This match was immediately known as the "Battle of the Roses" and was considered the "blue riband" of Northern rugby football.

Though self-appointed, Manchester FC was recognised as the authority by the other great Lancashire club, Liverpool St.

[1] A movement of emerging new clubs, headed by W. Bell, the honorary secretary of the Broughton FC, had an objective to secure a voice in the selection of county teams.

Bell was supported by an informal committee consisting of: G. C. Lindsay (Manchester Rangers), A. M. Crook (Free Wanderers), F. C. Hignett (Swinton), Hunter (Birch).

Notably, the Manchester Club did not take part, but a resolution to form the Lancashire Football Union was agreed.

Lancashire, led by Edward Temple Gurdon, won by a try, gained by Vincent Slater (Salford).

The majority of teams are based in Lancashire, parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside, but there are also occasionally sides from Cheshire and even Cumbria that are members.