Little is known about the details of the historic first match played at Liverpool 150 years ago…even though rumour has it that Ray French may have come on as “sub” late in the second half. What is fairly certain, however, is that the game would not have been anywhere near as entertaining as the rugby played by our Mini & Junior Rugby Section to commemorate this auspicious occasion. In the 1850s matches would routinely be played over several days, between literally hundreds of players, with virtually no rules whatsoever…forward passes, knock-ons…offside… these were all allowed…rather like our 4th Team training sessions today.

As KO time approached, over 60 of our junior players changed into their replica playing kit which was kindly supplied by Cotton Traders and Touchlines...…and I bet they were glad of those long shorts and thick jerseys on a freezing cold misty December night!

The game got underway and after a few surging drives up-field by the “Reds” forwards, Under 8s flying winger Olivia went on a swerving 50 metre sprint to score the games first try in the top corner.  In the 1850s tries didn’t actually register any points, and just generated the chance to score points by kicking a goal…a fact that would later have some bearing on the final score of today’s exciting match.

The U13s, (who had incidentally played in a cup match earlier in the day and dashed back to play especially in this match) formed all the scrums and the lineouts, causing lots of appreciative  “Oooohs and Aaaahs” from the crowd as they lifted the little ones in the line outs to secure possession for their respective teams.

With the scores level at half time, it was anybody’s game….quite literally, as it was impossible to keep up with play with swarms of youngsters all wearing “Eric Morecombe shorts” getting under your feet…nevertheless, my abiding memory of this game will be the way the older players looked after the younger ones by involving them fully, being careful and gentle in contact and by encouraging them throughout.

The game was played in the tremendous spirit that we have come to expect at Moss Lane and no one was surprised to see the players applaud each other off the pitch and the end of the match.

The Reds scored 4 tries and kicked 3 goals and the Whites scored 2 tries and kicked 2 goals.

Our second re-enactment match took place on the actual day of the 150 year anniversary and was witnessed by family, friends as well as members of the Executive Committee, the press, the RFU and St Helens Council. The match was supported by many of the schools serviced by the Club and particular praise has to go to St Thomas of Canterbury who actually came dressed in Victorian garb.

Ex International Kevin Simms kicked off the match which was officiated by Dave Matthews….although I doubt he’d ever had to referee 35 a side matches played under 1857 rules before!!

With the stand full of cheering supporters, both teams were enjoying the atmosphere and showed plenty of flair and determination.  With the older players leading the way, both sides scored some spectacular long range tries….so long range, in fact, that neither the referee nor I were close enough to see who had scored them!!!! Once again, applying the scoring laws of the 1850s although the White Team scored more tries than the Red Team, the goal kicks were level at full time, so the match was declared a draw.

As the players left the field to the applause of the crowd, one wondered what the future holds for LSH and indeed for some of our young players. It is interesting to speculate that we may have witnessed a future 1st team captain or even a future Club President running around on the pitch today.

One thing is certain, though. With the continued support of the players, parents, Club members and Committee, the future for LSH looks brighter than ever.

Here’s to the next 150 years.

John Foster

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