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Sports

 

Like most regiments, the North Irish Horse was active on the sporting field. Reports of some of their matches are below.

 

Cricket

MUCKAMORE v. NORTH IRISH HORSE.

This game took place at Muckamore on Wednesday in perfect weather and before a large attendance. The home side won - 120 to 79. Hamill (49) and Lieutenant Forsythe , R.E. (43), batted in rare style. Score:--

(Northern Whig, 18 June 1915)

 

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. ROYAL ENGINEERS.

This match was played on the Muckamore Club grounds on the 22nd inst. A large and fashionable crowd was present, and the visitors and players were hospitably entertained by the ladies of the Muckamore Club. Score:--

(Belfast News-Letter, 25 June 1915)

 

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. ROYAL ENGINEERS (ANTRIM).

The return match between these military teams took place on the Muckamore Grounds on the 30th ult. The wicket was perfect and some fine batting was seen. The outstanding batsmen were Trooper Cowell (106 not out), Sergeant-Major Harrison (102), and Trooper Westropp (33) for the North Irish Horse, while for the Engineers Corporal Bolton (45), Lieutenant Ferrier (15), and Lieutenant Forsyth (10) played well. Both elevens and visitors were hospitably entertained by the ladies of the Muckamore Club. Scores:--

(Belfast News-Letter, 25 June 1915)

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. CLIFTONVILLE.
Wounded Soldiers Entertained.

The entertainment for the wounded soldiers located at the Royal Victoria Hospital, promoted by the Cliftonville Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club, at Cliftonville on Saturday was a great success, fully 70 wounded soldiers accepting the invitation and hospitality of this well-known club. The arrangements were admirably carried out by a strong committee, and among those who took an active part may be mentioned Messrs. H. C. McCleery, J. G. Blair, J. C. Picken, A. Lowe, H. E. Wood, J. H. D. Millar, H. Stevenson, A. Picken, and the genial and indefatigable secretary, A. T. Reeves. Friends of the club kindly supplied motor conveyances. The programme was varied and attractive, and included cricket, lawn tennis, quoits, golf-putting, sack races, ladies’ races, and tug-of-war (ladies), the last-mentioned creating much amusement. Through the kindness of Mr. Henry T. Downs and the directorate of the Royal Hippodrome, a high-class entertainment was given by the principal artists appearing at that well-known place of amusement, and, needless to say, their efforts were most highly appreciated. During the afternoon cigars, cigarettes, strawberries, and a variety of other good things were dispensed to the guests, who were in charge of Sisters McMahon and Hayes, of the Royal Victoria Hospital. The prizes for the different events were presented by the members and friends of the club, and in some competitions the results were of quite an exciting character. Those who presided at the tea tables included Mrs. H. C. McCleery, Mrs. S. McComb, Mrs. Henry, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Millar, and Mrs. Sutherland. The cricket match was keenly followed, and a rousing finish resulted in Cliftonville winning by five runs. Scores:--

(Belfast News-Letter, 12 July 1915)

 

N.I.H. v. RANDALSTOWN DEPOT.

The Muckamore cricket ground, with its beautiful green sward, was seen at its best on Thursday, when on it one saw khaki, tartan, and plaid, while the ladies' dresses and cricketers' flannels made a nice setting for the picture. Four hundred and fifty convalescent men from Randalstown came in a special train to Muckamore, and headed by their fife and drum band, marched to the ground, where they were received by Lady Massereene, Col. Maude, Major Richardson, and officers of the N.I.H. At intervals the band provided enjoyable items, and a cricket match was played, the N.I.H. antagonising the depot command from Randalstown. Her ladyship during the afternoon provided tea and smokes for the men, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The O.C. thanked Lady Massereene at the end, and after cheers were given the men marched off to the station. Score:--

(Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 26 August 1916)

 

Football

NORTH IRISH HORSE V. SUMMERFIELD.
FRIENDLY FIXTURE.

The North Irish Horse from Antrim were the guests on Saturday last of Summerfield, when representative teams met at the latter's grounds off Warden Street, in a friendly encounter. The heavy rains had made the ground extremely sodden, and small ponds of water were much in evidence, and as a result good football was not to be expected. Trumpeter Woldford [Woolford] (as referee), lined out the teams as follows:--

North Irish Horse -- Greene; Craig, Hanna; H. Hanna, McLaughlin, Devoy; L. Gordon, Shields, Mercer, Harding, and Cowden.
Summerfield -- Watt; King, Davison; Wallace, Aiken, Laverty; Cooper, Leech, Moore, Cairns, and Smyth.

Summerfield started operations with nine men (Moore coming on shortly afterwards), but despite this disadvantage they made away from the start. Cairns was robbed, and Cowden broke away for the military, and after a good run was on the point of shooting when the whistle sounded for an infringement of the off-side rule. The N.I.H. continued on the move, and for a few minutes the homesters citadel was in considerable danger of falling to their attack, but after an exciting scrimmage in front of goal, King obtained possession and placed the issue of that particular incident beyond doubt with a magnificent clearance. Cairns picked up, and after a good run it seemed as if nothing would prevent his scoring, when off-side ruled. Smyth had a try, but the ball went narrowly by. Leech made away for the homesters, however, there was no getting by the invincible "Sammy" at back, who robbed and cleared in characteristic form. The military attacked per Gordon, who sent across a splendid shot which hit the off post, and on the rebound King saved a dangerous situation by clearing in good form. Summerfield broke away, and Hanna cleared at the expense of a corner, but the flag kick did not prove remunerative. Mercer obtaining possession had a good run for the soldiers, and he had hard lines a good shot missing by inches. Play continued in the homesters' territory, and shortly before half-time, McLaughlin sent in a fast shot, which Watt failed to deal with, and the ball lodged in the net for the first, and, as it subsequently proved, the only goal of the match. Half-time found the score unchanged. Half-time:--

NORTH IRISH HORSE ... 1 goal.
SUMMERFIELD ... ... ... . Nil.

When the game was resumed it was noticed that Cooper had reinforced the ranks of the homesters. Summerfield pressed with Smyth in possession, but Hanna robbed, and cleared, changing the venue, and the soldiers pressed per Cowden, but his good run was brought to an unfortunate termination by an infringement of the off-side rule. Greene proved himself useful with a magnificent save from Aiken. Cooper broke away on the right, and after a good run sent in. Green, however, was not found wanting, and saved in fine form. The soppy state of the ground did much to mar the chances of both teams, and several good passes went a-begging on both sides. Summerfield were now having the best of the argument, and from Cooper's centre, Leech sent in, the ball going narrowly by. The military again proved aggressive, and Gordon had a try, but Watt was not to be caught napping and effected a noteworthy save. Hanna, when the homesters were forcing the play saved a dangerous situation for the visitors at the expense of a corner; the flag-kick, however, was not productive. Continuing the attack Smith sent in, but his shooting was erratic, and the ball went wide of its objective. Play continued in the visitors' territory with Smith and Cairns in possession alternately, and the latter sent in a fine shot. Greene in goal, however, was not found wanting, and made a splendid save, subsequently sending well down the field. Summerfield continued dangerous, and Greene was again called upon to save his citadel, this time with a shot from Cooper. The homesters continued the offensive up to full-time, but no further score resulted. Full-time:--

NORTH IRISH HORSE ... 1 goal.
SUMMERFIELD ... ... ... . Nil.

[Further comments by "Onlooker".] ... For the winners "Harry" Mercer was easily the most prominent player on the side, and his splendid turn of speed was shown to advantage. Green, in goal, also did well and made some fine saves; whilst Cowden, Gordon, and McLaughlin also played finely. Another noticeable player on the visitors side was the popular "Sammy" Hanna, who, in a familiar role at back, played a splendid game, and was a very useful member of the side.

(Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 6 March 1915)

 

FRIENDLY FIXTURE.
N.I.H. (ANTRIM) v. BROADWAY RANGERS.

On Saturday afternoon last teams representing the above met at Summerfield's grounds, Ballymena, in a friendly competition. A fair crowd of spectators witnessed the game, which was in charge of Mr. E. Staunton.

Teams:-- N.I.H. – Cathcart; Archibald, Bingan; Coffee, Huston, Perry; Jamison, Dunseith, Gibson, Hunter, and McKee.
Broadway Rangers – Woodcock; Shanks, Boyle; J. Barclay, R. Thompson, McMaster; W. Thompson, Cahoon, Wylie, Bonnar, and Robertson.

The game opened out in favour of the home team per Bonnar, and a corner was forced in their favour, but proved unproductive. Subsequently Bonnar had a plucky try, sending over. The game lacked enthusiasm almost throughout, and fluctuated considerably. Cathcart saved cleverly from W. Thompson, and from the clearance the military laid seige to their opponents' citadel, this effort culminating in a fruitless corner. Woodcock effected a magnificent save from Hunter, at the expense of a corner, which was not materialised. Woodcock again saved well from Hunter, and on the rebound the keeper again saved from this player at the expense of a corner. Following the flag kick Gibson drew first blood in favour of the N.I.H. This enlivened matters a little, the soldiers still pressing. Rangers broke the pressure and came away, Cathcart saving from Bonnar. Robertson picked up near the flag post and equalised with a neat shot. No further scoring took place in this period. Half-time—

N.I.H. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 Goal.
BROADWAY RANGERS ... ... 1 Goal.

Throughout the larger part of the second half play was of a desultory character, and class football was conspicuous by its absence, few incidents of note taking place. The soldiers attacked on several occasions, and were repeatedly dangerous, good work by Boyle at back, however, who cleared splendidly, saving many dangerous situations. The visitors worked well, and following a good run by McKee, Rangers conceded a corner. The flag kick was not remunerative, Boyle clearing. The balance of play ruled in favour of the military, and following some good play Gibson gave them the lead with a well-deserved goal. At the other extreme Thompson was left with a good opening, but missed badly, and Wylie also let several good opportunities slip. No further scoring took place up to the finish, and the game ended. Full time:--

N.I.H. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Goals.
BROADWAY RANGERS ... ... 1 Goal.

(Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 28 October 1916)

 

2ND NORTH IRISH HORSE REGIMENT WAR DIARY

24 September 1916. Flesselles. 9.a.m. Football match between the Regt and M.M.G. Battn resulted in 1 goal each (association).

 

FOOTBALL NOTES.

Summerfield ... "A" team travelled to Donegal Avenue, Belfast, and met linfield Rangers in the Alliance Competition, and were defeated by the solitary goal of the match; while "B" team played off a friendly fixture at Warden Street with the North Irish Horse, but fared better than their senior team, the result of the game being two goals each. The evening was fine for the popular pastime, and the strong sun transformed the pitch into a fairly bearable state. ...

There was a big crowd at Warden Street. Both teams were strongly represented, and rendered a not too bad account of themselves, but at the same time the play was by no means of a high order, although towards the end of the game the contest was more interesting than at any other period of the game. After five minutes' give and take play the homesters attacked in fine style, and from a pass from Torbitt, Moore headed through for the first goal. From this time up to the interval neither team could be counted the superiors, and when they crossed over Summerfeild was still leading by one goal.

About ten minutes after the re-start the N.I.H. applied renewed pressure, and after a good run McCarley scored the equaliser amidst the applause of his spectator comrades. This put new life into the home forwards, who, immediately the kick-off had been taken, made one irresistible run, which terminated in Moore finding the leading goal. A penalty awarded later to the N.I.H., owing to Surgenor fouling one of the military, was entrusted to McCarley, who made no mistake with the kick, leaving Woodcock not the ghost of a chance. Play was lively up to the finish, the score still being two goals each. Teams:--N.I.H.--Love, Archibald, Annesley, Perry, Gillan, Murray, McCarley, Cupples, Smith, Munroe, Robinson. Summerfield--Woodcock, Craig, Surgenor, Thompson, McPherson, Cahoon, Torbitt, Barclay, Moore, Bonnar, Cunning.

(Ballymena Observer, 27 April 1917)

 

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. SUMMERFIELD.

A friendly between the North Irish Horse and Summerfield was played off at Warden Street Grounds last Saturday. A fair crowd was present to witness the game, which turned out a victory for the homesters by the only goal of the match. Mr. Montgomery, the popular secretary of the Summerfield club, was not to be envied on Saturday in his task of getting together a team, which, although not of the first order, succeeded in defeating the visitors.

Play was evenly divided in the first half, and Montgomery brought off several good saves. A notable player for the North Irish Horse was McStey of Belfast Celtic at back, who formerly played for Glasgow Celtic and Ayr United, being at present in training at Antrim. Archibald, at back also, played for Ballymoney against Summerfield in the recent game in connection with the Steel & Son's Cup; while Cupples and Perry are familiarly known in Ballymena. Both sides had notable exchanges, but up to the interval there was no scoring.

In the second half, as far as the play was concerned, it did not favour any side. McDonald scored the only goal from close range, but the visitors were unable to equalise, although they made good attempts. Teams:-- North Irish Horse -- Mairs, Archibald, McStey, Lt. Hunter, Sergt.-Major Carson, Corpl. Jones, Cupples, Perry, Lt. Austin, Shanks, Reilly. Summerfield -- Montgomery, Brown, Taylor, McPherson, Boyle, McDonald, Bonar, Barclay, Torbitt, Marks, McIlwaine. Referee, Mr. M. Killough.

(Ballymena Observer, 26 October 1917)

 

FRIENDLY FIXTURE.

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. ANTRIM

The above match was played at the latter's grounds on Wednesday evening, 21st inst., before a large number of spectators. Mr. P. Jones refereed the game. Both teams were at their full strength and were as follows:-- North Irish Horse - Patterson; Feeney, Bell; Service, Lieut. Pollock, Ross; Wilson, Fulton, Stewart, Cameron, McCowan. Antrim - Bates; Rea, McKillop; Percy, Sloan, S. Quigley; McKeown, H. Quigley, Currie, Hannon, McCaone.

The military won the toss and decided to play with the breeze in their favour. Currie kicked off for Antrim who made a strong rush, but Feeneychecked the advance. The military broke away, and McGowan sent the ball across to Stewart, but the latter missed a good opening. Rea, who was playing a good game at back for the home team, checked the opposing forwards repeatedly. Play was brisk up to the interval, but neither side could approach the other's goals. ...

On the resumption, the military played against a heavy wind, but they still gave a good exhibition of footwork. Lieut. Pollock, driving into the opponents' goal, was followed up by McGowan, who made no mistake in beating the Antrim keeper with a swift shot, thus opening the score for the military. Antrim tried hard to equalize and succeeded about ten minutes before full time, when Hannon beat Patterson with a grounder. Full time score --

N.I.H. ... ... ... 1 goal.
ANTRIM ... ... 1 goal.

(Ballymena Observer, 30 May 1919)

 

VIGNACOURT

A Squadron football team, Vignacourt, France, 1919.

 

Horse racing

POINT-TO-POINT RACES.
THE KILLULTAGH HARRIERS.
INTERESTING ANTRIM MEETING.

A card of five events comprised the programme of the point-to-point steeplechases brought off at Oriel Lodge, Antrim, promoted by the Killultagh and Old Rock and Chichester harriers' Hunt Club. In pre-war days this annual fixture was one of the principal features of the northern programme, and always attracted large crowds of sportsmen and of the general public.

... Amongst others who took a prominent part in to-day's proceedings were Viscount Massereene and Ferrard, who acted in the capacity of starter.

... Donors of cups were Sir Thomas Dixon, Captain A. N. V. Hill-Lowe ... the race confined to officers of the North Irish Horse was without doubt the most sporting item on the programme.

... A lot of interest centred in the concluding race, for military riders, each of the eight being owner-ridden. Sloper and Nora Crean were joint favourites and the first-named scored a popular win for Lieutenant W. E. Jones.

4.30 – THE VICTORY CUP – Presented by Capt. A. N. V. Hill-Lowe, for horses ridden by officers of the N.I. Horse during the past season, who are at present [in] service with the regiment. Riders – Officers qualified to enter. About two miles and a half.

Betting 3 to 1 each agst Sloper and Nora Crean, 4 to 1 agst Bronco, and 7 to 1 agst any other.

Won by two lengths, with a length dividing the second and third.

(Larne Times and Weekly Telegraph, 3 May 1919)

 

Rugby

BELFAST v: NORTH IRISH HORSE.

A team representing the North Irish Horse stationed at Antrim are due this afternoon at Ormeau to meet a local fifteen of those Rugby players who have not yet joined Kitchener's new army. The visitors have a fairly good side, and expect to put up a good fight. The locals are far from what a representative Belfast side might be, as the Rugby players have responded largely to their country's call. However, the teams fielding to-day are evenly matched, and spectators should witness a close contest. As is usual the gate proceeds will be devoted to a war fund in connection with the branch, and it is hoped followers of the game will patronise the match in large numbers. The kick-off will take place at 3.15 o'clock, and Mr. W. A. Daish will act as referee.

The following are the teams:--

North Irish Horse -- Full-back, H. Copeland, three-quarters, C. R. Boyd, E. A. Dallas, H. McManus, L. Brennan; half-backs, J. O'Neill, J. H. Alexander; forwards, R. Matchett, H. E. Craig, W. S. Smyth, W. McHugh, S. Mercier, S. McCreary, W. Mercier, and C. Wilson.

Belfast -- F. P. Montgomery; B. C. Hardy, A. R. Wheeler, M. Ireland, Brady; J. E. Rea, C. Wood; J. Hamilton, W. Kennedy, B. McGown, J. McKay (Collegian), J McKay (Queen's), G. Mahoney, F. Ewart, and A. N. Other.

(Belfast-News-Letter, 27 February 1915)

BELFAST v. NORTH IRISH HORSE

These teams met at Ormeau, Belfast of Saturday, in cold and miserable weather, rain and sleet falling practically throughout the whole afternoon. The Belfast team was a weak one, still they succeeded in winning. Owing to the slippery state of the ball good passing was out of the question, but what little was seen came from the home side. Ireland [sic] scored an unconverted try in the first half, and in the second Hamilton and McKay added tries, McGown goaling the former's effort. The North Irish Horse players put up a good fight, and were many times near scoring, so that the score does not by any means give a fair idea of the play. Result:-- Belfast--1 goal 2 tries (11 points). North Irish Horse--Nil.

(Irish Times, 1 March 1915)

 

BALLYMENA ACADEMY v. NORTH IRISH HORSE.

This match was played on Saturday, at Ballymena, before quite a large crowd of spectators, and resulted for the school team by 1 goal (5 points) to nil. The game was keenly contested throughout. In the first half, the play was fairly even, all attempts on either side to score being nullified by fine tackling on the other. In the secord half the Academy had rather the better of the play, forcing the Horse to touch down more than once. Five minutes from time the soldiers were penalised for off-side, and Watt made a magnificent try at goal from a difficult position. The ball rebounded off the cross-bar and McClelland, the school captain, following up, fielded cleanly and forced his way over for a fine try. Watt made no mistake in adding the major points. Towards the end of the game darkness set in, which rendered it rather difficult to locate the ball. The Academy boys are to be congratulated on defeating the military, as the latter were much the bigger and heavier lot. A feature of the match, which was ably refereed by Mr. McShane, was the good spirit which prevailed right through. We have rarely seen on Ballymena grounds a more gentlemanly set of visitors than the soldiers. Altogether, it was a very fast and exciting game, and the Academy fully deserved their victory, which was in a large measure due to the good play of H. Carson, replacing his brother at half. If the Academy could strengthen their half-back line, they would have a really good team. Surely some of the bigger boys, who so far have cried off playing, will step into the breach before the School Cup ties come round.

(Ballymena Observer, 30 November 1917)

 

Lawn Tennis

NORTH IRISH HORSE v. SCOTTISH COMMAND DEPOT, RANDALSTOWN.

This match took place at Muckamore on Saturday. The N.I.H. had the assistance of two members of the home club. The game ended in a win for the horsemenby 4 matches to 1, 8 sets to 2, or 61 games to 31. The tennis club (Muckamore) provided tea, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Croquet and friendly games filled up the remaining time. Details:–

Lieutenants Wright and Forrest (N.I.H.) beat Private B.G. Bonner and Lance-Corporal Russell (S.C.D.) – 11-9 and 6-3.

J.G. Entwistle and J. Malcolm (N.I.H.) beat Withers and Jones (S.C.D.) – 6-1 and 6-0.

Sergeant McKinley and Trooper Smith (N.I.H.) beat McIntosh and Patterson (S.C.D.) – 6-1 and 6-2.

Troopers Loton and Pyke (N.I.H.) beat Ritchie and Johnston (S.C.D.) – 6-0 and 6-3.

Troopers Walton and McDaniel (N.I.H.) lost to Kaye and Young (S.C.D.) – 4-6 and 4-6.

(Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 2 September 1916)

 

Hockey

A very attractive hockey fixture between the North Irish Horse and Ballymena, took place on Wednesday evening last, in the Demense, Ballymena, before a good attendance. The proceeds were in aid of the funds of the Ballymena War Working Party (comforts for soldiers), which should be considerably added to by the takings. Ballymena took up the running, and McConnell, after a good run, scored the opening goal. Mercer, with a nice pot, scored the equalizer. Both teams struggled hard for the lead, the Horse being finally rewarded by Alexander scoring. Half-time --

North Irish Horse ... 2 goals.
Ballymena ... ... ... ... 1 goal.

The second half started favourably for the homesters, and it looked as if they would come on equal terms with the military. The venue suddenly changed, and the horsemen, after a short attack, scored per Copeland. Mercer showed particular brilliancy in his fast rushes, Ballymena occasionally had several good runs, Jackson and Murphy making fine attempts to score. There was no further scoring, the North Irish Horse remaining the winners. Teams -- N.I.H. -- Shaw, Jackson, Hamilton, Torrens, McDonnell, McCartney, Bradley, Alexander, Mercer, Copeland, Dean. Ballymena -- Brown, Brabazon, McClean, Cathcart, Murphy, Jackson, McConnell, Millar, Hatton, Armstrong, Elliott. Referees -- Moore and Millar. Result --

North Irish Horse ... 3 goals.
Ballymena ... ... ... ... 1 goal.

(Ballymena Observer, 2 April 1915)