Club History - Origins and Formation

The Citizen, Saturday 4th September 1880 (page 5)

 

ATHLETIC SPORTS AT GLOUCESTER

 

The large company which assembled in the Spa cricket ground on Thursday afternoon to witness the athletic sports arranged for by the Gloucester Athletic Club, testifies to the interest taken by a large portion of the Gloucester public in athletic exercises. Whether that interest is due to education or whether it was latent and only needed development, is a matter of opinion. Certain it is that it has grown steadily and without intermission for the last four or five years. Half-a-dozen years ago practically the only field sport in this city was the game of cricket. Football flourished elsewhere, but the game was seldom played in Gloucester; small towns like Tewkesbury and Evesham could boast of rowing clubs of fair repute, but boatracing craft were seldom seen on the Severn at Gloucester, or on the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal. The state of things athletic is now very different. Something like six years ago a football club was formed in the city, and during the winter months matches are played at the Spa almost every week, and attract thousands of spectators. So successful has the club been, that for the last two or three seasons it has won the majority of matches which it has played, and it is now recognised in football circles as one of the leading clubs in the west of England. A rowing club was formed two or three years ago, and now under the valuable captaincy of Mr W Stout, erewhile the champion amateur sculler in England, has attained such success that a few days ago a four oared crew from the club carried off one of the leading prizes in an open competition at Tewkesbury Regatta. The bicycle fever has for some time been prevalent in the city, and latterly a goodly number, including not a few of the tradesmen of the city, have been affected with the tricycle epidemic; and now there are clubs for those who patronise both kinds of machines. The latest development of this love of athletic exercises is the formation of the Gloucester Athletic Club, a club which can show a good roll call of working members, and which has the benefit of the patronage of several local gentlemen of influence and position.

 

A more favourable day for the visitors could not have been desired, and the Spa field has seldom presented such an animated experience. Those who took part in the events would probably have preferred the sun a little less scorching, but even for them glorious sunshine also meant a hard and good going course. This was of special advantage to the bicyclists, for turf is far from being the best running ground for bicyclists, and when it is wet and soft the labour involved in driving the machine is considerable. As will be seen from the appended returns, some capital time was made by the bicyclists, a result not a little due to the favourable state of the ground. The arrangements for the meeting, both for those taking part in the events and for visitors, were of the most excellent character, and reflected the utmost credit on all concerned. The course for the long races was more or less circular, and measured five laps to the mile. For the 100 and 120 yards races the course was straight. The band of the Gloucester Artillery was stationed in the orchestra, and played up an excellent selection of popular music.

 

The following were the officials of the meeting:- Starter, Mr W Chirm; handicappers, Mr J E Reay and Mr H H Griffin (bicycles); referee and timekeeper, Mr C Herbert; judges, Mr W Stout and Mr J Bryan; hon. secs., Mr P Barrett Cooke and Mr J F Grimes; hon. Treasurer, Mr J P Moore. Mr W C Mann, of the Cross, also acted as timekeeper. Subjoined are details of the events; where no address is given the competitors are residents in Gloucester:-

 

100 YARDS FLAT RACE (LOCAL)

Tradesmen’s prize – 1st prize, value five guineas; 2nd, value £1 10s.

First heat. – 1st, H J Berry; 2nd, R J Beddoe. Berry led, and maintained his lead throughout; Beddoe was only a foot behind at the finish. Time, 11 seconds

Second heat. – 1st, R L Grist; 2nd, W Snushall. A close race, and Grist won by only a few inches. Time, 10 2/5ths seconds.

Final heat. – 1st, R L Grist; 2nd, H J Berry. A close race for the first and second place, Grist winning by only six inches. Time, 10 4/5ths seconds.

 

ONE MILE BICYCLE RACE (LOCAL)

1st prize, value five guineas; 2nd, value £1 10s.

1st, H Moffatt; 2nd, J P Moore. As bicycling has become such a favourite sport in the county, considerable interest was manifested in the race, in which men comparatively well-known to all competed. At the report of the starter’s pistol, Moore drew away, and looked like winning, keeping his lead for the first two laps, when Moffatt, who was riding in good form, crept past him in the third round, and coming opposite the pavilion Moore spurted again and succeeded in passing Moffatt. Here the training began to tell, and it was plain the Moffatt was “fit”. At this point the excitement was very great, when Moffatt, having his machine well in hand, again passed Moore, and led to the finish, the victor of a well-fought struggle. Moore was close behind, ran Moffatt hard through the last two laps, and came in a good second, a few yards separating them. Time, 3 min 44 ¼ seconds.

 

120 YARDS FLAT HANDICAP

1st prize, value six guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – 1st, H J Berry, 9 yards; 2nd, S Halsey, 7 yards. Berry led all the way and won by three or four yards. Time, 12 3/8ths seconds.

Second heat. – 1st, W Snushall, 8 yards; 2nd, F S Perry, Cardiff, 4 yards. Snushall ran to the front when half the distance had been covered, and won a good race by three yards. Time, 12 2/5ths seconds.

Thirs heat, - 1st, F Turbeville, Worcester, 13 yards; 2nd, E Frost, Mid Kent Bicycle Club, 10 yards. A good race. Time, 12 1/5th seconds.

Fourth heat, - 1st, S Sheppard, Walsall, 2 yards; 2nd, R H Wickham, Ariel Rowing Club, 7 yards. Time, 12 2/5ths seconds.

Final heat. – 1st, H J Berry; 2nd, F Tubeville, Worcester B C. Time, 12 seconds. Dead heat between E Frost, Mid Kent B C and Tuberville for second place, but on the race being run again the latter won by a foot.

 

ONE MILE BICYCLE HANDICAP

1st prize, value five guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – 1st, F Smith, Pershore, 25 yards; 2nd, W S Powell, Drybridge, 50 yards. Seven ran, including F G Wright and R O Harris of Gloucester. Smith had a capital start, and soon passed the rest, except Wright, who had a long start. In the third round he passed Wright, and won very easily. Wright held second place until the fourth lap, when he was passed by Powell, who was a good second. Wright barely maintained third position. Time, 3 mins 30 sec.

Second heat. – 1st, F Moore, Balsall, scratch; 2nd, S G Smith, Eckington, 75 yards. In the third round Moore ran into second place, and immediately afterwards into first, and maintained his lead to the end. Smith was a good second. Time, 3 min 19 sec.

Third heat. – 1st, H West, Carlton Club, 45 yards; 2nd, J J Hansford, Poole, 25 yards. In the second lap West ran into first position; in the next lap he lost his lead, but in the last lap he regained it, and won an exciting race by a few inches. Time 3 min 24 ½ sec.

Final heat. – 1st, F Moore, Balsall Heath B C; 2nd, H West, Carlton B C. Time 3 min 20 seconds. All the competitors kept close up, but Moore, who started scratch, kept the lead to the end, though passed in the last lap by West.

 

220 YARDS FLAT HANDICAP

1st prize, value five guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – 1st, H J Berry, 16 yards; 2nd, A C Harmer, 9 yards. Berry maintained his lead all the way, Harmer a good second. Time 22 5/8ths seconds.

Second heat. – 1st, W Snushall, 14 ½ yards; 2nd R L Grist, 6 yards. Time 22 2/5ths seconds.

Third heat. – 1st, A P Firminger, London, 14 yards; 2nd, C R Groome, London, scratch. Time 23 2/5ths seconds.

Fourth heat. – 1st, R H Wickham, Bristol, 11 yards; 2nd, T Wheeler, Banbury, 10 yards. Time 23 2/5ths seconds.

Final heat. – 1st, H J Berry; 2nd, A P Firminger, London A C. Time 22 4/5ths seconds. This race was a sharp contest; Berry obtained the lead and kept it. Firminger was a very good second.

 

THROWING THE CRICKET BALL (LOCAL)

1st prize, value four guineas; 2nd, value one guinea.

1st, F J Brown, 102 ½ yards; 2nd, C L Turnbull.

 

120 YARDS HURDLE HANDICAP

1st prize, value five guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – 1st, H W Strachan, London, owe 12 yards; 2nd, F S Perry, Cardiff, owe 6 yards. Time 22 3/5ths seconds.

Second heat. – 1st, E Frost, Mid Kent Bicycle Club, owe 5 yards; 2nd, S Sheppard, Walsall, owe 5 yards. Time 20 1/5th seconds.

Final heat. – 1st, S Sheppard, Walsall F C; 2nd, F S Perry, Cardiff. Time, 19 seconds. Very close running to the last, both men rising together at the last hurdle, but with a sharp run Sheppard forged ahead.

 

220 YARDS HANDICAP YOUTHS’ RACE (UNDER 16)

1st prize, value one guinea; 2nd, value 10s.

1st, C A Berry, Newent Grammar School; 2nd, S Butt, College School. Butt led until within thirty yards of the winning post, when Berry passed him, and won by two or three yards. Time, 27 3/5ths seconds.

 

ONE MILE FLAT RACE (LOCAL)

1st prize, 8 guineas, presented by Mr W A B Bingham; 2nd, value £2.

1st, W Brown; 2nd, W F G Webber. Brown started off with the lead, which he maintained for some distance, when he was passed by Webber. In the third lap Brown again came to the front and maintained his lead to the end, winning easily. W A Boughton ran well for third place. Time, 4 minutes 58 1/5th seconds.

 

440 YARDS FLAT HANDICAP

1st prize, value seven guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – Walk over, there being only three competitors.

Second heat. – 1st, A P Firminger, London A C, 19 yards; 2nd, W Stevenson, London A C, 14 yards; 3rd, E R Ford, 22 yards. Time, 53 seconds. This was a close race. Firminger led by two yards, and a few inches only separated the second and third.

Third heat. – 1st, F E Little, Stroud F C, 18 yards; 2nd, R H Wickham, Bristol Ariel A C, 11 yards; 3rd, G F Harding, Newport C and F C. Time, 52 1/5th seconds. This was also a very close race, very little space being between the three.

Final heat. – 1st, F E Little, Stroud F C; 2nd, G F Harding, Newport C and F C. Time 46 2/5ths seconds.

 

TWO MILE BICYCLE HANDICAP

1st prize, value six guineas; 2nd, value £2.

First heat. – 1st, F Moore, Balsall Heath B C, scratch; 2nd, W L Powell, Drybridge C C, 90 yards. Time 6 min 54 seconds. An excellent start was made. In the fifth lap Moore, who was riding splendidly, overtook all his opponents, and this lead he maintained until the end, winning easily.

Second heat. – 1st, S G Smith, Eckington C C, 145 yards; 2nd, J J Hansford, Poole, 45 yards. Time, 6 mins 50 1/8th seconds. At the second lap Smith assumed first place, and kept it all through, riding in excellent style. There was a hard struggle for second place, and Hansford did not obtain it until the last but one lap.

Final heat. – 1st, F Moore, Balsall Heath B C; 2nd, J J Hansford, Poole. Time, 6 mins 59 3/8ths seconds. In the second lap the third man had a “cropper”, and retired. Moore, who was scratch, began to draw on Hansford, and then commenced a fine race, both men riding their fastest. At the last lap but one Moore drew ahead, and continued so to the end.

 

ONE MILE FLAT HANDICAP

1st prize, value ten guineas; 2nd, value three guineas. Presented by the ladies of Gloucester.

1st, W Stevenson, London A C, 35 yards; 2nd, H E Bickerton, Worcester B C, 65 yards. This race was looked upon as being one of the great events, as some athletes from the L A C had entered for it. Apart from that, everybody was eager to know who might be the lucky individual who should carry off the most coveted prize of the day. The London man was in good form and though some were handicapped far in front of him, he looked as though he would make the running. Nor were we deceived for at the start his form was still better displayed. The first two laps, during which the lead was held by H Bailey (Stratford F C), showed no great alteration in the running, then Stevenson pulled himself together and began to pass his competitors one by one. There were many to pass, and after a good race Stevenson, who had judged his powers accurately, had passed them all in the last lap and came in easy winner by several yards. Bickerton showed good running, and came in a good second. There were 29 entries on the programme, and 19 started. Several local gentlemen entered their names but did not start, most of them having run in the local mile race. One of the entrants who did not appear, the only one placed to start at “scratch” was S K Holman, of the London A C, the champion three quarter mile. Time, 4 min 29 sec.

 

FOOTBALL RACE (LOCAL)

1st prize, value four guineas; 2nd prize, value £1 10s.

First heat. – J F Brown. His opponent, S Halsey, kicked the ball several times out of boundary, and, having to retrace his steps, got all behind.

Second heat. – C Turnbull, who was closely followed by H Tandy.

Third heat. – W Snushall won easily.

Fourth heat. – J F Grimes, a walk in.

Final heat. – 1st, J F Brown; 2nd, W Snushall. Brown a good first. Grimes pressed Snushall for second place.

This was a novel feature in athletic sports. The team “football race” does not quite give one the idea intended. Considerable amusement was afforded by this event, to win which the competitor had to “dribble” the Rugby ball round the enclosed course, not touching it with his hands, except to replace it when he was unfortunate enough to kick it out of bounds. This was indeed a trial of patience. Some started with a good kick, but the ball went out of the enclosure, and it had to be brought back to the place where it went out, and started again. Brown (the captain of the G F C) had his own way, but there was an exciting race for second place between Snushall and Grimes, Snushall eventually obtaining second prize.

 

POLE LEAPING

1st prize, value four guineas; 2nd, value £1 10s.

1st, H W Strachan, London A C; 2nd, E Cook, Evesham. Though six entered for the event, two only competed. They started at 7ft, and both cleared it well, Strachan’s style being the more graceful. 7ft 6in was put up, which Strachan cleared, Cook failed at his first attempt, but at his second he succeeded. 8ft was raised and both cleared it well, but at 8ft 6in, Cook failed three successive times, and was beaten, for Strachan easily cleared it, and at request he cleared the bar at 10ft. This splendid feat was justly applauded by all.

 

As this is the first athletic meeting in Gloucester it will, perhaps, be interesting to notice the success of local competitors. In the 100 yards (local), the prizes fell to two G F C men, R L Grist and H J Berry. In the 120 yards flat handicap (open) H J Berry carried off first prize. In the 220 yards flat handicap again H J Berry succeeded in obtaining the first prize. Two G C C men carried off prizes for throwing the cricket ball, and two G F C men were successful competitors in the mile (local) race. Young Berry won the boys race with Butt as second.