Rushden Chairty Cup Final 1897

Medal presented to J McMillan

Rushden Charity Cup Won By Wellingborough

At the conclusion of the football match at Rushden, on Monday afternoon, when Wellingborough snatched the silver goblet from Leicester Fosse, the two teams, with a number of friends, were entertained to tea by the Charity Cup Committee:- Messrs. Saml. Knight (chairman), F. Newman, and J. Claridge (vice-presidents), H. H. Hobbs, G. W. Button, C. C. West, C. Sanders, J. Jaques, J. S. Clipson, W. Pack, and G. Clayson (secretary). The tea was laid in the Public Hall, and justice having been done to the excellent repast the tables were cleared prior to the presentation, which took place immediately after the meal. There was a good attendance of the public, and Mr. F. Newman, one of the vice-presidents of the committee, was voted to the chair.

The Chairman said he considered it a great honour on his part to be allowed to present to them the magnificent cup then before them, for winning that day’s match. (Applause) He should have preferred however, some one of a public capacity in the town to have made the presentation, as it would have undoubtedly added to the prestige of the ceremony. Nevertheless he was pleased at the privilege of making the presentation. (Applause) The teams had come to Rushden with great anticipation, they had played

A Good Game

which had culminated in Wellingborough winning the cup. (Applause) As they know, he was a vice-president of the committee, and he took the deepest possible interest in the matches as they benefitted an institution in which he was deeply interested, he meant the Rushden Nursing Association. The result of holding these matches greatly helped a deserving institution. (Hear, Hear) He again expressed the pleasure and honour he felt in handing the cup to the Wellingborough team. (Loud applause) They had won it fairly and after a hard fight. (A Voice: "Good old Hock," and laughter) Leicester had lost, but that was no reason why they should have a grudge against Wellingborough, and he was sure that they would be the last to envy Wellingborough's good fortune. (Applause) He knew it was a matter of form—or luck—one team beat at one time and another at some other time, but the present team had won the trophy and won it fairly. Personally he heartily congratulated Wellingborough—as a neighbouring club—upon their success. (Applause) Of course it was only natural there should be a little feeling between Rushden and Wellingborough at times, but he was glad to say that that was only confined to the field of play—and he hoped that when they next played with Rushden—on Monday next—Wellingborough would give Rushden as good a game as they had given Leicester. (Hear, hear) He hoped Wellingborough would not be spoiled by their recent successes—there was such a thing as being

Ruined by Good Fortune

by taking things in an easy manner. After again congratulating them, he asked the captain of the team to stand forward to take the cup, which he presented in the name of the competition, adding as he did so an expression of pleasure at being able to present to the magnificent team he captained such a splendid cup.

The cup was then safely ensconced in the arms of the captain, who, to an accompaniment of cries of "Good old Hock!" and deafening applause, gracefully retreated with the much-prized trophy. Mr. T. H. Dorman thanked the chairman on behalf of the Wellingborough club for the kind reception they had given to them. They had tried their utmost, and he believed they had won the cup fairly. He again thanked them for their hearty reception. (Cheers)

Mr. J. Claridge then announced that he had been asked to present both teams with medals, but before doing so must add his congratulations to the many which Wellingborough had already received. Rushden and Wellingborough had often met in the cricket and football fields, and he was glad, as neighbours, that Wellingborough had won that day. It was no small honour to win a game from such a team as Leicester Fosse. (Loud applause) He was a little disappointed at the play in the afternoon. He knew there was bound to be feeling, but they should always play the game as it should be played—in the right manner and in the right spirit. (Applause) There were times when

Feeling Ran Very High

between the Rushden and Wellingborough teams, but he was glad to say that it had all been left on the football field. (Applause) He did hope that when the teams again met they would play the game for the game's sake, and at the same time respect the honour and reputation of their town. (Loud applause) He had hoped that for the sake of the funds of the committee they would have made a draw that afternoon. Unfortunately the committee for two or three years running had had very poor gates, which was a pity, seeing that the object of the committee was to help deserving charities. The Nursing Association had done good work in the place, and it was acknowledged by the parishioners. Then the com¬mittee also contributed handsomely to the funds of the Northampton Infirmary—another worthy object. (Loud applause) Referring again to the game, he sincerely hoped that Leicester Fosse would see its way clear to enter the competition again—a sentiment which was loudly endorsed by those present.

Mr. Claridge then presented the medals to the members of the Wellingborouh team, who came up singly and received their golden recognition. Of course the audience present were not stinting in their congratulations to each of the team. It was interesting to notice how the

Favourites were “Spotted”

Martin, Robinson, and others must have felt proud at the reception they met with—and, after all, it was not more than they each deserved. Mr. McMillan (captain of the Leicester Fosse team) was presented with the whole of the medals, many of the Fosse team having caught an early train.

Mr. Curtis responded on behalf of Leicester, and remarked that it was not the first time he had done so. They had lost, and he congratulated the winners. (Applause) At the same time, they had received a good reception at Rushden, for which he thanked them. (Applause) They were always sure of a good game at Rushden, and thoroughly enjoyed their visits to the town. He had told his team that iof Wellingborough had beat Kettering—who in their turn had beat the Fosse—then they would have a walk-over. (Loud applause) Well he had to congratulate Wellingborough on their victory; the game had been fair, and he had enjoyed it. (Applause) Leicester Fosse, he assured them, would come again. (Loud applause)

A vote of thanks to the chair was carried unanimously, and Mr. Newman, in replying, said they would all feel gratified at the manner in which Mr. Tillotson had carried out his duties as referee. (Applause)

The meeting then terminated, and soon after the Wellingborough team, bubbling over with happiness—a fact which they took pains to advertise rather than to conceal—departed for Wellingborough where they received the due recognition of their doughty performance in the afternoon.

The Players Get A Cordial Welcome Home

When the result of the match reached Wellingborough arrangements were made by the supporters of the club to give the players a hearty reception on their return, and the members of the Volunteer Band readily offered their services. The team reached Wellingborough about eight o'clock, being met at the bottom of Sheep-street by a crowd of three or four thousand persons. Headed by the band, there was a procession through the main streets, Mr. Dorman being seated on the front of the conveyance with the cup. The merry party eventually finished up at the Midland Hotel, the headquarters of the club, where the victory was further celebrated.