St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

MD001

Medal, Winners: Swansea Football Club. South Wales Challenge Cup 1887. Swansea RFC badge missing from front. Challenge Cup details, Players' name and position inscribed on back.

Medal

CIC

1886-1887

This is the South Wales Challenge Cup winners medal presented to Swansea forward Evan Sloane Richards in March 1887. The dedication on the back reads: "Winners South Wales Challenge Cup. E.S. Richards, captain, forward, March 1887." Richards was the captain of the Swansea team in 1886-87 and led them to victory in the final of the Challenge Cup on 19th February at Newport's Rodney Parade ground. Swansea won by a converted try and 3 touchdowns to a single touchdown by Llanelli. The scoring system in Challenge Cup matches that season (including minors) gave Swansea a victory by 21 - 1. The season was a successful one for Swansea who won 18 matches from 28 played, drawing 6 and losing just 4. They did not lose a match between 18th December 1886 (v Newport, away) and the last match of the season, gaining 12 wins and 2 drawn in that period. It was the most successful season to date. Richards captained Swansea during 1887-88 also, though withdrawing part way through with a serious injury. He was capped twice by Wales; against England in 1885 and Scotland in 1887.