Mexborough and Swinton Times April 6, 1928

A Mexboro’ Bid.

The big crowd that watched Mexboro’ win their way into the semi-final round of the English School Shield competition at Hampden Road on Saturday were greatly impressed by the skill and spirit of the eleven boys who are bidding for the highest sporting honour open to elementary school teams in Great Britain.

A team that can twice in consecutive matches can fight back against good sides and win after being a goal down look good enough for anything. Saturday’s was the stiffest test the Mexboro’ team have yet been put to, for in height, weight, strength and length of limb they had the odds against them.

But they won deservedly. Indeed Wolverhampton would have been a very lucky team had they escaped defeat—I say that while paying tribute to the splendid game they gave the Mexboro’ lads, and to the fine rally they made after the tables had been turned on them. Now the team led by that sturdy match-winner, John Gittins (picture), of Swinton, are among the last four in all England, and arrangements are now in hand for playing their semi-final tie with the winners of the Woolwich-North Staffs. Tie. Both there are very good teams; and the tie which will he played in this neighbourhood, will provide one of the best school games ever seen in our district.

We look to Mexborough to go through now to the end and bring to Mexborough the splendid honour of possession or a 12 month of the English Schools Shield.