St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

MD014

Medal

CIC

F J Gordon

1912-1913

Committee pass ribbon for Swansea v South Africa at St Helen's 1912. Green with brass clasp and gold tassels. Gold text: "South Africans v Swansea Dec 26th 1912".

This is a Committee Pass issued by Swansea rugy Club for the match at St Helen's on December 26th against the touring South African rugby team. It was given to former Swansea captain Frank Gordon and allowed access to all areas of the ground on the day of the match. A committee member with the Swansea club, Frank "Genny" Gordon had captained Swansea for four seasons between 1901-02 and 1905-06, including the 'Invincible' season of 1904-05. The match against the South Africans on 26th December 1912 drew a crowd of 35,000, all district matches having been played in the morning by arrangement, to allow club players to watch the game at Swansea. In atrocious conditions, with large patches of the St Helen's pitch under water, Swansea won by a try to nil (3 - 0), scored by forward D.J. Thomas. South Africa played 27 matches on the tour, losing just 3 - to London Counties, Newport and finally, Swansea. They won all 5 internationals against Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and France.

frank gordon, genny gordon, f j gordon, springboks, south africa, 1912, 1912-13, 1912-1913,