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Extracts from
The Rangoon Times Christmas Number, 1921
SPORTS
by
A.H. Wooster
The Rangoon Times Christmas Number, 1921
SPORTS
by
A.H. Wooster
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As was publicly stated, at the close of the football season which practically concludes the official programme of Sport in Burma, the past year has been the most successful of any for many years past, starting with the Athletic Meeting held by the Burma Athletic Association, the controlling body of sport in the Province and including Cricket, Hockey, Tennis and Football. As far as Football was concerned it has been the most successful season in the whole history of the Association, which had its origins in what was known as the Rangoon Cup League, a formation that came into existence in 1895.
The Athletic Meeting, which attracted an unusually large number of entries from all over the Province, provided excellent sport, though only two new records were established. Once again I have to express my regret that the Pole Jump was not included, especially as last year there were several splendid pole-jumpers and the chances were very great that a new record would have been established. Another item not included, which is usually seen at most Athletic Meetings and is always of great interest is “Throwing the Cricket Ball.” Every event was most keenly contested and was won in many cases by inches only, while the Amateur 440 yards ended in a dead-heat between R. Wiltshire and T. O’Brien. R. Wiltshire is an all-round Athlete who has won prizes in almost every event at Athletic Meetings and is also the holder of several medals for Hickey, Cricket, Football and Tennis. Unfortunately he injured his spine through a bad fall in a football match, otherwise he might have done even better than he did this year. Another fine athlete is C.V. Francis, formerly a pupil of St. Paul’s High School, who is also the holder of many prizes. No medals are offered for the Amateur Championship, but medals are given for Military Championships, both British and Indian Troops and police. The Champion for the British troops, this year, was Lce.-Corpl. R.D. Riley of The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt., while Gr. Hussainudi Khan won the Championship for Indian Troops and Police. The two new records established were first in Putting the Shot for Amateurs, in which J. Wellington, a Karen, put the shot 35 feet 9½ inches thus beating Lt. Magee’s previous best of 34 feet 2¾ inches ; and in the Long Jump for Schools in which C. Turner, a pupil of the Baptist High School, cleared 21 feet 5½ inches, which is not very far short of the world’s record for school boys. It was a splendid performance, the jumper being nearly five feet about the ground when at the highest point of the parabola described in his flight. The prizes were distributed by Mrs Robinson, wife of the Hon’ble Mr Justice Robinson, Chief Judge, Lower Burma. |
Clifton v. Francis
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CLIFTON v. FRANCIS
Prizes won by Clifton v. Francis One Cup – D.B.H.S. – Half Mile – 1st Prize – 10 yards. 26th Nov. 1919 One Cup – Y.M.C.A. – Half Mile – 1st Prize – 35 yards. 26th Dec. 1919 One Cup – Y.M.C.A. – Qtr. Mile – 1st Prize. 26th Dec. 1919 One Wristlet Watch – Y.M.C.A. – 100 Yards – 1st Prize. 26th Dec. 1919 One Leather Challenge Cup – St. Paul’s – 440 Yards -1st Prize. 3rd Dec. 1920 One Cup – St. Paul’s – 440 Yards – 1st Prize. 3rd Dec. 1920 One Cup – St. Paul’s – 880 Yards – 1st Prize. 3rd Dec. 1920 One Wristlet Watch – St. Paul’s – 220 Yards – 2nd Prize. 3rd Dec. 1920 One Wristlet Watch – B.A.A. – 880 Yards – 1st Prize. 11th Jan. 1921 One Cup – B.A.A. – 400 Yards – 1st Prize. 31st Dec. 1920 One Pair Silver Backed Hair Brushes – Inter-section Prize – Junior Cadets, 1918 One Walking Stick – Best man’s Prize at Y.M.C.A. Camp, 1920 One Bronze Medal – D.B.H.S. – Class Prize 1916 One Gold Centre Medal – D.B.H.S. – Singles Tennis Championship 1920 One Silver Medal – D.B.H.S. – Doubles Tennis Championship 1920 One Silver Medal – D.B.H.S. – Doubles (Runners-up) 1919 One Gold Centre medal – I.T.A. – Singles Championship – (Consolation Prize) 1920 One Silver Medal- D.B.H.S. – Footer League, 1918 One Silver Medal – D.B.H.S. – Football (Day Boys vs Boarders) 1919 One Silver Medal – Y.M.C.A. – 440 yards – 1st Prize, 1921 |
L./Cpl. R.D. Riley, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt., Maymyo,
Army Champion, (Gold Medal) |
Gr. Hussainudi Khan, Coast Defence Artillery,
Winner of Championship Indian Troops and Police |
B.A.A. ATHLETIC MEETING
T. O’Brien & R.H. Wiltshire (Holders) 440 yards Dead heat
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Sergt. J. Hodgson, 2nd King’s Own, Maymyo
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FOOTBALL
The Calcutta Football Team
Sitting from left to right:- McArthur, Padgett, Bennett (Capt.) Crawford, Williamson, Gemmell and Hosack
Standing from left to right:- Nicholls, Denson, Stratford, Anstriss, Jolliffe, Plummer and Turner
Sitting from left to right:- McArthur, Padgett, Bennett (Capt.) Crawford, Williamson, Gemmell and Hosack
Standing from left to right:- Nicholls, Denson, Stratford, Anstriss, Jolliffe, Plummer and Turner
HOCKEY
D.O.B’s. Hockey Club, Winners of the B.A.A. Hockey (Lawford Cup) Burma Championship.
Standing:- J.S. Wiltshire, M. Wiltshire, A. Statham, L. Anthony, C. Ballard and H. Stiles
Seated, middle row:- D. Henderson, J. Nahapiet, R.W. Wiltshire (Capt.) G. Wiltshire and H. Kavanagh
Seated on ground:- D. Yaba and J.H. Wiltshire
Standing:- J.S. Wiltshire, M. Wiltshire, A. Statham, L. Anthony, C. Ballard and H. Stiles
Seated, middle row:- D. Henderson, J. Nahapiet, R.W. Wiltshire (Capt.) G. Wiltshire and H. Kavanagh
Seated on ground:- D. Yaba and J.H. Wiltshire
TENNIS
Group of Civil vs Military Tennis Teams during Maymyo Week, April 1921
CRICKET
The Cricket season began in November and lasted up to February, a little later than usual. The attendances were better last season than ever before, but this was mainly due to the enthusiasm of the Mahomedan Community about their team, which has won the Shield in the 1919-1920 season. The year previous the Gymkhana had consented to play in a match on the B.A.A. ground and it was hoped that this would have been repeated this season with the result of arousing more interest in this game both among the public and the B.A.A. Council, who, it must be admitted, do not give that encouragement to this sport that they might. Unfortunately, however, this did not materialise and the Council did not get that excuse, which they evidently need, to further the interests of this game.
Still, on the whole, the season may be said to have been fully successful. The strong-hold of cricket in the past has been the Gymkhana and a great deal of interest centres in the matches on the Gymkhana ground every Sunday between the Home team and the various Town teams that take part in the B.A.A. tournament for the Rowe Challenge Shield. Of all the matches played at the Gymkhana, the one that arouses most interest is the annual fixture of Civil vs Military. This is always a great event, with a big tiffin ; and, as it is usually held on Christmas and Boxing Days, it is rendered the more enjoyable by the air of Christmas festivity with which it is surrounded. Their annual matches were rather interfered with by the war and last season it was found impossible to carry out the fixture. It was replaced by a match between the “Married” and “Single” members of the Club. The match ended in a draw, the “Married” making 249 and 159 and the “Single” 249 and 83 for 8 wickets, which was very much in favour of the “Married.”
As regards the Rowe Challenge Shield there were eleven entries in all, the same number as in the previous season. Of the eleven teams of 1919-1920, four – the Portuguese Club, the Commercial Club, Indian Telegraph Association and Fin-Flems – had dropped out. They were replaced by the Variav Muslim Association, the Lusitanian, the Customs and Reddiars’ Old Boys. Of the new-comers the Customs were a revival of an old team that once held a very prominent position in Cricket circles. By their entry the Diocesan Old Boys were deprived of the services of some of their best players. Whitley, Barton, Pusey and George. The holders, the Mahomedan C.C., had got together a very strong combination and quickly became the favourites. Among their new player was Shaikh, a well known player from India and it was largely due to his play that the Mahomedin CC. were able to retain the trophy, which, as events proved, they did quite easily. C. Murad, their great batsman-bowler was absent but his absence was more than made up for by the presence of Shaikh, who besides being a cleaver batsman is also an excellent fast bowler. He has since, we are informed, been chosen to play for the Mahomedans in the quadrangular tournament at Bombay, the principal Cricket tournament in India.
In the first round of the B.A.A. tournament, the Muslim Old Boys scratched to the Rangoon Mahomedans, the Variav Muslim Association defeated the Lusitanians and the Customs easily knocked out the Islamics. The remaining teams drew byes. In the second round the D.O.B.’s beat the I.R.C.C., who have fallen on evil days, the 1st Battn. The Royal Scots were beaten by the Burma Railways S.C., the Customs beat the Reddiar Old Boys and the Mahomedan C.C. beat the Variav Muslim C.C. This left the Burma Railways, Customs, D.O.B’s and Mahomedans in the semi-final when some good games were witnessed. The first match was between the Burma Railways and the Customs, which the Railways won after a very hard fight by the narrow margin of nine runs. An unfortunate incident led to the second match between the D.O.B’s and the Mahomedan C.C. being abandoned. It was early recognised that the great struggle would lie between these two teams and a very large crowd turned out to witness the game.
The Mahomeds batted first and knocked up 135. Against this the D.O.B.’s could only make 88. In the second innings the Mahomedans had made the splendid score of 315 for six when stumps were drawn for the day. Shaikh being not out 174 and Kaka not out 41. According to the rules an unfinished match must be played off during the week following, but as the Mahomedans declared their intention of playing on and not declaring, the D.O. B’s Captain felt justified in asking the Council for a whole day and, as this was refused, the match was not competed. The Council declared the Mahomedans to be the winners. The final between the Mahomedans and the Burma Railways proved a very poor affair. The Mahomedans batted first and made 236. Against this the Railways could only make 63 and 30. The Mahomedans thus won the Shield for the second year in succession.
Of the outside matches the full team of the D.O.B.;s, as it was in previous years, met and defeated the Gymkhana on the latter’s ground in a one-innings match. The Gymkhana went in first and made 110 whilst he D.OB.’s made 259 for 9 wickets, Barton being top scorer with 113 while Edwards made 41. The Mahomedans also gained a one-inning’s victory over the Gymkhana ; but the second innings was started and the Gymkhana had made 205 for eight wickets when stumps were drawn. Though, apart from the Mahomendans, the display of cricket given was not very high, the season may be said to have been a very good one.
The Cricket season began in November and lasted up to February, a little later than usual. The attendances were better last season than ever before, but this was mainly due to the enthusiasm of the Mahomedan Community about their team, which has won the Shield in the 1919-1920 season. The year previous the Gymkhana had consented to play in a match on the B.A.A. ground and it was hoped that this would have been repeated this season with the result of arousing more interest in this game both among the public and the B.A.A. Council, who, it must be admitted, do not give that encouragement to this sport that they might. Unfortunately, however, this did not materialise and the Council did not get that excuse, which they evidently need, to further the interests of this game.
Still, on the whole, the season may be said to have been fully successful. The strong-hold of cricket in the past has been the Gymkhana and a great deal of interest centres in the matches on the Gymkhana ground every Sunday between the Home team and the various Town teams that take part in the B.A.A. tournament for the Rowe Challenge Shield. Of all the matches played at the Gymkhana, the one that arouses most interest is the annual fixture of Civil vs Military. This is always a great event, with a big tiffin ; and, as it is usually held on Christmas and Boxing Days, it is rendered the more enjoyable by the air of Christmas festivity with which it is surrounded. Their annual matches were rather interfered with by the war and last season it was found impossible to carry out the fixture. It was replaced by a match between the “Married” and “Single” members of the Club. The match ended in a draw, the “Married” making 249 and 159 and the “Single” 249 and 83 for 8 wickets, which was very much in favour of the “Married.”
As regards the Rowe Challenge Shield there were eleven entries in all, the same number as in the previous season. Of the eleven teams of 1919-1920, four – the Portuguese Club, the Commercial Club, Indian Telegraph Association and Fin-Flems – had dropped out. They were replaced by the Variav Muslim Association, the Lusitanian, the Customs and Reddiars’ Old Boys. Of the new-comers the Customs were a revival of an old team that once held a very prominent position in Cricket circles. By their entry the Diocesan Old Boys were deprived of the services of some of their best players. Whitley, Barton, Pusey and George. The holders, the Mahomedan C.C., had got together a very strong combination and quickly became the favourites. Among their new player was Shaikh, a well known player from India and it was largely due to his play that the Mahomedin CC. were able to retain the trophy, which, as events proved, they did quite easily. C. Murad, their great batsman-bowler was absent but his absence was more than made up for by the presence of Shaikh, who besides being a cleaver batsman is also an excellent fast bowler. He has since, we are informed, been chosen to play for the Mahomedans in the quadrangular tournament at Bombay, the principal Cricket tournament in India.
In the first round of the B.A.A. tournament, the Muslim Old Boys scratched to the Rangoon Mahomedans, the Variav Muslim Association defeated the Lusitanians and the Customs easily knocked out the Islamics. The remaining teams drew byes. In the second round the D.O.B.’s beat the I.R.C.C., who have fallen on evil days, the 1st Battn. The Royal Scots were beaten by the Burma Railways S.C., the Customs beat the Reddiar Old Boys and the Mahomedan C.C. beat the Variav Muslim C.C. This left the Burma Railways, Customs, D.O.B’s and Mahomedans in the semi-final when some good games were witnessed. The first match was between the Burma Railways and the Customs, which the Railways won after a very hard fight by the narrow margin of nine runs. An unfortunate incident led to the second match between the D.O.B’s and the Mahomedan C.C. being abandoned. It was early recognised that the great struggle would lie between these two teams and a very large crowd turned out to witness the game.
The Mahomeds batted first and knocked up 135. Against this the D.O.B.’s could only make 88. In the second innings the Mahomedans had made the splendid score of 315 for six when stumps were drawn for the day. Shaikh being not out 174 and Kaka not out 41. According to the rules an unfinished match must be played off during the week following, but as the Mahomedans declared their intention of playing on and not declaring, the D.O. B’s Captain felt justified in asking the Council for a whole day and, as this was refused, the match was not competed. The Council declared the Mahomedans to be the winners. The final between the Mahomedans and the Burma Railways proved a very poor affair. The Mahomedans batted first and made 236. Against this the Railways could only make 63 and 30. The Mahomedans thus won the Shield for the second year in succession.
Of the outside matches the full team of the D.O.B.;s, as it was in previous years, met and defeated the Gymkhana on the latter’s ground in a one-innings match. The Gymkhana went in first and made 110 whilst he D.OB.’s made 259 for 9 wickets, Barton being top scorer with 113 while Edwards made 41. The Mahomedans also gained a one-inning’s victory over the Gymkhana ; but the second innings was started and the Gymkhana had made 205 for eight wickets when stumps were drawn. Though, apart from the Mahomendans, the display of cricket given was not very high, the season may be said to have been a very good one.
HOCKEY
This branch of Sport, like Cricket, does not seem to appeal to the public and the attendances at the B.A.A. are very poor. This seems strange when we consider how much he game resembles football. There is, however, no lack of enthusiasm among players, of whom there are several new and clever exponents of the game now in Rangoon. In past years, the only B.A.A. Hockey tournament has been a competition on the knock-out system for the Lawford Cup, the holders of which were the Rangoon College. As this made a very short season, the various Clubs approached the B.A.A. Council with a request for a Hockey league. After some years of continual worrying of the Council, this request was at last granted and the 1921 season saw a Hockey League for the first time in its history. This has, without doubt, greatly increased the interest in the game, which no promises to have a bright future before it. For this League Mr Russell, one of the players, presented a cup and the competition was given the name of The Russell Cup League.
The call for entries resulted in thirteen teams sending in their names but, owing to want of time, it was decided to restrict the number to seven and the following seven were chosen: Y.M.C.A., Customs, Bengal Sporting Club, Royal Scots, Diocesan Old Boys, Old Paulians’ Association and University college. As it happened all seven were strong combinations and a very keen contest was witnessed. In the end University College tied with the Diocesan Old Boys with 11 points, the Royal Scots, Paulians and Customs tied for third place with six points. The Y.M.C.A. after a brilliant start only got two points and the Bengalis none. The D.O.B’s and University College played off to see who should win the cup and after a very hard fight the Collegians won by one goal to nil. In this match the losers were unfortunate in not having the services of one of their best forwards, C. Ballard, who has been called to Kalaw on urgent business.
The Lawford Cup
Eleven teams entered for the Lawford Challenge Cup, the holders of which were University (Rangoon) College. The entrants were Port Commissioners, Gymkhana, University, Customs, D.O.B.’s Old Paulians, Royal Scots, Bengal Sporting Club, Lusitanians, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt. and Y.M.C.A. It was early recognised that the winners would be found between the Royal Scots, The King’s Own, D.O.B’s and Collegians and the semi-finals saw these four teams left in. Two splendid matches resulted in the D.O.B.’s defeating the Scots by two goals to one and University College beating the King’s Own by three goals to two.
The final between the D.O.B.’s and the College roused considerable enthusiasm from the fact that these two teams had tied for first place in the League and had not yet played off the tie. The result was the best attendance yet seen at a Hockey match. After a tremendous struggle the D.O.B’s scored a brilliant victory by three goals to one, though opinions were divided as to whether the third goal should have been allowed or not. It was the best Hockey match, taking it all round, that has been witnessed on the B.A.A. ground. As noted above, the Collegians got their revenge the following evening by winning the Russell Cup. This brought the Hockey season to a close. Thanks to the League, teams were able to get more practice and consequently there was a great improvement in the standard of play.
This branch of Sport, like Cricket, does not seem to appeal to the public and the attendances at the B.A.A. are very poor. This seems strange when we consider how much he game resembles football. There is, however, no lack of enthusiasm among players, of whom there are several new and clever exponents of the game now in Rangoon. In past years, the only B.A.A. Hockey tournament has been a competition on the knock-out system for the Lawford Cup, the holders of which were the Rangoon College. As this made a very short season, the various Clubs approached the B.A.A. Council with a request for a Hockey league. After some years of continual worrying of the Council, this request was at last granted and the 1921 season saw a Hockey League for the first time in its history. This has, without doubt, greatly increased the interest in the game, which no promises to have a bright future before it. For this League Mr Russell, one of the players, presented a cup and the competition was given the name of The Russell Cup League.
The call for entries resulted in thirteen teams sending in their names but, owing to want of time, it was decided to restrict the number to seven and the following seven were chosen: Y.M.C.A., Customs, Bengal Sporting Club, Royal Scots, Diocesan Old Boys, Old Paulians’ Association and University college. As it happened all seven were strong combinations and a very keen contest was witnessed. In the end University College tied with the Diocesan Old Boys with 11 points, the Royal Scots, Paulians and Customs tied for third place with six points. The Y.M.C.A. after a brilliant start only got two points and the Bengalis none. The D.O.B’s and University College played off to see who should win the cup and after a very hard fight the Collegians won by one goal to nil. In this match the losers were unfortunate in not having the services of one of their best forwards, C. Ballard, who has been called to Kalaw on urgent business.
The Lawford Cup
Eleven teams entered for the Lawford Challenge Cup, the holders of which were University (Rangoon) College. The entrants were Port Commissioners, Gymkhana, University, Customs, D.O.B.’s Old Paulians, Royal Scots, Bengal Sporting Club, Lusitanians, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt. and Y.M.C.A. It was early recognised that the winners would be found between the Royal Scots, The King’s Own, D.O.B’s and Collegians and the semi-finals saw these four teams left in. Two splendid matches resulted in the D.O.B.’s defeating the Scots by two goals to one and University College beating the King’s Own by three goals to two.
The final between the D.O.B.’s and the College roused considerable enthusiasm from the fact that these two teams had tied for first place in the League and had not yet played off the tie. The result was the best attendance yet seen at a Hockey match. After a tremendous struggle the D.O.B’s scored a brilliant victory by three goals to one, though opinions were divided as to whether the third goal should have been allowed or not. It was the best Hockey match, taking it all round, that has been witnessed on the B.A.A. ground. As noted above, the Collegians got their revenge the following evening by winning the Russell Cup. This brought the Hockey season to a close. Thanks to the League, teams were able to get more practice and consequently there was a great improvement in the standard of play.
TENNIS
The tennis season opened on January 26th with four matches in the tournament for the Singles Championship. In some ways the season proved much more successful than has been the case of late years. The general interest in tennis seemed to have revived with the result that not only were there many more entries, but there was a great improvement in the standard of play. There were several new arrivals in Rangoon who were good exponents of the game, the most notable being Colonel H. Ross, Mrs Greig, Mrs Van Someren, Mr and Mrs Whiteley and Mrs Scott. Of the gentlemen, Colonel Ross was quite good and there was little doubt that Mrs Van Someren was the pick of the ladies.
There were thirteen entries for the Singles this year against eleven in the previous season. The holder was Po Thaw Da. Some excellent games were witnessed, but the most remarkable feature of the season was the remarkable return to form of Mr G. Pears and Mr W. Martin. Two years previously Mr Pears was in a class by himself, but then he got influenza and it took him two years to recover. This year, however, he not only recovered his strength but showed wonderfully improved form, with the result that he carried off everything both in Rangoon and in Mandalay. Mr Martin, an ex-champion, also showed recovered strength and was only out-classed by Mr Pears, who, he partnered both at Rangoon and Mandalay in the Doubles. Another player who showed improved form was Mg Dwe of University College. Tun Aye and Lun Gywe, two other Collegians and Capt. Jervis, a new-comer, reached the third round before they were beaten. The four semi-finalists were Po Thaw Da (holder) who was playing a very strong game, Mr G. Pears, Mr N. Martin and Mg Dwe. Mr Pears beat the holder 4.6, 6.1, 6.3 ; and Mr Martin beat Mg Dwe 4.6, 6.1, 6.0. This left the old opponents, yet friends, Messrs. Pears and Martin in the final. Despite his good form it took Mr Pears four sets before he finally achieved victory. Unexpectedly Mr Martin tired badly at the finish owing to ill health. The score at the close were 7.9, 6.4, 7.5. and 6.4 in favour of Mr Pears, but the games were splendidly contested and supplies the best tennis seen in Rangoon for many a long day.
The tennis season opened on January 26th with four matches in the tournament for the Singles Championship. In some ways the season proved much more successful than has been the case of late years. The general interest in tennis seemed to have revived with the result that not only were there many more entries, but there was a great improvement in the standard of play. There were several new arrivals in Rangoon who were good exponents of the game, the most notable being Colonel H. Ross, Mrs Greig, Mrs Van Someren, Mr and Mrs Whiteley and Mrs Scott. Of the gentlemen, Colonel Ross was quite good and there was little doubt that Mrs Van Someren was the pick of the ladies.
There were thirteen entries for the Singles this year against eleven in the previous season. The holder was Po Thaw Da. Some excellent games were witnessed, but the most remarkable feature of the season was the remarkable return to form of Mr G. Pears and Mr W. Martin. Two years previously Mr Pears was in a class by himself, but then he got influenza and it took him two years to recover. This year, however, he not only recovered his strength but showed wonderfully improved form, with the result that he carried off everything both in Rangoon and in Mandalay. Mr Martin, an ex-champion, also showed recovered strength and was only out-classed by Mr Pears, who, he partnered both at Rangoon and Mandalay in the Doubles. Another player who showed improved form was Mg Dwe of University College. Tun Aye and Lun Gywe, two other Collegians and Capt. Jervis, a new-comer, reached the third round before they were beaten. The four semi-finalists were Po Thaw Da (holder) who was playing a very strong game, Mr G. Pears, Mr N. Martin and Mg Dwe. Mr Pears beat the holder 4.6, 6.1, 6.3 ; and Mr Martin beat Mg Dwe 4.6, 6.1, 6.0. This left the old opponents, yet friends, Messrs. Pears and Martin in the final. Despite his good form it took Mr Pears four sets before he finally achieved victory. Unexpectedly Mr Martin tired badly at the finish owing to ill health. The score at the close were 7.9, 6.4, 7.5. and 6.4 in favour of Mr Pears, but the games were splendidly contested and supplies the best tennis seen in Rangoon for many a long day.
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G. Pears
Winner of the B.A.A. Tennis Singles etc. and Tennis Champion of Burma, 1916-17-18 and 192 |
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W. Martin
Ex-Tennis Champion |
Doubles
The Doubles, the holders of which were Messrs. Pears and Martin, attracted thirteen entries and these led to a good deal of speculation. Messrs. Pears and Martin again combined to defend their title, but there were several other good combinations such as the Galstin brothers, Mr Owen and Lun Gywe and Mr Lewty and Po Thaw Da. The last couple in particular were looked on as most likely to give the holders the best game and, as events proved, they did not meet until the final. In the semi-finals Messrs. Pears and Martin beat the Galstin brothers 6.3, 6.3, and Mr Lewty and Po Thaw Da beat Mr Owen and Lun Gywe 6.1, 8.6. Lun Gywe gave great promise for the future as he is a wonderfully improved player. In the final the holders won easily by 6.4, 6.0, 6.4. and thus became champions again.
Mixed Doubles
There were 19 entries for the Mixed Doubles, the largest number known for years. Mr Pears had as his partner Mrs Pepper, a new-comer and a very strong player, but none the less there was a great deal of controversy as to the result for there were several new players and, as stated above, some of them were considerably above the average. Opinions varied between Mrs Greig and Colonel Ross, Mrs and Mr N. Whiteley, Mrs B.B. Scott and Mr E.C. Shuttleworth, Miss Hefferman and Capt. Evans, Mrs Van Someren and Mr H.B. Holme, Mrs Hudson and Dr. Hayne (holders) and Mrs and Mr Henstock. Unfortunately Mrs Hudson and Dr. Hayne had to retire from the game in the second round with Mrs Van Someren and Mr H.B. Holme, when the score was one set all, owing to Dr. Hayne getting, what is known as a “tennis elbow.” In the same round Mrs and Mr Whiteley beat Mrs Greig and Colonel Ross 6.3, 6.8, 6.4, after three splendid sets.
The semi-finalists were Mrs Van Someren and Mr Holme, Mrs Scott and Mr Shuttleworth, Mrs and Mr Whiteley and Mrs Pepper and Mr Pears. To everyone’s surprise Mr Holme and Mrs Van Someren beat Mrs and Mr Whiteley easily (6.3, 6.3) and Mr Pears and Mrs Pepper beat Mrs Scott and Mr Shuttleworth (6.2, 6.3.) This left Mrs Pepper and Mr Pears to meet Mrs Van Someren and Mr Holme in the final. Both sides played well, the ladies particularly so, but Mr Pears and his partner were the stronger and won the Championship and Cup 6.2, 6.2.
Handicap Tournament
As usual a handicap tournament was also held but this did not rouse much interest. The results were as follows:-
Singles
Saw Tun Teik (Scr.) beat Capt. W.G. Evans (-15.3) 6.4, 6.3, 6.0.
Doubles
Saw Tun Teik and Mg Aung Ba (Scr.) beat L.G. Owen and L.P. Saunders (-15.3) 6.4, 7.5, 9.7.
Mixed Doubles
Mrs and Mr Whiteley (-15) beat Capt. W.G. Evans and Mrs T.W. Evans (-15) 6.1, 6.1, 6.4.
The Doubles, the holders of which were Messrs. Pears and Martin, attracted thirteen entries and these led to a good deal of speculation. Messrs. Pears and Martin again combined to defend their title, but there were several other good combinations such as the Galstin brothers, Mr Owen and Lun Gywe and Mr Lewty and Po Thaw Da. The last couple in particular were looked on as most likely to give the holders the best game and, as events proved, they did not meet until the final. In the semi-finals Messrs. Pears and Martin beat the Galstin brothers 6.3, 6.3, and Mr Lewty and Po Thaw Da beat Mr Owen and Lun Gywe 6.1, 8.6. Lun Gywe gave great promise for the future as he is a wonderfully improved player. In the final the holders won easily by 6.4, 6.0, 6.4. and thus became champions again.
Mixed Doubles
There were 19 entries for the Mixed Doubles, the largest number known for years. Mr Pears had as his partner Mrs Pepper, a new-comer and a very strong player, but none the less there was a great deal of controversy as to the result for there were several new players and, as stated above, some of them were considerably above the average. Opinions varied between Mrs Greig and Colonel Ross, Mrs and Mr N. Whiteley, Mrs B.B. Scott and Mr E.C. Shuttleworth, Miss Hefferman and Capt. Evans, Mrs Van Someren and Mr H.B. Holme, Mrs Hudson and Dr. Hayne (holders) and Mrs and Mr Henstock. Unfortunately Mrs Hudson and Dr. Hayne had to retire from the game in the second round with Mrs Van Someren and Mr H.B. Holme, when the score was one set all, owing to Dr. Hayne getting, what is known as a “tennis elbow.” In the same round Mrs and Mr Whiteley beat Mrs Greig and Colonel Ross 6.3, 6.8, 6.4, after three splendid sets.
The semi-finalists were Mrs Van Someren and Mr Holme, Mrs Scott and Mr Shuttleworth, Mrs and Mr Whiteley and Mrs Pepper and Mr Pears. To everyone’s surprise Mr Holme and Mrs Van Someren beat Mrs and Mr Whiteley easily (6.3, 6.3) and Mr Pears and Mrs Pepper beat Mrs Scott and Mr Shuttleworth (6.2, 6.3.) This left Mrs Pepper and Mr Pears to meet Mrs Van Someren and Mr Holme in the final. Both sides played well, the ladies particularly so, but Mr Pears and his partner were the stronger and won the Championship and Cup 6.2, 6.2.
Handicap Tournament
As usual a handicap tournament was also held but this did not rouse much interest. The results were as follows:-
Singles
Saw Tun Teik (Scr.) beat Capt. W.G. Evans (-15.3) 6.4, 6.3, 6.0.
Doubles
Saw Tun Teik and Mg Aung Ba (Scr.) beat L.G. Owen and L.P. Saunders (-15.3) 6.4, 7.5, 9.7.
Mixed Doubles
Mrs and Mr Whiteley (-15) beat Capt. W.G. Evans and Mrs T.W. Evans (-15) 6.1, 6.1, 6.4.
REVIEW OF THE FOOTBALL SEASON
To repeat the dictum of a very old resident of Rangoon, the season for 1921 has been the most successful season for the past thirty years ; firstly, because it was the most successful season the B.A.A. have experienced and secondly because it has produced the best football seen in Rangoon. The games have been well played and hotly contested with a minimum of foul play. One thing is certain that more interest has been shown in the sport than ever before, the average attendances exceeding anything yet known in the history of the B.A.A. Not only were there a number of new clubs formed thus increasing the entries but several new players came to the front and found places in the Lower Burma team in the matches against Upper Burma for the Younger Cup. The only changes made this year were that eight teams were admitted into the Senior League, which had the previous season been extended to seven from six ; and in having only one division in the Junior league.
The order of the Director of Public Instruction as regards schools taking part in public tournaments not having been abrogated, no schools again appeared in any of the contests. For the first time for some years the Rangoon College had to resign premier honours. Owing to the boycott they had lose several players and were, in consequence, only able to muster two teams, neither of which did very well, but that in the Senior League made a good fight and at the close of the season were reckoned quite one of the best of the year’s teams. Had they found their form earlier and not had the misfortune to lose two of their best players, the chances are that they would have been much nearer the top than they actually were.
The best team of the year was undoubtedly the Friends’ Union, who made their first appearance in the 1920 season. Though they did not win, the general opinion was that had they made up their minds to win – they could have done so. They also met with bad luck in having players injured but in their opening matches they were wonderfully strong and gave as fine an exhibition of combination as has ever been seen in Rangoon. The remarkable feature of the year was the wonderful improvement in the Royal Scots, who also only took up the game last year though the Battalion had a fine record in India previous to the war. Their weak point was in the forward line where they had not got a real goal-getter. With this weakness overcome, there is no doubt that they will have one of the best teams in India and Burma. As it was, the forwards were like hounds let loose from the leash with the quarry in sight, but just at the critical moment their rushes fizzled away and nothing resulted. In Smith and Brown, they had two of the best backs Burma has seen, while Langford, their centre half, was splendid. Despite their weakness, they succeeded in heading the Senior League table and also in winning the League Championship.
New Senior League players of note this year were Russell and Bruce of the Gym., Ripley of the Police, Blazey of University College and Simpson and Cummings of the Customs. There were several new Junior League players who were above the average, but the pick of these was undoubtedly H. Harris of the Lusitanians, who is a brother of Frank Harris, the famous centre half of the University College. Only 16 years of age he played with the coolness and skill of an older player. He also proved that he was probably the best shot in Rangoon and he only lacks experience to be Rangoon’s best forward. He was early picked out for the Lower Burma team and acquitted himself quite well. The Walter Locke Shield, the blue ribbon of Burma, was again won by the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt. but only after a very hard fight.
Senior League
As already stated the Council extended the number of teams for the Senior League from seven to eight. These eight were, 1st Royal Scots, Gymkhana, Friends’ Union, Burma Police, University College, Syriam Gymkhana, Customs and Y.M.C.A. There seems to be an extraordinary elasticity in the B.A.A. rules, otherwise it is impossible to see how the Burma Police were allowed to compete in a tournament that is supposed to be restricted to Rangoon players. Again players appeared for Clubs with which they could have no possible connection except that of Honorary Membership. Through this the Y.M.C.A. lost several of its best players, Campbell and Willcocks playing for the Syriam Gymkhana and Greene for the Customs. With so many teams of about equal strength the League was bound to prove interesting and such it proved to be. About midway through the League the Y.M.C.A., Customs and Syriam were practically out of the running and then the College, who were doing extremely well and fast catching up the others, had the misfortune to lose Harris, who went to England and Owen, their goal-keeper, who was too severely injured in one match to turn out again. But for this they would probably have won the Cup. As it was, the Royal Scots headed the table with 20 points, the Gymkhana being second with 19, the Friends’ Union and Police tied for third place with 18 points, whilst the College were next with 14. The finish was quite exciting. The Union, who practically had the Cup in their possession, allowed themselves to be beaten badly by the Police. This left them one point behind the Scots whom they had to meet in the final match. Had they won this, these two teams would have tied for top place ; but missing several easy chances they could only make the result a draw and thus failed to get the two points necessary to tie. Thus the Royal Scots became the winners of the First Division. It was surprising that the Union failed in the way they did as they were the best goal-getting side of the year, scoring 43 goals to 35 got by the Police and 30 by the winners, but whereas the winners only lost 8 goals, proving they were much stronger in defence than in attack, the Union lost 29, four of which were scored by the Police in their last match but one. The Gymkhana were also stronger in defence than in attack, only losing 8 goals to 20 scored but this was mainly due to the excellence of their goal-keepers, Nicoll and Russell. The Customs possess some splendid players, but they failed to do themselves justice and displayed great weakness in front and rear.
To repeat the dictum of a very old resident of Rangoon, the season for 1921 has been the most successful season for the past thirty years ; firstly, because it was the most successful season the B.A.A. have experienced and secondly because it has produced the best football seen in Rangoon. The games have been well played and hotly contested with a minimum of foul play. One thing is certain that more interest has been shown in the sport than ever before, the average attendances exceeding anything yet known in the history of the B.A.A. Not only were there a number of new clubs formed thus increasing the entries but several new players came to the front and found places in the Lower Burma team in the matches against Upper Burma for the Younger Cup. The only changes made this year were that eight teams were admitted into the Senior League, which had the previous season been extended to seven from six ; and in having only one division in the Junior league.
The order of the Director of Public Instruction as regards schools taking part in public tournaments not having been abrogated, no schools again appeared in any of the contests. For the first time for some years the Rangoon College had to resign premier honours. Owing to the boycott they had lose several players and were, in consequence, only able to muster two teams, neither of which did very well, but that in the Senior League made a good fight and at the close of the season were reckoned quite one of the best of the year’s teams. Had they found their form earlier and not had the misfortune to lose two of their best players, the chances are that they would have been much nearer the top than they actually were.
The best team of the year was undoubtedly the Friends’ Union, who made their first appearance in the 1920 season. Though they did not win, the general opinion was that had they made up their minds to win – they could have done so. They also met with bad luck in having players injured but in their opening matches they were wonderfully strong and gave as fine an exhibition of combination as has ever been seen in Rangoon. The remarkable feature of the year was the wonderful improvement in the Royal Scots, who also only took up the game last year though the Battalion had a fine record in India previous to the war. Their weak point was in the forward line where they had not got a real goal-getter. With this weakness overcome, there is no doubt that they will have one of the best teams in India and Burma. As it was, the forwards were like hounds let loose from the leash with the quarry in sight, but just at the critical moment their rushes fizzled away and nothing resulted. In Smith and Brown, they had two of the best backs Burma has seen, while Langford, their centre half, was splendid. Despite their weakness, they succeeded in heading the Senior League table and also in winning the League Championship.
New Senior League players of note this year were Russell and Bruce of the Gym., Ripley of the Police, Blazey of University College and Simpson and Cummings of the Customs. There were several new Junior League players who were above the average, but the pick of these was undoubtedly H. Harris of the Lusitanians, who is a brother of Frank Harris, the famous centre half of the University College. Only 16 years of age he played with the coolness and skill of an older player. He also proved that he was probably the best shot in Rangoon and he only lacks experience to be Rangoon’s best forward. He was early picked out for the Lower Burma team and acquitted himself quite well. The Walter Locke Shield, the blue ribbon of Burma, was again won by the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt. but only after a very hard fight.
Senior League
As already stated the Council extended the number of teams for the Senior League from seven to eight. These eight were, 1st Royal Scots, Gymkhana, Friends’ Union, Burma Police, University College, Syriam Gymkhana, Customs and Y.M.C.A. There seems to be an extraordinary elasticity in the B.A.A. rules, otherwise it is impossible to see how the Burma Police were allowed to compete in a tournament that is supposed to be restricted to Rangoon players. Again players appeared for Clubs with which they could have no possible connection except that of Honorary Membership. Through this the Y.M.C.A. lost several of its best players, Campbell and Willcocks playing for the Syriam Gymkhana and Greene for the Customs. With so many teams of about equal strength the League was bound to prove interesting and such it proved to be. About midway through the League the Y.M.C.A., Customs and Syriam were practically out of the running and then the College, who were doing extremely well and fast catching up the others, had the misfortune to lose Harris, who went to England and Owen, their goal-keeper, who was too severely injured in one match to turn out again. But for this they would probably have won the Cup. As it was, the Royal Scots headed the table with 20 points, the Gymkhana being second with 19, the Friends’ Union and Police tied for third place with 18 points, whilst the College were next with 14. The finish was quite exciting. The Union, who practically had the Cup in their possession, allowed themselves to be beaten badly by the Police. This left them one point behind the Scots whom they had to meet in the final match. Had they won this, these two teams would have tied for top place ; but missing several easy chances they could only make the result a draw and thus failed to get the two points necessary to tie. Thus the Royal Scots became the winners of the First Division. It was surprising that the Union failed in the way they did as they were the best goal-getting side of the year, scoring 43 goals to 35 got by the Police and 30 by the winners, but whereas the winners only lost 8 goals, proving they were much stronger in defence than in attack, the Union lost 29, four of which were scored by the Police in their last match but one. The Gymkhana were also stronger in defence than in attack, only losing 8 goals to 20 scored but this was mainly due to the excellence of their goal-keepers, Nicoll and Russell. The Customs possess some splendid players, but they failed to do themselves justice and displayed great weakness in front and rear.
The Gymkhana Club Football Team, 1921
Runners-up of the Senior League Championship 
The Football Team of the 1st Bn. The Royal Scots (The Royal Regt.) Winners of the first division of the League, the Senior League Championship and Runners-up in the Walter Locke Shield and Championship of Burma, 192
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R.G.A. Football Team,
Winners of the 2nd Division of the League 
The Kemmendine Social Club Football Team.
Winners of the Junior League and of the Junior League Championship |
Second Division
Once again there were only six teams in the Second Division, these being the Lusitanians, R.G.A., Judson College, Police Reserves, Diocesan Old Boys and University College Reserves. The Cup was won by the R.G.A., who showed a tremendous improvement in form. They only lost one match and score 46 goals to 12 against and headed the table with 17 points. The Lusitanians were second with only 11 points, while Judson College and the Police tied for third place with 9 points. Considering the few men the R.G.A. have to choose from they are to be heartily congratulated on their success. The holders, the Old Paulians were not represented.
Junior League
There was only one division in the Junior League this year and for this seven teams entered viz the Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Co.
Kemmendine Social Club
Medical School
Boys’ Union, Insein Railways
D.O.B.’s Reserves
Telegraph F.C.
Randeria Old Boys
The holders of the first division were Judson College who had been promoted to the Second Division of the Senior League. The Cup was won by the R.E.T. Co. with 13 points, one point ahead of the Kemmendine Social, who also led the Medical School by only one point. It was a keenly contested finish and the result was in doubt up to the last. The winners won all their six matches and scored 29 goals to 11 against.
Senior League Championship
The four teams in the Senior league Championship were the Royal Scots, Gymkhana, R.G.A. and Lusitanians. The first division teams had no difficulty in proving their superiority and finished in the same order as in the first division, the Scots heading the table with five points and the Gym. being second with four. A strange feature of this tournament was that while the R.G.A. won the second Division Cup so decisively, they lose all their matches in this league. The Lusitanians did well with three points, beating the R.G.A. and drawing with the Gym, who drew with the Royal Scots.
Junior Challenge Cup
Ten teams entered for the Junior Challenge Cup, the holders of which were the Secretariat Sports Club. Again a surprise was caused by the Kemmendine Social beating the R.E.T. Co., the winners of the Junior League. The holders were beaten by the Insein Railway Club in the second round and the semi-finalists became the Insein Railway Club, Malagon Sporting Club, Kemmendine Social and Syriam Hibs. Insein beat Malagon, and Kemmendine beat Syriam Hibs. The final saw a great struggle between the Insein Railways Club and the Kemmendine Social and it took three meetings before a decision was arrived at. At the first meeting neither side scored and at the second meeting both teams scored one ; but at the third meeting the Kemmendine Social won by two goals to one, the winning goal coming from a penalty kick. It was a good match to watch and attracted a large crowd of spectators. Insein had a chance of equalising, being awarded a penalty kick also, but it was missed.
Walter Locke Shield
The competition for the Walter Locke Shield, the blue ribbon of Burma, aroused tremendous enthusiasm as, owing to the much improved form of the Lower Burma teams, it was foreseen that the holders, the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt., would not have the walk over that they had had in 1920. This proved to be true as they had to fight hard even to win their way into the final. In the end they succeeded in retaining their title but only after a tremendous struggle. Twelve teams in all entered, this being a record. The teams were The King’s Own (holders) Syriam Gymkhana, Friends’ Union, R.G.A., Y.M.C.A., Lusitanians, Customs, Royal Scots, University College, Gym., Burma Police and D.O.B’s. The D.O.B.’s scratched before the tournament started giving the Police a walk-over.
In the first round, the results were:
Friends’ Union 3 beat Syriam Gymkhana 1
Customs 3 beat Lusitanians 2
Royal Scots 4 beat University College 0
The King’s Own had to meet the Gymkhana and, but for their superior training, would probably have lost, for the Gym. played their best game of the year and it was only after three matches, played too close together for the civilians, did the visitors win by two goals to nil. The first meeting resulted in a pointless draw and at the second both scored once. All three matches were splendidly contested and were worth going a long way to see.
In the second round the Y.M.C.A. beat the R.G.A. by four goals to one ; The King’s Own 4, beat Customs 2, and the Royal Scots 1 beat Friends’ Union. All were splendid matches to watch. The Union should have won their match but the forwards were off colour and missed several goals.
In the semi finals the King’s Own easily beat the Y.M.C.A., but the Scots only just succeeded in defeating the Police by one goal to nil.
The final between the Royal Scots and the King’s Own attracted an enormous crowd. After having a long way the better of the exchanges, especially in the second half when they practically penned their opponents in their own half, the Scots lost by one goal to nil. The King’s Own only got one chance and Lt. Meyler scored with a wonderful shot at 25 yards, which completely defeated the Scots goalie. The failure of the Scots was once again in from of goal ; they seemed able to do anything but score. In the second half Langford, the Scot’s redoubtable centre half, received a severe kick across the eye and had to retire, but even then the Scots were attacking almost all the while. Thus the King’s Own once again became the winners of the Walter Locke Shield and the Champions of Burma. A feature of the season was that the Shield was presented to the winners by its donor Mr Marshall.
The Younger Cup
After a break of four years, the Younger Cup Competition between Upper and Lower Burma was renewed this year. The matches were played in Lower Burma as Lower Burma were the holders. Upper Burma sent down a very strong combination and two very closely contested games were witnessed. Lower Burma won by the narrow margin of one goal in both games. Upper Burma were without the services of Lt. Meyler, who had gone to India ; but, on the other hand, owing to an agreement by which Lower Burma had to play at least five military men, they were greatly handicapped through losing the services of Bennett in a practice game, when he hurt his knee so severely that he was unable to turn out any more. As it happened he was the only military right wing of any merit, though there were plenty of civilians fit for the post. The choice eventually fell on Willcocks, who though not the ideal winger yet proved sufficient for the purpose. However, Upper Burma put up a good fight and certainly were unfortunate in losing the first game when they had, if anything, the better of the exchanges. Mr Tranter acted as referee and gave complete satisfaction.
Once again there were only six teams in the Second Division, these being the Lusitanians, R.G.A., Judson College, Police Reserves, Diocesan Old Boys and University College Reserves. The Cup was won by the R.G.A., who showed a tremendous improvement in form. They only lost one match and score 46 goals to 12 against and headed the table with 17 points. The Lusitanians were second with only 11 points, while Judson College and the Police tied for third place with 9 points. Considering the few men the R.G.A. have to choose from they are to be heartily congratulated on their success. The holders, the Old Paulians were not represented.
Junior League
There was only one division in the Junior League this year and for this seven teams entered viz the Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Co.
Kemmendine Social Club
Medical School
Boys’ Union, Insein Railways
D.O.B.’s Reserves
Telegraph F.C.
Randeria Old Boys
The holders of the first division were Judson College who had been promoted to the Second Division of the Senior League. The Cup was won by the R.E.T. Co. with 13 points, one point ahead of the Kemmendine Social, who also led the Medical School by only one point. It was a keenly contested finish and the result was in doubt up to the last. The winners won all their six matches and scored 29 goals to 11 against.
Senior League Championship
The four teams in the Senior league Championship were the Royal Scots, Gymkhana, R.G.A. and Lusitanians. The first division teams had no difficulty in proving their superiority and finished in the same order as in the first division, the Scots heading the table with five points and the Gym. being second with four. A strange feature of this tournament was that while the R.G.A. won the second Division Cup so decisively, they lose all their matches in this league. The Lusitanians did well with three points, beating the R.G.A. and drawing with the Gym, who drew with the Royal Scots.
Junior Challenge Cup
Ten teams entered for the Junior Challenge Cup, the holders of which were the Secretariat Sports Club. Again a surprise was caused by the Kemmendine Social beating the R.E.T. Co., the winners of the Junior League. The holders were beaten by the Insein Railway Club in the second round and the semi-finalists became the Insein Railway Club, Malagon Sporting Club, Kemmendine Social and Syriam Hibs. Insein beat Malagon, and Kemmendine beat Syriam Hibs. The final saw a great struggle between the Insein Railways Club and the Kemmendine Social and it took three meetings before a decision was arrived at. At the first meeting neither side scored and at the second meeting both teams scored one ; but at the third meeting the Kemmendine Social won by two goals to one, the winning goal coming from a penalty kick. It was a good match to watch and attracted a large crowd of spectators. Insein had a chance of equalising, being awarded a penalty kick also, but it was missed.
Walter Locke Shield
The competition for the Walter Locke Shield, the blue ribbon of Burma, aroused tremendous enthusiasm as, owing to the much improved form of the Lower Burma teams, it was foreseen that the holders, the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt., would not have the walk over that they had had in 1920. This proved to be true as they had to fight hard even to win their way into the final. In the end they succeeded in retaining their title but only after a tremendous struggle. Twelve teams in all entered, this being a record. The teams were The King’s Own (holders) Syriam Gymkhana, Friends’ Union, R.G.A., Y.M.C.A., Lusitanians, Customs, Royal Scots, University College, Gym., Burma Police and D.O.B’s. The D.O.B.’s scratched before the tournament started giving the Police a walk-over.
In the first round, the results were:
Friends’ Union 3 beat Syriam Gymkhana 1
Customs 3 beat Lusitanians 2
Royal Scots 4 beat University College 0
The King’s Own had to meet the Gymkhana and, but for their superior training, would probably have lost, for the Gym. played their best game of the year and it was only after three matches, played too close together for the civilians, did the visitors win by two goals to nil. The first meeting resulted in a pointless draw and at the second both scored once. All three matches were splendidly contested and were worth going a long way to see.
In the second round the Y.M.C.A. beat the R.G.A. by four goals to one ; The King’s Own 4, beat Customs 2, and the Royal Scots 1 beat Friends’ Union. All were splendid matches to watch. The Union should have won their match but the forwards were off colour and missed several goals.
In the semi finals the King’s Own easily beat the Y.M.C.A., but the Scots only just succeeded in defeating the Police by one goal to nil.
The final between the Royal Scots and the King’s Own attracted an enormous crowd. After having a long way the better of the exchanges, especially in the second half when they practically penned their opponents in their own half, the Scots lost by one goal to nil. The King’s Own only got one chance and Lt. Meyler scored with a wonderful shot at 25 yards, which completely defeated the Scots goalie. The failure of the Scots was once again in from of goal ; they seemed able to do anything but score. In the second half Langford, the Scot’s redoubtable centre half, received a severe kick across the eye and had to retire, but even then the Scots were attacking almost all the while. Thus the King’s Own once again became the winners of the Walter Locke Shield and the Champions of Burma. A feature of the season was that the Shield was presented to the winners by its donor Mr Marshall.
The Younger Cup
After a break of four years, the Younger Cup Competition between Upper and Lower Burma was renewed this year. The matches were played in Lower Burma as Lower Burma were the holders. Upper Burma sent down a very strong combination and two very closely contested games were witnessed. Lower Burma won by the narrow margin of one goal in both games. Upper Burma were without the services of Lt. Meyler, who had gone to India ; but, on the other hand, owing to an agreement by which Lower Burma had to play at least five military men, they were greatly handicapped through losing the services of Bennett in a practice game, when he hurt his knee so severely that he was unable to turn out any more. As it happened he was the only military right wing of any merit, though there were plenty of civilians fit for the post. The choice eventually fell on Willcocks, who though not the ideal winger yet proved sufficient for the purpose. However, Upper Burma put up a good fight and certainly were unfortunate in losing the first game when they had, if anything, the better of the exchanges. Mr Tranter acted as referee and gave complete satisfaction.
POLO
Lim Chin Tsong Trophy
Lim Chin Tsong Trophy
The only event of interest in the Polo world this year was the series of games, which took place on 31st January, 2nd and 4th February in the Lim Chin Tsong Polo Cup Tournament. Only four teams were entered, they were the Mandalay Battn., Burma Military Police, Nondescripts, Rangoon Battn., Burma military Police and the Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. Burma Military Police. On the first day the Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. played the Mandalay Battn. and the Rangoon Batt. met the Nondescripts. On the second day the Nondescripts opposed the Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. and the Mandalay Battn. played the Rangoon Battn. On the third, and final day, the Rangoon Battn. met the Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. and the Mandalay Battn. played the Nondescripts. There was nothing startling or interesting in the games and there was a very poor attendance of spectators to see the matches. ...
The Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. , who scored 22 goals in play, won the tournament and the Lim Chin Tsong Trophy ; and the Mandalay Battn., who scored 13 goals in play, were the runners-up. The points were scored on the American System. At the conclusion of the tournament, Mrs Lim Chin Tsong presented the extremely handsome and large Silver Cup to the winning team, also a small Silver Cup to each member of the team. The teams were as follows:-
The Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn. , who scored 22 goals in play, won the tournament and the Lim Chin Tsong Trophy ; and the Mandalay Battn., who scored 13 goals in play, were the runners-up. The points were scored on the American System. At the conclusion of the tournament, Mrs Lim Chin Tsong presented the extremely handsome and large Silver Cup to the winning team, also a small Silver Cup to each member of the team. The teams were as follows:-
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Psawbwe (Reserve) Battn.
Lance Naik Rur Singh (No. 1) Major H.F.E. Childers (No. 2) Lance-Naik Gujjan Singh (Nol. 3) Naik-Commandant Jalal Din (back) |
Mandalay Battn.
Nail Jamal Singh Jemadar Pir Bux Lance-Naik Gujar Singh Bugler Ahmed Din |
Rangoon Battn.
Naik Sunder Singh Lance-Naik Abbas Khan Major E.A.W. Lake Javildar Roda Singh |
The Nondescripts
Major S.W. Egerton Capt. F.T. Drake-Brockman H. Holman-Hunt Jemadar Bachan Singh |
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Pyawbwe (Reserve Battn.) Burma Military Police.
Winners of the Cup in the Lim Chin Tsong Polo Cup Tournament L./N. Rur Singh (No. 1) Major H. Childers (No. 2) Naib-Commdt. Jabal Din (back) L./N. Gajjan Singh (No. 3) |
Mandalay Battn. Burma Military Police Polo Team.
Runners-up in the tournament as above. Jemadar Pir Bux, Naik Jamal Singh, L/Naik Gujar Singh, Bugler Ahmed Din |
GOLF
The International Golf Teams, 1921 England vs Scotland
THE TURF
T.P. Pong’s “The Bride”
Winner of the Lt.-Governor’s Cup and the Rangoon St. Leger, 1921 |
C. Stewart’s “Zabuyit”
Winner of the Sir Harvey Adamson Produce Stakes 1921 and the McDonnell Cup 192 |