The following is a letter from the Secretary of the County, L Edwards, to Tynedale's Jack Suddes informing him of his selection, the arrangements for the match and passing on some useful coaching tips. The text and highlighting of text is taken from the original letter.
November 1938
Dear Sir,
You have been selected to play for this County against Lancashire on Saturday next, the 10th instant, at the County Ground, Gosforth. Kick Off 2.30pm. Meet at the Ground 1.50pm. prompt. Photograph 2.20pm.
You are also invited to lunch with the Lancashire team at the Royal Station Hotel at 12.30pm. Kindly state on the enclosed card if you will attend the lunch - there is no dinner following the game.
The Selection Committee were pleased to note a general improvement last Saturday and also desire me to ask you to take note of the following:-
BACK UP, FOLLOW UP, AND COVER UP.
Forwards watch the ball the whole time.
Front Row forwards lock before going down and the whole pack keep tightly locked until the ball is out - even if the opposition have hooked, the extra shove will often regain the ball for you. There were spells of insufficient shoving in the scrums last Saturday, and the ball, when heeled, was not allowed to come out cleanly. The ball must get quicker away from the tight and loose scrums.
At line-outs, jump for the ball, or, if it is not coming to you, dash round to where it is.
Tackling of the opposition backs by forwards must be concentrated upon; this leaves some of their backs on the ground and our backs on their feet with the opportunity of men over, and scoring, available. There must be more tackling by forwards on Saturday next.
When opponents secure the ball, wing forwards in particular must squash their attack at the earliest possible moment.
The whole team, all backs in particular, must tackle hard and low, taking no dummies whatever. Always get your man on the ground.
On attack, go straight. If you go straight you are bound to make ground and you help to draw the opposing defence into mid-field, thus leaving more room for the wings.
Occasionally get the ball out quickly to the wing threequarters, and all backs and wing forwards back up intensively.
When a break through is made by halves or centre threequarters, see that he is supported; it is no excuse to believe that your centre has lost you - the man with the ball is the man to be supported. Backing up was better against Yorkshire, but far from good.
When defensive kicking, find touch. it is more valuable than distance and relieves the forwards.
Keep your eye on the ball the whole time and back up the man with the ball.
The whole team to be on the alert the whole game and always on your toes.
Brogdan will captain the team, and Drummond will lead the forwards.
Good Luck,
Yours sincerely,
L Edwards.
Training Thursday 17th instant, County Grammar School @ 7.00pm