Original programme for an athletics meeting organised by the Newport County Athletic and Football Club (N.C.A. & F.C.) held on the club grounds on April 10th, 1882. Competitors included Charlie Newman and George Harding, who both played in the very first Welsh international match, against England on February 19th, 1881 at Blackheath. The Welsh were comprehensively beaten 82-0 (in modern scoring). They were captained that day by James A. Bevan and it seems that he also appears in this programme, representing Swansea Cricket Club in the One Mile Flat Handicap. We have found no direct link between Bevan and Swansea Cricket Club so further research may be needed to confirm this. Charlie Newman went on to captain Wales in six internationals up to 1886. Other significant people who performed that day were Bob Gould, who captained Wales for one game in 1887, and was the elder bother of the legendary Arthur Gould; H.J. "Jimmy" Boughton, who captained both Gloucester rugby club and Gloucestershire CCC; W.A. Boughton and H.J. Berry, who both played regularly for Gloucester RFC. Further research may reveal more notable competitors.
8pp. 16.5 x 10.5cm. Original owner's name in pencil to front. Further neat pencil marks and results inside. There is a small hole punched through the last 4 pages, affecting one name. Good condition. A very rare early Welsh rugby item.
- Date
- 1882
£300.00 (Code: 95812)
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