Presentation of the South Yorkshire Cup and Medals at Denaby Main

5 August 1898

Mexborough and Swinton Times August 5 1898

Presentation of the South Yorkshire Cup and Medals at Denaby Main

Following up the success of last season’s work, the members of the Denaby team were honoured by the public presentation of the South Yorkshire League Football Cup and medals on Monday.

A tea and social in connection with the Parish Church Football Club was given in the Old school room, Doncaster Road, when upwards of 100 sat down to a substantial repast, provided by Mesdames J. Wall, J. Hines, Webb and the Misses E Waugh and M Spruce.

The following gentlemen also contributed goods service: he Robinson, H Bradley, G Cooke, J ‘and the hon secretary. Mr T Peters and the affair under his careful supervision. The tables were choice were decorated with plants, flowers, et cetera, contributed by friends.

The social, which followed the tea was the occasion of the presentation of the South Yorkshire League Cup and medals, and was naturally well attended. Mr G Edwards being chairman.

Mr Edwards in the course of a humorous address read a list of the matches played, which showed total played 41, won 27, lost 8, drawn 6, goals for 120, against 44.

Mr Edwards said no doubt football enthusiasts present will understand football better than he, as he could not say he knew the ways and means of the game, but he thought the figures spoke for themselves, and he could assure them he would rather be kicked 44 times in 120, and it appeared the football team kick their opponents hundred and 20 times whilst they had only 44 registered against them. He said this was the second time the wound the clock, and no doubt someone else would have it next time, as it was “no-go” to hold it all the time.

In conclusion the chairman called upon Mr John Soar, the genial under manager of the colliery, to present the cup and medals.

Mr Soar, who on rising was accorded a hearty reception, expressed pleasure at seeing the cup there. The style of football, nowadays was, he said, quite different from the style of years ago stop he could remember the time when there were only two football days and they were Good Friday and Easter Monday. In those days, he said, they used to kick the ball about ¼ of a mile to a certain place, and as a rule the best man one. In conclusion Mr Soar said he hoped the team would enjoy good health and escape all accidents and again with the trophy next year.

After a brief address by the captain of the team (Mr F Freeman) Mr Soar presented the cup and medals to the players. The recipients of the medals were:

J Hancock, F Freeman, captain, W Lawley, Cartwright, Whitehouse, Goodwin, Sheldrake, Hughes, Dalton, Roper and T Hardy.

Each one, as he mounted the platform was loudly cheered. When all add which the platform, and Mr Freeman held the cup the song “For he’s a jolly good fellow” was sung by the audience. A couple of songs, ‘Queen of the earth,’ and ‘Gold,’ were contributed by Mr Fretwell in good style, and Mr W Beale gave a gymnastic display.

The evening was then spent in dancing and games. The proceedings were very much enjoyed.