Between 16,000 and 17,000
persons visited Cathkin Park, Glasgow, on Saturday, to witness the
annual International match, under Association rules, between England
and Scotland. The contest had been anticipated with great interest, and
as most of the leading clubs in both countries had avoided making
other
fixtures for the same date, the teams were thoroughly representative.
Through an accident at Birmingham, H. A. Cursham was kept out of the
English side, but a very efficient substitute was found in Gunn. The
game proved to be one of the hardest fought international encounters
of recent years, but the Scotchmen if anything had the better all
round team, and for the most part of the play pressed their opponents
very closely. Bromley-Davenport kicked off for England, but the ball
was very quickly returned. After a few minutes of very smart play,
Anderson made a long kick, which Dr. Smith converted into a goal for
Scotland. amidst enthusiastic cheering. Naturally elated by this early
success the home team played with great dash and vigour, but the
English back play was strong and sure, and no appreciable impression
could be made. The Englishmen made one or two good dashes into the
opposition territory, and one or two chances of scoring were missed.
On more than one occasion the kicking was a trifle erratic. The
forward play of Gunn and Bambridge on the left wing was the saving of
the English game, and by the way the backs fed these two players it
was evident that the whole side were aware of this fact. The play was
hard and fast, and mostly confined to the English half of the ground,
but despite strong attacks and several corner kicks, the Scotch team
were unable to put on another point. When half-time was called the
score was still one goal to nothing in favour of Scotland. When the
ends had been changed a strong rush was made upon the English goal,
but Rose cleverly averted the charge. The ball was quickly returned,
however, and for fully five minutes the English goal was in immediate
danger. Rose was ably supported by the English backs, and Scotland was
unable to score. The remainder of the game does not require much
description. The English forwards with the exception of Gunn and
Bambridge, were weak and easily broken through, but the backs were
almost faultless, and resisted every charge made by the Scotchmen. No
further score was made on either side, and at the call of time
Scotland had gained a well-earned victory by one goal to nothing.
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