Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « previnterest, and long before the appointed day intending competitors were not only training for the events, but some, certain of success, had already a lien on the first prizes! Usually the sports were held in a field in Moorgate, now belonging to Miss Eskholme, of Beechenhurst. The events consisted of the usual flat and hurdle races, long jump, high jump with and without pole, throwing at the wicket, putting the stone, throwing the hammer, a donkey race, and a Rifle Volunteer race, in which the competitors were compelled to wear their uniform of sombre grey tunic and trousers, a hat with a neb surmounted by a knob about two inches in diameter; and also carry their rifle and kit
At the conclusion of the racing, a dis play by men on horseback, tilting at the ring, took place. This competition always attracted many well.known men as competitors, including Dr. Crossley and Frank Wainman, both of Maltby, Messrs. James Jenkin, W. H. Glossop, T. G. Curtis. Elliot Kesteven, Geo. Oldfield, William Rising. R.G. Barras, J, Thurgaland, and William Blackmoor. On one occasion all records were broken by Mr. Elliot Kesteven,who took all the rings, which hung on a kind of gibbet pole, and cut off the three heads on the posts. These heads were supposed to represent men on horseback, and had to be cut down by the competitors whilst at full gallop. For the mile flat race the entries usually included the names of Bob Mason (a tall, lanky yet powerful man with red hair and a long raking stride, a brother of the late Alderman Fred Mason and cousin to Alderman John Mason), Harry Hargreaves (an employee of Messrs. Yates, Haywood and Co.), Sam Draycott (who afterwards took up running professionally and ran in several Sheffield handicaps ), William Ellis (a frail. looking man, employed a a whitesmith at Smith Brothers, who in later years conducted a grocery stores and Post Office in Wellgate). and Sam Haywood (another employee of Yates. Haywood and Co.). Over the hurdles. Lant Watson and Frank Foers acknowledged no master except George Owen, who was considered to be the best hurdle jumper in Yorkshire.
In later years the sports were transferred to Clifton Park, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. W. Owen. These however, were not the only athletic sports held in Rotherham. The Rifle Volunteers and the Cricket Club also held annual meetings on the Clifton Lane ground. They- were successful in securing the patronage of Earl Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Effingham, and Lord Wharnchiffe. All the leading families attended, and a great crowd surrounded the enclosure.Mr. Robert (after wards Alderman) Marsh usually officiated as judge.
