1884 Yorkshire Challenge Cup Final

Rugby Football: Hull FC v Bradford at Cardigan Fields Leeds 10 Apr 1884

Some photo's of the players that played in the final

Great excitement prevailed at Leeds on Saturday on the occasion of the meeting of the Hull and Bradford Clubs in the final tie for possession of the Yorkshire Challenge Cup.

Long before, the hour of starting (3.30) Cardigan Fields, the ground of the Leeds St. John's Club, was thronged with spectators from all parts of Yorkshire, and fully 20,000 people were present.

Special trains conveyed the supporters of both club from Hull and Bradford, disappointment was caused by Iveson, one of Hull three-quarters, being unable to play owing to injury received in a previous cup tie and his position was taken by B R Wilson, the reserve three-quarter.

It was thought that Ritchie, the famous Bradford sprinter would not sufficiently recovered from a sprain received at Ossett in the cup tie, but fortunately for Bradford he was able to resume his customary post.

The Bradford supporters were confident that their team would easily win and the players during the week had been specially trained for the occasion.

No special efforts in the shape of training had been made by Hull, but the sea-port players were confident of giving Bradford a tight game and with reasonable amount of luck would succeed in gaining the championship.

The weather prior to the match was fine, though cloudy, and pleasant and a breeze blew over the field of play. The ground was in a fair condition, excepting a few greasy patches of worn turf.

Just before time for commencement to play rain fell heavily for a short time and spoiled the condition of the field considerably.

The shower, however, was fortunately of short duration and the sun shone brightly when W. Calvert (the captain of the Hull team) led his forces into the field, followed directly by Bonsor and his men.

The Bradford captain won the toss and Hickson kicked off, for the first quarter of an hour Bradford had the best of the play, compelling their opponents to touch down, Benson had two or three hard lines of getting a try.

Mawer, getting off with a good run, passed and Hull claimed a try, but the ball was ruled back for being thrown forward.

In the pack the teams were well matched, but Bradford was superior in loose and passing and Hull had to touch down twice in quick succession.

F Mawer, B Wilson, and C Simpson distinguished themselves for Hull, who pressed Bradford severely for a time, but a free kick by H Robertshaw gave Bradford another minor point.

Hull then obtained a try, but J Calvert failed at goal, directly afterwards Bonsor made the run of the day and got a try following a maul with George Calvert close to touch, no goal, however, resulted from Hickson’s kick.

Some good play by George Calvert and George Belt made Bonsor kick the ball dead, H Robertshaw afterwards made a brilliant run and Asquith got a try for Bradford, but Hickson again failed at goal.

Carter soon afterwards got a try after a good run, but Richmond failed at goat a free kick by Wilson gave Hull another touchdown.

Bradford got another try, and won by 1 goal 4 tries and 5 minor points to Hull's 1 try and 3 minor points.

The following is a list of the player:

Hull:
W Tomlinson, back;
G E Calvert, J R James and B R Wilson, three-quarter backs;
G E Belt and H Bell, half-backs;
W F B Calvert (captain), G Harrison, C Simpson, G Jacketts, J Wilson, J F B. Calvert, F Mawer, W Teal, L. Whitehead, forwards.

Bradford:
F Richmond, back;
R Robertshaw, E Critchley and F T Rltchie, three-quarter-backs;
F Bonsor (captain) and T Wright, half-backs; 
J L Hickson, S Asquith, E Wilkinson, W P Carter, H Robertshaw, J W Marshall, S Haigh, T Atkinson, and J Potter, forwards. 

Umpires-Messrs T Glover and B Kilner.
Referee- Mr Geo. Thompson.
Hull Packet 11 Apr 1884 

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