October 6, 1915
Commencing on September 8, and having engaged between 400 and 500 players for not only Northern Counties, but the Midlands as well, the Waterloo Bowls Handicap at South Shore concluded to-day, and attracted enthusiasts from all parts of Lancashire. These crowded over the specially-erected stands on the Waterloo green long before the time announced for the start.
Prominent among the sixteen players left in the competition – and this for the first time – was John Cox, the former dashing outside left of Liverpool, who had had a quite remarkable journey forward. In the draw for the sixth round Cox came up against J. Rothwell, jun., of Atherton, last year’s winner.
Another old football light was Nat Walton, famous in his days as the Blackburn Rovers’ goalkeeper. W. Fairhurst, of Standish, the winner of the Talbot Tournament in 1903, was another who remained, together with J. Parkinson, the well-known “Ploddy,” of Pemberton, and W. Simms, of Aspull.
The prize money totaled £125, and there was a silver cup for the winner. The games were in charge of Mr. H. Thornley, as manager, and Mr. W. Hayes, as referee.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: October 6, 1915)