Mexborough and Swinton Times May 6, 1927

A Productive Wath School

The Wath National School has the probably unique distinction, among small schools of its type, of having had three boys in the county football team in one season – a great achievement in a big county like Yorkshire. That was the year that Bruce Wilkinson, Radford and Pears – 1920 – 21.

It proved no flash in the pan for in 1924 the same school was again represented in the Yorkshire team, by Thorpe.

This year they have had another representative. Ernest Thorley (picture) is the latest of the line and he has well maintained schools tradition. Though not a big lad he held his own as left half and did credit to himself and the school.

He started playing in a school team at the age of nine and developed wonderfully during the four following season, during part of which he captained the side. He gained his place in the Dearne Valley team in the latter half of last season and this season he was one of the outstanding players in the English and County Shield games.

On the field he is full of ideas, thinks and acts quickly, takes position well, and distributes the ball with judgement. He is beginning to develop one little fork, perhaps – an inclination to overdo it and spoil the effects of his own good work. Let him check that and there is no reason why should not again play for his county next winter – for he is not 14 yet.