St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

1897-1898 Season

SR-1897-1898

Swansea RFC season breakdown 1897-1898.

PH171

Swansea RFC 1st XV 1897-98 season

This photograph of the Swansea RFC 1st XV is from the 1897-98 season and was taken at the 'town end' of the old grandstand. It has several interesting points. It is one of only a few images of the east entrance to the grandstand whose enlargement dates from 1891. A player has been 'etched out' on the far right of the image. It is not certain who this is. He seems to be a player but possibly did not play this season. 

 Back Row L to R: Harry Ball (Trainer), Livingstone Davies, Fred Scrine, Sam Rice, Tom Jackson, David Harries, Tom Harris, Hopkin Davies, W Bowen (Umpire).
2nd Row L to R:Aubrey Jones, Evan James, Frank Gordon, W J Bancroft (captain), Bob Thomas, Will Parker.
Front Row L to R: W J Trew, Dan Rees, George Davies, David James.

With Billy Bancroft retaining the captaincy, scrum half Evan James was elected as his Vice Captain. The appointments scotched rumours of both their departures to the Northern Union. Bancroft was absent from the side till late October through injury and work commitments and was badly missed as the team struggled to play in combination. His return was marked by a scrappy win over Devonport Albion and then Cardiff were defeated at St Helen’s in front of a crowd of 14,000. The Blue and Blacks were in good form and had been expected to turn Swansea over on their own ground. But Swansea failed to shine against Newport.

The annual tour to the Midlands was traditionally a watershed in the season and with the players together for an extended period, two excellent wins resulted though in very bad weather. Both Leicester and Northampton were beaten and Bancroft's men returned to Swansea undefeated and in good spirits. The Welsh Trials were held at St Helen’s and the brothers James made strong claims for their first selection since reinstatement by the WFU and RFU. Evan James took over the captaincy as Bancroft was forced to convalesce for a few weeks following injury in a game against Neath in early December. Bancroft reappeared at the fixture at St Helen’s against traditional Christmas opponents Watsonians.

The New Year saw Swansea turn on the style, with Bancroft fit and the Jameses playing well. London visitors Old Merchant Taylors were well beaten at St Helen’s and that day also saw a future star of the three quarter line catch the eye as W J ('Billy') Trew impressed with his sure handling and support play.

Future 'Great' William John "Billy" Trew in his first season at st Helen's.  Developing into a superb sprinter, unerring tactician and versatile three-quarter, comfortable at wing or centre and devastating at outside-half, Trew would develop into one of the greatest players of any era and a vital catalyst in Wales and Swansea's first 'Golden Era'.

Gloucester lost their unbeaten record to Swansea and Bristol were overwhelmed at St Helen’s in front of 13,000. This rich vein of form at last ended with losses away to Llanelli and at home to a strong Newport side. In March revenge was gained over Llanelli and Cardiff were beaten at the Arms Park. Wins over Rockliffe and Leicester followed at Easter. With 'Genny' Gordan as leading try scorer (18) and Trew continuing to impress, an exciting side was being built. Surely they could now challenge for honours.

Forward Hopkin Davies played with Bancroft in the away loss to England (14 -7) having made his International debut in the away win against Ireland (11 - 3), again with Bancroft.

The Wales team that played England at Blackheath on 2nd April 1898. England won 14pts to 7pts.
Back Row (L to R): Mr Tom williams (WFU), D. Evans (Penygraig), W.H. Alexander (Llwynypia), R. Hellings (Llwynypia), F.H. Cornish (Cardiff), H.V.P. Huzzey (Cardiff), D. D. Daniel (Llanelli).
2nd Row (L to R):  T. Dobson (Cardiff), T.W. Pearson (Newport), W.J. Bancroft (Swansea),W. Jones (Cardiff), Hopkin Davies (Swansea).
Front Row (L to R): E.G. Nicholls (Cardiff), J.E. Elliot (Cardiff), S.H. Biggs (Cardiff), J.G. Boots (Newport).