St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH211

Photograph

CIC

Swansea RFC

1905-1906

Photographs x 5 B&W, mounted and titled. Swansea versus New Zealand 30th Dec. 1905 at St Helen's. A set of 5 action photographs from the match. Each image dimensions: w7 1/2" x h6" (w19.1cm x 15cm) Total dimensions: 9" x 24" (w23.2cm x h61cm). Photographs are sepia tinted, each with a gold border on black mount.

This is a set of 5 photographs from the Swansea versus New Zealand match at St Helen's on 30th Dec. 1905. New Zealand won the match with a drop goal from full-back Billy Wallace ten minutes from the final whistle. Fred Scrine had scored an unconverted try for Swansea in the first half. Scoring values at this time meant that the 'All Blacks' won by 4 points to 3. The top image shows a scrummage with a hint of the All Black loosehead being lifted. Image 2 shows a Swansea kick and chase. Dicky Owen is clearly visible at the left with Fred Scrine forward of him (next but one white player) and D J Thomas directly behind him. The central image illustrates tthe 'All Blacks having just completed the 'Haka'. Swansea players stand around as referee Gil Evans approches the New Zealand team, checking his watch. Image 4 shows a lineout with players from both sides barging their opponents. All Black forward Bill Cunningham is clearly visible, characteristically wearing a black and a white sock. The bottom image shows Dicky owen about to pass from the back of a scrum.

PH211, PH211a