1908 and All That: Christ College Participates in Centenary Rugby League Contest

 

1908: Edward Vll was on the throne, Henry Campbell-Bannerman was Prime Minister, and in Cheltenham, the first ever series-deciding international game of Rugby League took place between the New Zealand All Golds and the Northern Union (England) on February 15th.

 

In commemoration of this event, eight Gloucestershire schools competed for the 1908 Cup at the Prince of Wales Stadium.

 

The competing teams had ideal weather conditions as they took to the field, in stark contrast to the torrential rain that accompanied their historical counterparts.

 

Chris Wilson, Chairman of the Gloucestershire Warriors Rugby League Football Club said: “I was delighted with the standard of play and the enthusiasm of all the schools involved. The games were all close and well contested, and the teams showed plenty of skill”.

 

The Trophy went to Archway School from Stroud, and Winchcombe School won the 1908 Plate, but no team went away empty handed, as goody bags were presented to all players, courtesy of the CO-OP.

 

Christ College-based SSCO Dan Derrick said: “As a Rugby Union school, not many of our students knew a great deal about Rugby League, but the RFL has really engaged the students into taking on a new game. The RFL also provided us with tickets for the Millennium Magic weekend enabling us to take a mini bus to Cardiff to watch a fantastic day’s rugby. Great thanks go to the RFL and all of the organisers.”

 

Also pictured is the plaque which was unveiled on the site of the former athletic ground in St. John’s Avenue to commemorate the historic match of 1908.