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Diary Tuesday, 15 October 1872 - Archibald Rae, secretary of Queen's Park FC, appealed for recruits in the Glasgow Herald: 'Will you allow me, through your columns, to invite Scotch players who may wish to take part in this match to send their names and addresses to me, either direct, or through their captain or secretary, no later than Monday 21st, so as to allow time for co-operation and practice.' The same invitation was also printed in The Scotsman four days later. Saturday, 9 November 1872 - A practice match is hosted by Queen's Park for the numerous that replied to the invitation of 15/19 October. The match was unfortunately ruined by heavy rain, the ground being 'chiefly marsh and pond' and 'the quantity of mud carried off by the players at the end of the game was tremendous'. Even so, a squad of seventeen possible players were identified. Arthur Kinnaird is given his place as 'captain of the London-Scotch international team'. Wednesday, 20 November 1872 - A second practice match is held at Burnbank, the home of Glasgow Academicals RFC. Again, a wet ground conspired against good football and several players failed to make an appearance. Monday, 25 November 1872 - The Scottish team is announced, made up entirely of Queen's Park FC members. It appears that voices within QP argued that, as their club had taken on the entire responsibility of arranging the match, its reputation was at stake; therefore, the honour of representing Scotland should be restricted to its members. Kinnaird and Renny-Tailyour were not called upon to travel north from London, and were thus unavailable to play. Thomas Chalmers was also unavailable, due to his unfamilarity with the association rules! ____________________ |
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