There have been two interesting changes in nomenclature in connection with Merseyside Rugby clubs. Doubtless as the result of the war the Club known as the Aliens has resolved to change its name to Sefton, which is a popular choice. The other old team with a new name is Port Sunlight, until this season the Cosmopolitans.

Tyldesley visited the Aliens' ground on Saturday, and scored 22 points to Aliens (now Sefton) nil. The wet ground made play very scrappy at times, but tackling was very keen on both sides. Tyldesley started, but up to quarter-time the score stood at nil. Dowling, for Tyldesley, opened the score with a fine try, Anderson failing with the place kick. Immediately afterwards Quinn added another, the kick failing. Tyldesley then assumed the aggressive and only keen tackling on Sefton's part saved further scoring. Dowling added another try a minute before half-time, Hodson kicking a goal. The score at the interval was Tyldesley 11 points, Sefton nil.

Tyldesley monopolised the game in the second half, but there were some good attempts by Hodgson, Stephen Crawford, and Hutchings, who were the best on the Sefton side. Buffey and Almond added tries, the place kick failing in both cases, and five minutes from full time Dowling ran over and converted. On Tyldesley's side Dowling, Hudson, Carr, Quinn and J. Anderson played very finely, and Tyldesley fully earned their victory.

Under the auspices of the Bristol arid District Rugby Combination a smoking concert was held at the Crown and Dove Hotel last night, When Mr. W. J. Smith, the late honorary secretary of the organisation was the recipient of a handsome present. Mr Smith who left Bristol a few months ago to take up an important position at Liverpool was well-known an local Rugby and Cricket circles and there was a large attendance at the concert which was presided over by Mr J. Milburn, president of the Gloucestershire County Rugby Union and Chairman of the Combination. Those present included Messrs E. S. Bostock- Smith (Chairman of the Bristol Rugby Club), J. Gates (secretary Bristol Combination), A. Harris (treasurer, Bristol Combination), E. Seymour-Bell (Clifton R.F.C), J. Tucker, F. Crooks, F. Feltham (Bristol Rugby C1ub), C. Browning and J. Feltham (Bristol Referees' Society), and many other gentlemen well-known in Rugby circles. There was an excellent musical programme which was much enjoyed.

Mr. Milburn in presenting to Mr Smith a handsome solid silver tea service, said the recipient was worthy in every way of the good wishes of Rugby enthusiasts. He had worked long and well and had played the game as well as worked for it. Every club in Bristol was represented that evening and that was a good sign for he had done all the drudgery work for some years. The fact that the presentation was subscribed for by the members of the local clubs spoke in itself of the appreciation they all had of his services. He was on the County Selection Committee and the County Executive and on those bodies he was missed. Mr. Seymour-Bell, secretary of the Clifton R.F.C. spoke of the work Mr Smith had done and eulogised his services to the Rugby code. Mr Smith who was received with musical honours, returned thanks for the splendid presentation and reception accorded him. It was big wrench to leave Bristol. All he had done was a labour of love, and he had received splendid support from everyone. He urged them to keep the Combination going at its high standard. His service with that body had been of extreme happiness.

Mr. W. J. Smith, who for some years past has been actively identified with local Rugby, is leaving Bristol in order to take up a lucrative appointment in Liverpool. He goes with the best wishes for his future from every lover of the sport in the city and county. He will be hard to replace. He has been an ideal secretary to the Bristol Combination, combining enthusiasm with tact and wise judgement. For years he has been a member of the Bristol Club, and before the war, as last year, played regularly for the premier team. He was the Combination representative, with the President, the Gloucestershire County Union, and wherever he has worked he has been held in high esteem. Good luck, "Billy " !

New Brighton 2nd benefited by a greater knowledge of the game in the match with Sefton at Rake-lane, and won by three penalty goals (9 points) to nil. All the goals were kicked by Luya, who played strongly as full-back. Jackson, an old Irish international, turned out for New Brighton for the first time.

The forwards on both sides had most of the play, and throughout the first half there. not much to choose between them. The only points scored before the interval came five minutes after the start front Luya's first penalty goal. Kay was coming into prominent notice on behalf of Sefton, but a few minutes before the whistle went he was pulled up while making a determined attempt to reach the line, and had to retire injured. O'Donnell, one of the forwards, did useful work, and Hutchings' kicking baffled the New Brighton men several times.

Turner and Armstrong (three-quarters) and Turnbull and Taylor (forwards) did well for the home side, whilst Luya's accurate shooting and vigorous defence proved of considerable service.

Daily Courier 11/10/1920

Sefton were beaten by the Old Salfordians at West Derby by nine points to nothing. The margin of three tries between the teams did not represent the visitors' superiority. The Sefton men were somewhat lacking in finish, but at the same time tribute must be paid to the fine work of Stewart, the Salfordians' full back whose play was a feature of a hard and always interesting game. Sefton had the better of the play in the first half, but they could not get the all important points. In the second half Salford did most of the attacking and tries were scored by F. Hampson, Balderstone, and Howarth. The tries generally were the outcome of lose rushes and in this respect the Salford eight were very good.

Result: Old Salfordians, 3 tries (9 points); Sefton, nil

Had Fylde had their full complement in their match with Sefton at West Derby, they would undoubtedly have carried off the honours. As it was they battled throughout with thirteen men in a rather scrambling game which ended in a pointless draw. Fylde are a fairly good side and their superior weight aided them considerably in their uphill fight. In the first half Martinez made Sefton's best effort, but Rothwell downed him at the finish. On the other hand Wilkinson narrowly missed dropping a goal for the visitors. In the second half, Fylde struggled gamely with their depleted forces and twice were all but over the Sefton line. The end came, however, without a solitary point being registered. Bellamy, Martinez, Streddon and Stephens were prominent for Sefton, while for Fylde, Rothwell at full-back was very sure and tackled well, and Heap, Parkes, Hopewell, Robinson, and Wilkinson were the best of the others.

At West Derby. The School had much the best of matters in the opening half, and, playing downhill, gained tries through Moore, Bone, Farrel, and Emerson, but none was converted. Crossing over with a 12 points lead, Bone added a further try, but his place kick fell short. Robinson responded with a meritorious try for Sefton, who were beaten by 15 points to 3.

Sefton were not well represented for their match with St. Helens Old Boys, who proved too good for them, especially in the back division. Davies dealt with many rushes by the Sefton forwards and played a capital full-back game. Milligan opened the score for St. Helens, and then led up to a try by Howell. In the second half St. Helens improved on their score of 11 points, Lyon registering four tries, and the final score was 23-nil in favour of St. Helens.

Daily Post 25/10/1920

For the major portion of the game at Victoria Park, where Sefton were the visitors, there was only one team in it. In the first half Sefton were rarely out of their own territory. This was not so much the result of Southport's play as of the inefficacy of Sefton. Scott was the first to get over, but the goal-kick was from an extremely difficult angle, and J. Twynne was not to be blamed for failing. Before the interval, Scott and Guest scored between the posts, and Gifford easily added the extra points. Sefton did better in the second half, Bellamy grounding the ball behind the uprights. Miller, however, placed wide. Irving put Southport further ahead with a drop goal, but Gifford and Twynne failed from tries by Walker and Buck. In all departments Southport were the cleverer side. Result: Southport, 23; Sefton 3.

The above teams met at Pembroke on Saturday last in the first round of the Knock-Out Cup competition, where, under excellent weather conditions, and before a large attendance Pembroke, after a hard game, qualified for the second round.

Llangwm set the ball rolling, for Hutchings to return to touch at mid-field. From the line out Llangwm gained ground, and soon had play in the homesters' 25. Pembroke soon returned, and play was up and down the field, both sides at times appearing dangerous. Pembroke were eventually let in by Morgan, Llangwm's outside half, misfielding a high kick; the homesters were quick to take advantage, and Weir crossed with a try, to which they failed to add the extra points. After the drop out Llangwm returned to the attack, and kept Pembroke busy defending, several scrums ensuing in Pembroke territory, from which both teams had a share of the ball. Llangwm, however, were smart breaking up, and never gave the homesters a chance to clear. Shortly from a scrum just outside the Pembroke 25 line, Pembroke heeled, but failed to get the ball away, the visitors' winging forwards dribbling the ball away for Morgan, their outside half to pick up the ball, and swerve past the full back, and drop near the posts with a good try, which they failed to convert. After the drop out Llangwm returned to the attack, and were again looking dangerous, when J. Powell cleared for the homesters with a fine dribble, enabling them to bring play into Llangwm territory. A free kick eased the situation for Llangwm, and they soon brought play to the home line again, where they kept up an attack for a while, until Pembroke gained a little, when some long exchanges ensued eventually finding touch about mid-field. From the ensuing line out, Llangwm, regained a little, but were held up for a scrum, heeling from which they got going, and a try looked imminent, the visitors' wing having no one to beat, his centre having drew the defence, but he failed to take a very bad pass. Shortly after a free kick eased the pressure on the home line, and enabled them to attack. They, however, let themselves get penalised, and the kick brought play back again, when one of the Pembroke backs mis-fielding, a race for the ball ensued, and Lewis, for Pembroke, just managed to save a try by kicking the ball out of play behind the home goal. In the ensuing scrum Llangwm were penalised, and this enabled Pembroke to get out of a tight corner just before the whistle sounded the end of half with both teams a try each.

From the start of the second half Llangwm played a losing game by drawing two men from the scrum. Pembroke were easily able to control the scrums against six men and they early brought play into Llangwm 25, where the visitors being penalised for "feet up" Lewis made a good attempt for goal from an awkward angle. Pembroke now kept up the attack, and made several attempts to cross the visitors' line by opening the game but their attempts at passing were poor. Hutchings, who was now playing at outside half, being the only one of their backs who showed any idea of giving a pass. Llangwm gradually forced play to mid-field, but the homesters soon returned through J. Powell breaking through, and making for the line in fine style, was forced to touch near the visitors' line. Shortly after this Llangwm were penalised twice within five minutes, and both kicks were from easy positions for kicking a goal, but Phillips punted instead, thus Pembroke lost a chance of obtaining a lead earlier. Pembroke now tried some more bouts of passing, and one excellent opening made by Hutchings enabled them to get going in fine style, and a try looked certain, but Weir on the wing fumbled an easy pass. Pembroke continued attacking, except for a few breaks by Llangwm, but they failed to get into the home territory more than once, but Pembroke soon forced them back, and a scrum ensuing under the posts, Llangwm were penalised for not putting the ball in the scrum straight. This enabled Pembroke to add three points though Lewis. Shortly after the whistle sounded with Pembroke 1 try 1 penalty goal (6 points); Llangwm, 1 try (3 points).

Llangwm held their own in the first half, the game was anybody's up to half time. Mistaken tactics in the second half was the cause of their defeat. In Rugby, attack is the best de fence, but Llangwm apparently thought otherwise. At the start of the second half they put Pembroke in a position to keep up an attack, and themselves in a position of being unable to attack, by drawing two forwards from the scrum. They meant, apparently, to keep their line intact, but if so, they were continually placing themselves in danger by several times getting penalised inside their own 25. If they had had a lead there might have been some sense in these tactics, but under the circumstances, and in view of their play first half, one finds it difficult to understand their method, unless they wanted to bring Pembroke to Llangwm by making a draw.

There was not much to choose between the teams in the first half. Neither sets of backs were great, but Pembroke were slightly better in defence. Morgan for Llangwm and Hutchings for Pembroke, were the best of the backs. In the second half Hutchings played a great game at outside half. He tried to set his backs going and made some good openings, and the way he got down to rushes many times stopped Llangwm breaking away. Both full backs fielded and kicked well. Of the forwards, J. Powell for Pembroke, and Bryant for Llangwm, were the best. The packs as a whole were evenly matched until Llangwm started playing nine backs. Pembroke, however, both at attack and forward, were given too much to fly kicking. Twice in the first half they nearly let Llangwm through by it. Pembroke deserved to win, on the day's play, but if Llangwm had adopted different tactics a different score might have resulted.

Force of circumstances compelled the Sefton organisation to migrate to the northern side of the West Derby village, and their new pitch is far removed from being an ideal playing field. Notwithstanding this handicap, and also that of playing one man short, Liverpool "A" were victorious to the extent of 5 tries (15 points) to 1 penalty goal 2 tries (9 points).

The visitors were the cleverer in the three-quarter line, where Gedge was very successful in turning to good account the clever work of his confreres. The Liverpool pack were slow in breaking up, whilst the Sefton halves were inclined to hold the leather too long and stultified the efforts of their forwards.

Sefton opened the score through Ellis, who landed a goal from a free kick. Liverpool replied with a forward movement, succeeding which Maxwell made a try. Shortly before the interval Brown regained the lead for Sefton by registering a try. Clever handwork by the visiting three-quarters enabled Gedge to score a try. Forster next dashed over the Sefton lines, whilst Gedge scored another try, but no goals were kicked.

The game between Sefton and Heaton Moor, at West Derby, was scrappy in more senses then one, both sides exhibiting undue heat. Play throughout was almost wholly confined to the forwards, neither line of threes showing anything like cohesion. In the first half Ellis kicked a penalty goal for Sefton, but Ramsden replied with two tries for Heaton Moor which, however, remained unconverted. Both sides were level at halftime with 6 points each. There was little between them in the second half until Hallet ran over and gave Heaton Moor victory by 9 points to 6 after a rather poor game.

 Daily Post 13/3/21

Bidston beat Sefton A in a hard-fought game on the latter's ground by a goal and two tries (11 points) to a try (3 points). In the first half Sefton were superior in attack and Perrin scored a try. There would have been more scoring but for some resolute tackling by Parry, the Bidston full-back. In the second half, however, Bidston improved, and tries were scored by Galloway, Price, and Woodward, the latter also converting.

The visiting three-quarters were a better lot than Sefton's in that their handling was much superior and their running stronger, while Price and Poe showed a good understanding. Among the forwards Pavillard, A. Taylor and Cooper were prominent. Dr. O'Sullivan, at full-back f or Sefton, played a sterling game, and in the second half undoubtedly saved his side from defeat. Bayliss gave his rear division the ball on numerous occasions, only to see it lost through faulty handling. The home forwards were outplayed in the loose, but worked hard, especially Perrin and Ledger. During the scrums the ball was rarely brought out cleanly, a general fault of second-class rugger.

Result:- Bidston 11 points, Sefton A. 3 points.

Teams.-Sefton A: Dr. O'Sullivan; Thompson, Millington, Hudson, Davey; Bayliss, M'Gibbon; Ledger, Perrin. Williams, J. A. Cass, Rimmer, Mackenzie, Martinez, Jenkins.

Bidston-Parry; Burns, Ellam, Woodward, Galloway; Price, Poe; Cooper, Hudson, Pavillard. Williams, Rylls, H. Taylor, A. Taylor, Hinson.

 Daily Post 4/4/21

Tyldesley 3-5......30 Sefton 0-0.......0

TYLDESLEY continued their winning Sefton, whom they by 30 points to nil. Early Tyldesley asserted their superiority, and maintained it throughout, although they had to face the stiff breeze in the second half. Tyldesley showed much better combination than in their previous matches, the passing of the backs being an outstanding feature of the game. Tries were scored by Lawson (2), Kenyon (2), Higham (2), Ratcliffe and Quinn, and Hindley kicked three goals.

  Daily Post 19/9/21

The start made by Sefton will not discourage the officials of the club. The enthusiasm is there, as is shown by the fact that probably four teams will be out regularly, and the players are nearly all young. Only sound coaching is needed and I believe that department is in capable hands. We may hear much more of Sefton in a year or two.

Opening play in the match at Bebbington between Port Sunlight and Sefton was dull. A bad kick across the field by a Sefton back gave Lockhart possession with a clear field, and he registered an easy try. Martin took the kick, the ball striking the goalpost on the wrong side. Lockhart soon afterwards again got over, the place kick failing. After the interval the home team monopolised the play, Sefton backs being unable to get going. After a try by Gordon, Martin scored a penalty goal. Lockhart followed with a fine drop goal. Then Gordon again got through, Marsden this time took the kick and the ball hit the post for the second time. Corkhill added two further tries. Result: Port Sunlight 24pts., Sefton nil.

    Daily Post 14/11/21

Heaton Moor met Sefton at Heaton Moor. Early in the game a try was scored by Thompson. Nelson scored a try which Y.Holloway converted. In the second half Talbot scored a try and Hallet and G.Holloway each added improved tries.

Result:- Heaton Moor, 1 goal 3 tries (14 points); Sefton, 1 try (3 points).

   Daily Post 21/11/21

Liverpool had a strong side out, including Batty and Storey of the county. The ground was covered with snow, and the game started late. A somewhat scrappy first half ended in favour of Sefton, Dalton scoring the only try, which Perrin converted.

Half time Sefton 5 pts., Liverpool 2nd 0.

Final -Sefton 11 pts., Liverpool II. 0.

At Riversdale-road. Nelson immediately broke through, and was pulled down on the Liverpool line. Scotson from a scrum picked up and scored with a fine try, Foggo missing with the kick. After this the game became very fast, Maybury being brought down by Damsell when appearing dangerous. A few minutes after Wynn Evans got a fine try and equalised matters. Taylor missed with the kick. Finegan and Munce, in a fine passing bout, ran through, when the whistle sounded.

Halftime.----Liverpool 3 points, Sefton 3 points.

On resuming a stiff battle took place without either side scoring.

Final.-Liverpool III. 3 points, Sefton II. 3 points.

A fast game was seen at Riversdale-road in spite of wretched conditions, and a draw of a try each fairly represents the run of the play. Taylor and Maybury led several dangerous attacks for Liverpool but were held up by an excellent defence. From a scrum Scotson secured and dashed over the Liverpool line for a try, which Foggo failed to convert. The try was scored equalising by Wynn-Evans, who eluded all the opposition. In the second half both sides played well, but the defences prevailed.

At Aigburth, Liverpool fielded a strong A team, which included Batty and Storey of the first team, but they failed to adapt themselves to the conditions, and Sefton won.

It could not be said that the visitors played good football but they kept together and took the ball with them whereas Liverpool adopted the wrong tactics and fed the backs, who were helpless on snow-covered ground. Dalton scored the first try and Perrin, who was an outstanding figure, converted it, kicked the penalty goal, and scored the other try.

Result:- Sefton 11 points, Liverpool II. 0.

Daily Post 16/1/1922

At West Derby. Play opened evenly, but Sefton gradually obtained the upper hand. Outhwaite crossed, but lost possession. Brown made amends shortly afterwards by crossing at the corner. Perrin failed at goal. Daulman (junior) added a second try, which Hutchings converted with a fine kick.

The major portion of the second half was spent in the vicinity of the Sunlight line, but some very fine defensive work by Gordon kept the homesters out. Browne eventually added another try, the goal-kick failing. From the centre line Gordon broke away, transferring to Lockhart, who, running equally well, scored a fine try at the corner. The same player converted with a magnificent shot.

Daily Post 30/1/1922

The representatives of the colliery village visited West Derby and defeated Sefton by 5 tries (15 points) to 1 try (5 points).

A strong forward line enabled the visitors to gain the victory, although in the later stages of the game the home back division weakness enabled the visiting threes to augment the score. Tyldesley were first to attack, and Cheetham picking up smartly sent out to Blood, who made a try. Dowling failed at conversion. Perrin, a Sefton forward, showed considerable command of the ball in dribbling over the Tyldesley line and registering a try, which, however, he failed to convert. Just before the interval J. Lewis scored a try for Tyldesley from a forward movement, the goal kick again proving futile.

Play in the second half ruled mainly in the visitors' favour, and tries were made by Kenyon (2) and Lawson, but all three goal kicks were unsuccessful. Hutchings narrowly missed kicking a penalty goal for Sefton.

The defeated side were weak and indecisive in their tackling and whilst Herring kicked well at full-back he failed to stem the rushes the opposing forwards. Redhead was clever at the base of the scrum, and Browne the best of the three-quarter line. Perrin and G. W. Brown were the most prominent forwards. Tyldesley were best represented by Fearnley at full-back, Kenyon and Blood in the three-quarter line, and Dowling and Jack Quinn in the forwards.

Daily Courier 20/2/1922

Playing Sefton II., Bidston, the local senior side ran up a score of 1 goal 5 tries (20 points) to 1 try (3 points). The visitors, although mostly overplayed, kept their opponents' first-half score down to two unconverted tries by Price. After the resumption, Bidston had all the play and scored tries through Woodward, Parry, Pavillad, and Porter, whilst Price placed one goal. Nearing the end, Sefton made a big effort to score and recorded a try

Result :-Bidston 20 points, Sefton II. points.

Daily Post 20/2/1922

Although Sefton beat Kersal at West Derby 1-1 (8 pts.) to 1 try (3 pts.) the score does not represent the run of the play, which was for the most part in favour of the visitors. They played but 14 men throughout the game, and this disability probably lost them the game, as their three-quarters were cleverer than the Sefton quartet, who were lacking in cohesion. Herring defended well for Sefton, and Scotson was clever at half-back, whilst Perrin and Brown were outstanding players in the pack. Sefton were quickly placed on the defensive, but a forward carried play to the Kersal territory, where Simons sent out Thompson, who made a try. Perrin failed to convert. Sefton were awarded a penalty, but Perrin's kick went wide of the mark.

Early in the second half clever hand work enabled Brown to make a try, which Perrin converted. Kersal were seen to better advantage at this stage, and Howarth was held up when within a few yards from the line. He scored a try a few minutes later from a passing movement by Dawber, Barker, and Harris. Robinson failed at conversion.

Daily Post 27/2/1922

These teams met at Meadow-lane, West Derby, on Saturday. The visitors fielded a fairly strong side, but Sefton, whose performances have greatly improved on previous seasons, were able to stem the visitors' attacks and win by the only score of the game. In a bustling first half neither side scored, but soon after the resumption H. Perrin, a forward, got over for Sefton, the same converting with good kick. St. Helens Old Boys tried hard to get on level terms, but the Sefton defence held. Both sides mulled some good openings. Keen tackling was one of the chief features of a good game.

Result:- Sefton 5 points, St. Helens O.B. nil.

Daily Post 27/2/1922

Sefton journeyed to Ashley to meet Bowden Rangers, and suffered defeat, after a strenuous game, by 9 points to 8. Bowden opened strongly, and after pressing heavily Fare kicked a penalty goal. Bowden continued to press, and Waite scored an unconverted try. Sefton gradually got the advantage towards the interval, and Perrin scored a try, which he converted. On restarting Sefton had slightly the better of the play, and Perrin early gave them the lead with an unconverted try. Towards the close Bowden redoubled their efforts, and an unconverted try by Pearce again placed them ahead.

The game, though strenuously contested, was lacking in the finer points. Both sets of forwards seemed more or less content to keep the ball at their toes, and it was rarely the backs got a chance of showing their merits. Bowden had the advantage forward, but in what little was seen of the three-quarters Sefton were superior. Forward, Sefton were best represented by Brown, Perrin, and Dalton, while Hutchings and Redhead played well at half-back, and Croxford and Thompson were the pick of the three-quarters. Herring was very safe at full-back.

Daily Post 13/3/1922

The game opened with a number of midfield scrums in which the 'Hoppers, the quicker-moving side, were superior. The home forwards, however, were held in check by the strong visiting backs. In spite of the wretched ground and weather conditions the game was being well contested. Wiseman made a good run half the length of the field, but was brought down. Two minutes later Wiseman secured cleverly, and left the Sefton backs far behind in a good dash for the line, but the kick at goal failed. Wiseman scored a further try, but again the kick failed.

Towards the end of the half a good passing movement by Preston ended in A. Miller getting over, but Bowden failed badly with the kick.

Half-time--Preston Grasshoppers 0-3-0. Sefton nil

There was no scoring in the second half.

Lancs Post 8/4/1922

Sefton visited Preston on Saturday, where they were again defeated by the Grasshoppers, who fully deserved their win considering that both weather and ground conditions were bad, a fairly high standard of football was given, both teams showing speed and strength, but the slippery ball naturally made passing difficult, so that combination suffered. There were, however, several quite good concerted movements, particularly by the "Hoppers," who ought to have gone further ahead. The home forwards were specially active in the early stages, when only the strong defence of Sefton prevented tries. The "Hoppers" failed to convert each of their tries secured by Miller and Wiseman, and though the victors tried hard to wrest an advantage from some of the inaccuracies of the home men, they were unable to score. Sefton in the circumstances gave quite a creditable display.

Liverpool Daily Post 10/4/1922

In opening their programme against Tyldesley at West Derby, on Saturday, and, incidentally, leading the way in the new season's Merseyside "Rugger," which does not begin in earnest until this week-end, Sefton faced as heavy a problem as they are likely to be called upon to tackle during the next few months. They faced it bravely, and undo a good fight up to a point, but they were no match either in speed or skill or condition for a very well-balanced and capable opposition. Tyldesley won by 5 tries, scored by Hodgson (3), Smith and Hindley, to 1 try, by S. Brown, the St. Helens Old Boys, Lancashire, and North forward, who is helping Sefton in a match or two, and the margin fairly accurately represents the difference between the teams.

Sefton had one piece of very bad luck during the second half, when H. C. G. Webley and F. Porter, trying to field a high ball, collided with such force that the former had his eye cut open and the latter's nose was so badly damaged that he could take no further part in the game. It was during the absence of those two players that Tyldesley scored a couple of their tries though the visitors were at the time playing with such confidence that cou1d probably have beaten down the defence in any case. Confidence was one of the essentials Sefton lacked. They did not quite believe in themselves, and failed to finish at least two very promising movements by hesitancy when the opposition appeared to have been beaten. Possibly the knowledge that they lacked speed in part explained this wavering when the goal-line was in sight, but a clear weakness in attack was exposed.

Within a couple of minutes from the start Nichol picked up smartly from the heels of the pack, and after Lawson made ground Hodson ran in a try near the corner flag. A forward rush again jeopardised the Sefton lines, and Hodson gathered the ball and again scored a try. Dowling hit the upright in his essay at the goal kick. Just prior to the interval the Sefton forwards dribbled in promising style, and from a subsequent line out Brown dashed over with an unconverted try. The second half served to emphasise the superiority of the visitors, not only in play but also in condition, the Seftonians showing evidence of leg weariness. The Tyldesley forwards dominated the game with the result that Smith and Hindley registered tries, whilst a round of passing, in which Quinn, Hindley, Nichol and Hodson participated, enabled the last-named to make another try.

Result- Tyldesley 15 points, Sefton 3 points.

The Tyldesley men were the more experienced and more adaptable side. Their forwards were stronger in the scrummages and at the line-out, and in the open J. Anderson was allowed so much latitude that he was continually opening out the game for his backs. As a consequence Nichol and Lawson at half-back, and a lively three-quarter line had quite a merry afternoon of attacking work, and Fearnley, at full-back, had little opportunity to show the powers that have commended him to some members of the Lancashire Selection Committee.

But Sefton will not be discouraged in falling before a side they could hardly have expected to hold. The forwards, some of whom are rather raw, would soon be developed if a man like Brown, who stood out from the whole field, were able regularly to take charge of them, and there is some good material behind the scrummage. Webley, an old Cheltenham Town boy, played a capital game at stand-off half-back. N. W. Hutchings, if a little short of speed, was sound at centre, and W. D. Herring, is a full-back of promise. On a few occasions W. B. Croxford, playing on the left wing, showed his old qualities, but the pace of other days had gone. H. J. Thompson, on the right wing, is very young, and was too inexperienced successfully to face so smart a winger as Hodgson, who gave one of his cleverest displays. Match practice will remedy some defects in the home team's play, and Sefton should do fairly well with a playing membership of over a hundred, but at present they cannot hope to do more than make a fight with a side of Tyldesley's quality. Teams:-

Sefton.-W. D. Herring, full-back; H. J. Thompson, N. W. Hutchings. H. S. Hutchings and W. B. Croxford. three-quarter backs; H. C. G. Webley and H. W. Scotson. half-backs; J. V. Stephens, S. Brown, F. Porter. H. S. Damsell. J. C. H. Daulman. S. Kay, W. H. Scott and Chadwick. forwards.

Tyldesley F Fearnley, full-back; J. Hodgson, A. S. Hindley, James Quinn and S. R. Kenyon, three-quarter backs; W. C. Nichol and F. Lawson, half-backs: J. Anderson, W.E. Dowling, R. Carr. John Quinn, W. Dutton, J. Leyland, J. Lewis and G.Smith, forwards.

The handling code on Merseyside made its debut at West Derby, where Tyldesley defeated Sefton by 5 tries (15 pts.) to 1 try (3 pts.). The superiority of the visitors was a marked feature of the game, and it was only at full back that Sefton could claim equality. In the forward line Tyldesley were much faster and kept closer contact, whilst the threes exhibited greater speed than their opponents in addition to being more resourceful. W. B. Croxford, the ex-County player, again donned the Sefton jersey as wing threequarter, and whilst his work was clever much of it was notified by his lack of speed. The keen tackling of the Tyldesley brigade prevented the home threes from indulging in many passing movements. At full hack W. D. Herring was particularly good, tackling with rare precision and finding touch with long kicks. Scotson and Webley behind the scrum were weak in combination, and the first-named was slow to getting the ball away. Brown and Stephens were the best of a rather light set of forwards. The cleverness of Nichol and Lawson at the base of the scrum, combined with Hodson's strong running, were the main factors in the score of Tyldesley's tries. Fielding was safe at full-back, and Dowling and Leyland strong leaders in a pertinacious and speedy forward line.

The fine spirit which the Rugby game encourages is well illustrated in the case of the Sefton club. Rugger is played in very primitive conditions at West Derby, and has but meagre support from the district, though there is nothing to pay, and all are welcome. Yet Sefton can run four teams, and has a playing membership of a hundred or so keen young enthusiasts.

The club owes much to the untiring work for the game of W.B.Croxford who took the lead in reorganising Liverpool Rugger after the armistice was signed, and who has had a couple of seasons of arduous work as a member of the Lancashire County Selection Committee. With more freedom this term, he is taking a hand in the game again, and his experience must be very valuable to a young side that has learnt not to be discouraged by defeat. A strong feature of Sefton football is the loyalty of the players to their club. Such loyalty merits better fortune.

At the beginning of the season a prominent official of the Tyldesley club did me the honour of saying that the arrangement of certain new fixtures was largely due to the advocacy of the claims of the club. If that be so Tyldesley have not let me down yet. I had the pleasure of seeing them play on the little, out of the way, primitive ground at Sefton last Saturday and, as in each of their previous matches I have attended, they played a fast, clever, and eminently sporting game. "They are keen, but what do you want in a Rugby game ?" said one of their beaten opponents to me after the match.

Manchester Evening Football News 23/9/1922

One of the best achievements in Merseyside Rugger last week-end was the victory of Sefton on the new ground of the Old Salfordians, for the Salfordians have built up a great reputation for home victories during the past two seasons. Though they were without the assistance of S. Brown, who was playing for his own club, St. Helen's Old Boys, Sefton were able to include in their pack Laker, formerly of Sunderland and the Old Whitgiftians, and the forwards played a capital game against their heavier opponents, while the backs utilised their opportunities very smartly, Norman Hutchings being in especially good form.

There has been some little misapprehension as to the reference to the Sefton club's ground at West Derby as "primitive." The playing piece is well enough, and big enough, but it is a field among fields with no appointments save the goal posts and touch flags. The allusion to primitive conditions was made with the idea of showing how admirable the sporting spirit of the members is in face of difficulties.

Liverpool Daily Post 27/9/1922

At the annual meeting of the Sefton R.F.C., Mr. F. Outhwaite, a long-service member of the club who has frequently appeared in Lancashire trial games, was the recipient of a gold watch and chain from the officers and members of the club, on the occasion of his departure to take up an appointment in South Africa. The presentation was made by the new club president. Mr. W. J. Smith, who as senior vice-president succeeds Mr. R. Leigh Knipe, who has held the position for the allotted span of two years.

Sefton will as last year field four fifteens, N. Hutchings, who was the Liverpool District full back in 1920, and who played last year with Ebbw Vale, will lead the first team. Practices will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, from August 22nd to September 16th. The match season opens on the latter date, when Tyldesley visit West Derby.

Daily Post

Dr. F. H. Anderson, ex-captain of Manchester University and Lancashire County Rugby XV., has lost very little time in making his mark in African Rugby football circles. Soon after his return to that country he led his club-the Wasps Wanderers of Pietermaritzburg-to victory in final of the Murray Cup; and the Blue Riband of Natal Rugby. That was on September 24, 1921, the last Saturday of that season.

On May 6 Dr. Anderson played in a Natal trial match for the Rest of Natal v. Combined Durban. Durban won by 18 points to 12 (thanks to superior kicking), but so greatly did the Doctor impress that he was not merely selected to partner W. H. Townsend, the Springbok half-back, but he was actually, on his first selection for Natal, appointed captain of the team in succession to H. W. Taylor, the South African cricket captain, who has now retired from active participation in Rugby football.

The distinction which has accorded Dr. Anderson will be understood better when it is explained that the Natal team selected contains no fewer than five members of the South African side which visited New Zealand last year and of those five one is a former captain.

The Natal team was due to sail from Durban on May 19 for the purpose of playing three Currie Cup matches in the Cape Province, their opponents being the Border, the Eastern Province, and. the Western Province.

To play these three matches the team will have to travel over 2,400 miles, and will be away from Natal 13 days.

Athletic News (F.Hessey Anderson, who occasionally played for The Aliens)

Having won all their matches Hoylake expected to defeat Sefton II. who on their own ground kept the Meols Club in check and effected a draw. The play was of an interesting kind, the teams pulling up a good sporting tussle, whilst scoring was frequent. Schofield got a try for the visitors early on in the game for Rycroft to place an easy goal. Levy responded for Sefton, but the goal w as missed by Morrisey.

The locals were very keen at this point, and Hoylake had to put up a stout defence to save their line. Eventually Glass relieved the pressure, and just on half-time Williams crossed the Sefton line with a try. After the interval Snape got a good try for the home team, but Glass retaliated for Hoylake, and a fast game ended in a draw.

Hoylake II 1 2 11 Sefton III 0 3 9

Daily Courier 9/10/1922

Sefton gained a handsome victory over Prestwich at West Derby and were quite full value for the difference in the score. Prestwich had to field six substitutes, and as a consequence their attack was lacking in cohesion whilst their defence left much to be desired. Sefton on the other hand showed a marked improvement in their tactical work and the Brothers Hutchings had a field day.

During the first half S. Hutchings scored a try whilst his brother Norman registered a try and dropped a goal. Two tries each were made in the second half, one of which Norman Hutchings converted. Rigby made a splendid effort to score for the visitors, who, however, were outclassed.

Sefton II. 41 pts., Prestwich II. 0-0-0.

Courier 16/10/1922

The Old Boys proved too good for Sefton, at Prospect Park, their forwards being heavier and quicker in getting the ball from the scrums. Smith was soon prominent, and after a clever breakaway scored for the Old Boys. The goal kick failed. The Old Boys attacked again but found Herring, the Sefton full back, a hard nut to crack; however they were not to be denied and Arrowsmith forced his way over the line to score an unconverted try. Hoggins, the Old Boys' full back, followed up a long kick and scored, the goal kick failing. Walkden next cut through the Sefton defence and scored, Hoggins converting. From the replay Smith broke through, and, beating half a dozen opponents, scored. In the second half the Old Boys could make no impression on Sefton, who came near to scoring, but Garner's speed saved the situation on one or two occasions. There was no further scoring.

Daily Post 23/10/1922

Played at West Derby, ending in a pointless draw.

Teams:- Sefton "A": Kidd, Ovey, Scotson, Morrisey, Fraser, E A. Martinez (captain), G. Martinez, Kay, Darbyshire, Cornick, Simpson, Snape, H. W. Jones, V. Jones, and Price.

Wigan Old Boys 'A': F. Payne, I. Dodson, G.Scott, H. Scott, H. Booth, J. H. Roberts, H.Baxendale, A. H. Crawshaw, W. Lang, A. R. Martland, J. Lea (captain), H. Peacock, H. Leyland, E. Lupton, and A. Goodyear.

The Wiganers were up against a stiff proposition in that their opponents had not lost a match this season. The game was of a gruelling nature, and only the determined tackling of the visitors kept Sefton out. The brothers Martinez were a clever combination and took a lot of stopping. The Old Boys certainly deserved all praise, especially as they had two tries disallowed.

Wigan Examiner 24/10/1922

The visit of Sefton to Hoylake was productive of a hard game, and although on the losing side Hoylake put up a gallant resistance to the more experienced opposition. For a long time after the start Hoylake were dangerous, and only the keen tackling of the Sefton backs kept them from opening their account. Before the interval Dalton got a try a for the visitors, and, in reply, Schofield was over for Hoylake, being tackled near the line. The play in the second half was fought on similar lines. Sefton made their second try a rather lucky point in some scrambling play. Glass at back gave a creditable display for the losers, whose defeat was due to the superior weight of the opposition.

Courier 30/10/1922

The Old Boys entertained their old friends from Liverpool, and although the game did not reach the usual high standard of play, there were several smart movements, but a strong cross-wind somewhat interfered with accurate handling and kicking. A remarkable feature of the game was that all 17 points were scored in the first half. Teams

Old Boys: A. R. Hoggins, S. H. Garner, V. Bradshaw, N. K. Smith, J. A. Owens, H. Sawbridge, J. Walkden, P. Wild, F. Atherton, J. Hodgkinson, J. Newbie, F. Booth, A. E. Saunders, R. T. Ball, and C. Arrowsmith.

Atherton was soon to the front with a good kick to touch. Following the line out, Bradshaw was off at rare speed, but the move broke down. Sefton went back with a rush, but Sawbridge relieved. The Wigan forwards were getting the ball with Saunders strong in the loose. A clever bout of passing by Sefton looked dangerous for the home side, but the line was saved. A free kick to Sefton further harassed the Wiganers, but Walkden got the ball away, Arrowsmith and Smith got off on their own account, but without the desired result, the Sefton full-back playing a sound game. The visitors again handled the bail nicely, but failed to get over, The Wiganers now had a look in, but smart tackling upset their intentions, the visitors driving back hard, narrowly missing with a drop at goal. The home forwards worked the ball down, Saunders breaking away, and Smith, getting hold, raced over for the Wiganers' first try. Hoggins failing with the kick. From the restart the visiting forwards went with a rush, but Bradshaw picked up, and was only stopped by heavy tackling, appearing to be somewhat shaken up as the result. Garner was looking dangerous when bundled into touch. Following forward work, Booth rushed over for the second try, the place kick again failing. Shortly afterwards Hoggins got in a high kick, and following up at top speed, charged down the reply of his vis-a-vis, and dribbled the ball over for a smart try. Bradshaw went through with a brilliant burst, and handing over beautifully to Smith, he scored his second try, Hoggins narrowly missing the goal. The Sefton forwards got to work and in stopping a rush Sawbridge got a nasty knock on the nose, he having to receive the trainer's attention. The visitors' continued to have more of the game, and got close to the Wigan line, but Newbie kicked out. Half-time found the home team 17 points ahead.

On the resumption, Sefton tried a forward rush, which Sawbridge stopped by finding touch, the line out enabling the home team to open out the game, Bradshaw and Smith indulged in a very smart repassing movement, but Sefton stopped this and counter-attacking with vigour, nearly scored. The home defence was hard put to it. Play getting back, Owen was pushed into touch when close up. Smith came near with a strong effort, but the Sefton backs defended well, the full-back relieving with a powerful kick. Ball was laid out with leg trouble, the game having to be stopped. The Sefton forwards were smart in the loose, putting the Wiganers' again on the defensive. Hoggins carried the ball up, and giving the "dummy," nearly got over. No further score resulted. Result :

Wigan Examiner 24/10/1922

At Riversdale-road, Aigburth, a large attendance witnessed a good game. The teams in the early stages played an even game, but later Liverpool owing to several smart passing bouts by their forwards, were the superior side, Leach scoring two tries. The kicks at goal, owing to the strong wind, were poor.

Daily Post 6/11/1922

The young Sefton Club is now playing five teams almost every week So far the "A" team has the best record, the new Hoylake Club alone having pierced their defence this season. The "Extra" XV has still a few open away dates. On Saturday Preston Grasshoppers will be entertained, and a capital game should be witnessed at the home ground, Meadow-lane, West Derby.

Daily Post 9/11/1922

The meeting of Sefton and Preston Grasshoppers at West Derby provided a rather ragged game, in which the Grasshoppers in the second half were easily the better side and fully deserved their win of a goal and a try (8 points) to nil. Play in the first half was fairly even, and the interval arrived with no score, although Preston always appeared the more likely to score. In the second half the Grasshoppers improved, and Wiseman, who was always prominent, easily ran over a try and a converted try later. Apart from Wiseman, Wilson, Short, and Bone were good for Preston, and Atwater was an outstanding forward. At back for Sefton, Herring, despite the heavy amount of work thrown on him, played steadily and tackled well. Arrowsmith and Hutchings put in some clever individual touches. The forwards were moderate, and the Preston pack mostly beat them for the ball in the scrums. Teams

Sefton.-W. D. Herring; E.O. Dubourg, C. G.H. Webley, W. K. Arrowsmith, J. F. Dalton; N. W. Hutchings (captain), C. A. Redhead; C. H. Mackenzie, H. Brownbill, H. S.Damsell, W. N. Laker, K. S. Bradshaw. J. C.H. Daulman, H. W. Jones, W. H. Dubourg.

Preston Grasshoppers-Wilson; Newsham, Rotheray, Short, Wiseman; Bone; Gardner;

Daily Post 13/11/1922

Until quite close to the finish this match had every appearance of being a pointless draw but in the last few minutes Wiseman, the wing three-quarter of Preston, twice dashed over the Sefton line with tries, one of which was converted. With the exception of the individual brilliance of the player named the sides were evenly matched with neither fifteen showing great aptitude for the passing game. Sefton deplored the loss of N. W. Hutchings who has returned to Aberdare and his absence disorganised the home rear division. W. Herring at full back did not display his usual confidence and the forwards were weak in the scrums. Preston's outstanding players were Wiseman, a three-quarter and I. Wilson at full back and Atwater in the forwards.

Courier 13/11/1922

At Preston. Sefton's unbeaten record was broken at Preston, where, playing two men short, they were defeated by the clever Preston side. A hard and interesting game resulted in a score of 1 goal, 1 dropped goal, and 2 tries to a try. Dixon scored for Sefton, and Snape just failed to improve at a very difficult angle.

 Courier 13/11/1922

At Meadow-lane, West Derby, St. Helens Old Boys winning a keen game by 8 points to 0. If any advantage lay with the home for wards it was nullified by the visiting three-quarters, who passed better than the home lot. A splendid movement started by Thewliss opened the Old Boys' score, Davies running over for a try, which Bridge converted. Sefton were often in the visitors' territory, but movements broke down through weak passing and the resolute tackling of the St. Helens backs, Bridge finding touch well on several occasions. Sefton were penalised for scrum infringements, but Hutchings on several occasions was successful in relieving pressure. In a forward rush in the second half Williams scored a second try for St. Helens, the kick failing. Despite rushes by the home forwards no further score resulted, the visiting defence being too good for the Sefton forwards.

Post 20/11/1922

In their game at Victoria Park, Southport, Sefton won a useful victory by 6 points to 3. Broadbent early on kicked a penalty for the home team and Hutchings succeeded in getting over for Sefton, and although he was not able to convert the try, he made up for the failure a few minutes later by obtaining a goal from a penalty. At half-time the score stood at 6 points to 3 points in favour of the visitors. After the interval no further points were obtained by either side.

Post 27/11/1922

The game at Victoria Park, Birkdale, where Sefton were the visitors, resulted in the small total of 9 points forming the aggregate of both sides put together. Of these Sefton obtained 6. Southport fielded a fairly strong fifteen. J. T. Walker, chosen as back, was transferred to the three-quarter line, H. B. Noon and T. L. Smith officiating at back in the first and second halves respectively. Sefton also made several rearrangements.

Although facing a stiff breeze and bright sun, Southport were the first to achieve anything definite, J. Broadbent converting a penalty soon after the start. Play then favoured Sefton for a time, Dubourg being conspicuous for good work. Eventually N. W. Hutchings got over for a well deserved try, which was not improved upon, and the same player added three more points from a penalty. There was no scoring in the second half, during which Southport held the upper hand. The passing on either side was of uneven merit, the Southport three-quarters especially alternating between smartness and slackness. They certainly showed two or three admirable efforts, in which the ball was swung from wing to wing without mistake, but more often the handing on was faulty. Sefton also showed varied form. The keenness of the tackling on either side left little scope for delay or inaccuracy. There was not much to choose between the packs, the home side possibly being quicker in getting the ball. Broadbent's penalty against the wind was beautifully taken but other similar chances were missed by both sides.

Courier 27/11/1922

The visit of Kersal to West Derby produced a hard and keen game. Kersal attacked strongly for a time, Hutchings on several occasions bringing off timely tackles. The Sefton forwards, well led by J. C. H. Daulman and Bradshaw, rallied, and Kersal were gradually driven back to their own "25." The visitors pressed through both wings, Maddock and Howarth passing well until the latter was pushed into touch. Bond, of Kersal, also picked up smartly from a rush by the home forwards. Hutchings, finding touch well, initiated a movement which resulted in Sefton being awarded a penalty, from which Hutchings put Sefton 3 points ahead before the interval. Jacks, the visitors' scrum half and captain, had his nose injured in a collision. A feature of the second half was the recovery of Kersal after Hutchings had put his side further ahead with another penalty goal. Kersal equalised through Maddock and James, the resultant kick from the latter's try hitting the crossbar. Jacks did not resume, the visitors accomplishing a smart achievement with only fourteen men.

Post 4/12/1922

The Old Boys played the return fixture at West Derby, and were able to put a stronger team in the field than for the past few weeks. The Sefton forwards were a hard playing lot, and struggled grimly to keep the ball from the Wigan backs. Sefton.-N. W. Hutchings, E. 0. Dubourg. J.A.Williams, E. R. Mawdsley, H. C. G. Webley, C. A.Redhead, T. F. Scotson, H. S. Damsell, J. C. H. Daulman, H. W. Jones, W. N. Laker, C. H. Mackenzie, H. Brownbill, K. S. Bradshaw, J. F. Dalton. Wigan Old Boys.-A. R. Hoggins, S. H. Garner, N. K. Smith, J. Walkden, F. Hampson, H. Sawbridge, V. W. T. Bradshaw, F. Atherton, A. H. Crawshaw, J. Hodgkinson, J. E. Newble, C. Davies, R. T. Ball, H. Layland, C. Arrowsmith.

The home forwards went off with a tremendous rush, as if they intended to sweep their opponents off the field, and Hoggins making a poor return, the line out was dangerous for the Wiganers. Smith cleared, but Hutchings again his side on the attack, but Dubourg was grounded. Sawbridge relieved the tension with a smart return. The Wigan three-quarters came along in good style, but Garner knocked on. Getting the ball out, the visiting backs again handled nicely, but the home defence hung on. Layland was prominent with a powerful rush, but lacked support. The Wiganers began slinging the ball to some purpose, and Hampson ran over, but the pass was ruled forward. A further quick movement by Bradshaw, Smith and Walkden saw the latter collared on the line with his winger unmarked. With a. rush from a loose scrum, Layland put his side in front, the place kick failing. From the restart Hutchings was prominent, gaining ground with a lovely kick to touch. From a Wigan rush Davies forced the home back into touch, bringing the visitors well down. Play was stopped, Newble getting his face kicked. Forcing the pace, Layland again looked likely to score, but hauled down. The home side got away, but were penalised, Walkden getting well up with the kick. Sawbridge shone with smart defensive work. The ball going back to Hutchings, that player put his side in front with a powerfully dropped goal from nearly the half-way line, an effort which was loudly cheered. Both sides played strenuous football, but half-time arrived with the home side one point in front.

Hoggins had to mark for safety, the home forwards playing with great dash. Ball showed up with a flying tackle that materially helped his side. The Sefton pack were striving to keep the ball from the opposing backs, with Bradshaw endeavouring to open out the game. Redhead was very quick behind the scrum, and caused trouble in the Wigan camp repeatedly. Walkden shot off at top speed, but his pass was intercepted. The home backs retaliated, but Hampson was very watchful. Both teams were urged on by the yells of their supporters, and the pace became a cracker. It became evident the Wigan backs would win if they could only get the ball. Bradshaw cut through in brilliant fashion, but Hutchings luckily ran into his pass when a score looked certain. Hampson knocked-on at a critical moment. Play was stopped for an injury to Sawbridge. The Wiganers were handling cleverly against a desperate defence, Hutchings again saving his side by a quick mark. The visitors now went in front, Walkden going through in great style, the place kick again failing. Following a brilliant movement by Bradshaw, Walkden, and Smith, three parts the length of the field, saw Garner fatally hesitate at the last moment, a splendid chance being lost. A splendidly contested game ended:-

Wigan Old Boys, 2 tries (6 points), Sefton, 1 dropped goal (4 points).

The Sefton forwards saved their side from a much heavier defeat, whilst Hutchings, at full-back, played a great game. Redhead had an afternoon out. Sawbridge was unprotected by the wing forwards. No doubt Smith was glad to have Bradshaw and Walkden back again, for the Wigan back division was more like what the club's supporters are accustomed to. The forwards also packed down much better after a shaky start. Somebody took a strong fancy to Hodgkinson's jersey. Hampson is great in defence, whilst Garner's speed would carry him past the opposition without any attempt at cutting in. After much anxious waiting, it was reported a motor car and three bodies had been washed up on the shore of Pearson's Flash.

 Daily Post 11/12/1922

At Standish. Teams:-Old Boys' "A."-F. Payne, T. McKnight, J, Owens, I. Dodson, H. Booth, Gordon Scott, H. Baxendale, H. Holt (captain), H. Peacock, J. Lea, E. Lupton, A. H. Martland, W. Lang, H. Scott, R.B. Mitchell.

Sefton "A." -Redhead, J. Finnigan, J. H. Morrisey, H. S. Kidd, F. N. O'Hara, E. A. Martinez (captain), H. W. Scotson, H. P. Maskell, D. Simpson, V. Jones, J. McCormick, J. H. Bryan, W. H. Scott, W. D. Price, R. K. Dixon.

A keen game was witnessed, a feature being the excellent tackling. Dodson was soon in the picture with some strong runs, and eventually forced his way over for a try. Martinez, Finnigan, and Morrisey figured in a nice passing movement, but the home defence was good. Baxendale broke through on two occasions, only to be brought down on the line by Redhead, whose tackling was magnificent. The Old Boys were not to be denied, however, and from a scrum Gordon Scott through and scored, Baxendale kicking the goal. Although Sefton pressed hard in the second half, they were unable to score. Bryan and Dixon were of great help to their side, whilst Holt, Martland, and Peacock played well for the Old Boys. Result:

Wigan Old Boys' "A," 8 points; Sefton "A," nil.

Wigan Examiner 12/12/1922

An interesting game at West Derby ended in favour of the visitors by 3 tries (9 points) to 1 goal (5 points). Sefton had a weakened side, the most prominent absentee being N. W. Hutchings, for whom L. Redhead dropped to full back. The bad state of the ground militated against good handling and running, it being essentially forwards' day. T. F. Scotson captained the home side. Liverpool got their first try through J. H. Lloyd, who slipped through the Sefton defence to score, the p lace kick failing. L. Redhead let in Hoole, who scored a second try, which was unconverted.

Despite Laker's absence, the Sefton forwards played well, and after they had got a footing in Liverpool's 25's H. C. G. Webley ran through for them rather unexpectedly, the same player goaling. C. A. Redhead made a good attempt shortly before the interval to drop a goal, but was unsuccessful. In the second half play was very even, H. Carson shortly before the end getting Liverpool's third try. Sefton made several good attempts to score again, but the Liverpool defence was equal to the occasion.

Daily Post 15/1/1923

At Riversdale-road, Aigburth. The visitors after ten minutes' play gained the lead, Martinez scoring a fine try. The goal kick, failed A fine passing bout resulted in Parsons crossing the Sefton line. A. H. Broad added the extra points with a capital place kick. The Sefton forwards, despite several promising attempts, were beaten for possession by the tackling of the Liverpool backs, whose defence was a feature of the game. Liverpool soon proved their superiority, and again scored through Stewart-Brown. Broad, whose fielding and kicking were of great assistance to his side, converted. The visitors continued to gain possession in the scrums, but a few minutes before the end Greenwood added another try, W. A. Smith following with a further try, the kick failing.

Daily Courier 15/1/1923

Birkenhead Park II. were at home to Sefton, who put up a poor defence, from which the Parkites took heavy toll. T. E. Bangor Jones, Yates, Davies and Morris were prominent among the Park scorers. In the first half the home team recorded 14 points, and a further improvement after the interval gave them the preponderance of the attack.

Port Sunlight avenged the defeat sustained at West Derby in December by defeating Sefton by 1 goal (5 points) to 1 try (3 points). Sefton fielded a weak side, and N. W. Hutchings, their captain, is likely to be absent for a long time.

In the first half Sefton had the advantage of a strong wind, and opened the scoring through K. S. Bradshaw, who accepted a chance from a line-out near Port Sunlight's line to cross, the kick failing. The Port Sunlight forwards were the heavier pack and pressed hard in Sefton's 25 for the rest of the first half, but were unable to drive home their advantage.

Port Sunlight had the misfortune to lose two of their forwards after the interval, Dyson and Hughes having to leave the field owing to injuries. Despite this handicap, Port Sunlight, aided by the wind, scored through Bresner, Smith kicking a good goal. Port Sunlight deserved their narrow victory.

Daily Post 5/2/1923

In the return game at West Derby the visitors won by 1 goal 2 tries (11 points) to 1 goal (5 points). Sefton have had a difficult task to find a winning side since the beginning of the year, but they had hoped to inflict a second defeat on South-port. The only score of the first half came in a curious way, Sefton were pressing, and the ball was kicked over the Southport line. J. Finnigan raced over the line to touch down, the Southport players making no attempt to prevent him scoring, evidently assuming he was offside. Mr. R. W. Cubbin, the old Cheshire County player, awarded the try. H.C.G. Webley kicked a splendid goal. This unlucky reverse put Southport on the attack, but up to the interval they failed to again penetrate the Sefton defence.

The visitors outplayed Sefton after the interval, tries being scored by T. Gore (2) and H. B. Noon, C. E. Gibbs converting the latter's try. H. E. Snape led the Sefton forwards well, the weak link in the home side being at three-quarter. Southport's forwards, led by J. Broadbent, played well, Walker and Guest being outstanding players in the three-quarter line. C. A Redhead gave up a good display at scrum half for Sefton, but he was well watched by R. Hayes. Southport deserved to win for their second half rally.

Daily Post 12/2/1923

Sefton were powerless against New Brighton 2nd at Rake-lane on Saturday, and the result was a farcical display of wasted effort. Sefton are a heavy team, and nothing else. They have little or no idea of the game of Rugby football. The ground was in a greasy condition, and it was obvious that progress could only he made by footwork. Sefton had different ideas; each of their men clung to the ball as if it were a bag of gold, and resorted to the roughest of methods to get through the ranks of their opponents. New Brighton were too quick for their friends from the Park, and dealt with them promptly. It is a great pity that Sefton do not combine better, for they have the weight and perseverance.

Early in the first half Sefton pressed heavily, but Pitts saved the situation twice with well-judged kicks. Well into the first half Sefton held the upper hand with sheer force, but eventually the tension was relieved and the New Brighton line was rarely threatened throughout the remainder of the match. Linaker opened the score for New Brighton, but Luya failed to convert. Armstrong came along later with a well-deserved unconverted try. The score at half-time stood at 6-0 for New Brighton.

Play in the second half was more rough than should have been the case. Armstrong and Elkes each scored an unconverted try. Once Sefton rushed the ball over the home line, but in attempting to score one of the visiting forwards fell and missed touching the ball down by inches. Result-New Brighton 2nd, 4 tries (12 points); Sefton. nil.

Wallasey Paper 19/2/1923

Liverpool University first fifteen had a rest on Saturday, but the second team opposed Sefton II., at Calderstones, and crossed the line on four occasions, Sefton II. being beaten by 12 points to nil. The ground was very heavy and the conditions favoured forward tactics. Liverpool University had the better of all matters through, the home pack working very effectively. Forward rushes brought two tries in the first half, J. S. Logan and J. Proster crossing, neither being converted. In the second half, C. W. Healy got over twice, and Sutherland, the capable scrum half of the University was pulled down on the line after a fine individual effort. Sefton put up a good fight, but were up against superior combination. C.A. Wells, G. H. Mitchell, W.Dodd, and Sutherland were fine for the University, Sefton being best served by J. S. Kidd, J. Morrisey, S.J. Kay, D. K.Simpson, and J. Martinez.

 Daily Post 5/3/1923

The game was played under very bad conditions. N. W. Hutchings made a welcome reappearances for Sefton after an absence of many weeks, and made his presence felt at right centre three-quarter, the ending in a pointless draw. Play in the first half favoured Oldham, whose three-quarters would have probably scored, given better weather conditions. After the Oldham right wing had made a splendid effort to get through, play was mainly confined to work by the respective packs, the Sefton octet, though lighter and weakened by the absence of several players, holding their own.

Arrowsmith had a grand opportunity to score late on in the second half, when he intercepted a pass and had only Thornbarrow, the Oldham full back, to beat. The latter held him up, however, and the chance was lost. Oldham were unlucky in having men off at different times for attention. Sefton gave one of their best displays.

   Daily Post 5/3/1923

The ground at the Upper Park was very heavy, and Sefton with a good forward line commanded the play. In tackling, the Extras were often seen to advantage. Morrisey was very useful for the visitors, scoring two excellent tries and assisting to hold the Park at bay. Scott also recorded a try, and for home side Harvie registered a try.

Sefton gave a very creditable display against a strong Park II. side, despite the fact that they were defeated by 19 pts. to 4 pts. (1 dropped goal). The visitors advantage lay in their three-quarter line and at half-back, and Hutchings and Finigan had a heavy task to stop Robinson and Somerfelt. Park led at the interval by 8 pts. to 0. Robinson opened their scoring, the kick being charged down. Baty got over the left for a second try, Harding this time scraping the inside of the upright, the ball going over. After the interval Ather got a further try for the Park, Somerfelt also ran in a good try between the posts, the place kick being converted. Hutchings who had been probably Sefton's outstanding player, showed a little of his old opportunism when during one of Sefton's raids he picked up smartly and with splendid judgement dropped a well placed goal. A further try to for Park completed the scoring, the score on this occasion being more favourable towards Sefton than that of the previous meeting at the Park.

 Daily Post 12/3/1923

Without Hutchings and others of their usual fifteen, Sefton gave a moderate display against Kersal at Stretford, and after holding the home side to 3 points up the interval they were beaten by 27 points to nil.

Sefton had the assistance at the start of a powerful wind, but their pack found itself over-weighted in the scrums, a circumstance that the side never looked like triumphing over. However, in the first half Sefton had quite a good share of the game, and Barnard the home full-back, once saved from a trio of advancing Sefton forwards, and Dubourg lost a possible chance by essaying a cut-in instead of going straight ahead. Spibey, for Kersel, forced his way over from short range for an unconverted try.

Sefton were clearly out of it in the second half, but their defeat could have been minimised had the general tackling of the side been better. Too often an attempt was made to stop an opponent's progress by head-tackling, and some of the Kersalians took full advantage of this. Jacks (2), Meyron-the best try of the game-James, Howarth, and Barnard (the full-back) crossed the Sefton line in this half, Gourlay kicking two goals.

    Daily Post 19/3/1923

At Meadow-lane, West Derby, Sefton II. were beaten by 3 goals and 2 tries to 1 try. Hoylake were especially forceful in the work throughout the opening half. Bland ran splendidly for a try near the corner flag, and with a long kick Rycroft placed a goal. -Another passing bout gave Holt a try, and, although Sefton rallies, the strong Hoylake forwards, led by Nott, L.T. Brown, and S. Hulme, were the deciding factor. Before half-time Duke put Hoylake further ahead with a fine try, and Rycroft placed another goal. Holt increased the score, and although Sefton made a try in a forward rush, Bland completed a useful victory with a try converted by Rycroft.

Hoylake II., visited Broughton Park III. at Chorlton, where the home team won a well-contested game by 9 points to 3.

Hoylake III., who were at Sefton III., lost by a goal kick, Sefton converting a try against Hoylake's unimproved try scored by Worrall.

  (Liverpool Post 19/3/1923)

Sefton, who were at home on Saturday to St. Helens O.B., gave a very good display forward, and with a little more weight might have won, being only beaten by 2 tries to 1. The heavy going militated against speedy handling, but the visitors had an advantage in the front rank, where Swire, Boardman, and Knowles kept the Sefton forwards on the move. St Helens' first try came following a splendid bout of passing by the O.B. threes, Williams, a forward, taking a pass and going over between the posts. The kick failed. Sefton equalised just on the interval, H. E. Snape, the home captain, converting a penalty kick. The visitors took the lead after the resumption through their fly-half, Cook. Sefton fought hard to gain an equalising try. The visiting threes were were better than Sefton's, the difference forward and at half being very slight. C. A. Redhead, who generally plays scrum-half, had to fall to full-back, where he gave a creditable display.

In this final article of the season it may not be inappropriate to touch upon the work of some of the junior clubs that are apt to be overlooked during the busy football period. Sefton were the last of the Merseyside clubs to finish their season. They concluded, as they began, with a defeat at the hands of Tyldesley, in a game played in such an admirable sporting spirit that only one free kick was given in the match and that for a scrummage infringement. The Sefton season has not been quite satisfying from the point of view of results.

The first team won only seven and lost twenty-two of the thirty-one matches I played, and had an adverse balance of 182 points. The best work, indeed, was done by the fourth team, who had thirteen victories against nine defeats.

Four teams have been run regularly and a fifth when grounds have been available, so that the club is by no means short of playing members, but injuries have sadly upset the smooth working of the first team, and the difficulties that have had to be faced may be gathered from the fact that of the fifteen players in the first match of the season only two were available for the last match.

A feature of the Sefton club is the youthfulness of its playing membership, a membership that has included during the season representatives of such schools as Ampleforth, Rossall, St. Bees, Liverpool College, The Mount (Chesterfield), Blackrock, Birkenhead, Glasgow High, Whitgift, Denstone, Kingswood, Giggleswick, Merchant Taylors', King William's, Lancaster Grammar School, and others, and of the Universities of Oxford, Liverpool, and Manchester.

With players from so many great Rugger schools steadily gaining in experience the future seems bright enough, especially as they are under the eye of keen, practical, and enthusiastic committee.

That section of the football public which affects to sneer at the bona fides of amateur Rugby clubs will no doubt he interested to know exactly how good-class junior organisation is run. The club in mind plays on a ground on which no gate money can be taken; it runs four teams regularly, and occasionally five and running expenses for the season amount roughly to £150.

This sum is provided almost entirely out of the pockets of the who regard the playing of Rugby Football as so well worth while that they pay all their own expenses and a guinea subscription. In the case of the bigger, "gate" attracting, clubs out-of-pocket expenses are possible, and in some instances the allowances are fairly liberal, but the gibes at "sham amateurism" in Rugby Union football looks very cheap to those who know the finincial sacrifices that are made every week of the season by thousands of young men to whom the delights of playing Rugby football are a more than sufficient reward for the outlay to which they are committed.

Tyldesley registered their twenty-eighth win of the season in accounting for Sefton. The game never reached a high standard, and was for the most part a tame affair. Both sides were weakly represented, Tyldesley being without the County full-back (Fearnley), Hodgson, Dowling, and I. Smith, while Sefton had to solicit the services of two Tyldesley men. During the first half Sefton had the advantage of a stiff post-to-post breeze, but made little use of it, and were content to follow Tyldesley's tactics of keeping the ball tight. They managed to keep Tyldesley out until nearly half-time. When Tyldesley had the wind advantage they completely overran the Liverpool men, and scored no fewer than 27 points. Rarely in this half did Sefton get in their opponents' territory. Morrisey at full-back was safe, and Saunders and Webley were conspicuous players. Tyldesley trygetters were Leyland (2), Ticker, Quinn. Hoskins, Haddey, Lewis, and Blood, and Higham kicked two goals and Prescott one.

  Daily Post 23/4/1923

Sefton were the first of the Liverpool clubs to open the Rugby season on Merseyside, and they are the last to complete their programme. They are due to visit Tyldesley next Saturday, and, though they are not likely to emulate the feats of Sale and Workington, the only clubs that have won on the Well-street ground since football was resumed after the war, they are assured a warm welcome and a good sporting game.

Though they are given the credit by every club that meets them of playing clean and wholesome and usually clever football, the Tyldesley club have lost the whole of their Merseyside connection with the exception of Sefton, who, it has to be admitted, are not quite good enough for them. Since the war Tyldesley have met and have beaten Birkenhead Park, Liverpool, Waterloo, New Brighton, Port Sunlight, and Sefton, but each of the first five clubs have dropped their fixtures.

Port Sunlight are the latest of the Merseyside clubs to decline matches, their explanation being, it is understood, that they are giving up long-distance games. And yet the Cheshire club have arranged with the Old Salfordians and Manchester Y.M.C.A. ! It would be interesting to learn the real reason for the ostracism of an undeniably clever side by the clubs of Merseyside.

At Manchester. Play was very fast, and after some good work by Bradshaw, Prentice got over for a fine try, Webley converting. Prestwich came near to levelling matters, Pendlebury and Pickup going very close but brilliant defence by Pierson and Herring kept them out. From a line out Prentice got possession and ran over for another try, Webley missing the kick at goal.

The second half was hotly contested, play chiefly consisting of loose forward rushes and scrums. Both packs fought hard, and from the Sefton 25 Palmer obtained possession and got over, Pickup converting with a good kick. The final stages were very exciting, both packs playing a fine sporting game. Prentice and Forsyth were the most prominent forwards, while Herring played a brilliant game at full back. Pendlebury at scrum-half for Prestwich was very effective.

(Liverpool Post 1/10/1923)

Sefton entertained Old Salfordians in their first home fixture of the season at West Derby, and a very even game resulted in a win for the visitors by 2 tries (6 points) to nil. Play throughout was of a scrappy nature, neither side showing any combination, the few passing bouts being by the visitors threes. It was from one of these movements that the first try came, Eagles, Williams, and Hurd handling, the last-named getting over at the corner. The same player failed with a difficult kick. Sefton forwards were good, but heeled badly, H. C. G. Webley, this season's captain, and Redfern working hard but with little success. Quinney, for the visitors opened play well on several occasion with swinging passes, the ball coming out of the scrum more often to Ridgeway than Redhead. In a scramble Timms secured a second try for Old Salfordians, which clinched matters, Sefton being unable to reduce the deficit despite some splendid attempts.

(Liverpool Post 8/10/1923)

At Standish. Sefton started well, and for the first few minutes were on the home team's line, being unlucky not to score. The Old Boys, however, soon rallied, and attacked practically the remainder of the game. Sefton backs were weak in attack, and did too much kicking. But for excellent tackling their defeat would have been much heavier. Herring at full-back tackled well, but Hoggins kicked better. Tries were scored in the first half for Wigan by Layland, Hampson and Smith (2); Walkden converted two. In the second half further tries were added by Ross and Walkden.

(Liverpool Post 29/10/1923)

The visitors to Aigburth lost on account of their inability to score in the first half, when, with the wind behind them, they were unable to pierce the Liverpool defence. The home team, chiefly through its forwards, went rapidly ahead after the interval, and won by the margin of 21 points to 3 points. For the score, the Liverpool threes, who were weakened by first team calls, could not thank themselves, for all their tries with the exception of the last, were scored by the forwards. Needham had a great share in the work, for he converted three tries, kicked a penalty goal, and also scored a try. Sefton made their only try when H. C. G. Webley dribbled past Rycroft and transferred to H. S. Kidd, who followed up for a try, which was unconverted. Other tries for Liverpool were scored by Davies, M'Moran, and Brodie, the work of both sets of forwards being very good.

(Liverpool Post 5/11/1923)

In this match at West Derby the Liverpool side opened the scoring with a try by Scott. Sefton replied with a try, the outcome of a clever run by Gibbs. The half gale of wind was responsible for some erratic play, but eventually Sefton went ahead with a try by White, converted by Foggo, and the visitors were well beaten.

Liverpool_IV. 16 Pts., Sefton III. nil.

(Liverpool Post 5/11/1923)

Sefton were the visitors at Ribbleside this afternoon Both teams were somewhat below normal strength. The Hoppers were without Holland and Hartley. Teams:-

Preston Grasshoppers.- L. Curtis; R. Leeming, A. W. Newsholme, H. Harris; R. H. Wiseman; B. D. Bowden, S. W. Gardner; H. Newton, A. Reid, H. W. Pomfret, E. Attwater, R. R. Rainford, C. H. Cottam, G. C. Wilson and C. H. Kain.

Sefton- C. A. Redhead; H. S. Kidd, McInytre, Finnigan, T. W. Taylor; K. S. Bradshaw, C. H. Webley; J. R. Taylor, Prentice, McCormick, Maskell, Mackenzie, Stead, White, and Lockier.

The visitors were the more likely side in the opening stages, but the 'Hoppers were soon dangerous on the right. They found it hard to combine effectively against the quick movements of the Sefton men.

After a period of scrappy play in the Preston half the home left made a pretty advance for Wiseman to be checked just in time. Some well fought midfield play followed, in which both sets of forwards tackled admirably.

The 'Hoppers were now playing a strong game, and several well-developed advances were at last crowned with success when Wilson smartly scored a try, Newton converting. This success came after 20 minutes. Five minutes later Boden converted a try by Rainford.

Sefton, who attacked strongly, could not reduce the lead, and the 'Hoppers were again advancing when the interval came.

Half-time-----Preston Grasshoppers 10pts., Sefton nil.

The 'Hoppers again pressed determinedly on the resumption, but after one or two movements on the left, in which Attwater and Newsholme figured, the standard fell away somewhat, and for a time their play remained scrappy.

Sefton were showing to advantage at this stage, but although their men kicked well their movements generally lacked smoothness, and chances were missed.

In the closing stages the game was fought out at a hot pace, but in spite of the desperate Sefton efforts to reduce the arrears, the 'Hoppers never loosened their grip. Wiseman was applauded for a left-wing dash, which led to Reid's scoring the home side's third try. Boden failed with the kick.

A few minutes from the end Reid got over again, but Boden was unable to improve the try.

Result-PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS, 2-2-16; SEFTON 0-0-0..

(Lancashire Post 12/11/1923)

Preston Grasshoppers were full value for their comfortable victory of 18 pts. to nil over Sefton at Ribbleside, Preston. The home team were superior in tactics, but the Liverpool men were a shade unfortunate not to be able to score a single try. The visitors worked hard throughout, but after starting well they were unable to live up to the standard reached by the Grasshoppers, who were strong in combination and tackling. Sefton played a plucky and strenuous game but missed chances. Both teams were below normal strength.

(Liverpool Post 12/11/1923)

Now that they have got security season, tenure of their ground for this season, the Sefton club are concentrating on getting together a workmanlike side and they are certainly making progress. When they were so heavily beaten by Tyldesley in their opening match, which they had to undertake without a preliminary practice, the prospects seemed far from bright, but that beating no longer looks so terrible when Tyldesley's record of 178 points to 8 in their first six matches, including games with Kendal, Broughton Park, and is taken into account. Since their severe

introduction to the season's football Sefton have beaten Prestwich away, lost to Old Salfordians at home, and beaten the clever St. Helens Old Boys by a try to nil in a tremendously keen struggle in which the Sefton forwards, a young and speedy pack, played a very important part. With the whole season before them the Sefton officials will, it is to be presumed, leave no avenues unexplored in their search for a new ground. A fine club must not again be left in the predicament that faced them at the opening of the present season.

Despite bad conditions a good game was witnessed at West Derby, the visitors winning by 11 points to nil. Sefton were six points down at the interval, due to two good tries, the first by Harding, and the second by Morris, the place kick, in each case taken by Lewis, being unsuccessful. In the second half E. K. Marsh, an ex-Birkenhead Park player, was successful in crossing the Sefton line, Lewis converting. Sefton's forwards, who are a rapidly improving lot, made determined efforts to reduce the leeway, but without success.

Old Birkonians II. were visited by Sefton II., and on heavy ground and in a gale of wind the Old Boys won by 8 points to nothing. In the first half Greggains made a try, and Rothery placed a goal, and before the finish Rothery crossed the Sefton line with a try.

Birkenhead Park III. 32 Pts., Sefton Extra nil.

Warrington II. 11 Pts., Sefton B 3 Pts.

Sefton C. 20 Pts., H.E.S.O.B. nil.

(Liverpool Post 19/11/1923)

Sefton's third win of the season, at West Derby, on Saturday, against the Hoylake team, was very welcome, and though the visitors were trifle unlucky not to score the home side was full value for a victory by 2 goals (1 dropped) and 2 tries (16 pts.) to nil. A rearranged side saw C. A. Redhead at full-back in place of W. D. Herring, who went to right-wing three-quarter. There was not much to choose between the respective packs. Sefton forwards holding the advantage in the loose.

Sefton's first try came through a solo dribble by J. Finnigan, whose effort was unconverted by H. C. G. Webley, T. W. White, who played a splendid game forward and kept the Sefton pack moving, registered the next two tries, one before the interval which Finnigan failed to convert, and another after fifty-five minutes' play, Finnigan on this occasion adding the goal points. Redhead had followed up very close to his forwards, and seizing his chance he dropped a splendid goal. Sefton kept up the pressure mainly through their forwards, A A. Lyons, H. Hulme, and W O. Williams put in some good work for Hoylake, who held a slight superiority behind the scrum. Redhead played well for Sefton at full-back,

(Liverpool Post 26/11/1923)

At Meols. Sefton started with series of strenuous rushes which the Hoylake defence were smart in checking. After some fifteen minutes the home team had their opponents well in hand, and after making headway with the ball at their feet Hoylake scored through Kennedy, Rycroft failing with the kick. Following loose play near the half-way line Rycroft got away and scored., Walthew failing to convert. The visitors were unlucky in missing two attempts at penalty goals, one in each half. A third penalty against Hoylake resulted in Foggo scoring with a good kick. Among the halves, Symington, Rycroft, and Walthew were prominent, while Arthur, Kent, Sutton, and Goodwin were the pick of the forwards.

(Liverpool Post 26/11/1923)

Sefton were beaten by Furness at Barrow by 33 points to nil. Owing to heavy rains the ground was sodden, but pace, for the most part, was fast. There was, however, only one team in it throughout the first half tries were scored by Brigg, L. Hodgson, Woodham, and F. Bowker, Randall kicking a goal. In the second half tries were added by G. Hodgson (3) and L. Hodgson (2), G. Hodgson and Randall each kicking goals.

Whilst Furness were undoubtedly the better side, and served up the finest football, there were times when Sefton showed up well, and for part of the second half they had Furness penned on their line, only stubborn defence keeping them out. For Furness the brothers Hodgson played a great game, and for Sefton O'Hara and Francis were triers behind and Fortise forward.

Result Furness goals 6 tries (33 pts.) Sefton 0.

Sefton II. 15 pts., St. Edwards 0.

Warrington II. 6 pts.. Sefton III. 5 pts.

(Liverpool Post 10/12/1923)

Following upon their improved play of recent weeks, Sefton defeated Bidston by 2 tries (6 pts.) to a goal (5 pts.). The home forwards were the main factor in the narrow win. Sefton played W. D. Herring at stand-off half, where he performed creditably against an experienced player in Price, the visiting captain. The first try came when Thompson broke away and passed to Bradshaw for the latter to score near the flag. Finnegan failed with a difficult kick. Duggan then crossed the Sefton line, and a fine kick by Price gave Bidston a lead of two points, which they held to the interval.

It was not until late in the second half that Lockier put Sefton ahead with a scrambling try, Finnegan failing to convert. Despite lusty work by Bidston, the Sefton defence held out. Bradshaw at scrum-half for Sefton worked hard, and the home forwards were splendid, while Webley did many good things in the threequarter line. Bidston forwards, though lighter, packed well, and Price and Cross showed up in the back division.

 (Liverpool Post 17/12/1923)

In the match at Bidston between Sefton II.and Bidston II. the locals held the advantage in the scrum and the backs had several opportunities to score. Boote ran strongly for two tries and Milne also crossed the Seftonians' line. For the visitors, Foggo got his usual try, but Bidston II. won by 9 points to 3.

Sefton B 9 Pts., Bidston III.

H.E.S.O.B. 22 Pts., Sefton C 3 Pts.

(Liverpool Post 17/12/1923)

What might have been one of Sefton's most attractive matches of the season was spoiled by the weather. Notwithstanding this, the play was good, the result being a draw of 3 points each. Sefton had a following wind in the first half, but were unable to score until, following a line-out, Jones secured the ball and carried it over the line. Finnigan took the kick and had hard luck, the ball hitting the crossbar. Southport met with a much sterner defence in the second half, for the Sefton forwards, ably led by Stephens and Jones, attacked well. Howlett, however, scored an equalising try for the visitors, which was not converted. All the home forwards were good, Stephens and Jones standing out, while Bradshaw, Redhead, and Finnigan played well. Southport held a slight advantage in their three-quarter line, but the conditions were against them.

Result :-Sefton 3 pts., Southport 3 pts.

(Post 24/12/1923)

Playing at Southport, Sefton II. gave a capital exhibition and won by goals 2 tries. Southport had the advantage of the elements in the first half, but Sefton reached the interval with a goal, Bacon scoring after a long dribble, and Cawthra added the major points. After the resumption the Sefton forwards played in fine cohesive style, and Francis got over the home line with a try. A further try by Russell gave the visitors a strong lead and before the finish Cawthra completed round of passing to score a try behind the posts and place the goal.

Sefton III. (h.), 29 pts; Southport III., 13 pts.

Birkenhead St Ed