A Game Sustained

49 Keeping going: 1914-1915 totally inadequate, indicating that £200 at least was required, irrespective of any percentage from matches, and reminding Yorkshire that cricket at Bramall Lane had long depended on contributions from the football section. Toone said he could say nothing before the county committee met but was sure the county club would do everything possible for the grounds. Looking to the future in June 1915, Lord Hawke insisted it was vital that the grounds were kept up to standard for the return of county cricket and wickets maintained in a good condition. However, he emphasised that he would not draw on the county’s reserve fund of £11,000, which Sheffield United directors felt should be used to help in their hour of need. Instead, Yorkshire County Cricket Club decided – given the exceptional circumstances and without prejudicing future arrangements – that it would give one-third of its subscriptions to the out-grounds, divided in proportion to the matches which would have been played in peace-time – four for Sheffield, three for Leeds and Bradford, and one each for the others. It was hoped that £2,000 would be raised for the year, but these temporary arrangements depended on local committees agreeing to make special efforts to collect subscriptions and keep the grounds in ‘proper condition’ for county cricket in 1916. 42 This offer was not sufficient for Sheffield and at the end of June a motion was passed that the directors refuse the grant, although some members had reservations about a confrontation with the county club. Upkeep of the ground had cost nearly £3,350 in the past year and Sheffield also had the additional burden of membership rules under which over 1,600 people could watch county cricket without payment. Later, Sheffield’s tone became more conciliatory and calls for an ultimatum and Bramall Lane to be closed to county cricket were thrown out. In December 1915, the matter was resolved for the time being when the county club granted £200 to Sheffield and £150 to Leeds, Huddersfield, Harrogate, Dewsbury and Hull each received £50. In Bradford, the Cricket, Athletic and Football Club was