St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH271

Photograph

Phil Grant

Phil Grant

1898-1899

Photograph, B&W, mounted and titled. Wales team v England at St Helen's 7th January 1899. Photographer H.A. Chapman, High Street, Swansea. Dimensions: w25" x h1" (w63.5cm x h48.26cm)

This photograph records the Wales team that defeated England at St Helen's on Saturday 7th January 1899. The Welsh won by 26 points to 3 and six tries were scored by Wales, all of the on the wing. Llwynypia flyer Willie Llewellyn got four on this his international debut. The other two were taken by Cardiff's Viv Hussey. Arthur Robinson claimed a consolation one for England, who were overwhelmed by gritty forward play and the imaginative play of the Swansea half-back pair of David and Evan James. the Jameses were playing their first international since their reinstatement and return to rugby in 1896 after being suspended in October 1892 for taking payment to play for English side Broughton Rangers. Three weeks after this tremendous victory at Swansea, the brothers again went north to Brought Rangers, now legally paying 'broken time' money in the English breakaway Northern Union. There was politics in rugby back then as now and the English were glad to see the back of the elusive James brothers. Swansea's famous full-back Billy Bancroft captained Wales this day. He played for Wales from 1890 to 1901 and was at his retirement the world's most capped player with 33 caps, ALL CONSECUTIVE! The team photographed here are seen on the steps of the old pavilion, which was nestled in the north-east corner of the ground, beneath the current pavilion. It was demolished in 1929 to allow the new one to be constructed where it would not obstruct supporters seated behind, thus increasing the ground's capacity. Back Row(L to R): Tom Dobson (Cardiff), Fred Scrine (Swansea), Will Parker (Swansea), Joseph Jehoida Hodges (Newport), Alf Bryce(Aberavon), John Blake (Cardiff), David John Daniel (Llanelli). Middle Row(L to R): Reg Skrimshire (Newport), H V P Huzzey (Cardiff), Billy Bancroft (Captain - Swansea), Willie Llewellyn (Llwynypia), Gwyn Nicholls (Cardiff), William Alexander (Llwynypia).Front Row(L to R): George Bowen (Linesman), Evan James (Swansea), David James (Swansea).

1898-1899, wales, st helen's,