1910 Eastern Suburbs season

“Quite 4000 people were present at the Agricultural Ground to witness this match which was a fine exposition of Northern Union rules. With only a few minutes to go Souths turned what seemed to be almost certain defeat into a highly meritorius victory. Their wonderful staying powers allowed them to secure the verict by 14 points to 10."

"At 3.25 Messenger led his side into the field. Souths followed a minute later. Messenger kicked off from the Randwick end East secured a 'free' almost immediately, but Messengers effort athough a good one, did not secure the two points. Souths rallied, Davis putting in some effective work, but wild passing lost Souths a chance. The ever present Messenger then 'marked' right in front of South's goal, this time making no mistake. Easts,2 Souths nil. Play was even for a while, until Anderson secured, and made a dash for the line, but he was tackled by Messenger, and laid out for some minutes. A 'knock-on' close to the line gave Souths a timely relief, but little ground was gained. Messengr was again in the limelight with a dodgy run, but he was tackled at the 25. Hot work in Souths territory occurred until Conlin relieved. Easts were now playing like a book, and taking advantage of every opportunity. They obtained 6 points in as many minutes - the first two for a 'free', the second two from a mark, and another 'free', for offside making the six. Messenger's kicking was a revelation, the crowd cheering enthusiasticly. The next item of interest, was some good work by the Souths forwards, which brought the ball close to East's goal line, and from a scrum the ball came out to Rosewell, who raced over. Conlin failed to convert, the kick being a poor one. The interval arrived with the scores unaltered. Eastern Suburbs 8, South Sydney 3. On ressuming Easts at once forced the pace, Messenger, and subsequently Frawley, making the efforts. The later was almost through when he was forced out at the corner. Souths then took a [?], a good passing bout (in which H Butler was the last to receive). resulting in South's total being increased to 6 points. Hallett failed to add the extras. Easts then became dangerous, Messenger being here, there and everywhere, rendering his side great assistance, as he seemed to be perfectly at home on both wings. On one occassion he 'marked' in a good position while lying prostrate, but Frawley was not successful in his kick, the ball going a little wide. Play was uninteresting for a few minutes, the tackling of Souths still keeping a high standard. Anderson tried to get through, but was not fast enough. Scrums became frequent, Souths being the first to initiate a passing movement in which all there threequarters participated, Anderson was grassed at halfway with only the fullback to beat. Off-side against the red and green gave Messenger another opportunity in the goal-potting line. It was his eigth kick at goal and his fifth success in the match, the ball sailing over beautifully. Souths then started to press, the passing allowing great improvement. A brilliant run by Anderson, who skirting half the length of the field, ended in his scoring a try. It was unconverted. the excitement was intense, and Souths were playing with wonderful heart. Time and again they swept down, and eventually Anderson again electrified the crowd by gathering in and rushing over. It was a grand try. Hallett converted. The whistle then blew Souths winning a memorable contest by 14 points to 10".