Double Headers

18 The interesting part was the choice of the side to play Oxford University. On the face of it, the prime candidates might have been thought to be those who had already played for the First XI during the season, together with any others who had appeared in the three Second Eleven fixtures that had been played so far. On this basis, the candidates would have been those set out here: First and Second XI appearances for Surrey in 1909 prior to 21 June (excluding players selected for Surrey v Lancashire on that date) For 1st XI (max 14) For 2nd XI (max 3) Style Specialism (at the time) W.J.Abel -- 3 RHB, RFM/LBG Opening batsman H.S.Altham 1 -- RHB, RM Batsman H.G.Blacklidge -- 3 LHB, LFM/SLA All-rounder W.J.H.Curwen 4 -- RHB, RFM Batsman; occ bowler F.Edwards 1 2 LHB, LM/SLA Bowler E.G.Goatly 3 1 RHB, SLA Batsman; occ bowler T.W.Hayward 6 -- RHB, RM Opening batsman J.W.Hitch 7 -- RHB, RF Fast bowler; hitter M.T.Jackson -- 1 LHB, LM Bowler J.E.V.Jewell -- 2 not known Opening batsman E.C.Kirk 3 -- LHB, LMF Bowler E.B.Myers -- 2 RHB, SLA Batsman; occ bowler G.J.W.Platt -- 3 RHB, RM/OB Bowler A.W.F.Rutty -- 3 RHB, OB Batsman; 2nd XI captain W.C.Smith 4 -- RHB, OB Bowler W.A.Spring 4 3 RHB, RFM All-rounder A.U.Udal -- 2 not known Bowler H.E.Vigar 3 3 RHB, WK Wicket-keeper C.T.A.Wilkinson 1 2 RHB, SLA Batsman; occ bowler However, few of those who had already turned out for the First XI had covered themselves with glory in the season so far. This was particularly true of the batsmen: between them, Harry Altham, Wilfred Curwen, Edward Goatly, William Spring and Cyril Wilkinson had had 20 innings for the First XI in 1909 for a combined average of 7.45, with only four double- figure innings between them and a highest innings of 28, by Altham. At least Goatly had some longer-term pedigree, having been an occasional member of the First XI since 1903, and having a first-class century to his name (147* v Derbyshire at The Oval in 1905): but he was regarded as a player whose early promise had not been fulfilled, and he was, to put it kindly, not a lively fielder. Some of the bowlers had done rather better. Bill Hitch had 32 wickets at 20.93 from his seven first team matches, as well as playing an innings of 45; Frank Edwards had taken 3-31 on his first-class debut against Oxford Surrey in 1909