May 19, 1916
It seems strange that the curtain on important matches of both codes (the soccer and rugger games) should, as it were, be rung down for the season by the handling devotees on an Association ground!
The Liverpool Club’s ground is the venue, and the teams, as we know, are made up of military players under the title of the North of England v. Wales. Without a tinge of jealousy the Liverpool directors gave the use of their enclosure for the display, showing a truly sporting and patriotic spirit much to be commended. One special thing can pride themselves on is that they will have the greatest Rugby match which has ever been played in Liverpool contested on their ground, for the teams are composed of English Rugby Union Internationals and county men, Northern Union Internationals and county men, and the Welsh team may be put down en bloc as an International team. Never hitherto has such a galaxy of Rugby players appeared on any ground in Liverpool, so that those who fail to take the chance will scarcely regret it. The Rugby game has in the eye of the uninitiated many objections, but our “Veteran” challenges anyone to say that with all its so-called “crudities” it is not the finest pastime in which to make soldiers. Fear is not known by the players, and he dashes without a moment’s thought into the zone of danger, not thinking of broken limbs but seeking the bubble reputation.
All players from the kick-off become equal in the sense of position.
If any doubt the strenuousness of the handling game he should watch those rushes by the forwards, the dare-devil dash of the backs to stay the progress of these almost furious foes. Look at that back careering with the ball down the field. Determination is writ large on his face. A rival comes into his path; there is a collision of human beings. ‘Tis wonderful how the players keep their tempers under these circumstances, but they get up again cheerfully and mingle in the hot melee.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: May 19, 1916)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 