“ Martin had always two or three ready, fresh blown, for each day's play. Sides were chosen, two of the best hands tossing for first choice of men and of goals; each picked out alternately twelve or fifteen of the best, and the rest of the players-out were roughly divided. It was a proud moment when one first found one's self chosen by name, and not herded off among the ruck. ”

“ But, on the other hand, if any goal-keeper made a good save of a goal, or made a plucky attempt to tackle a fellow who was charging down upon the goal, he was called for immediately to play out, and thenceforth he played out always. The footballs were made by Old Martin in Great College Street, with bladders inside, which were constantly being replaced or reblown, round balls and not very large, first-rate for 'kick-about.' They bounded true, not like those lopsided Rugby balls. You could kick one high, full volley from the hand, watch the bound, and kick up again time after time. ”

“ The match game was entirely different from the school game. The ball was the same, but the goals were quite narrow, with high posts, between which at any height the goal had to be kicked, and one good man was told off to defend it, with liberty to stop at home or to charge out at his discretion, but not to follow the ball up. ”