This was a benefit match for the widow and family of Matthew Ferguson, who had captained the Champioship winning team of 1901-2. Ferguson had died of pneumonia in June 1902. The clubs of the Wearside League players were as follows: Smiles, O'Neil, Reynoldson and Hall (Selbourne); Taylor, Crinson and Davidson (Blackwatch); Hood, Stark and Jeffreys (Seaham White Star); Howe (Kingston Villa).