"FOOTBALL"
BIRMINGHAM GYMNASIUM AND ATHLETIC CLUB V. NEWPORT (MON.) - We have pleasure in being able to publish the following more complete account of the above match, which was played at Newport, on the Athletic Grounds, on Thursday, February 7, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The Birmingham men having won the toss, Fowler, their captain, kicked off. The ball was immediately returned by the Newport backs to their opponents' territory, where it remained despite the splendid efforts of Tyler and Howe to take it elsewhere for the "Gymns.". When half-time was called the home team had compelled their visitors to touch down four times, in self-defence, and Moggridge obtained a try, which, however, he failed to convert into a goal. After a few minutes' rest the leather was again set moving by W. Phillips, the Newport captain, his forwards following up very fast, and thus preventing its being advantageously returned. The "Gymns." however, warming to their work played in a very plucky manner, and did their little utmost to make up for lost time, but fortune seemed to favour Newport in particular, a lucky catch by Cross being converted into a splendid goal by Moggridge. Jenkins next made a grand dodgy run for the home team, and scored another try; this was again entrusted to Moggridge, but owing to the ball rolling he failed to send the leather over the bar. The last but not least piece of good play during the game was a try obtained after a capital run by Moggridge, but the goal angle was too much to be successful. When time was called the game stood thus:- Newport had scored one goal, three ties [sic], and had obliged their visitors to touch down six times in self-defence; to Birmingham, nil. The play was fast and furious from beginning to end, the Birmingham men being a little the faster of the two teams, but the passing and collaring, together with the extra weight, of the Newport men far overmatched them. Birmingham was represented by P. T. Hill (back); Dunn and A. Smith (half-back); A. Tyler and H. Howe (quarter-backs); E. Potts, R. Ratcliffe, E. Kershaw, Harley, C. Milnes, Felix Jones, F. Fowler (captain); F. R. N. Oxfordi and T. T. Tyler (forwards). The Newport team was composed of the following members:- J. M. Wood (back); Moggridge and Spitta [sic Spittle] (three-quarter backs); C. H. Newman (half-back); C. B. Cross and A. F. Goss (quarter-backs); W. Ponsford, V. A. Julius, J. Jenkins, A.C. Phillips, R. Loane, A. Goss, W. Mitchell, and W. Phillips, captain (forwards)."
N.B. Elsewhere the opposition was reported as being Edgbaston Crusaders.