UP
THE HULL FOOTBALL CLUB VETERANS.
Photographs of some of the players who gave great service to Hull FC and the Tom Allen charity match
THERE is nothing which appeals more too human sympathy than Charity, and any movement which has for its object the alleviation of distress is always accorded hearty support in Hull.
At the very first suggestion of a football match in aid of the widow of the late Tom Allen a playing member of the Hull F.C. interred at the Hedon road Cemetery 15 Jan 1896.
Up to the time of his fatal illness the matter was taken up with Great Spirit by the Hull Football Committee and the Hull and District Rugby Union. Of course, players had to be found, and everyone who turned out this afternoon will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has done at least one good action in his life.
The teams were composed of Veterans and players from the Hull and District Clubs, the Veterans particularly thanks are due, for their football days have long expired, and, naturally, to them, 'hunting the leather' necessitated considerable exertion and physical strain.
Glancing down the list of Veterans must recall many recollections, which under ordinary circumstances are not remembered.
We are reminded of facts and incidents in connection with Hull football which it is pleasant to revive. Only once has the Hull club entered the final of the Yorkshire Cup Competition, and that was 12 years ago, when Bradford beat them. Five of the players who wore a Hull jersey in that historic engagement turned out on behalf of Mrs Allen today, viz, Louis Whitehead, Will and George Calvert, George Belt and Herb Bell.
On that occasion Bell and Belt were the half backs, George Calvert was one of the three-quarters, Louis Whitehead and Will Calvert played in the forward. Louis Whitehead can date his experiences back to the days of the old White Star, of which organisation he was a brilliant member at the time of its amalgamation with the Hull Football Club in 1881.
That he has always held the confidence of his fellow members is established by the fact that he has had a seat on the committee ever since. The two Calvert's were also, we believe, members of White Star, or, at any rate, of Hull in 1881 and they also have seen many changes in Rugby Football.
Lal Bearpark has been custodian for his county, a position which he always filled with credit to the Hull team; but towards the end of his days he played forward. None of the old players have put on flesh to the extent Bearpark has, and his MOUNTAINOUS FRAME
Was unquestionably the heaviest on the field? Of Bell and Belt columns could be written and their retirement from active football created genuine regret. There are other veterans with names to conjure with, for instance, Galbraith in his day was one of the best forwards Hull had and as a left-footed goal kicker had few equals.
Another popular player was W Lyon, who commanded the A team with such distinct credit. In more recent times Arthur Holmes and Jack Chaffer were stalwart forwards, the former being always prominent for him neat dribbling and the latter for his speed and tackling.
Frank Harrison was chosen this afternoon, for the first time in his life probably, as a three-quarter. His place with Hull has been forward and his determination was always one of the features of Hull's matches.
Little 'Geordie' Smith, Joe Hill, Walt Mansell and Ted Shillito all have had honourable association with the Hull F.C. and equally assisted to maintain its reputation.
As a matter of fact, when Hill performed with Hull it was expected that he would develop into a centre of the first water, and so, become a local Robertshaw. The 'youngsters' have yet to fight their way to fame.
Amongst them are some who in the natural order of things are bound to recruit the rank of first-class football. Ideal weather prevailed and better climatic conditions could neither be expected nor desired. There are many who have worked hard to bring success, and when they looked round the well filled ground no doubt they were imbued with feelings of intense satisfaction.
The following is a correct list of the players Veterans: Back: J McKie, three-quarter backs: E Shillito, Joe Hill, Frank Harrison, and 'Geordie' Smith. half backs: George Belt and Herb Bell forwards: Will Calvert, George Calvert, Louis Whitehead, Lal Bearpark, J Galbraith, W Lyon, S A Holmes, and J Chaffer. Touch judge: Lewis Hemmingway.
Hull and District: Back: H Taylor (Holderness Falcons) three-quarter backs: E Ward (Holderness Falcons): E Fullam (Marlborough): G Swatman (Groves United): R R Neill (Hull); half-backs: H Gregory (Kingston); and Winn (St. Alban's) forwards; J Brocklebank and J R Burrell (Marlborough); H Holdstock and W Hardy (Kingston); H Holt (Holderness Falcons); E Wheelhouse (Stoneferry); C Hedges (St Andrcws); R Dixon (Grove United) Touch judge: Mr R Wood (Beverley) Referee: Mr Harry Dannatt (Hull F.C) There was only one alteration from the selected team on each side. Walter Mansell gave way for J. McKie and in the District team Winn, of St. Albans, displaced Clare. Will Calvert was selected the captain of the Veterans, and Johnny Burrill filled the same position on the other side. The Veterans were photographed by Mr B. T. Watson just before the match.
The Veterans were first in the field, and the spectators, signalised the renewal of old acquaintances by giving expression to loud cheers. They had a few minutes to kick the ball about before the district team came upon the scene.
Before the commencement of hostilities, Charlie Hunter caused considerable amusement by walking along the touch attired as a policeman. At 20 minutes past four Will Calvert started, Neill returning into touch at the centre.
G. Calvert tricked his opponent in lining the ball out, and put in a long dribble, which Bearpark and Holmes followed up in good style. Hull pressed, and looked like scoring.
Belt started some really good passing, and Joe Hill narrowly missed dropping a goal. The weight of the Veterans told in the scrimmage, but the youngsters were a bit too fast in the open.
The referee had occasion to caution Lyons, and as that player disputed his ruling P.C. Hunter was called in, and the refractory player was cowed into silence.
Whitehead attempted to repeat Calvert's dodge in lining the ball out, but be did not meet with the same success. The Veterans had one or two penalties given them, and Taylor returned a kick to Frank Harrison, who missed and a scrimmage was formed in the Veterans 25 Belt and Lyon dribbled in response, and Frank Harrison executed a very good save.
Joe Hill and Galbraith were prominent, and Chaffer and Holmes got nicely away. The 'old uns' were standing the pace very well, but the District team were a little too energetic.
Eventually Beerpark, the two Calverts and Lyon dribbled into the District 25, and the ball was lined out about midway. The Veterans, led by Bell and Belt, gave the youngsters an example of passing, on one occasion the ball travelling the length of the three-quarter line.
Frank Harrison had two excellent chances, but Neill tackled him each time. The Veterans continued to have the best of the game, and Geo. Belt dropped at goal, the ball going wide and rolling dead. The Veterans pressed, and Herbert Bell made his mark in front of his opponents' goal posts.
The ball was placed for Joe Hill, who all but landed a goal. The Veterans had a sympathetic referee, but Mr Dannatt gave in a try to the District team when unquestionably the ball had been passed forward. The shot at goal struck the uprights.
The end result was the District Team winning an enjoyable game, with the supporters contributing to the Charity collection.
Hull Daily Mail 19 March 1896
