SURREY JUNIOR CUP.- FINAL TIE
A DRAWN GAME AFTER AN EXCITING FINISH.
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES v. CHERTSEY-
A very large amount of interest was centered in the meeting of the teams in the final struggle for the possession of the Surrey Junior cup, which took place at Weybridge on Saturday, The weather was fine and the ground in good condition, while the partisans of both teams mustered in strong force. Both clubs were fully represented, and the teams were early on the field, the Chertsey men having just been "taken" by the local photographer. Punctually at 4 o'clock the men lined up and amid loud cheers Chertsey set the ball rolling.

For the first few minutes both sides played cautiously, but then a foul was given against Chertsey, and this was followed by a smart run half-way down the ground on the part of the Chertsey forwards, who, with beautiful passing, worked the ball up quite close to the Kingston goal. J. White despatched a stinger, but just missed.

The Chertsey men continued to swarm round their opponents' uprights, and worried Hurliman and Short considerably. At length White centred beautifully, but the Kingston forwards secured possession, and one of their number was romping away with the leather, when Rider stopped him, and returned to Steadman, who, in turn, passed to Weaire. The latter player kicked over.

The forwards on both sides worked their hardest, but Chertsey showed decidedly superior form, and kept their opponents on the defensive for a time. Again, and again, the Chertsey front division attacked, one and all of them showing excellent judgement; but on the other hand they were met by determination, and they could not break down the Kingston defence.

Holloway, Birch and Weaire essayed to score, but failed. Shortly afterwards, Ocock and Vincent made a pretty run, and between them they reached the neighbourhood of the Chertsey citadel, but Shanks and his partner were not to be passed. Both backs, in fact, displayed splendid judgment, and on several occasions indulged in some very fine kicking which relieved the pressure.

J. White secured the ball, and, when tackled, passed neatly to Hollaway, who was robbed, and, in turn, the Kingston forwards attacked. Rider, however, tackled gamely, as did H. G. White and W. Chandler, and two or three desperate rushes were beautifully stopped by them. After some varied play Holloway ran up and unselfishly kicked to Birch, who kept the ball a trifle too long, and then shot behind.

Foster and Kemp were the next to show to advantage. They got up to Steadman and White, and reached Chandler, who pluckily opposed them, and despatched the ball to Weaire, who, reached the vicinity of the Kingston goal, before Hurliman robbed him, and returned the ball to the centre of the ground. Holloway secured, and, supported by Weaire, again rushed towards the Kingston citadel. Fagan tried to tackle him, but failed, and Short cleared.

Soon after a free kick was given to Kingston for a foul throw in, but it made no difference, and Birch secured the ball, and being well supported reached the Kingston backs, who finally managed to clear. Steadman and Weaire led a determined assault, and by dint of excellent passing they and the other Chertsey forwards out-manoeuvred the opposing front rank, got past the backs, and Steadman watching his chance, planted the ball straight into the nets. This success was greeted by the most enthusiastic cheering on the part of the Chertsey supporters.

The ball was restarted, and the Kingston forwards immediately rushed up the ground, headed by Ocock and Vincent, and Garnham was called upon to prevent disaster. He promptly fisted out, and the leather was soon secured by Steadman, who at once made tracks with it. The Chertsey forwards were all beautifully in line, and they showed a very pretty piece of passing, which enabled them to muddle their opponents' forwards, but Hurliman and Short were ready, and despatched the ball to the Chertsey backs.

Once more the Chertsey front rank advanced at a rapid pace, and again they broke through, the splendid rush ending with a goal kicked by J. White during a melee within a few feet of the uprights.

After this there was a lull in the game for some time, but then the Kingston forwards rallied, and made it hot for Pain and Shanks, Pain being compelled to concede a fruitless corner. Then Steadman and Weaire rushed the leather up, the former putting in a shot which Lanham failed to negotiate. Shortly after the whistle was blown for half-time, and the score stood: Chertsey 3 goals; Kingston none.

The second half of the game was full of surprises, and Chertsey fell away slightly. The passing was still very fast, but the Kingston men showed much better form, and they also had a slight advantage from the wind. Their forwards at once made a desperate rush for the Chertsey citadel, and Garnham had to defend his charge, which he did successfully.

Soon afterwards, Kingston gave Pain and Shanks considerable trouble. Both men worked hard, and kicked freely to relieve the pressure, but time after time the Kingston forwards attacked with the utmost vigour, and Garnham found his task an onerous one. On one occasion Shanks tackled just in the nick of time, and enabled Garnham to rush out and clear.

Kingston dashed away for the Chertsey goal, and almost before Garnham knew where he was Foster had lowered the Chertsey colours with a well-judged shot amid loud cheers from the Kingston supporters.

The Chertsey forwards broke through on re-starting and Lanham had to save, which he did beautifully. Then came another rush by Kingston, Baker and Vincent leading. Shanks was passed, and it looked all up with Chertsey, but Garnham was on the ball quickly, while a grand kick by Pain relieved the Chertsey men somewhat.

Chertsey then began to fall away slightly, and their opponents on the other hand began to press vigorously. Garnham had again to save and matters were made exceedingly warm for Pain and Shanks, who, however, held their ground tenaciously. A plucky spurt by Kingston resulted in their obtaining a corner, but, although the ball was kicked well in a line with the goal, it was rushed out of danger.

The Chertsey forwards were quickly on the leather, and after a hard tussle were able to swarm round the Kingston uprights. Hurliman cleared and away romped Foster and others towards the Chertsey citadel. Garnham dashed out to assist Shanks, and before he could return Foster had done the needful. Had he remained at his post there is but little doubt that he would have successfully resisted the attack.

Encouraged by the turn of events the Kingstonians attacked with the utmost energy, and amid shouts of "play up King's," they caused Chertsey trouble. Time was rapidly approaching, and it seemed as if Kingston could not equalise. Foster however, ran down finely and just shot across the goal as he was tackled. Garnham in clearing put the ball at Ocock's toe, and he shot into the net, and as the whistle then sounded the game was left drawn.

Kingston-on-Thames 3 goals.
Chertsey 3 goals.

Foster was some time before he came round. There was some dissappointment on the part of Chertsey, for the game seemed a dead certainty until within a minute or two of the conclusion. The pace was at times very fast, and it told on several of the players. At the close of the game, the Chertsey goal-keeper was very abusive to the referee, for which conduct he has been reported to the S.C.F.A.

Sides:-
Kingston-on-Thames: F. C. Lanham, goal; W. Hurliman and A. R. Short, backs; G. F. Tully, J. Fagan and R. F. Lockett, half-backs; W. Ocock and S. Vincent (right), J. Baker (centre), E. Foster and J. Kemp (left), forwards.
Chertsey: H. J. Garnham, goal; H. Pain and R. J. Shanks (capt.), backs; L. H. Rider, H. G. White and W. Chandler, half-backs; H. Holloway and C. W. Birch (left), J. White (centre), E. A. Weaire and F. Steadman (right), forwards.
Referee, Mr. J. P. Asher.

Report from Surrey Comet dated 27 March 1897- see report in original format.


SURREY JUNIOR CUP. FINAL TIE.
AN EXCITING GAME.
The final for the Surrey Junior Cup between Chertsey and Kingston was played at Weybridge on Saturday, and resulted, after a most exciting and excellent game, in a draw. The number of spectators was phenomenal, and quite out-did any previous attendance at a match on the Weybridge ground this season.

The utmost interest was evinced in the play, and the spectators throughout watched every point of the game with the greatest interest. A very large contingent of sportsmen left Chertsey for the scene of the match, and, consequently, the representatives of the old town had plenty of backers, and most enthusiastic supporters. Kingston, too, were not lacking friends, for some score of enthusiasts left that town to attend, and most of them wore in their hats cards on which were the words. "Play up 'Kings' play up."

Both teams entered the ground in good time and were heartily cheered. They both looked very fit, and the surmise of those who held that the game would be toughly fought proved to be perfectly correct. Chertsey played the best team they could possibly get, and Kingston were also represented by some at the best known players in that district. At four o'clock the men lined up, and the ball was started by Chertsey.

For the first few minutes both sides played cautiously, but then a foul was given against Chertsey and this was followed by a smart run half-way down the ground on the part of the Chertsey forwards, who, with beautiful passing, worked the ball up quite close to the Kingston goal. J. White despatched a stinger, but just missed.

The Chertsey men continued to swarm around their opponents' uprights, and worried Hurliman and Short considerably. At length White centred beautifully, but the Kingston forwards secured possession, and one of their number was romping away with the leather, when Rider stopped him, and returned to Steadman, who, in turn, passed to Weaire. The latter player immediately sent the leather on a journey, but it rolled behind.

The game now became very exciting. The forwards on both sides worked their hardest, but Chertsey showed decidedly superior form and kept their opponents on the defensive for a time. Again and again the Chertsey front divsion attacked, one and all of them showing excellent judgment; but on the other hand they were met by determination, and they could not break down the Kingston defence.

Holloway and Birch, watching their opportunity, essayed to score, but failed. Weaire also sent the leather whizzing once more parallel with the goal, but it was soon placed out of danger. Shortly afterwards, Ocock and Vincent made a pretty run, and between them they reached the neighbourhood of the Chertsey citadel, but Shanks and his partner were not to be passed, and they quickly returned the leather.

Both backs, in fact, displayed splendid judgment, and on several occasions indulged in some very fine kicking, which relieved the pressure. J. White finally secured the ball, and, when tackled, passed neatly to Holloway, who romped away for a short distance, but was then robbed, and, in turn, the Kingston forwards attacked. Rider, however, who was also in fine form, tackled gamely, as did H. G. White and W. Chandler, and two or three desperate rushes were beautifully stopped by them.

After some varied play Holloway made tracks up the ground at a tremendous pace. He unselfishly kicked to Birch, who kept the ball a trifle too long, and then shot behind. Foster and Kemp were the next to show to advantage. They got up to Steadman and White, and reached Chandler who pluckily opposed them, and dispatched the ball to Weaire, who, without hesitation, got fairly on, and dashed away at a pace that was not to be denied. He reached the vicinity of the Kingston goal, but Hurliman robbed him, and "skylarked" the ball to the centre of the ground.

When it fell, the forwards of both sides had a pretty tough scramble for possession. Holloway at length secured the leather, and, supported by Weaire, again rushed towards the Kingston citadel. Fagan tried to tackle him, but failed. Short saw the danger, and made "short" work of Holloway, who, however, nothing daunted, was soon in possession, but was again robbed.

Soon after a tree kick was given to Kingston for a foul throw in, but it made no difference, and Birch having secured the ball, romped away with it, and being well supported reached the Kingston backs, who finally managed to clear. Steadman and Weaire led a determined assault, and by dint of excellent passing they and the other Chertsey forwards out-manoeuvred the opposing front rank, got past the backs, and Steadman watching his chance, placed a well-judged shot, which plumped at a terrific rate straight into the nets.

This success was greeted by the most enthusiastic cheering on the part of the Chertsey supporters. The ball was restarted, and the Kingston forwards immediately rushed up the ground, headed by Ocock and Vincent, and Garnham was called upon to prevent disaster. He was "game," and promptly fisted out the shot which otherwise would have landed in the nets.

The leather was soon secured by Steadman, who at once made tracks with it. The Chertsey forwards were all beautifully in line, and they showed a very pretty piece of passing, which enabled them to muddle their opponents' forwards, but Hurliman and Short were ready, and depatched the ball to the Chertsey backs.

Once more the Chertsey front rank advanced at a very rapid pace, and again they broke through, the splendid rush ending with a goal kicked by J White during a desperate melee within a few feet of the uprights.

After this victory there was a lull in the game for some time, but then the Kingston forwards rallied, and made it hot for Pain and Shanks. Pain being compelled to concede a corner. This was, however, fruitless. Then Steadman and Weaire rushed the leather up, the former giving a parting kick to a shot, which Lanham failed to negotiate. Shortly after the whistle was blown for half-time, and the score stood:-

Chertsey… 3
Kingston… 0

The second half of the game was full of surprises, and Chertsey fell away slightly. The passing was still very fast, but the Kingston men suddenly showed much better form, and they also had a slight advantage from the wind. Their forwards at once made a desperate rush for the Chertsey citadel, and Garnham had to defend his charge, which he did successfully.

Soon afterwards, Kingston gave Pain and Shanks considerable trouble. Both men worked hard, and kicked freely to relieve the pressure, but time after time the Kingston forwards attacked with the utmost vigour, and Garnham found his task an onerous one. On one occasion Shanks tackled just in the nick of time, and enabled Garnham to rush out and give the leather a good kick, which cleared.

This undoubtedly prevented disaster. Suddenly Kingston dashed away for the Chertsey goal, and almost before Garnham knew where he was Foster had lowered the Chertsey colours with a well-judged shot.

The ball was again started, and the Chertsey forwards once again broke through, and Lanham had to save, which he did beautifully. Following came another rush by Kingston, Baker and Vincent leading an attack on the Chertsey goal. Shanks was passed, and it looked all
up with Chertsey, but Garnham was on the ball with lightning rapidity not a moment too soon. Finally, one of Pain's grand kicks relieved the Chertsey men somewhat.

The time had now arrived when Chertsey began to fall away somewhat, and their opponents on the other hand began to press vigorously. Garnham had again to save his colours, and matters were made exceedingly warm for Pain and Shanks, who, however, held their ground tenaciously.

A plucky spurt by Kingston resulted in their obtaining a comer, but, although the ball was kicked well in line with the goal, it was rushed out of danger. The Chertsey forwards were quickly on the leather, and after a hard tussle were able to swarm round the Kingston uprights. Hurliman cleared, and away romped Foster and others towards the Chertsey citadel. The rush was successful, and Shanks took the possession of the ball gamely, but the latter quietly sent it on to Foster, who, without hesitation, scored the second goal.

It was on this occasion that Garnham made his one mistake during the game. He dashed out to assist Shanks, and before he could return Foster had done the needful. Had he remained at his post there is but little doubt that he would have successfully resisted the attack.

Encouraged by the turn of events, the Kingstonians attacked with the utmost energy, and Chertsey were soon in trouble. "Time" was rapidly approaching, and it seemed as if Kingston could not equalise. But their star was evidently rising, for they got their third goal under a determined onslaught in the last minute of play; in fact the referee blew his whistle almost at once.

Thus ended the most exciting game that had been played on the Weybridge ground this season. There was some disatisfaction on the part of Chertsey, and, of course, some considerable disappointment, for the game seemed a dead certainty until within a minute or two of the conclusion. The pace was at times tremendous, and it told on several of the players.

Chertsey showed the best form, and were unlucky is not winning. Without exception they played a rattling game, but their opponents were not so good in their combination. Nobody, however, could fail to admire their energy in the second half in the face of the odds.

Teams :-
Kingston-on-Thames.- F. C. Lanham, goal; W. Hurliman and A. R. Short, backs; G. F. Tully, J. Fagan, and R. F. Lockett, half-backs; W. Ocock and S. Vincent, right wing; J. Baker, centre; E. Foster, and J. Kemp, left wing.
Chertsey.- H. J. Garnham, goal; H. Pain and R. J. Shanks (captain), backs; L. H, Rider, H. G. White, and W. Chandler, half-backs; H. Holloway and C. W. Birch, left wing; J. White, centre; E A. Weaire and F. Steadman, right wing,
Referee.- Mr. J. P. Asher.

Report from Surrey Advertiser dated 24 March 1897- see report in original format.


SURREY JUNIOR. CUP. FINAL TIE
CHERTSEY v. KINGSTON.
A record was established at Weybridge on Saturday afternoon by the attendance of spectators, when Chertsey and Kingston tried conclusions in the final tie of the Junior Cup competition. The weather was very pleasant, and there must have been considerably over fifteen hundred persons present to witness the game, as to the result, of which opinion was strongly divided. The ground was in splendid condition, and all the circumstances were favourable to a good contest. The teams were as follows:

Kingston.-Goal, F. C. Lanham (captain); backs, W. Hurliman and A. R. Short; half-backs, G. J. Tully, J. Fagan and R. F. Lockett; right wing, S. Vincent and W. Ocock; centre, J. Baker; left wing, E. Foster and S. Kemp.
Chertsey.-Goal, H. J. Garnham; backs, H. Pain and R. J. Shanks (captain); half-backs, L. Rider, H. G. White and W. Chandler; left wing, H. Holloway and C. W. Birch; centre, J. White; right, wing. E. A. Weaire and F. Stedman.

Kingston kicked off, and immediately got well into their opponents' quarters, where a foul was given against Pain, but from the free kick Chertsey got right away, until Stedman was tripped, but an appeal was disallowed. Soon afterwards the ball was taken over the Kingston goal-line, but Chertsey came again with a rush, and their forwards put in several good shots without effect, one by Weaire just missing the mark.

After some tricky play, Holloway centred finely, Lanham saved, but directly afterwards Stedman sent in another which only missed by inches. As soon as the Kingstonians cleared Chertsey got right into their territory, and had all the best of the game. From a foul throw given against Chertsey, Kingston gained a momentary advantage, but Shanks headed the ball back, and play was transferred to mid-field.

After some pretty play by Chandler, Rider was tripped, but a foul was not given. Weaire took up the running at top speed, finishing with a close shot. At length Kingston got right off, and broke down the Chertsey defence until Garnham made a capital save. Some pretty combined play by Birch and Holloway followed, and the other side had to concede a corner, of which nothing came.

Immediately afterwards Birch got into position, and passed to Stedman, instead of shooting himself, with the result. that no point was scored. Several successive appeals by Chertsey for fouls were disallowed, and the Kingston men got well into position until pulled up by Pain. Some nice combination by the Chertsey forwards, who were playing in rattling form, got them well into position, but J. White was given off-side just as he was going to have a shot at goal.

At last a goal was given in favour of Chertsey. Pain took the shot from the boundary line and placed it well. Stedman got possession, and sent the ball in with a bang, although it touched the upright before going into the net. The crowd fairly yelled when the first point was made, and the air was thick with hats, sticks and umbrellas.

Play of an even character ensued for a short time. Then Kingston had a turn, and looked very dangerous, when Pain, for once, let the ball go past him, but Garnham saved splendidly. J. White put in a grand run and appeared likely to score, and was knocked down near the Kingston goal. A free kick was awarded, and from a pass by Stedman, White scored the second goal amidst a scene of great excitement.

Chertsey put on a third by means of Stedman, the half-time score being Chertsey three, Kingston nil.

On ends being changed, Chertsey kept on the aggressive for the first quarter of an hour, but the Kingston forward line put in much improved work after a time, and gradually wore down their opponents' defence. By dint of fine combination, the Kingston forwards at length got right through, and Foster sent in a shot, which Garnham was quite unable to save.

Not long after this a similar rush was made, and Garnham unwisely ran out. He collided with Shanks, the Chertsey captain, with the result that they both went over and the ball was through again before they recovered.

This thoroughly roused the enthusiasts of Kingston's supporters, and the players certainly acquitted themselves both pluckily and cleverly at this stage of the game. Another point to the Kingstonians was well averted by H. G. White, and after Chertsey had been primed for a long time they were relieved by the exertions of Holloway, who forced a corner, which proved fruitless.

Another rush by Chertsey followed, and Birch had nice opening, but shot over the cross-bar. Then Lanham had the greatest difficulty is negotiating a shot from Weaire, and twice afterwards in close succession the Kingston custodian saved marvellously. Ocock scored the last point, which equalized, so the final will have to be re-played. The scores at the finish were Chertsey three, Kingston three.

Referee, Mr J. P. Asher.

Report from West Surrey Times dated 27 March 1897- see report in original format.


SURREY JUNIOR CUP. FINAL TIE.
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES v. CHERTSEY.
The final tie in the competition for the Surrey Junior Challenge Cup was played last Saturday at Weybridge, between the above teams, and the beautiful weather brought about a record attendance for the Weybridge ground. Although the majority of the interested spectators came from Chertsey, yet there was an enthusiastic band of supporters to shout "Play up Kings," and, as was expected, the game proved very fast and exciting, and the spectators certainly had plenty for their money.

Punctually at four o'clock the teams, looking in the pink of condition, lined up as follows:-

Kingston-on-Thames.- F. C. Lanham, goal; W. Hurliman and A. R. Short, backs; G. F. Tully, J. Fagan and R. F. Lockett, half-backs; W. Ocock and S. Vincent, right wing; J. Baker, centre; E. Foster and J. Kemp, left wing.
Chertsey: H. J. Garnham, goal; H. Pain and R. Shanks (captain), backs; L. H. Rider, H. G. White and W. Chandler, half-backs; H. Holloway and C. W. Birch, left wing; J. White, centre; E. A. Weaire and F. Steadman, right wing.
Mr. J. P. Asher was the referee.

Chertsey opened the game, and it was at once evident that both sides were reserving their strength. The first noteworthy point was a foul against Chertsey, but nothing resulted, and the Chertsey forwards then made tracks for the Kingston goal, giving Hurliman and Short considerable trouble, and the game became very exciting, the forwards on both sides striving hard to score, but although the Chertsey forwards had rather the best of matters they could not break through the strong defence of their opponents.

Ocock and Vincent made a pretty run, and looked like scoring, but Shanks put the leather well out of danger, much to the delight of the Chertsey crowd. Give and take play followed, and at length Steadman and Weaire by good combination defeated the Kingston forwards and defence, and Steadman scored with a quick shot, which feat was greeted with load cheers from the Chertsey partisans.

Directly after the centre kick, Ocock and Vincent romped up the ground, and Garnham saved by fisting out. Time after time Short and Hurliman sent back the opposing forwards, but Chertsey obtained a second point from a scrimmage in front of goal.

Then came a brief respite, the game slowing down a little, which was followed by the Kingston forwards rallying and forcing a corner, but nothing resulted. Just before half-time Steadman put on the third point for his side, so that on crossing over Kingston's chances looked by no means rosy with a score of three to nil against them.

But in the latter half, Kingston's staying powers stood them in good stead, and their play made the Chertsey supporters rub their eyes. Favoured with a slight wind the Kingston forwards pulled themselves together, and certainly in the second half had the best of matters.

After attacking their opponents' goal for some time without success, the Kingston forwards went away up the field at great pace, and almost before Garnham could realise the fact Foster scored the first goal with a capital shot.

After Chertsey had made another effort they fell away considerably, and their opponents again pressed. Owing to Garnham rushing out to assist Shanks, and leaving the goal open, Foster put the ball between the uprights before the custodian could get back to his charge, and so Kingston obtained their second goal.

Encouraged by this success the visitors played with even greater determination to equalise before the call of time, and amid a scene of great excitement Kingston drew level in the last minute remaining for play. The result was a great disappointment for the Chertsey men, who were admittedly the best side, their combination being very pretty, but everyone admired the splendid energy of Kingston's team.

The tie will be replayed at Guildford next Saturday.

Report from Kingston & Surbiton News dated 27 March 1897- see report in original format.