"FOOTBALL"
"MANCHESTER RANGERS v. NEWPORT.- On Saturday afternoon the Newport Athletic Grounds were the scene of the keenest contest in which the Newport team has ever engaged. The day was remarkably fine, and there were upwards of 2,000 spectators, the grand stand being filled with ladies. This was a match with the Manchester Rangers, including four players who take part in county matches. It was well known that they were first class players, and many felt confident they would beat the Newport team. The Rangers arrived at Newport at two a.m. on Saturday, in order that they might have 12 hours rest after their long journey; and there is no doubt they intended to win. The Rangers were- Messrs. E. T. Trevor Smith and H. Parkinson, backs; C. W. Trevor Smith and A. W. Bradbury, three-quarter backs; G. G. Brierly and A. Westlake, half-backs; H. Smith, J. W. Fletcher, H. H. Andrews (captain), J. N. French, H. Stancliffe, G. C. Lindsay, J. C. Auldjo, F. Barker, and J. Collier, forwards; umpire, Mr. H. T. Hibbert. The Newport team consisted of Messrs. T. Ponsford back; F. Phillips and C. F. Thompson, three-quarter backs; G. Rosser, C. H. Newman, and T. Spittle, half-backs; F. A. Goss, A. Goss, G. F. Harding, T. Harding, H. Hancock, H. S. Lyne, R. H. Loane, W. Phillips (captain), and W. Ponsford, forwards; umpire, Mr. R. Mullock. Captain Phillips won the toss, and had the choice of ground. He chose the nursery end, and the ball was set in motion. For about an hour and a half the contest was carried on, and this proved to be one of the fastest and hardest games played by Newport. The first half hour's play was confined to the centre of the ground, neither side gaining much, and then in quick succession Newport obtained two tries. The first was after a brilliant run by Rosser, which called forth ringing cheers from the spectators; and the second was by Hancock, from a loose scrimmage. Manchester obtained a try, by Captain Andrews, from a throw out from a touch within a yard of the goal line. Messrs. Parkinson, C. W. Smith, and Brierly, of the Rangers, showed good form. In fact, the whole team played admirably, and proved themselves most powerful antagonists. Of the Newport men, Newman and Rosser distinguished themselves, and every man worked hard to maintain the prestige of past seasons. The Rangers were evidently disappointed at the result, but the contest was carried on thoroughly well throughout. The excitement was intense, and, when the result was known, the enthusiasm of the assembly knew no bounds. The result of the game was two tries to one in favour of Newport. Our home team has only another victory to win, and then it will stand second to none in the kingdom. This will be tried on the 20th November, when Newport will play against Blackheath. On 25th of November Newport will play against Swansea, at Bridgend, for the South Wales Challenge Cup. Next Thursday Newport will play Pontypool."