KINGSTON-ON-THAMES V. SURBITON RANGERS.-
This, the last match of these teams in the Kingston and District League competition, was played on Saturday on the ground of the Kingston Rugby F.C., and attracted a large attendance, the weather being beautifully fine. The play during the first half was of a rather uninteresting nature, Surbiton having slightly the best of it.

Play had not been long in progresss before S. Harris scored the first goal for the Rangers. Kingston then pressed, and twice Ayres was called upon to clear, which he did capitally. Surbiton then ran the ball down to the other end and forced a corner. Nothing came of this, however, as Kingston cleared and the ball was taken to the other end.

Ayres was again called upon, but had cleared when he was charged by Vincent. The outcome of this was that Ayres split his right hand between the third and fourth fingers, and he had at once to see a doctor, who sewed the wound up. This was a serious loss to Surbiton, who had to play with ten men for the rest of the game, J. Buckwell going in goal.

Nothing further, however, was scored before half-time, when the Rangers led by 1-0. After re-starting the play was of a much better description, but for a time the Rangers held their own, and by a fine individual run E. Harris scored again for them.

This seemed fairly to arouse the Kingstonians, who then had the most of the game. Time after time their left wing took the ball down, but without success, Foster putting it through when off-side. At length, however, from a good centre Andrews had a shot which proved effective.

Shortly after Cunliffe beat Buckwell and made the scores level. With time fast running out, a draw appeared imminent, but playing up with rare dash, Kingston shot another off-side goal. The Rangers, however, made one or two fine attempts to again draw ahead, but Waltham saved.

Then when close on time the Kingston left wing again ran down and forced a corner. The outcome of a scrummage in front of goal was that Andrews popped the ball into the net amid a scene of enthusiasm. This proved the final point and Kingston won by three goals to two. Sides:-

Kingston: T. Waltham, goal; J. Fagan and J. Tully, backs; W. Ocock, A. Peck and S. Lambert, half-backs; S. Vincent and J. White (right), E. Andrews (centre), E. Foster and F. Cunliffe (left), forwards. Rangers: G. W. Ayres, goal; W. Collinson and J. Buckwell, backs; Preston, Alexander and Crooms, half-backs; Hankin and Wheeler (right), E. Harris (centre), S. Harris and E. Buckwell (left), forwards. Referee, Mr. Walker (Ham).

Report from Surrey Comet dated 9 April 1898- see report in original format.


In Kingston on Saturday the chief attraction was the last league match of the season of the Kingston-on-Thames and Surbiton Rangers teams. This was played on the Kingston Rugby ground, and attracted a large attendance. A great deal depended on the result of this match, so far as Kingston was concerned, as if they were defeated their chance of retaining the "Hunt" cup would be entirely gone, while with a win they have a slight chance, but this depends greatly upon their protest against Walton St. Mary's being upheld. The first half was not very exciting. The Rangers scored one goal, but were unfortunate in losing the services of their goal-keeper, Ayres, who so severely hurt his right hand that he had to leave. The second half was more interesting, though the Rangers added another goal to their score before Kingston woke up. Once aroused, however, they gained the upper hand, and in quick succession placed three goals to their credit, the last one a few minutes before time. They thus won by 3-2.

Notes from Surrey Comet dated 9 April 1898- see report in original format.