Penistone rail accidents were due to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Kennington Oval, and the University Boat Race was to take place over the Thames Tideway between Putney and Mortlake in London. The Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway ran an excursion with portions from Liverpool, Southport and Wigan to London, Kings Cross. Although it was not intended as a football excursion, many people from Lancashire took advantage of it to watch Preston play. The Southport portion of the train was joined to the main train from Liverpool at Warrington Central and the Wigan portion was picked up at Glazebrook. The completed train made its
Wallace Ross he crossed the line a full minute ahead of Ross who did not row poorly but was simply beaten on the day. Hanlan had one more defence of his Title before losing it to Bill Beach in 1884. Beach had several defences as well before he accepted a challenge from Ross for the Title. Ross still believed he was good enough to be the World Champion. The race was run in September 1886 on the Thames on the famous Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake. The result was never in doubt with Beach crossing the line well in front. See