From The Wiltshire Times, February 27th 1904
Played at Wootton Bassett, on Saturday, before a large attendance, including about 100 from Trowbridge. The homesters were strongly represented, most of their players coming from Swindon, and Trowbridge had a full side out with the exception of Aldred.
The teams lined up as follows: Trowbridge: Knowles; Keates and Warman; Whitmarsh, Joles and Woodward; Matthews, Gay, Belcher; Thomas and Gauntlett. Wootton Bassett: Ricks; Robinson and Thorne; Hutchins, Jones and Howell; Ritchings, Legg, Fry, Selby and Trowie, referee Mr. F. H. Howard (Swindon).
The homesters gained a great advantage in winning the toss, there being a strong wind blowing up the ground.
Trowbridge kicked off, and Thomas made headway, but was checked, and aided by the wind, the homesters gave the Trowbridge defence a warm time.
For some few minutes the visitors kept their goal intact, but eventually from a corner the ball was rushed into the net.
Except for an occasional breakway by Trowbridge, the homesters did all the attacking and eventually Selby scored a second from a corner.
Trowbridge got away on the left and Thomas nearly scored, the goalkeeper just clearing.
Jones was playing a fine game at centre-half for the homesters, and giving the ball to Fry, the player ran through and scored a third goal.
The score at the interval was three to nil in favour of Wootton Bassett.
Upon resuming, Trowbridge soon swarmed round the home goal and in five minutes had netted, the ball being rushed through.
Keeping up the pressure it looked as if they would score again, but Jones relieved at the expense of a corner which was cleared. Good work by Selby and Trowie ended in the latter heading a fourth goal for the homesters.
This put the issue beyond doubt, and, although having much the best of the game, Trowbridge could not get through the good defence of the homesters, who, whenever hard pressed, would put the ball out.
Keates and Belcher had good tries, but nothing further was scored, and Wootton Bassett won by four goals to one.
Credit: Wiltshire Times
Last modified on Tuesday 8th March 2022 at 15:42
