This match at the Arms Park, Cardiff, in January 1903 belonged to Newport forward Jehoida Hodges. He was switched to the wing position after just twenty-five minutes when skipper Tom Pearson fell to a heavy tackle from Bert ‘Octopus’ Gamlin, the England fullback.
By half-time, Hodges had crossed the England line three times in a remarkable display and Wales were 21-0 in front and uncatchable. Pearson had to be lured out of retirement to lead the side, as Gwyn Nicholls was out with injury, and opened the scoring. It was his first cap for five years and proved to be his last.
Dicky Owen, Hodges, Hodges again (from a Rhys Gabe run) and Hodges with a third (from a Strand Jones move) all crossed the England line with a second-half reply from Denys ‘David’ Dobson who went over for a try.
The intrepid Dobson had played for London Welsh and in 1904 was to become the first British tourist to be sent off. His hand-off was rated as ‘a bit weak’ after he was killed by a charging rhinoceros in Nyassaland at the age of 36!
George Travers from Pill Harriers made his debut in this match, as did Fred Jowett of Swansea, who made his only appearance and turned professional two years later.
