The early years of Worksop College Sport
During the early years of Cuthberts college the main games were association football, cricket and cross country runs, the latter was also enjoyed (really?!) by members of the teaching staff. After the building of the outdoor swimming pool in the late 1890s swimming was partaken, as was fives. Soccer matches were enjoyed against local teams in these early years and as with cricket, the inclusion of staff bolstered their ranks. Staff of particular note at this time were the Rev F.B. Hawkins, the Rev C. de Labat and Mr T. Hedworth - all excellent cricketers and soccer players who traveled to Mansfield in their spare time to partake in Rugby, a game that would not find its way to Worksop for another 25 years. With regards to pupils at this time R.H. Palmer (Fleur de Leys 1895-1899) was the main exponent, he was head boy twice in the late 1800’s, and was “a stalwart full back” and a useful member of the cricket team. Palmer also set the first school 100yds record of 10.4. R.V. Patrick (Crown 1899-1906), who was captain of the College football XI for three years, is described as “one of the best soccer players the school has ever turned out”.
As the years passed the College became stronger and better opposition was sought. Mount St Mary’s, Trent College and Denstone began to figure as rivals. In 1911 a cross-country match against KES Sheffield was organised and in the same year boxing was first mentioned. With regard to the latter, in 1913 the college had its first Blue in the form of J.W.F. McN Davis (Cross 1904-1912) gaining his for Cambridge in 1913 and in 1914 W.J. Armstrong (Mason 1911-1914) won the bantam weight title at the Public Schools Competition held at Aldershot. In 1912 J. Tasker (Cross 1899-1904) was playing first class Cricket for Yorkshire and H. Watson-Smith (Lion 1899-1901) was keeping wicket for Warwickshire.
