1916

From Sid Grant History of Coalfields Soccer

War conditions altered competitions in 1916 and the "All Aged" was the top ranking series. 

Weston entered two teams. "A" and "B", and after seven series Weston "B" topped on 13 points, Weston "A" on 11. Newcastle on 10 and Wallsend on 9 -- which quartet qualified for semi-finals. In first semi-final, Weston "A" and Newcastle played 0 all draw but Weston won the replay by 2 to 0. In the second semi-final, Weston "B" outed Wallsend by 2 to 0. 

What a sensation for the club - "A" v "B" in the final on the Homestead Ground. Gate was £78 at 6d. for males, ladies free. After 90 gruelling minutes, in which both contestants shared the honours - score NIL ALL. After the final whistle, referee J. Sanderson said, "I've never refereed a better game. Both sets of players gave of their best and the crowd cheered them on."

Teams were - "A": Herb Smith, Morgan, Campbell, Kell, Sned­den, Duxfield, Clarke, Taylor, Johnson, Brunskill, Davis. "B" Wes Smith, Lambert, Henry, Taft, Hollingsworth, Dick Austen, Beverley, Gilbertson, R. Austen, McNaughton, Henry Tweddle - Avis was un­available. 

The replay was taken to Blackburn Oval to allow Newcastle fans to see these two great elevens in action. But nature deposed and the game was played under very wet conditions. It was a very over­cast day and players had great difficulty in controlling the impish ball. Wes Smith was replaced in goal by Bob Austen and Jack Avis led the attack. It was well into the second half, when Avis netted the all important goal.