The History of Upper Clapton Football Club 1879 - 1929

UCFC - A Retrospect.

“THEY builded better than they knew" is a mis-quotation, which is frequently met with in dealing with the origin of some institution or organisation, which has done useful work over a period of many years. In many instances the phrase rings false, but in using it in connection with the beginnings of the Upper Clapton Football Club there is no such note. The foundations were well and truly laid, but the builders appear to have had no thought that the Club they were founding was destined to reach its fiftieth year.

No record remains to show why the Club was started, and, indeed, it was not until two and a half years had elapsed that any written record was made. The possibility of the Club was evidently then dawning upon its Officers, for the first brief statement, unsigned though it is, contains all the essential facts. The statement appears to have been written by the third Secretary of the Club, A. H. Ashmore, in January 1882, and records that the Club was established in September 1879, by Percy Barber, W. Newcomb, and W. Sewell Singer, who were joined by about twenty members. The title of the Club was the Orion Football. Club, but almost from the first the words "Upper Clapton" had been coupled with the name "Orion, and on the 11th March, I882, the title was changed to the Upper Clapton Football Club.

The Captain was F. H. W. Jenoure, and the Secretary W. Newcomb. The first Season was one of the most successful the Club has had, three-quarters of the matches played being won. Unfortunately a list of the fixtures does not exist, and only a very small number were reported.

The earliest match of which a record remains was that played on 29th November 1879 at Upper Clapton against Walthamstow Harriers and was won by Orion by two goals, three tries and a punt out, to nil.

Two matches that Season were played against Rosslyn Park, both ending in defeat. The first of the two was at Upper Clapton on 3rd January 1880, and was won by Rosslyn Park by two tries to one. The return game at Hampstead on 2Ist February 1880 was won by Rosslyn Park more decisively, by four tries and three touches to nit. Orion's only other matches to be recorded in that Season were those against the Rangers at Upper Clapton on I7th January, 1880, won by five touches to nil, and against Stonebridge, at Upper Clapton on 6th March, 1880, won by a goal to a try. The XV in this first Season was: Back, S. Carpenter; Three-quarters, F. H. W. Jenoure, Capt., and P. Barber; Halfbacks, A. H. Ashmore, and A. G. Prout; Forwards, H Trickett, P. Trickett, S. Trickett, W. Sewell Singer, P. Baden, C. J. C. Kendall, --. Levin, E. E. Watkins, T. Richardson, --. Harper. Other men who represented the Club this year were: W. Newcomb, --. Climber, --. Gassett, --. Howe, --. Brockbank.

The second Season "was even more successful than the first year," and the Club "increased in numbers to a large extent". F. H. W. Jenoure undertook the Secretaryship, and Sidney Carpenter succeeded him in the Captaincy. The earliest reported game was played at Upper Clapton against Croydon Clifton and was a one-sided victory for Orion by two goals, eight tries, and numerous touches down, to nil. Four tries were scored by G. Hastings, and three each by A. H. Ashmore and S. Smith.

The only recorded defeat this Season was by Rosslyn Park at Upper Clapton on 5th February 1881, when the visitors won by two tries and three touches to nil. Orion, however, had already won the match on the Rosslyn Park ground at Hampstead, on 13th November 1880, by a goal and two tries to a touch down.

In this game, A. A. Niblett scored one try and A. H. Ashmore scored two tries and converted Niblett's. Orion also played and defeated Ware Ramblers (twice), Croydon Oberon, Walthamstow II, Stonebridge and St. Patrick’s Rovers.

Against Oberon, at Croydon, Orion played three short and won by the interesting score of three tries (one disputed), to two tries. Another score, which sounds strange to day, was that against St. Patrick's Rovers, when Orion won by a goal to a “poster”. The XV this Season, consisted of: Back, Sidney Carpenter, Captain; Three- quarters, A.A Niblett, P. Barber; Half-backs, A. H. Ashmore, A. Jones; Forwards, G. Hastings, H. Trickett, C. E. Adams, --. Harper, P Trickett, T Wells, R Lake, F H W Jenoure and G. Storey. There also played in the course of the Season, P. Baden, W. Sewell Singer, H. G. Griffin, S. Smith, E. E. Watkins, G. Steel, --. Metcalfe, A. S. Heiron, W. Newcomb, and H.Affleck.

During the third Season the business affairs of the Club were placed on a proper footing and the record of Committee and General Meetings, which continues, unbroken to the present time was commenced. The Captain this Season was Arthur A. Niblett, with A. H. Ashmore, Secretary; W. Sewell Singer, Vice-Captain; and Alfred S. Heiron, Treasurer. The Headquarters of the Club, which hitherto had been Verdon's Boat House on the bank of the River Lee, was changed to the "Swan" on Clapton Common. The Club became a member of the Rugby Football Union, which membership has been continuous until the present time.

Reports remain of ten fixtures in this Season, five being won, two drawn, two lost; and one for which the result is not mentioned. Three games against second XV.'s were won; that against Richmond "A" by three goals and a try to nil, Woolwich Gnats by four goals and two tries to nil, and Walthamstow II. by four goals and three tries to nil. The result of the match against Oakfield II is not known. One game against Rosslyn Park was won and the other lost. Goldhawk was defeated, and drawn games played with Hastings and Old Charlton, while that against Bromley was lost.

Although the active membership of the Club was only about thirty-three members, a second XV was placed in the field. The number of its games and their results are not known except one game against Dulwich Park, which was won by a goal and a try to a goal. At the end of this Season the Club changed its colours, the original colours having been blue. The players wanted a white jersey with three red stars on the breast, but on account of the difficulty of obtaining such a jersey it was decided to have a jersey divided from shoulder to hip, black one side and amber the other, with black stockings. At the General Meeting at which this change was made W. Sewell Singer was elected Secretary of the Club, A. H. Ashmore having to resign on account of his Militia duties.

The Season then closing saw the commencement of the social activities of the Club, the first Annual Dinner being held on 19th April 1882 at the Hotel Cloche, in Hand Court, Holborn. The Concert, curiously styled “An Amateur Entertainment, (consisting of Musical and Elocutionary Pieces)” was held on 27th April 1882, at The Manor Rooms, Hackney. The balance sheet of the Club for this Season does not exist, but the totals are of interest. The receipts were £27 11s.10d. and the expenditure £22 11s. 3d. showing a balance in hand of £5 0s. 7d. In Season 1882-1883 the work of building up the Club continued, W. Sewel1 Singer, Arthur A. Niblett and Alfred S. Heiron being retained in Office, and Sidney Carpenter became Vice-Captain. The 2nd XV became an established team, with Herbert Trickett as its Captain.

There was an increase of twelve active members; the total now being forty-five, and two teams ran regularly. Once again complete fixture lists are not available, and very few match results, but the final figures for the Season are known. The strongest known opponents were the Old Buxtonians, who were met at West Ham Park on 16th December 1882, when Upper Clapton lost by four tries to nil. Newcomers to the fixture list were the Old Merchant Taylors and Queen's House II and other Clubs on the 1st XV list were Hastings, Willesden, Rosslyn Park, Old Charlton, Pinner, Highgate, Ravens, Vipers, and Richmond “A” The 2nd XV played St. Paul's School, Willesden II. and Amhurst, in their list of twenty-two matches. In a drawn game with Queen's House II at Bla6kheath, neither side scoring, one of the six men who distinguished themselves was G. Rowland Hill.

The membership of the Club continued to grow, sixty-two active members being on the list for the fifth Season, and a third XV made its appearance. On 10th November 1883, all three teams were in action, and none suffered defeat; the 1st XV defeated Clapham B.C; the 2nd drew with Essex Park; and the 3rd defeated Milner. During this season a fixture was arranged which has continued almost without a break until the present time, that with Ealing; the date was 29th December, 1883, at Ealing, but the result unfortunately is not known. Besides Ealing, six other Clubs which still exist were met, Epsom College, Rosslyn Park, Royal Veterinary College, Old Merchant Taylors, and Richmond II by the 1st XV., and St. Paul's School and Rosslyn Park II by the second XV. Other new 1st XV opponents were Edmonton, Gravesend, German Gymnasium, and Rob Roy. Owing to an accident, A. A. Niblett had to relinquish the captaincy, in which he was succeeded by Sidney Carpenter, W. Sewell Singer and A. S. Heiron retaining respectively the Secretaryship and the Treasurership. At the close of this Season the Club had for the first time to consider a question, which remains to this day, and seems as far from settlement as ever. The ground had until then been Rumbal's Field, in Spring Hill, and it was thought that it would be in the interest of the Club to secure a ground more accessible, and closer to its Headquarters. Nothing, however, was done, and the Club remained at Rumbal's Field several seasons longer.

For Season 1884-1885, the Captain was E. Thomasset, and the Secretary, W. Sewell Singer, was joined by his brother, H. Davies Singer, as Assistant Secretary. The brothers Singer held the Secretaryship of the Club, together or singly, for eight successive years, following which H. Davies Singer was Treasurer for five years. The gain to the Club in thus securing continuity of thought and action at this period of its history was very great. Although the final results of the Season are not on record, it can be ascertained that the progress of the Club continued. New fixtures were against Bedford Swifts (who later amalgamated to form the present Bedford Town Club), University College Hospital, English Gymnasium, Thornton Heath, Sydenham, Surrey Wanderers, and Mohawk, all of which except University College Hospital have ceased to exist. The Bedford fixture dates from 26th December 1884, when Upper Clapton won at Bedford by four touches to nil. The report of the game against Edmonton, at Edmonton, on 28th February 1885, contains a remark, which, at this distance of time, is distinctly humorous, “Upper Clapton scored two tries, but Edmonton disputed them, and Upper Clapton gave in”. The official result was Upper Clapton three touches down, Edmonton nil. An interest was being taken in the affairs of the game in general, and the Club was represented at the meetings of the Rugby Football Union at Westminster Palace Hotel on 31st March and 10th October 1885, when the Professional Laws were passed. The Club was elected to two seats on the Committee of the Middlesex County Rugby Football Union, being represented by W. Sewell Singer and Herbert Trickett. Middlesex Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, Ipswich, Old Millhillians, and Kings' College are the Clubs still existing, which were met in Season 1885-1886 for the first time. The match against Bedford Swifts, at Upper Clapton, on 20th March 1886, was the occasion of the Club taking its first "gate" The price of admission was three pence, and over one hundred and fifty persons paid. The game was won by Upper Clapton by a try to nil.

Season 1886-I887 saw a further extension of the activities of the Club, a Dance being held on 16th February 1887, at the Bridge House Hotel, about one hundred and eighty persons attending. A Club Training Run was instituted from the "Jolly Anglers" Southwold Road, on Thursday evenings. This Season was remarkable for the severity of the weather immediately after Christmas, when no few than eight 1st XV matches had to be scratched owing to frost or snow. Honourable Artillery Company were met for the first time this year, the Company winning at Upper Clapton by a goal and a try to a try, and at Finsbury by a dropped goal and three tries to nil. Our North London rivals, The Saracens, also were played for the first time this year, the game at Upper Clapton on 19th March 1887, ending in a draw of one try each. Westminster Bank, then known as the London and Westminster Bank, were founded in this season, and figured on the 2nd XV fixture list, Upper Clapton winning the first game, at Upper Clapton, by a goal and three minors to a minor. The end of this Season may be regarded as the end of the first phase in the history of the Club. It had been brought into being, and had met with no little success, but it had also had difficulties. The question of winding up the Club had been discussed at great length in March 1886, and the decision had been that it was undesirable to dissolve the Club. The event was followed, as so often happens in such a case, by renewed interest being taken in the Club by its members and its followers.

The association with the Clapton Cricket Club began in September, 1887, when the Football Club left Rumbal's Field and became winter tenants of the Cricket Club at High Road, Upper Clapton, an association which was to last, with one short break, until the Cricket Club lost its ground, in 1901. The fixture list was greatly strengthened, Lennox, London Hospital and Croydon making their appearance. The first match with London Hospital was at Blackheath on 13th October 1887, and was won by the Hospital by a try to nil. In this year also the Club was joined by one who afterwards was to have a very great influence on its fortunes, George Sparks, who, as a Saracen, had represented Essex in 1885 and 1886, and who now, as an Upper Clapton player, was to play for Essex and the Eastern Counties until 1892. Two other newcomers this year who left their mark on the Club were the Rev. W. C. Eppstein, and L. G. Thompson. With the exception of the brothers Singer, the membership of the Rev. W. C. Eppstein is the longest unbroken membership in the history of the Club, lasting, at his death in August, 1928, forty- one years all but a month. On 3rd December, I887, George Sparks and L. G. Thompson played for Essex v. Sussex at East Ham, this being the first occasion on which Upper Clapton men played as members of the Club in a County match. The match with the Merchant Taylors' School in that year is noticeable for the fact that the School claims the result as a win for them by a try to nil, while the Club reports a pointless draw In the School XV. was included M. F. Waters, afterwards to be President of the Rugby Football Union. During this Season no fewer than sixteen matches had to be scratched owing to severe weather or to opponents being unable to raise teams. Only on two occasions, by Sydenham (three tries to nil) and Norwood, was the Club severely beaten. The Captain in Season I888-I889 was the Rev. W. C. Eppstein, which Office he held the following Season also. George Sparks, R. Ford Ridgers, and L. G. Thompson played for Essex and the Rev. W. C. Eppstein for London. The fixture list was again strengthened, St. George's Hospital and Brighton making their first appearance. The removal to the Cricket ground had not solved the ground question for, on 15th February, 1889, H. D. Singer had to circulate a postcard worded, "Upper Clapton v. Civil Engineers. Our ground being under water, this match cannot take place to-morrow (Saturday). This Season was the first in which a "gate" was regularly charged, the price of admission being 3d. Ladies free.

In 1889-1890, Wasps, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Sidcup, Harlequins “A” and Civil Service appeared on the 1st XV fixture list, and Westcombe Park, London Welsh "A”, and Guy's Hospital “A” were met by the 2nd XV. The game against the Wasps was won by Upper Clapton by a try to nil, but that against St. Bartholomew's Hospital was lost by two tries to one. At Easter the Club went on Tour for the first time, meeting East Suffolk, on the Saturday, winning by a goal and three tries to two goals and Stowmarket on the Monday, winning by a goal and four tries to nil. A “certain liveliness" characterised the game at Lewisham on 8th February 1890 against Lewisham Park, the report of the match mentioning that "The crowd persisted in interfering with the game, although a policeman tried to keep order.” There were several players above the average this Season, notably, G. H. Wallis, F. Atkinson, R. Ford Ridgers, A. Gurney Nelson, and S. Cumberland. Its official connection with the game in the Eastern Counties commenced this year when the Club became a member of the Essex Rugby Football Union.

Before the opening of the following Season the Club lost the active assistance of the Rev. W. C. Eppstein, who had removed to Stowmarket, but his loss was more than balanced by the accession of Dr. M. P. Ladell, the Norfolk and London Hospital back. The XV also included R. Ford Ridgers, H. Greenfield, A. Gurney Nelson, D. Lloyd Howard, L. G. Thompson, F. R. Lloyd and W. L. Windus. The fixture list this year included London and Westminster Bank, Lennox, Sidcup, Wasps, London Hospital, Ealing, Brighton, Catford Bridge, Richmond “A” University College Hospital, London Scottish “A” Merchant Taylors' School, besides many Clubs no longer existing. The Rev. W. C. Eppstein played for Suffolk, and R. Ford Ridgers, W. L. Windus, George Sparks and L. G. Thompson for Essex. The report of the match between Essex and Sussex at Worthing in December, 1890, in which R. Ford Ridgers and L. G. Thompson played, comments strongly on the feeble display provided by the teams, and remarks that “Upper Clapton or Saracens would have made a better show than the Essex County XV”, Sussex won by three tries to nil.

The Eastern Counties Rugby Football Union was formed on 28th October 1890, by the amalgamation of the Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk County Unions, and one of its first acts was to institute the Eastern Counties Cup Competition. Ten Clubs entered the Competition, three, Upper Clapton, Saracens, and Viceroy, being London Clubs. Upper Clapton had to scratch through not being able to comply with the Rule that two-thirds of the players had to possess an Eastern Counties qualification. The final of the competition was played on the Upper Clapton ground on the 4th April 1891, between Ipswich Orwell Works (who won by a try to nil) and Viceroy. At Easter the team again went on Tour, meeting the same Clubs as in the previous year, Stowmarket and East Suffolk. The social activities of the Club continued to meet with much success. The Dances, now held in the Great Hall of the Cannon Street Hotel, were attended by between 250 and 300 persons. The Smoking Concerts also attracted much attention. th It had become the custom to play a Charity Match each Season, and that on 25 October, 1890, against the Wasps, won by Upper Clapton by a goal and two tries to nil, produced £8 10s. 0d. representing an attendance of over 300 persons notwithstanding that rain poured down all through the day.

A new departure in Season 1891-1892 was the institution of the Office of President of the Club, the functions of which office had hitherto been carried out by the Captain of the Club. The first occupant of the new Office was the Rev. W. C. Eppstein, M.A., who was unanimously elected on the proposition of H. Davies Singer, seconded by Alfred Smither, and supported by W. Sewell Singer. On the same occasion the Office of Vice-President was instituted, and Dr. C. T. Aveling was elected. A third appointment on the same evening worthy of note was the election of George Sparks to the Office of Captain of the Club. Newcomers this year were W. Hammond, P. A. Stein, F. J. Bradfield, A. S. Ballard, F. W. Carpenter, H. B. Herbert, and H. H. Perry. Old Paulines, Sutton, and Clapham Rovers made their appearance on the fixture list. The Cricket Ground had been given up and the Clapton Lacrosse Club was in possession. The Club returned to Rumbal's Field where it was in great difficulties all through the Season owing to flooding by the River Lee. The Catford Bridge game had to be transferred to Catford, while for many other home matches the Guildhall Cricket Club ground at Ilford had to be used. This was the first playing season of the Eastern Counties Union and George Sparks, L. G. Thompson and Dr. M. P. Ladell, played for the XV. In addition, the Rev. W. C. Eppstein played for Suffolk and Dr. Ladell for Norfolk.

In Season 1892-1893 a move was made to the Clapton Cricket ground in Millfields Road. This was one of the most successful Seasons the Club has ever had. Twenty-one matches were played by the 1st XV., seventeen of which were won, two lost, and two drawn. The Clubs defeated were Richmond and London Scottish “A” XV.’s; Thurlow Park (twice), Ipswich United, Wasps (twice), Catford Bridge (twice), London Hospital, Old Paulines (twice),. Brighton, University College Hospital (twice), Civil Service (twice), and the drawn games were those against Bedford (no score) and Middlesex Hospital (two points each). The defeats were sustained against Blackheath “A” by two points to seven, and against Norwood by two points to nil. Over eight hundred persons witnessed the match at Millfields against Blackheath “A”. The County Championship match, Eastern Counties v. Hampshire, was played at Millfields on 21st December 1892, and five members of the Club played for the Counties XV. Dr. M. P. Ladell, W. L. Windus, George Sparks, H. P. Mills, and D. Hughes Morgan; the game was won by the Counties by five points to nil. It seems as though the advice concerning the composition of the team against Sussex in 1890 impressed the Eastern Counties Selection Committee, for we find six Upper Clapton players in the Eastern Counties XV. against Sussex in 1892, Dr. Ladell, D. Hughes Morgan, George Sparks, H. P. Mills, L. G. Thompson, and G. B. Wickes. Dr. Ladell, H. P. Mills, and R. Ford Ridgers also played against the South Midland Counties XV. The Essex County Union also played this Season and R. Ford Ridgers, D. Hughes Morgan, L. G. Thomspon, H. B. Herbert, and W. I. Spivey were in the XV.

London Welsh and United Services (Portsmouth) appeared on the fixture list the following Season, which was not quite so successful. The Captain was W. L. Windus, and the XV included Dr. Ladell, George Houlder, C. T. Bazell, Dr. (now Sir) Hugh M. Rigby, J. C. Cotman, and Dr. E. Le Geyt. During this Season the Club began an arrangement, which continues to the present time, whereby Public Schoolboys were eligible for membership without subscription during the Christmas and Easter vacations. The School chiefly concerned at that time was Christ's College, Finchley, many of whose Old Boys were members of the Club. The Eastern Counties match against Sussex was played on the Upper Clapton ground, and Dr. M. P. Ladell, W. L. Windus, and L. G. Thompson were included in the team. The match against Bedford at Bedford in December was lost by eight points to three, and the return game at Millfields on 3rd March, 1894 attracted the largest attendance the Club has ever had on its own ground, over two thousand persons being present. The visitors were undefeated and the close result at Bedford raised great hopes that their record would be broken, but unfortunately it was not the case, Upper Clapton being defeated by fourteen points to nil. Bedford's record that Season, twenty-seven games won, one drawn, 529 points for and 37 points against, was a record the Club might well be proud of and strive to preserve.

Season 1894-1895 saw the accession to the Secretaryship of Arthur S. Ballard, who held the Office for seven years in succession. Two new Clubs appeared on the fixture list, Northampton, with whom a drawn game was played at Clapton, and Eastbourne. L. G. Thompson had now qualified for Middlesex and played on 23rd January 1895, for the first time, strangely enough, against his old love the Eastern Counties. He was the first Upper Clapton man to play for Middlesex and, with J. S. Bond, also played against Devon in the same season. George Mailer played in the London Trial match. Dr. C. T. Aveling succeeded the Rev. W. C. Eppstein in the Presidency; the latter and George Sparks being elected Vice-Presidents. The Club was still attracting considerable attention locally, a gathering of eight hundred persons witnessing the Ealing match. The Club was unfortunate in having seven of its most attractive games cancelled on account of frost, i.e., those against Blackheath, Richmond, London Scottish and Harlequins “A” XV.’s; St. Bartholomew's and London Hospitals; and Wickham Park, all arranged to be played at Millfields. In this Season a new jersey was adopted, the old colours being retained in the form of black and amber hoops, black one inch wide and amber half-inch wide, body and sleeves alike.

The Middlesex Colts trial match was played at Millfields on 9th October 1895, three members of the Club, George Mailer, G. B. Abraham and T. Wittaker taking part, the latter eventually being selected to play against the Kent Colts. In Season 1895-1896 W. L. Windus played for the Eastern Counties against Sussex and J. S. Bond for Middlesex against Somerset. The only new fixture this year was against Trojans, each Club winning on its own ground, the score being thirteen points to three in each instance. On the “A” XV list were the 1st XV.’s of the Old Blues, Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Honourable Artillery Company, and Leytonstone, all of which were defeated, and also Christ's Hospital, and Old Leysians “A” XV. An additional ground had become necessary now that the third XV was a regular part of the activities of the Club. The Tottenham Cricket ground and the Cooperage Field at Tottenham were considered, and eventually the latter field was rented for the use of the second and third teams. Besides the usual Dance, and Smoking Concert, and Supper, the Captain, L. G. Thompson, organized a Dramatic Performance at the end of the Season, Jerome K. Jerome's work, “Fennel” being played for two evenings. Very few alterations were made in the fixtures the following season, 1896-1897, the 1st XV list including Catford Bridge, Streatham, Wasps, Bedford, Middlesex Hospital, London Welsh, Trojans, London Hospital, Ealing, Brighton, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and the "A” XV.’s of Blackheath, Richmond, Harlequins and London Scottish. It is noticeable that of the twenty-two Clubs in the list, only five do not exist today Hampstead, East Sheen, Lennox, Reading, and Wickham Park. The ground was again the scene of the Middlesex Colts' trial match. Dr, C. T. Aveling was re-elected President of the Club, and Dr. M. P. Ladell became a Vice-President, and is therefore now the senior Vice-President of the Club. The ground question again became acute in September, 1897, the Clapton Cricket Club, whose sub-tenants the Club was, having difficulty in securing the renewal of their lease, and it was not until after the Season had commenced that the Millfields ground was secured. The Cooperage Field at Tottenham was again rented, so that the Club should not be left without any ground at all, but it was realized that it was not a suitable ground for such a fixture list as the 1st XV had. Park House, Sutton, and the London and Westminster Bank appeared on the 1st XV fixture list, which included most of the old opponents. In this year, the Sherwell family became connected with the Club, W. B. SherwelI joining at the commencement of the Season, and his brother, P. W. Sherwell, later. J.MacNeill also joined this year. R. A. Houlder played for Middlesex Colts, Maxwell Hicks for Kent Colts and W. G. Motion for Surrey “A". The amount of money taken at the gate during this Season was the largest the Club has ever taken, amounting to £151.

In 1898-1899 all the "A" XV.’s except Blackheath "A" disappeared from the fixture list of the 1st XV and Blackheath followed a year later. Since then Upper Clapton 1st XV has played no "A" teams except on one occasion shortly after the War, when Old Blues "A” was met in a Cup-tie. London Irish whose first Season it was, came on to the fixture list, and Penzance, Redruth, and Camborne School of Mines were the other new 1st XV fixtures. The Season was a very mixed one, as many games being lost as were won, and the side was really carried on the shoulders of W. B. SherwelI, occasionally assisted by his brother. The forwards were good, but the backs generally were poor. Before Christmas only two games were won, those against Hammersmith and St. George's Hospital, but those against London Hospital, Civil Service, Park House and Ealing were drawn. Bedford, Blackheath “A”, London Welsh, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London and Westminster Bank, Catford Bridge, and Camborne School of Mines all defeated the Club, but except in two instances, the margin was never greater than six points. After Christmas the team did better, the only defeats being to London Irish (six points to three), Streatham (six points to nil), and Redruth (six points to nil). Trojans, Civil Service, Park House, St. George's Hospital, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, London Welsh, and Camborne School of Mines were defeated and the match with London Hospital drawn. The game at Redruth was a very fine one, the forwards and W. B. Sherwell especially playing a great game; the home team scored their two tries in the first half and although Upper Clapton had the best of the game after the interval they could not score. The match at Camborne also was a very fine game, the winning try by A. T. Watson being particularly brilliant. The Club was unfortunate in the first game against Civil Service, J. S. Bond being injured soon after the start and taking no further part in the game. The Club also was without W. B. Sherwell, when meeting the unbeaten Catford Bridge XV at Catford, and lost by a try to nil. As Sherwell was a very fine drop kicker, and dropped many a useful goal, Catford's record might well have been broken had he been available.

In the previous Season Sherwell was tried in the Middlesex Colts trial game, but got no further. In this Season, however, he took part in every game played by the Middlesex County XV, being the only man to do so. After playing in the Colts Trial he played for the Colts against the Kent Colts, and a week later in the County Championship match against Kent, when he “fully realized the good opinions previously formed of him”. In succession he played against the Midland Counties, Surrey, East Midlands, Somerset, Hampshire and Devon, and was also in the Barbarian XV against Stade Francaise at Blackheath. H. J. Bonser and J. MacMurtrie also played for the Middlesex Colts against the Kent Colts. In the “A" XV game on 1st October 1898, when the Club was defeated by Merchant Taylors School by nine points to nil, all the points were scored by J. E. Raphael, afterwards a member of the Club, but better known as the Oxford University, Surrey, Old Merchant Taylor, and England three- quarter. In this match, Raphael scored a try and converted it, besides dropping a goal.

The Club suffered a severe blow at the commencement of Season 1899-1900, W. B. Sherwell being unable to play football again owing to heart trouble, and J. MacMurtrie, the leader of the forwards also was not available, he having gone abroad. The Club had a very disappointing Season, only two matches, those against Hammersmith and Camborne School of Mines being won before Christmas. After Christmas, Sherwell's XV Park House, Ealing, Leytonstone, Civil Service, and St. George's Hospital were defeated and drawn games played with London Irish Bedford, Streatham, Blackheath “A”, and London Welsh. The heaviest defeats were by Park House (Kent Cup holders), twenty-one points to nil, and by Northampton, nineteen points to nil. The forwards, under the leadership of J. MacNeill were excellent, but the team lacked finish "outside".

In the Catford Bridge game at Millfields, witnessed by over eight hundred persons, play throughout was rarely in either "twenty-five," but whereas Catford broke through the centre twice, scored and converted, Clapton could bring nothing off. J.E. Raphael and P. W. SherweI1 strengthened the three-quarter line when they were available, the former being still at School, and the latter at Camborne during term P. W. Sherwell played for Cornwall in the County Championship matches against Somerset, Devon and Gloucester and also against Glamorgan. In the Gloucestershire match he scored the Cornish try against the Gloucester goal. J. MacNeill and A. T. Watson played for Middlesex Colts against Kent Colts, for whom Maxwell Hick played. MacNeill also played for Middlesex against Surrey, the Midland Counties, Somerset, Eastern Counties, and Hampshire. J.A. Barrett also played for the Eastern Counties against Kent.

The fixture with St. Mary's Hospital resulted in a remarkable incident. The day was exceedingly wet, but some three hundred people braved the elements and entered the ground. Only one Hospital player put in an. appearance, however. On his return home, A. S. Ballard found awaiting him a telegram from the other fourteen St. Mary's men, saying that they did not propose to turn up, and considered “the weather too wet."

The South African War broke out in this season, and as a consequence of many men having joined the Forces, it was found to be impossible to run a third XV right through the Season.

At the commencement of Season 1900-1901 an alteration was made in the colours of the Club, the present red and white jersey being adopted, owing to the old colours clashing with those of several regular opponents. The playing membership had increased to some ninety players, and three teams were again run regularly. There was some difficulty in getting the best combination for the team, and forty-eight different men played in the sixteen matches before Christmas, a different full-back appearing in each of the first eight games. The only new 1st XV fixture was with Hampstead Wanderers, who were defeated by five points to three, a noteworthy result in view of the final figures of the Wanderers Season, ---Played twenty-three, Won twenty-two, Lost one, Score for, thirty-three goals, forty tries,. 274 points; Score against, one goal, five points. The Wanderers complained “Upper Clapton placed a very strong team in the field, including at least one International,” a statement which was not quite correct.

The Captain of the Club, M. R. Proudlock, played in the Middlesex County XV this year against the Eastern Counties, and also against Somerset, in which match he scored the first try. P.W. SherwelI captained Cornwall against Devon, and also played against Gloucestershire and: Somerset, the latter being the first Cornish victory for eight years. T.R. Treloar, M. R. Proudlock, and J. D. Heddon played in the Middlesex Colt’s match, and J. E. Raphael in the Surrey trial. Heddon and Proudlock played for Middlesex 2nd against Surrey and, Dr. L. B. Aveling played for Kent against the Eastern Counties, and J. E. Raphael while still at School played for Surrey against Middlesex, and did well, in spite of his “opposite number” being the redoubtable R. T. Gabe.

While the match results were not unsatisfactory, the financial position of the Club was somewhat serious. There had been a loss on the Season previous, and this had increased so that at the end of Season 1900-1901 the amount stood at approximately £40. It was greatly to the credit of the members that during the summer of 1901 sufficient donations were received to wipe out the deficit. This Season may be regarded as the end of the second stage in the career of the Club, for at its termination the ground at Millfields was lost, and a new home had to be found before the next Season commenced.

The new ground was at The Elms, Walthamstow, not "far from Millfields "as the crow flies," but the journey was not one to commend itself to many of the former supporters of the Club, as is shown by the gate receipts, which, in the last year at Millfields amounted to £73, but dropped to £12 in the first year at The Elms. The fixture list was much the same as usual including Bedford, London Irish, London Hospital, Catford Bridge, Streatham, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, St. George's Hospital, Ealing, Camborne School of Mines, Brighton, Old Blues, London Welsh, Leytonstone, Civil Service, and one newcomer, Royal Naval College. One result of the loss of the Millfields ground was that the Club, unable to get possession of The Elms until the last Saturday in September, usually had to play its first match without any opportunity of practice. In the first Season, however, thanks to the kindness of the London Hospital Rugby Football Club in placing their field at Lower Edmonton at the disposal of the Club, it was possible to play a practice game before the opening match against the Old Blues, who were defeated by fifteen points to five. Although the Old Blues, Park House, Olney and Bedford were defeated in the first four games, the season was one of the worst the Club had experienced, the members finding difficulty in adapting themselves to the new conditions. The third XV only played six games and the " A "XV only fifteen games, there being too few members available to complete these teams on other occasions.

Two members of the Club, P. W. Sherwell and G. S. Milne, played for Middlesex Colts v Kent Colts, and Sherwell also played for Middlesex against the East Midlands, Surrey, Kent, the Midlands, and Somerset, as well as for the Barbarians.

The following Season, matters became more serious still, only eight matches being won, and five drawn, of the twenty-two played by the 1st XV, many “A” XV games were scratched, and the 3rd XV was dropped altogether owing to lack of members. The financial position also was very bad, a loss of £10 being made on the Season's working,

For the second time in the history of the Club the decision had to be made, whether to go on or give up. After a long discussion it was decided to continue the Club. Another ground had to be obtained for Season 1903-1904 and one was secured at The Uplands, Blackhorse Road Walthamstow. A slightly better Season was enjoyed, half the games being won, and the points almost balancing. The financial position, however, was still bad, a loss of over £14 being incurred. J. MacNeill, who had now qualified for the Eastern Counties, played against Surrey and C. M. and E. B. Lloyd played for Surrey. J.A. Barrett also played for the Eastern Counties.

The following Season, 1904-1905, was another disappointing one, only five matches out of twenty-three being won. In the first four games, chiefly on account of lack of practice owing to the ground not being available, seventy points were scored against the Club without a single point being scored in its favour. The most remarkable result was the defeat of Bedford by fourteen points to four, in spite of the Club being two men short for the first fifteen minutes. Financially matters improved slightly, there being a small balance of £2 on the right side. Two players, J. MacNeill and A. L. Kennedy, played for the Eastern Counties against Kent, and MacNeill also played against Surrey. T. Yeo Sherwell played for Lancashire against Yorkshire, and also against the Northern Universities, and H. C. Palmer played for the East Midlands against Kent, Surrey and Middlesex.

By this Season Middlesex County had increased in membership to the extent necessary to qualify for a second representative on the Committee of the Rugby Football Union. Upper Clapton nominated J. S. Bond, but he was defeated by W. Williams, who served on the Rugby Union Committee for many years.

For 1905-1906 a return was made to The Elms, where the Club remained until the close of the 1908-1909 season. In Season 1907-1908 the 3rd XV again came into being, and the following Season a second pitch was obtained at Church Lane, Tottenham. Financially the prospects of the Club improved, there being a balance on the right side each year except that when the second pitch was first in use, two pitches for three teams not being a sound financial proposition. The gate receipts gradually dwindled, the amount in the last year at The Elms (1908-1909) being only £5.

From 1906 to 1911 the Captaincy was held by Dr. H. Jeaffreson Brewer, now President of the Club, and it was a period of gradual improvement. The Season before Dr. H. J. Brewer took office five members of the team played for the Eastern Counties, H. W. Lovelock, J. MacNeill, H. N. Page, G. P. Jenkin and A. L. Kennedy. In 1906-1907 Noel Houghton also played for the Counties, and a year later this player took part in the first England trial match, and was reserve for the second. F. G. Tollworthy and A.H. Bird also played for the Eastern Counties during this period and Dr. H. J. Brewer himself played for Middlesex.

In 1909-1910 the Club entered another phase of its existence, when a move was made to Tottenham Park, White Hart Lane, Tottenham. During the previous Season the 3rd XV had used a pitch on what was known as the “hiIly field”, a wet, heavy pitch on the top of a hill. At the foot of the hill was the new 1st pitch, an excellent piece of virgin turf, but inclined to be “wet” in rainy weather owing to the lake draining the land being on the same level. The following season a pitch was prepared in a more favourable situation and there the Club played until the outbreak of the Great War. This pitch was a very fine dry piece of ground; absolutely flat and level, one of the best grounds the Club has ever played on. The second pitch also was good but sloped from goal to goal; this pitch now forms part of the Cambridge Arterial Road.

In the first Season at Tottenham only five matches were won, and three drawn, of the twenty-one games played, but the next four Seasons were very successful. A large number of men played in County games, F. G. Tollworthy, A. H. Bird, and Noel Houghton for the Eastern Counties, Dr. H. Jeaffreson Brewer, W. E. Duke, L. E. Drake, John Brewer, E. Carson Nicholls, F. B. Ellis, M. Brewer and W. Bodilly for Middlesex, and A. E. Earle for the Midland Counties. In Season 1913-1914 a fourth XV was run for the first time.

The outbreak of the Great War in August 1914, found the Club looking forward to another successful Season, practically all the old players being available and many new ones awaiting election. At first it was intended to carry out the recommendation of the Rugby Football Union to play the fixtures arranged as far as possible, but as August wore on it was seen that Football of any kind was out of the question, and, in common with every other Rugby Union Club, Upper Clapton cancelled all fixtures. By the end of September hardly a man in the Club, except those rejected on medical grounds by the Military or Naval authorities, remained in civil life. The Treasurer of the Club, B. J. Richardson, became Acting Secretary, and had charge of its affairs throughout the War, keeping in touch with the members as far as circumstances permitted.

Early in 1919, the Secretary, A. J. Ratcliff, returned to civil life, and resumed his duties. As in all similar organisations, the task of getting going was enormous. The President of the Club, John Brewer, Senior, had passed away during the War, but the Club was fortunate in having both Treasurer and Secretary spared to take up the reins of office, and bring the Club into active life again. On 25th March 1919, the Secretary addressed a letter to the1914 members at their last known address, calling them to a General Meeting on 4th April 1919. The meeting was attended by, in the circumstances, the surprisingly large number of seventeen members, some of whom, by reason of their War services, would never be able to play football again. The Meeting decided to hold a reunion Dinner, and this was duly held on 24th April 1919, at The Holborn Restaurant, under the Presidency of George Houlder.

The first General Meeting of the present phase of the Club's history was held 10th September 1919. In succession to John Brewer, Senior, George Houlder was elected President of the Club, and A. J. Ratcliff and B.J. Richardson were re-elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The Captaincy was placed in the hands of F. B. Ellis, the old Middlesex County fullback. The pre War first pitch at White Hart Lane, Tottenham, was again secured through the generosity of Mr. D. J. Howells, the landlord. Fixtures were arranged for two teams but it soon became apparent that the “A” team matches could not be fulfilled owing to lack of men.

A trial game was arranged for the 4th October, but the railway strike prevented more than some half-dozen members getting to the ground. A week later the 1st XV date being open, a match was played at Hale End against London Hospital “A” and the 1st XV match was played at Bellingham on 18th October 1919, against Catford Bridge, Upper Clapton winning by two tries to one, although playing a man short throughout. Until Christmas the team did fairly well, London Hospital 1st XV being beaten by eight points to five; Streatham by ten points to eight, and Customs Sports by thirteen points to five; a drawn game was played with London County and Westminster Bank. Old Stortfordians just won by fifteen points to eleven, and Park House and Edgware each won by a try to nil, but in the latter game Upper Clapton only started with thirteen men, and halfway through the first half were reduced to twelve. Wasps and Old Dunstonians both were successful, by large margins, the former by thirty-three points to nil and the latter by twenty points to nil.

After Christmas the Club did very badly. The few pre-war men who had turned out again were, in many instances, unable to continue. B. L. Clarke-Lens was injured in the Edgware game and could not play again until the end of the Season; F. L. Goudie went to Lincolnshire, D. J. Howells, who first played for the 1st XV. in 1901 found the pace too hot and had to retire, as did others of the pre-war men who had returned more or less sound. Several of the new members were good players, but the great difficulty was to turn out a complete XV and towards the end of the Season more games were scratched than were played.

In December 1919, owing to pressure of business, A. J. Ratcliff had to resign the Secretaryship, and J. E. Lloyd was elected in his place. At the end of the Season, however, J. E. Lloyd was unable to continue, and A. Earle accepted the Office. Before the 1920-1921 Season opened, however, Earle found he was unable to carry out the duties of the Office, and in October 1920, R. G. Lamarque was elected Secretary. The Captain during this Season was John Brewer.

The Club sustained another serious blow during the summer of 1920, the White Hart Lane ground being lost. The Tottenham Urban District Council appropriated the ground for a Housing Scheme; unfortunately the Club was renting the ground by the season only and therefore had no claim to compensation. Thanks to the efforts of the Treasurer the Club had commenced the Season with a balance in hand of £15 but the disastrous Season resulted in a deficit of £20. A very welcome donation by Mr. A. J. Cardwell reduced this sum, and Mr. D. J. Howells remitted an amount due to him as balance of rent. The remainder of the deficit was subscribed by various members of the Club so that the second post-war season should be commenced free from debt.

A new ground was obtained at Salisbury Hall, Highams Park, Chingford. The pitch itself was good, being flat and dry, but there was no suitable changing accommodation on the ground, and use had to be made of the Billiards Saloon of the “Victory” public house, over half a mile away. The entrance to the ground was very bad, usually over ankle deep in mud. The disorganization due to the Club having four Secretaries in the space of nine months, to the loss of the ground, and to the bad conditions under which the teams had to change and get to the ground, were a great handicap to the Club. The conditions under which the home games were played had a considerable effect on the fixture list in the ensuing Seasons.

Fixtures had been made for two teams and many attempts were made during the Season to get the “A” team out, but it was never possible to play two matches on the same day. On many occasions the “A” team was in being on paper until the day of the game, when last minute scratchings would reduce it to some six or seven men. The 1st XV went through the Season without winning a match, losing every game except one, against Barnet, which was drawn. Many of the games were farcical, and it is a great tribute to the sportsmanship of London Clubs, in particular Wasps, Catford Bridge, Westminster Bank, Westcombe Park, Charlton Park, Bedford, and Park House, in continuing fixtures which, in this Season, and at the end of the previous and commencement of the following Seasons, can have given little pleasure to their members, but by so doing they encouraged the Officers of the Upper Clapton Club in their efforts to re-establish it. Once again the Committee met to consider whether it was worthwhile to try to continue the Club. It seemed hopeless; there were no lands, hardly sufficient players to complete one XV. and many of those players raw novices, the ground arrangements were impossible and greatly damaging the reputation of the Club. Thanks to the cheery optimism of Charles Owen, a former Secretary of the Club, who presided over the meeting, it was decided to go on, the feeling being that the outlook was so black that no further disasters could befall the Club.

The following Season the ground was again changed, a pitch being obtained at Wadham Farm, Wadham Road, Highams Park. The changing accommodation was most unsuitable, consisting of three cowsheds, cleaned out and whitewashed, fitted with seats, and with pegs on which to hang clothes, but it had the merit of adjoining the pitch. Owing to a breakdown in his health, B. J. Richardson had to resign the Treasurership, and was succeeded by Dr. H. Jeaffreson Brewer; F. L. S. Barnes succeeded John Brewer in the Captaincy. This Season saw the beginning of the revival of the Club, two teams being run throughout the Season, but the 1st XV still had some weeks to wait before they recorded their first victory. The necessary" ginger" for this achievement was administered by the Wasps, who ran up the largest score ever registered against the Club: the figure stands in the Upper Clapton records as fifty-five points to nil, but it is known that the Wasps scored more points than fifty-five. The following week Park House were met and defeated by six points to three, the first victory for over a season and a half. A fortnight later the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank were beaten. After Christmas the game against the Chartered Bank of India was won, and most surprising of all, London Hospital were defeated on their own ground.

The following Season, 1922-1923, was again one of progress; three teams being run each week. J.H. Croydon succeeded R. G. Lamarque in the Secretaryship, and two members of the Club played for the Eastern Counties, one of them, R. B. Price, afterwards playing for Ulster in the Irish trial matches. London Hospital, Berkshire Wanderers, Customs and Excise, Chartered Bank of India, and Westcombe Park were defeated, and drawn games played with the National Provincial and Union Bank and with Saracens.

For Season 1923-1924 yet another ground, the fourth in five seasons was secured, this time with two pitches. J. H. Croydon was succeeded in .the Secretaryship by W. Oakley, who was the sixth holder of the office in five years, and who remained in Office until October 1928, when he was followed by J. P. Sjollema. At the commencement of Season 1923-1924 a fourth team came into being, and from 1st December 1923, for the first time in the history of the Club, five teams were run every Saturday. From the commencement of Season 1926-1927 another team was run, bringing the regular establishment of the Club up to six teams every Saturday. Many years earlier the Officials of the Club had come to the conclusion that if there was to be any improvement in its position, and if it was to take rank with the leading Clubs of the game, it would be necessary for it to own the freehold of its ground.

Looking back over the forty-five years previous to 1923, it is clear that the years during which the Club was most prosperous, both from a playing and a financial point of view, were the years when it was free from any anxiety regarding the ground and when it appeared to be settled in the neighbourhood for all time. At Millfields previous to 1901, and again at White Hart Lane until the War it seemed as though the Club would remain on the ground permanently. All the grounds at Clapton, the Cooperage Field, and the “Hilly Field," at Tottenham, and The Uplands at Walthamstow, have all been built over for many years, as have all the pre-war White Hart Lane pitches. Had not The Elms been the property of the London Playing Fields Society, it is almost certain that it also would have fallen a victim to the builder.

Hitherto the Club had never leased a ground, being merely the tenants for the Season, but in order that it should not be dispossessed without being able to claim compensation, a three year winter lease was taken of the ground which was secured in 1923, The pitches might have been better, but the changing accommodation was impossible except for the time being. The building lacked sanitary accommodation of any description, had no water supply, and no artificial light, and in addition was very small.

With three years respite from ground worries the Officials of the Club began to search for a suitable piece of land for purchase. Eventually a piece of land, twelve acres in extent, was found at Bush Hill Park, Enfield, Middlesex. The field adjoins the railway station, to which there is a fifteen-minute service from town, is perfectly flat, has excellent road approaches but little road frontage. It was found impossible to raise the capital to purchase .the land and in August 1926, it was taken on a seven years whole-year lease, to enable the Club to get it into condition, and to have time in which to secure the necessary funds to buy it. The position now is, that, after taking into consideration the assistance of the Rugby Football Union, the sum of four thousand pounds has to be found by the Club within four years, if the ground is to be purchased. It is an enormous task, but if the capital can be found it should be possible to repay the whole of it within twenty years. Unfortunately time is passing and the opportunity is slipping away; in a year or two it will be too late to save the situation.

The Club has experienced the ups and downs, which are the lot of all Clubs, and if some of the strokes of misfortune have been heavier than the average, they have only served to throw into relief the inherent vitality of the Club. The next ten years will probably decide its future for all time, and show whether or not there will be a second fifty years. A large number of its past members possess experience, which would be invaluable to the Club in steering its way through the difficult times ahead, and much will depend upon whether that experience is placed at the disposal of the Club, and to what extent it is utilized by the present members. Much too will depend upon the way in which its resources are conserved and its possibilities developed.

Enough has been written in this brief history of the Upper Clapton Football Club to show that, even if it has not figured quite so much in the glare of the limelight as Clubs of more recent foundation, yet it has a history and a tradition of which its members may be proud.

ROLL 0F HONOUR. SOUTH AFRICA, 1899-1902 THE GREAT WAR, 1914-1919

]. A. Barrett C. V. Gone B. Bayspoole R. Harrison P. K. Beall Noel Houghton

E. D, Bestall A. C. Hughes H. V. Blackstone A Hackforth Jones J. S. Bond T. M. Kerr M, Brewer L.D. Lloyd G, Cochrane H.W. Lovelock L. Harris Cowper A.D. Maconachie S. Cundall N.A. Meeking A. E. Dakin H. J. Mills N. G. Dawes W.E.A, Morhy S. S. Dinsmore W. G. Motion A. P. Donald A.A. Passmore G. E. Dove J. E. Raphael L. E. Drake J.G. Scroggie R. N. Dewar Durie T. South C. O. Fedden A.L. Thomson R. H. Fedden E.V. Williams

The foregoing is, so far as can be ascertained, the list of Upper Clapton players who fell in battle, or died as a result of wounds or disease while on active service.