Page 31 - 2020 SoMJ Vol 73 No 2_Neat

22 The Society of Malaŵi Journal

levelled the score through a try by Noakes. Towards the end Blantyre appeared to
be the stronger side but the game ended 3-3 (neither try being converted). The
referee was a Mr Deinton. Unfortunately for the Settlers’ team Mr McFarlane
dislocated his shoulder early in the game.

Nyasaland XV team bus on a ferry crossing.

Beneath the match report the Nyasaland Times added a postscript: “We
understand there is some talk of having a Rugby game once a month.” In the
weeks following there are several references to attempts to organise Rugby on a
regular basis. Later in the year the Nyasaland Times reported that the game
scheduled for 22 September had been postponed due to lack of players . It was,
nd
5
however, re-scheduled for 8 October with the two teams being published in the
th
paper on the 6 October.
th
As it happened, often due to the difficulty of travelling on the poorly
maintained dirt roads, many of those selected did not turn up resulting in one side
6
having eight players and the other side twelve. The Settlers won 9-4 .
During the following year, 1922, the Nyasaland Rugby Union was formed and
7
rugby became an established sport in Nyasaland.

A comprehensive history of rugby football in Malawi is currently in
preparation and readers whose memories may have been jogged by the above
are encouraged to contact the author, Barry Brindley,
(barry.brindley@sky.com) with memories, articles or photographs.

5 Nyasaland Times 22nd September 1921
6 Nyasaland Times 13th October 1921
7 Rugby Union in Malawi, Wikipedia