Rugby: Newtonians v. Newton College: There was a very large number of people on the Newton College Football Ground on Thursday afternoon to witness a match between the College and a team designated “Newtonians,” captained by Mr. Mapleton. The weather was fine, but the ground was in fairly good order. The teams were Newtonians — Pinsent, back; Bearne, Elwill, Mapleton, three-quarters; Lias. Richards, halfbacks; O’Neill, Williams, Kay, Brown, Harrison, Harvey, Hewitson, Loundes, and Prockler, forwards: College — Whitehead, back; Heyward, Wollen, Taylor, three-quarters; Hammond, Light, half-backs; Villiers-Stuart, Everett (3), Owen- Jones, Knox-Niven, Ellis, Champernowne, and Rashleigh. Forwards: Hammond kicked off for the College about half-past four, towards the cricket field end and the ball dropped into touch in the visitors’ 25. On the line out, the College forwards got away with a combined dribble, taking the ball dangerously near their opponents’ goal line, where Wollen attempted to drop a goal, but he was charged down in the nick of time by Elwell. The ball was then carried back to mid-field by the Newtonian forwards, and after several scrums took place, in which neither side gained any material advantage. Light picked up, passing to Taylour, who punted well into the visitor’s territory. Pinsent however, well returned into mid-field. Mapleton received a good pass from one of the halves, kicked a good distance into the home quarters, and the Newton forwards following up prevented the College back from returning. The ball did not remain here long, as by a series of scrums and short passing, the home team got back again into neutral ground. Hewitson got away with a nice dribble, in which he was ably assisted by Bearne, and took the ball into the home 25. A rush by the “boys” and some good passing amongst the three-quarters relieved the pressure. Wollen made a fine attempt to get over the line but was pulled down just in time. Bearne getting the ball about ten yards from the goal line made dashing run nearly the whole length of the ground, and being tackled he splendidly passed to O’Neill, who planted the ball right between the uprights. Bearne goaled from an easy situation. About 14 minutes’ play had taken place. On re-starting a large number of scrums took place in neutral ground, until Lias, picking up from a scrum, passed to Richards, who handed it to Mapleton, who passed it to Elwill. Bearne eventually received it, and finding it impossible get away, made a fine kick close into the College 25. Hammond getting hold of the ball made a fine run through nearly the whole of the team, and on being collared passed to Heyward, who, after making a little ground, was “grassed” by Pinsent. The College were now playing a most determined game and got dangerously near their opponents’ goal line. A free kick was awarded to the Newtonians, and in this way, they gained a little ground. Richards tackled in fine style and prevented his opposing halves from passing out. The boys, however, not to be denied, rushed the play up to their opponents’ goal line, where the ball was kept for several minutes. The College had hard lines in not scoring. Subsequently Hammond got in and secured a try in a good position. Wollen failed to improve the point. Immediately afterwards the home team was awarded a free kick, and Heyward kicked a splendid goal. Half time was then called. Hewitson re-started after short interval. Scrums were the order of the day, and which the College more than held their own many occasions. The ball was taken dangerously near to each goal line, but Whitehead and Pinsent relieved in fine style for their respective sides. The College was compelled to save, owing to a good rush by the visiting forwards. Pinsent collared Hammond after making good run to the goal line. Some good passing between the home three-quarters, however, enabled Wollen to get in. Heyward goaled. Time was soon afterwards called, leaving the home team winners by one goal, one try, and one penalty goal, to one goal. Both backs played sterling games, and Wollen was the pick of the College three quarters. Hammond and Light played remarkably fine games for the home team, and the forwards played well throughout. The Newton three-quarters had not many chances but did what they had to do very satisfactorily. Lias and Richards were good halves, and Williams, O’Neill, Hewitson, and Brown were the pick of the forwards. Mr. Johnson officiated as referee.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949