— Jonathan Oldbuck | 30/03/1886 —

To me it seemed as if the echoes of the enthusiasm which prevailed at the Rugby International a fortnight ago had just reached Glasgow this afternoon, and, with new life infused into them, again colled out into loud and appreciative manifestations of delight over the play of those engaged in the Association International. The game — the fifteenth, I understand — was no ordinary one — it was an extraordinary one even from an International point of view. Scotland, for some reason or other, has made little or no progress in the science these few years back, indeedn, the feeling among some experts is that the Scotch play of to-day is not what it was four or five years ago, and in this opinion I am inclined to share.

England, on the other hand, has made great strides — has, in fact, brought itself to the same position so long held by Scotland. In 1883 and 1884 Scotland just managed to win, and no more; last year the result was a draw; and if theses facts, when contrasted with the results of 1882 and this afternoon, do not indicate great and marvellous improvement, I do not know what they indicate. Yes, Scotland has not been improving in the same proportion as England, and while the two nations are more on an equality than they have ever been, the fact is — and a painful one it is to Scotch patriots — that Thistle is not nearly so powerful as it was.

It is a well-known fact that present impressions are the strongest, but, making the necessary allowance for that, I think the proverbial "oldest follower" would have some difficulty in recalling an International that was so well patronised by the public, that provoked so much enthusiasm, and, in a word, that came up to this afternoon's contest. Even though the weather was as bad as it possibly could be, over 10,000 spectators were on the ground, and there can be no doubt if the weather had been more element there would have been at least a half more. The ground was sloppy, and the players could not keep their feet very well, but on the whole there were fewer spills than one would have expected.

The play, considering the many drawbacks that had to be encountered, was very good, and I don't think I ever witnessed a faster game. The Scotch had the best of the play for the first ten minutes, and Arthur did some really wonderful saving in that time. Then both sides were evenly matches, the ball going from one end of the field to the other, and each having shies for the goal; but in the last twenty minutes or so of the first half England, who played with splendid dash and accuracy, got the upper hand of our men completely, and Lindley scored once. They had "hard lines" several times, just as the Scotch had at the start. The second half Scotland had to play a defensive game most of the time, and this is not to be wondered at, as Linday, who got hurt, had to retire. This made the partisans of Scotland very downcast, but the players, to their credit let it be said, never lost heart, and after the Dumbarton man had gone they appeared to get on better. The ball was put below the bar twice, but each time it was disallowed. However, Sommerville got it under, and this time there was no dispute. The two countries were now on level terms, and during the ten minutes that remained both teams got upset a little with the excitement. Neither side scored further, and the game thus ended in a draw.

The Englishmen played a rattling good game. Previous English teams lacked combined action, but this one was well up in the art of passing and keeping together. This is the result of their success. They are, of course, indebted to us for the lesson, and it will be odd if in another season they give us a wrinkle or two as to how the thing ought to be done. Arthur was a distinct success. Pastime, the metropolitan authority, was not in favour of the Rover, but I don't think another man in England could have played as he did on Saturday afternoon. But Arthur, whatever he may be in England, is never a failure in Scotland. Any time he comes with the Rovers he never fails to distinguish himself. The Walters were perfect. Bailey was very energetic. Forrest was rather too fanciful at times, but always smart. Cobbold created a great impression with his general all-round play. Lindley was erratic at times, but he redeemed himself by scoring the only point England got. Bambridge ran like a deer, and dribbled, as he always does, artistically, and the others, too, did their share of the work. We expected great things from the Englishmen, and they did not disappoint us.

M'Auley added to his already great fame as custodian. W. Arnott was as good as ever he was. Paton's "light" was not eclipsed by being alongside the Scotch captain. C. Campbell, the hero of so many national tussles, was positively brilliant at times. J. M'Donald played faultlessly, and all round it would have been impossible to have had a finer back division. Grey is very pluck at all times. He was more so on Saturday, and he iis undeniably the best left-wing player we have. Aitken is a little gem, and did wonders. Sommerville was slow at the start, but played splendidly at the close, and, like Lindley, redeemed himself by scoring. Sellars was at home on the right, and Hamilton worked like a tiger. Joe Lindsay was not a success. He did not want to play, as he was not properly sound, but he was forced to do so by the Association officials. The game, in a word, is one that will long be remembered. England should have won, and that is the almost unanimous opinion of those present.