1899 - THREE'S COMPANY
A superb championship race highlighted in an expanded N.L.U.. New
teams in Quebec City and Sherbrooke gave the league more french
flavour. The Quebec entry began well by splitting their first four
contests. After that it was difficult, one win in eight, including a
15-0 loss to Shamrocks. Sherbrooke's only success was a 2-1 win over
Quebec.
Believe it or not, Toronto actually finished out of the basement. They
even finished ahead of Ottawa. To top everything they managed a
winning record of 7-5. Frank and Fred Moran, Pick Lillie and Ed Peaker
all scored in double figures to lead the rivival. For the Capitals, it
was a nightmare. 4 wins and 8 losses, their worst season since the
merger. Their great offence went flat and too many close defeats meant
a long summer.
The emergence of Jack Brennan and Bert Henry as stars catapulted
Shamrocks back into contention. Brennan set a record with 26 goals.
Albert Dade followed with 19 and Henry added 18. Lest we forget the
motor running the irish machine! Harry Hoobin quarterbacked the
offence, plus found the time to chip in 13 markers.
Joining the green shirts in the pennant hunt were the titleholders and
Cornwall. Shamrocks reached September with an 8-1 record. Colts were
immediately behind with 7 wins and 2 losses. Nationals trailed with a
4-3 mark. Once again the frenchmen had the finishing kick, though this
time they needed help. It was Toronto who brought their chances back
to life by shocking Shamrocks 9-0 on Labour Day. The following
Saturday they topped Cornwall 3-2. Lillie scored five over the two
games. The defending champs responded by winning their final five
matches. On September 23rd they edged the irish 3-2. A fortnight
later Paddy Brennan scored half in a 4-1 victory over Ottawa. That
created a three way tie.
Shamrocks put the rally to rest in October. Consecutive wins over
their rivals gave them the pennant. Bert Henry's remarkable five goal
effort carried the green shirts past Cornwall 6-2. Next Henry counted
two, along with Dade, as Nationals were dethroned in a 5-1 game.
More success for Orangeville Dufferins in Senior lacrosse, another
C.L.A. crown. Yet another embarrassment at the hands of the
Intermediate champs. A kid named Charles Querrie led the Markham Stars
past Orangeville for provincial honours. Among the Stars zone rivals
were Beaverton Checkers. The Checkers deserve to be mentioned, if for
no other reason than their catchy team song.
CHECKERS' YELL
Red and white, red and white,
red and white is our delight.
Hobble, gobble, razzle, dazzle,
Sis cum bah!
The Checkers, the checkers,
Rah! Rah! Rah!
So ended the sweet and innocent 19th Century.
