A Game Sustained

30 Keeping going: 1914-1915 Evening Post speculated that some of the most important cricket leagues in the county might now suspend operations in 1915. In fact, over the winter, numerous cricket clubs and league committees all around the county considered their responses to the war. Many collected money for war charities and the Belgian Relief Fund. Holme on Spalding Moor Cricket Club, for example, held several whist drives and dances to raise money, and also bought a roll of honour to commemorate the men from the village who had gone off to fight. Some made an even more direct contribution. Just before Christmas, Mexborough Cricket Club put up several families of Belgian refugees in its cricket pavilion, which was divided into apartments with furniture provided by local people. The refugees were driven to their new home in a procession led by a Salvation Army band, watched by cheering crowds, and received hospital food parcels at Christmas. In January 1915, the Yorkshire Cricket Council – which had cancelled its annual dinner because of the conflict - met to discuss whether there should be cricket during the war. A decision was deferred until March to see how the fighting developed. Although some were adamant the game must cease, others argued that it should be continued to provide recreation formen in the forces home on leave. When they did meet again, members voted 19-8 not to hold a championship but instead endorse friendlies, a move supported by Lord Hawke. In Sheffield there was a mixed response to developments. The Sheffield and District League Association also decided to continue, the chair arguing that to do otherwise would lead to ‘a feeling of gloom’ and be seen as ‘helping to create panic.’ The Bird Cricket League advertised for clubs to complete its line-up (‘Gold medals Batting and Bowling. Prizes for each division’), and the Sugg Cricket League offered three challenge cups, two sets of gold medals, and two batting and bowling prizes. Other leagues tailored their approach to circumstances. The Hallam and District Cricket League decided that since so many players had enlisted they would