IT was a rare summons.

Two young men appeared before Fareham magistrates in 1911 accused of forcibly passing through the toll-gate of the Bursledon bridge and Roads Co at Sarisbury.

The culprits, Gerald Engley and William Hawkes, were said to be typical of a horde of footballers, who rushed past the gate on Saturday afternoons without paying.

Charles Emanuel, prosecuting, urged the Bench: “If the defendants are found guilty, I ask you to inflict such a penalty as would stop this hooliganism.”

Kate Cliff, wife of the toll collector, said she was operating at the gate when she was besieged by a crowd of up to 15 people.

“Hawkes walked right through and took no notice of my application. Someone offered a two shilling piece but then the crowd pushed him and myself to one side and all went through without paying.”

Hawkes pleaded not guilty, though he admitted not paying the toll. His co-accused admitted not paying the bill but denied forcing the gate.

He claimed he was anxious to catch the next train to Eastleigh and having only a two shilling piece, he slipped through, fearing he would miss the service. He had no intentions of defrauding the company.

Both however were convicted and fined 1s with costs.