Mexborough & Swinton Times – March 26, 1949

Roman Terrace 1930/31: Schools Reminiscence

Reader interest in schoolboy football, reflected in letters in recent issues, has brought a further reminiscence this week from reader E. Roberts, 89, Chapel Street, Wath-on-Dearne, who recalls how, before every match in which Mexborough Roman Terrace (1930-31 period) took part, the school was assembled and the hymn, ” Fight the Good Fight” was sung.

He writes: ” Having read with great interest your articles on schoolboy football teams from Schofield Street and Swinton Bridge, I think I can revive many happy memories with mention of what I, personally, believe to be one of the finest local schoolboy teams of the years following the feats of Schofield Street and Swinton Bridge, i.e., the Roman Terrace teams of 1930-31 and 1931-32, who won the League Shield, Band Shield and Rawson Cup.

The performance was, I believe, repeated, with the addition of the Montagu Shield, the following year, or may had been achieved in the previous year, and the team received a set of medals for their performances (by local subscription). One of those teams wes taken to Tadcaster to play the School League winners of that area and Roman Terrace won 7-1.

Into ” Battle “

For this success the Masters, Mr. S. A. Staples (headmaster) and Mr. C. Gordan (Sports) must be given all the credit, as they took more than an ordinary interest in every boy, Before every match, the School was assembled and the hymn “Fight the good fight” was sung. Typical of the spirit of the times!

I can recall crowds of 300-400 on White Lee Road ground and Hampden Road ground to watch matches during that period. I also recall 10 of the regular team being chosen to play in the Mexborough and District Schoolboys’ Trials. I believe both Masters wanted the team as a whole to pay a representative side from Mexborough and District, but this never materialised.”

In the accompanying photograph of the Roman Terrace side of 193031 are:

Back Row (left to right) Mr. C. Gardner, J. Bancroft, J. Gaunt, P. Atkinson, J. Longson, J. Shaw Mr. S. A. Staples;

Centre: J. Foster, J. Parkes, J. Depledge;

Front: D. Greaves, G. Swann, C. Townsend, S. Prince, E. Roberts.