England 'swamped' Topical Budget 844-1

From the collection of

Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive
Launched in 2000, Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive spans from 1897 to the present day and currently contains an ever-expanding catalogue of 13,000 items. It comprises material from a variety of depositors including feature films, sport, documentaries, animation, amateur footage, light entertainment, and a significant proportion of broadcast material from the UTV Archive.

England 'swamped' Topical Budget 844-1


England team struggle with deplorable weather conditions in Belfast.

The first international of the season would prove a damp squib for the away team, England losing 2-0 on a sodden pitch to a solid Ireland team. From the opening shots, it's clear that the public haven't been put off by the fierce rain, supporters thronging the stadium. Note the group of young Fred Astaires dancing in the rain. As the teams come out for kick-off, we see the old Windsor Park terraces.

Things would only get worse for the England team after this opening fixture. They would go on to finish the 1927-28 Home Championship in bottom spot, losing all three games, most notable a 5-1 home drubbing at the hands of Scotland's 'Wembley Wizards'. Ireland fared somewhat better, finished second as they won two of their three games - a sole defeat coming at the hands of eventual champions, Wales.


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