. The Pictou men are all old players, and promise a fine exhibition of Canada’s national game. The St. John players will be: Dixon, McLeod, Milligan, Magee, Hevenor, Baxter, Tufts, McLean, Frith, McCarthy, Robinson and Johnson. A.H. Bell will captain the team and Sheriff Harding will act as referee. The ball will be “faced” at 3 o’clock and if the weather be fair the citizens may expect a good afternoon’s sport.
No game of lacrosse ever played in Canada is attracting the attention of the Montreal-Cornwall game to be played in Montreal on Saturday next. The championship now rest between these two clubs and if Cornwall wins there will be a tie for first place. The Montrealers are largely the favorites in the coming game.
A full meeting of the Y.M.C.A. lacrosse club will be held at 7:45 o’clock tonight.
Sept. 1890
THE ORIENTS WIN FROM THE BEAVERS
The game on the Shamrock grounds yesterday afternoon between the Orients of Montreal and the Beavers of this city was not nearly as well patronized as it should have been. It was a fine game throughout and was greatly enjoyed by the spectators present. The Orients played a great game and had to work hard to defeat their opponents, whose team was considerably strengthened by several of the Union players. The teams were composed as follows:
Orients Position Beavers
Millard Goal Davis
Draper Point Milligan
Anderson Cover point Tufts
Pullen 1st defense Froth
O’Brien 2nd defense Puddington
Franklin 3rd defense Johnston
Irwin Centre field Rowe
Watt 1st home Paine
McLean 2nd home Wright
Fairourn 3rd home Watson
Murphy Outside home Magee
Patton Inside home Jones
The first game was taken by the Orients in 12 minutes. Second game taken by the Orients in 1 hour and 10 minutes. The first goal was scored by Patton and the other by Anderson. A. J. Barker was the referee, and H. Robinson and A. Hunter the umpires for the Orients and Beavers respectively.
The game announced for today with the Orients if off.
Last evening the Beavers entertained the Orients at supper at Prof. Washington’s. R. Ferguson occupied the chair, and after the good things had received full justice, the following toasts were proposed: The Queen; the Orients, responded to by Messrs. Anderson and O’Brien; the Unions, by Fred Magee; the Beavers, by Captain Ferguson; the ladies by H. Wright and L. Foss; the Y.M.C.A.’s, by Mr. Milligan. During the evening, songs were sung by E. D. Irwin, L. Foss, Charles Knodell, R. Sturdes, Amos Draper. The gathering dispersed with cheers for the Orients.
OUR NATIONAL GAME
LACROSSE CLUBS DRAW TO PLAY FOR THE NELSON TROPHY
The Shamrocks can Easily Fill Deserter Kirmes’ Place – Fredericton Ball Club Means Business – A Challenge Already – Both Boston Leaguers Tumble A Peg.
Lacrosse
WHAT IS IN STORE FOR PLAYERS AND PUBLIC
Although lacrosse, the Canadian national game, is yet in its infancy in the Maritime Provinces, it has made great strides within the last 12 months. To St. John belong the honor of being the first place in the lower provinces to take a live interest in the game and to place it on a footing with other popular sports, there being in the city three clubs, each prosperous, each having good membership, and each determined to make lacrosse the pre-eminent game of the amateur sportsman.
The oldest club in the Maritime Provinces is that of Pictou, which has been in existence since 1877, but until last year it had the field to itself, the first match it ever played away from home being played at Moncton last summer with a picked team of the St. John clubs. The two gentlemen to who the credit must be given of establishing lacrosse in this city are Messrs. H.H. Allingham and A.H. Bell. Mr. Allingham is an enthusiast; he is always willing and ready to give advice and assistance to any interested in the game and there is no better authority on the subject. Mr. Bell played years ago in Montreal in one of the first lacrosse teams in the city and now yields the stick as captain of the Unions. Early in April of last year Messrs. Allingham and Bell organized the first lacrosse club in the city, and christened it the Union. The other clubs, the Y.M.C.A. and the beavers were started soon after, the original promoters being anxious that the game should have the impetus of competition, which as well as being life of the trade is the life of the sport. A very handsome silver cup, known as the Nelson trophy, will be competed for this season between those clubs and the approaching is already exciting much interest. Each club feels confident of success and each will put its best stick forward to attain the desired result.
Delegates from the clubs met last evening and arranged a schedule of games to be played for the trophy as follows: -
June 14 - Union vs. Beavers
June 24 - Y.M.C.A. vs. Union
July 12 - Beavers vs. Y.M.C.A.
July 26 - Beavers vs. Union
Aug. 16 - Union vs. Y.M.C.A.
Aug. 30 - Y.M.C.A. vs. Beavers
These games will probably be played on the Shamrock or A.A. grounds and the public will have a good opportunity of witnessing what will assuredly be a most interesting series. The rivalry is keen between the three clubs, which are all now in a prosperous condition and daily gaining strength.
The oldest club, the Union, was started about the first of April of last year with a membership of 15. It has now 52 members and contains some of the strongest players in the city. The great disadvantage with all the clubs is the want of proper grounds for practice. The Unions practice on the Barracks Square every fine morning, and in the palace rink every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening. Among members of the club who will probably compose the playing team are Messrs. A.H. Bell (captain), G.K. McLeod, V.G.R. Vicars, F.J. Mahon, Sam Tufts, Will McCaffrey, Wood. Jones, Robert Armstrong, Jno. H. Davis, Fred. Magee, R.N. Bartsch, John McFarlane, J.George and Fred. Green. The team will wear a new uniform this season, having chosen their colors garnet and grey. The uniform will be a garnet shirt with large U in grey on the breast, grey pants and grey caps with garnet piping.
The Beavers call their club The Beaver Lacrosse Athletic Club, but the lacrosse element predominates, although the club held this spring the most successful indoor sports ever held in the city. The club organized with 12 members and has now 30, every one of them active playing men. They have well-appointed clubrooms on Mt. Pleasant, and a good field for practice near by. The original members nearly all live on “the hill”, but as many of the new ones live down town, the clubrooms will probably be moved to a more central locality.
Names mentioned as likely to be on the team are: Messrs. Robt Watson (captain), J.F. Maher, W. Vincent, R. Ferguson, R.N. Frith, D. Puddington, H.B. Robinson, A.K. Schofield, A. Baxter, C.F.B. Rowe, H. Wright, W. Barbour, H.R. Sturdee, A. Patterson, Percy Holman, and R. Johnston. The club lost a good man in Len Johnson, who is now in the States, but gained one of the best players in the city in the person of Alex Baxter. Their Uniform this season will be White shirt with Blue B, Blue pants and Black and Blue caps. A good practice was held last night and the Beavers will work like their namesake for the trophy.
The third club, the Y.M.C.A. is open only to members of that association. From a membership of 15 they have attained the largest membership of any club, 60. The Y.M.C.A.’s held their first practice this season on the Barrack Square on Monday night, and will practice there two days a week. Mr. A. Tufts is captain, and he may have to form his team from any of the following members: Messrs. F. McAndrews, L. P. D. Tilley, G. Hevenor, C. J. Milligan, H. McLean, C. Davis, I. Northrup, F. Roderick, J. Steele, H. Barnes, J. Dinsmore, G. King, Geo. Dixon and A. Hanson. The club will wear a striking and pretty uniform consisting of black shirts with Y. M. C. A. monogram worked in gold silk on the breast, black and gold cap, black and gold belt, and back pants. An entertainment to provide funds will be held as soon as possible, Messrs. G. Hevenor, J. Lawrence, C. Davis, G. Jenkins, and L. P. D. Tilley being the committee in charge.
The maritime lacrosse teams outside of St. John are those of Pictou, Spring Hill, Truro, the U.N.B. of Fredericton and the Acadia College Club. With the exception of the Pictou club, these have all been organized within a year, showing that the game is rapidly taking hold of the popular fancy. Halifax is slow as usual, but the Wanderers and Chebucto Athletic clubs are agitating lacrosse this year and the Wanderers have ordered an outfit.
The game is spreading in other quarters, there being over 100 clubs in England. Not withstanding the enormous interest taken in base ball in the United States lacrosse has some chance even there, as the following extract from the N.Y. Sun will show: -
The present base ball war may turn but to be a very good thing for lacrosse, as there is no other game around here which possesses the attractive elements which that game abounds in. It is a fact, already well known to lacrosse men in this section, that a great many lovers of base ball have avowed that they will transfer their allegiance to lacrosse if the former game continues to be run as it is now going on. One of the most prominent officials connected with a well known national league club who witnessed the opening lacrosse game in Brooklyn on April 19 remarked at the close of the game that he never saw a more enthusiastic audience, and that if the game could only be played by professional teams, as base ball is, he would be more than willing to put his money into it and quit base ball.
LACROSSE
To-morrow the picked local team and the Caughnawaga Indians will compete at the Shamrocks' grounds. A. H. Bell will captain the local team, while Sheriff Harding will umpire the game. Sheriff Harding is probably the oldest sporting man in St. John and has not only had a hand in everything of an athletic nature in earlier days, but has been referee in some of the most noted contests of the day.
He it was who was chosen to manage the great races of the famous Paris crew, the champions of the world, and to him was left the decisions of competitions which had kept the athletic world in suspense. To-morrow he will once more step out with the boys and many old friends will welcome him on the field.
Thursday the picked team and Caughnawaga Indians play at the Shamrocks' grounds, and a fine contest is promised. Rivals from their inception, these two clubs will struggle hard for supremacy on the green. Already large numbers of tickets have been sold, and they are still going off. The game is called for 2.30 sharp.
LACROSSE
THE ST. JOHN’S DEFEAT THE FAMOUS CAUGHNAWAGA INDIANS
Over 1,500 persons attended the lacrosse match on the St. John A.A. club grounds yesterday afternoon. The grand stand was completely filled by one of the most fashionable gatherings of the season, and although to most of the spectators lacrosse is a novelty, they rapidly caught on to the points and heartily applauded many bits of good play. The following were the teams:
CAUGHNAWAGA POSITION ST. JOHN
Good Island Goal J. Millard
Planted Palm Point A. Anderson
Two Clouds Cov Point McLeod
Hanging Sun Defence field Sturdee
Earthquake Defence field McFarlane
Council Defence field Bell
Running Fame Centre E.D. Irwin
Small Mouth Centre S.A.A. Watt
Thick Blue Home field T. O’Reilly
Small Corn Home field Baxter
Distribution Outside Home Tufts
Cross River Inside Home Magee
S. F. Jackson Captain A. J. Houghton
Watson Umpires Foster
Referee C. M. Cameron
Play began at 3.15 p.m., and the Indians went in with a dash, capturing the rubber at the outset, but the St. Johns fought hard on defence of their goal. Here the benefit of team work at once became apparent, as while some of the St. Johns showed up finely they lacked concerted action. As it was the Indians won the first game, time 12 minutes. The second game was a short one, but the pace was fast. This time the home team pushed the fighting and won in three minutes amid the cheers of the audience. There were many spectators who believed that the Indians had been “fixed” and that they had permitted the St. Johns to win, but the balance of the match was hot enough to stamp out any such idea. For 19 minutes after the ball had been faced in the third game, the play was fats and furious. Both teams were on their mettle, and only the cool, keen play of “Good Island” at the Indians’ goal, around which the contest centred, prevented the St. Johns’ neat shots from taking effect. A brief rest was afforded by the ball being sent over the fence, but it was long enough to give the home team their second wind, and in just 45 seconds after play had been resumed a neat drop shot sent the ball spinning past “Good Island;” time 20 minutes.
St. John won the fourth goal in 20 minutes, and the Indians got the fifth in four minutes. St. John winning the game, 3 to 2. It was a well earned victory, and while all worked hard, great praise is due Captain Houghton for the energetic manner in which he directed and encouraged his men. The most noticeable home players were McLeod, Magee, watt, Irwin, Tufts and Millard, the latter showing up in remarkable form, considering he had a slightly sprained wrist. Altogether the game was a most exciting contest, the spectators leaving the grounds highly delighted with their afternoon’s entertainment.
TODAY’S MATCH
The match between the Beavers and Y.M.C.A. teams at 10 o’clock promises to be the most exciting ever played in St. John. Both teams mean business and a fine exhibition may be expected. The Y.M.C.A. team are as follows: Mr. Houghton, captain; Spencer, Tufts, Baxter, Steele, Stackhouse, Spencer, Roderick, McCartby, Lawton, Dinsmore, Henderson, McLean, Dickson; Hevenor and Northrup spare men. Referee, Millard.
Lacrosse
THE UNIONS WIN AND ONLY ONE GOAL TO THE GAME.
The Unions have a firmer grip than ever on the Nelson trophy.
The second match in this series was played Saturday afternoon between the Unions and Y.M.C.A. teams, and the former club followed up their record by winning with a score of 1 to 0. Rain was falling when the game commenced and the spectators were few and far between, but such as were there were well repaid by an interesting and exciting game. The teams were:
Unions Position Y.M.C.A.
S. Tufts, goal, McLaughlin,
McLeod, point, Milligan,
Davis, cover point, Tilley,
Walker, 1st defence, Steele,
Bartach, 2nd “ Barnes,
McCaffrey, 3rd “ Knowlton,
Magee, centre, Roderick,
Jones, 1st home field, A Tufts,
McFarlane, 2nd “ “ Lawton,
Esson, 3rd “ “ McLean,
Williams, home, Hevenor,
Mahon, “ Emery.
Mr. J.F. Maher acted as referee and Messrs. R.A. Watson and H.V. Cooper as umpires.
The ball was faced at 3:20 by Roderick and Magee and was sent spinning towards the Y.M.C.A. goal only to be promptly returned. From the out the play was very sharp and close, the advantage being slightly with the Unions. After 33 minutes of hard work, Magee, by a brilliant play, carried the ball down the field from center, successfully dodging the Y.M.C.A. home field and by a straight front shot secured the first game for the Unions. Knowlton and Magee faced for the second game. The Y.M.C.A.’s this time played a strictly defence game, bunching their men near the goal. The ball careered around the Y.M.C.A. goal most of the time, but it was almost impossible for the Unions to get it through. Milligan was a tower of strength for his team and saved a goal time after time. The referee’s whistle signifying that time was up closed what was, taking everything into consideration, a really good match.
During the process of the last game, Davis for the Unions was ruled off the field for a foul, he having struck Lawton, and the Unions played the game out with 11 men. The Unions showed a decided superiority in team play, doing some very pretty passing. McCafferty played a most excellent game for the Unions and Magee, Davis and McLeod were the other strong men of the team. For the Y.M.C.A.’s Tufts and Knowlton were conspicuous for good work and Milligan won the applause of the spectators by his brilliant throwing and stopping. The next match in the series is between the Beavers and Y.M.C.A.’s on July 12th.
JUNIORS
The junior Beavers and junior Unions played a match before the seniors began. The teams were: Beavers – Rowe, Jones, Clarke, Gerow, Lane, Hunter, Dunbrack, Sancton, Shaw, Parks, Hall and Robinson. Unions – Lewis, McKean, Hall, Smalley, Matthews, Tufts, McIntyre, Coombs, Peters, Wilson and N.Sancton. The first and only goal was scored in seven minutes by Percy Hall for the Beavers. The playing on both sides was good, especially that of Dunbrack, Jones, Hunter, Gerow, and Rowe for the Beavers, and Tufts, Hall, McKean and McIntyre for the Unions. A.J. Baxter was referee and A. Foster and J.F. Maher, umpires.
LACROSSE NOTES
The Unions are playing a good deal the strongest game of the league, and the sooner the other clubs cease grumbling about the Montreal players and practice to beat them, the sooner they will have a chance for the trophy.
The Y.M.C.A.’s make a mistake by playing without a field captain. No man can play a strong game himself and look after his team’s playing at the same time.
Tufts is an “artful dodger” but on that account is liable to carry the ball too long, and thus lose the chance of a good throw.
The Unions had arranged that Mr. Darling, an experienced lacrosse man of Montreal, should referee Saturday’s game, but the Y.M.C.A.’s objected. Mr. Maher was substituted. No one would question Mr. Maher’s fairness for a moment, but it would seem better that an experienced and disinterested outside man should act.
BEAVERS WIN THE FIRST LEAGUE MATCH FROM THE Y.M.C.A’S
The Beavers and the Y.M.C.A.’s played the third match in the Nelson cup series on Saturday afternoon, on the Barrack Square. Owing to the attractions elsewhere, the attendance was small. This was the first time these two teams had met in a league contest and a good deal of interest had been manifested in the result, it had been supposed that they were very evenly matched. As it proved, the Beavers had it all their own way, winning five games, while their opponents failed to score. The ball was faced at 3:25 o’clock by Hevenor and Baxter, Mr. A. Williams acting as referee, and Messrs. Esson and Davis as Umpires. The match although one sided in results, was at times very interesting and some good plays were made. The advantage rested with the Beavers nearly throughout, the Y.M.C.A.’s seeming to lack force to make a goal even when they had the ball at the end of the field, which was not infrequently. The Beavers showed practice in teamwork and outran their opponents. They had also the advantage of good coaching by their field-captain Robert Ferguson. Among individual players, McLean of the Y.M.C.A.’s played a splendid game, Knowlton was, as usual, reliable and energetic, Steele made strenuous efforts to prevent the disastrous defeat and Tufts was of course among the foremost, and Milligan, while playing a good game was not up to his form of the last match. For the Beavers, Baxter, Frith, Robinson and Sturdees did excellent work, while no one of the rest was at all slow. The games were won as follows: 1st in 14 minutes, by K. Frith; 2nd in 14 minutes by Robinson; 3rd in 4 minutes by K. Frith (After a neat throw back by Robinson); 4th in 14 minutes, by Rowe, and 5th in 5 minutes by Watson. The Y.M.C.A.’s were handicapped by several of their regular team. They had also arranged to have a field captain, but he too failed to appear. The teams were:
Beavers Position Y.M.C.A.’s
Maher, goal, McLaughlin,
Schofield, point, Milligan,
R.N. Frith, cover point, Roderick,
Patterson, 1st defence, Steele,
Puddington, 2nd “ Knowlton,
Kirkpatrick, 3rd “ McLean,
Baxter, centre, Hevenor,
Rowe, 3rd home, Watters,
Sturdee, 2nd “ Lawton,
Robinson, 1st “ Coombs,
K. Frith, outside home, Tufts,
Watson, inside home, Dinsmore.
The next Match scheduled is July 20th, between the Unions and Beavers.
LACROSSE
LOCAL TEAMS COMPETE AND BEAVERS WIN
The game between the Y.M.C.A. s and Beavers, which took place on the Shamrocks’ grounds yesterday morning, was looked forward to with great interest by the friends of both teams. Prior to the game these two clubs played on the barracks, Dominion Day, the Beavers had had but little practice. Yesterday they showed that their practice since had not been in vain, and that the club which, in future, contests with them will find they have formidable antagonists. The game was called at 10.30, the send off being a very fine one, neither side seeming to obtain any advantage over the other. Sharp play followed on the part of both teams, but it was useless for the yellows to attempt to outstrip them, as with little trouble Barbour succeeded in sending the rubber flying through the senior club’s goal. Time, 7 ½ minutes.
The second game was well contested from start to finish, the ball being kept well in the centre of the field. Very seldom did it reach any way near the goal posts, the defence of both clubs playing in remarkably fine style. Finally seeing a chance when the ball was close to the Beavers’ defence, McCarthy of the Y.M.C.A.s managed, by a fine throw, to send it through the blues’ goal. Time, 22 minutes.
Twelve o’clock, the time agreed upon for the close of the game having arrived, the referee asked whether the game should go on or be declared a draw. After a short conversation it as agreed to play another goal.
Accordingly the referee ordered the men into their positions. In this game, though the defence of the Y.M.C.A. As played well the Beavers kept the ball, nearly all the time, dangerously near the yellow’s post. Little did it matter how much they worked the juniors were always able to outwit their opponents. Their throwing, running and team playing was decidedly the best, and with very little trouble, though after quite a scrimmage, the Beavers, sent the ball flying through the enemy’s posts in 29 minutes. In the confusion that ensued it was hard to tell who sent the ball through.
The Y.M.C.A.s missed Milligan and the Beavers Sturdee. Tufts and Baxter of the Y.M.C.A.’s could not play as well as usual owing to their having taken part in the two games with the Caughnawagas. The teams were the same as already published. Mr. R. Frith umpired the Y.M.C.A. as Mr. G. Hevenor acted as referee.
Saint John wins at Truro 4 to 0
Truro N.S. July 1,1892 - There was an immense crowd at the Atlantic club grounds to witness the lacrosse match this afternoon between the St. John’s and Truro’s. The weather was everything that could be desired, a cool steady breeze blowing across the field all through the game. At 4 o’clock the teams lined up. Baxter, who was playing center got decidedly the best of the face and passed the rubber to Tufts who made a good shot but failed to score. After some fast playing on both sides Tufts again got the ball on his stick and with a sharp swift overhand throw scored the first goal in ten minutes. The next was also scored by him in fifteen minutes. The other two goals were scored by George McLeod by quick swift underhand shots. The playing of the St. John team was grand, especially their team work. They simply paralyzed the Truro players. The following deserve special mention for their good work. Messrs, Small, Rettie, Bater, McKay and Cox of the St. John’s. Bartch and Robertson, the defence men played a faultless game, never once losing the ball. Tufts, McLeod, Frith and Milligan as usual covered themselves with glory. At one time Tufts dodged four men coming down the field, and received hearty applause from the large crowd, which by the way were not very liberal with their applause for the St. John’s players. Freddy Tufts who played goal was only called on once to stop the ball. He played like a veteran. The team all escaped without any bruised to speak of, and will make a hard fight with the Wanderers tomorrow afternoon.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES
July 2,1892 Lacrosse
The lacrosse match between the St. John’s A.A. club team and Wanderers took place in Halifax on Saturday afternoon. At 3.30 o’clock the ball was faced, Halifax getting the best of the face, sending the ball in the vicinity of the St. John’s goal, but it was soon returned again. George McLeod got the rubber on his stick and had a splendid chance to score but shot wide. Tufts after dodging several men made a beautiful shot and scored for St. John, time ten minutes. The next goal was the most stubbornly contested of any. The St. John men had much the best of the play though. Henry of the Wanderers in a scrimmage behind the goal managed to get the ball on his stick and pass it through the goal from behind, as Henry afterwards said it was my old trick. Borradaile being in front of their goal rolled it back again and the score stood one to one, time 18 minutes. The next goal was taken by St. John in four minutes, George Mcleod passing to K. Frith who scored, Half time was then called. At the next face the rubber was secured by the St. John team who by their team play held it for some time. Simpson of the Wanderers made a drop shot on goal, and their inside player knocked the ball through. An error in on the part of the referee, gave the Wanderers the last goal, the ball not passing through the goal, but being fully three feet from the pole. This made the score 3 to 2. In favor of the Wanderers, there were now 14 minutes more to play, but at the end of that time neither team succeeded in scoring. The large audience present were very liberal with their applause when ever a good play was made, ST. John coming in for a good share of it. On a whole the St. John team did not play as good lacrosse as on the previous day in Truro. The first part of the game was fast but the play gradually got very raggy. The match has done a great deal of good to lacrosse in the province and a few more such matches will make the game grow more and more popular every day. The best of feeling prevailed throughout the entire match, and a more gentlemanly exhibition of lacrosse would have been hard to find. The kindness and attention shown by the Wanderers to the St. John team was much appreciated. A large contingent of Springhill and Truro players witnessed the game.
The lacrosse match on the St. John A. A. club grounds on Saturday afternoon between the Moncton and St. John Y.M.C.A.’s resulted in the defeat of the St John team by a score of three goals to one. The game was about the poorest exhibition of Lacrosse ever witnessed on the grounds. The Moncton team who have been practicing for the greater part of the summer put up a most raggy game. The ball very seldom being off the ground. Had it mot been for R. N. Frith, the St. Johns reliable defence player it is very doubtful if the Moncton team would have scored at all. Frith did work enough for any three men, and scored two goals for Moncton. It was expected by the Moncton players that Andy Tufts was to play for them also, but this the St. John’s objected too, they claiming that Tufts wanted to do some of their men “up”
MAY 24, 1893 Lacrosse
The first lacrosse match of the season was played Wednesday on the club grounds between the local team and a Halifax combination. The game drew several hundred spectators and all were delighted with the play, which though not brilliant, was fast and exciting. Some of the members of both clubs showed themselves adepts, and the match made it certain that with very little practice strong clubs could be got together in this city and in Halifax. The boys have made a good start and a little hard work would make the game popular. The match Wednesday resulted in a draw, each side secured two goals and time was up before either side scored again. Cameron threw the two goals for St. John in 43 minutes and 13 minutes respectively. Grierson first scored for Halifax after 26 minutes play and Taylor threw the second after 22 minutes. Mr. Hunter, of Toronto, an old player, was the umpire and enjoyed the game immensely.
The lacrosse season in Upper Canada opened Wednesday, Toronto beat Cornwall five straight games and the Shamrocks downed the Capitals of Ottawa four straight.
JULY 26, 1893
The lacrosse match on the St. John A.A. grounds on Saturday afternoon was an easy victory for the St. John players, much to the surprise of both teams and their friends. The visitors, though excellent players did not succeed in securing a goal, while the home men pulled them up as they pleased. The play cannot be said to have been a gentle one, and many of the players received hard knocks. Those who chiefly distinguished themselves among the visitors were McKay, Schurman and McCollough. While of the local men Peterson made many friends by his easy style. McLeod, J. Robertson, Esson, and Tufts were excellent.
The following were the players tams and positions:
St John Position Truro
F. Tufts Goal Corbett
Robertson Point Wooton
Bartech Cover point McKay
Esson Schurman
Macrae Defence field McCullough
Coombs Archibald
Baxter Center Gibson
A. Tufts Cox
Frith Attack Wise
McLeod Lawrence
Hunter Outside home McCullough
Peterson Inside home Small
Saint John Amateur Athletic Club
Saint John, N.B. May 15, 1893
To His Honor Sit Leonard Tilley, K. C. B. Lieut Gov'r of N. B.
Sir:-
I have been instructed by the Officers and Members of the St. John Amateur Athletic Club to request the presence of yourself and Lady Tilley at the opening Lacrosse match of the season on the grounds of the A. A. Club, on Wednesday afternoon, May 24., at 3 o'clock.
Lacrosse is acknowledged by all authorities on Athletics to be the most manly and athletic, and exclusively amateur field sport in existence, and this occasion will be the first official attempt of the St. John Club to place our National game on a firm basis in this city. Our opponents will be the celebrated Wanderers Club of Halifax, and a most gentlemanly and scientific exposition of the game may be expected.
In the upper provinces, especially in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa Lacrosse received the hearty support of many prominent citizens. In the last named city His Excellency the Governor General placed the ball at all the matches played by their leading club, during last season.
We desire to establish the National Game in the Maritime Provinces, the only part of the Dominion in which it is not the premier game, and also to enlist the co-operation of the citizens of St. John in this purely amateur, and purely Canadian game.
We feel certain that with the kind of patronage of yourself and Lady Tilley for our first match, the success of our Club will be materially enhanced.
An early reply would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Very Resp'y
Sec'y St. John A. A.C
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