Hard lines at Denaby

It has often been our luckless lot of late to witness the defeat of the Denaby team, consequent upon a miserably impotent display.

Saturdays game with Wednesday reserve, however, was a reversal of the old order of things, and whereas Denaby were beaten by the odd goal; they’re all round superiority certainly entitled them to carry off the spoils of victory. It is rarely that their formidable Owlerton defence has been subjected to such a persistent and well sustained attack. Although Dyal was off-colour and Haley a complete disappointment, the resources of the Wednesday backs were taxed to the utmost. Hopkinson’s display in the centre was very sound, and Hepinstall’s good work was only marred by his tendency to selfishness. He was undoubtedly clever, and kept their redoubtable Chapman continually on the stretch.

Welch as a forward was a distinct success, his form at inside left surprising everybody. The goal which he scored was monumental to his coolness and capacity of seizing the opportunity. He was quite the pick of the line. Nimrod did a good deal of hard work, and the goal which he scored against his side was the result of his selfishness in attempts to clear a corner kick. Tomkins was, as usual all there, and Harrop was quite the halfback on this field, watching his wing with unflagging energy, and repeatedly rubbing the formidable Reynolds in a manner which could not fail to please the Denaby supporters. Westwood gave another sound display and further demonstrated his value as a full-back.

Chief interests, however, was centred in the doings of Wilcock, at left back. The recruit in an amateur, from Sharrow St Andrews and should he sustain the form shown in Saturdays game, he is destined to become a shining light in Don Valley football. He is tall and speedy, and kicks with judgement. He combines in all his movements a scientific perception of what is needed to meet the circumstances of the game, and getting his kicks accordingly. Wilcock is evidently an acquisition there could be found little fault with the last line of defence, and the succeeding displays of Hancock clearly demonstrate that his approaching benefit is not ill timed. The ensemble made up an admirable team, and though the Wednesday men went away rejoicing, there could be no doubt that the Denaby team was the moral victor in the fray.