"EXETER v. NEWPORT."
"The formation of the Exeter fifteen for this encounter has given Mr. Cecil Clapp (who is undertaking the secretarial duties during the absence of Mr. Mudge) a considerable amount of perplexity on account of the remarkable number of players who, from indisposition and other causes, were unable to take their places. The simple enumeration of the names of the absentees will at once shew to what straits the executive have been put in sending off a contingent which, however, they were determined to do. The names of those who could not respond to the call were A M Sutherry, B W L Askford, J M Wilcocks, W J Pring, W C Newberry, W Lucas, and R Biddell, thus leaving only about half the regular first fifteen available. But with the "first" material left and a liberal draw on the second string, the following were finally decided upon:-"
"Back. A P Baker"
"Threequarters. Eadie P Warren H Osmond"
"Half-backs. W J Sayer H Sayer"
"Forwards. W H Edwards J B Sanders B H Wallas Ellis T Wills J Milton A B Edwards T Dewdney A May"
"This morning, by the 10.30 express, the party left St. David's Station in capital spirits, expecting a licking, it is true, but with the genuine Britisher's resolve - to do their duty. They travelled in a reserve carriage, and Mr. Councillor Bale was welcomed as one of the "reserves". His appearance at the last minute created a surprise, but all agreed he would lend "weight" to the team, and, as a "full" back, would prove a barrier indeed, and greatly frustrate the players who endeavoured to "round" him. Mr. Martin, jun., one of the Exeter Committeemen, journeyed with the team, and one or two Exonian supporters were at the station to give the travellers a parting word of encouragement, the treasurer's final salutation being, "Do your best!"."
"Contrary to general expectation, Newport only won by three tries to nil."
The report leaves us only to imagine the physique of Councillor Bale!