Vol. 49.4 – Football in Cartwright

Have you every heard of the Labrador Public School football cup? It was first played in 1922 between two teams, Groswater Bay and Sandwich Bay. In 1922, the Groswater Bay team won two out of three games, making them the trophy holders for the year. As per the rules, the first team to win three years get to permanently keep the trophy.

The excitement for the tournament the next year built up quickly. The referee of the previous tournament, Mr. Gordon, was absent for this years (1923) games, so Dr. Paddon, a visiting doctor and school inspector extended his spring visit to referee and allow the boys to compete in light of good sport. The football field was a clear space among an otherwise snow covered arena in front of the school, and the crowd was bustling with excitement. The first half of the first game went scoreless, but in the second half, Henry Voisey of Groswater Bay scored a brace, ending the game 2-0.

The following morning, in spite of a snowstorm, continued with the second game. Although having a mountain to climb after losing the first game, the Sandwich Bay team didn’t lose any of their spirit. Their captain, Henry Heard scored before the half, bringing the score at halftime 1-0 in favor of Sandwich Bay. After the half, Groswater came back stronger than before and put two past the Sandwich Bay team through their captain, Jack Williams and Henry Voisey, solidifying their dominance in the tournament for the second year and winning the trophy. The real winners though, were the fans, who had the privilege to watch two blockbuster games of football. A huge thanks was given to Dr. Paddon, who these moments would not have happened without.

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