Cricket 1884

10 CRICKET; A WEEKLY RECORD OF THE GAME. J a n . s i . ism . T h e arrangements on the other side for the visit of the Philadelphian Cricketers to England, in the sum­ mer, seem now to be fairly concluded. According to official announcement, the fourteen players to form the team have been chosen, and of these twelve have, by this time, gone into winter practice. Places have been kept for Messrs. D. S. Newhall (of the Young America Club), and W. Brockie (of the Germantown Club), but it is not certain that either of the two can take the trip. The other twelve will be Messrs. Charles A. and Robert S. Newhall, E. W. Clarke, jun. ; Frank E. Brewster, HazenBrown, and How­ ard McNutt, of the Young America Club ; Sutherland, senr., Joseph M. Fox, John B. Thayer, jun.. and Wil­ liam C. Lowry, of the Merion Cricket Club ; and David P. Stoever and G. A. Scott, of the Belmont Cricket Club. It must be thoroughly understood that this visit of the Americans is based on strictly amateur lines. The expenses have been provided by a guarantee fund, formed by a number of prominent citizens of Philadelphia. According to the last advices, seven out of the eight thousand dollars, which it is expected will be required, had been supplied, and it may be in­ teresting to know the names of the earliest contributories. These were Messrs. Thomas McKean (President of the Germantown Club), Joseph M. Fox, of the Merion Club, John P. Green, Vice-President of the Pennsyl­ vania Railroad, and President of the Belmont Club, and E. M. Davis, President of the Young America Club. It is stated that the expenses of the Team only are to be paid, and in the event of any surplus it will not be taken out of England. T h e committee has fixed upon May 29th as the date of departure from the United States, and expects the team to stay in England until the end of July, the time to be occupied in playing being from June 10th to July 20th. I may add, as it does not appear to be generally known, that Mr. H. Perkins, the secretary of the Maryle­ bone Cricket Club, is making the ar­ rangements for the American Cricket­ ers. They should have a thoroughly hearty reception. S in ce I wrote last the Colonial newspapers have been busy with their comments on the constitution of the fourth Australian team. As yet, though, no definite intelligence has appeared, nor has any authentic information reached England to enable me to satisfy the general interest naturally felt here, as to the exact composition of the coming party. By this, I mean that only a certain portion of the team seems, as yet, to be decided upon, and the ad­ justment of the later plaees will not be known on this side for some little time. A ccordin g to present advices, nine or ten of the positions have been filled up. T. Horan, it is said, is doubtful, but Victoria, it is evident, will furnish the majority. W. H. Cooper, the insidious slow bowler, who proved so fatal in the final match of Ivo Bligh’s team in Australia, H. F. Boyle, P. S. Mac- donnell, W. Midwinter, J. M. Black- liam, G. E. Palmer, and G. J. Bonnor, are all reported to have promised. The SydneyMail says that A. Bannerman will come again, but that Massie will positively not revisit England. Murdoch and Spofforth, according to the same source, are not certain. The “ Demon ” has been apparently emphatic in the announce­ ments of liis refusal, but his assertions are not generally believed. At least, the Sydney Mail is a little sceptical. “ Nothing is known,” it says, “ as to Spofforth’s intentions, but the public all say he is sure to go.” T h e South Australians are very keen about the admission of A. H. Jarvis, who was one of the team of 1880, and in addition to George Giffen, wish to see his brother Walter, who is said to be one of the finest batsmen in the Colony, and Noel, who is described as a fine all-round player, and of whom the Hon. Ivo Bligli has a very high opinion, in the team. It seems likely that some of the stock members of previous teams may not be included in that of 1884, but with such promising youngsters as Percy Lewis, Scott, and Bruce, of Victoria, in addition to the South Australians I have just named, there should be no lack of good new blood. R e a d e b s of C r ic k e t have been kept well posted with the phenomenal scoring of the present season in Victoria. A Sydney critic ascribes this to the perfect condition of the turf in the first place, and the in­ feriority of the bowling in the second. “ Palmer,” he says, “ can’t bowl a little bit, Cooper is as plain as a pikestaff, and, generally speaking, if the ground is hard and firm, every batsman in the eleven gets into double figures.” H u n d re d s of cricketers both in England and the Colonies will have learned with deep regret of the death of William Mortlock, the once famous Surrey professional. Born on July 18th, 1832, just outside the Oval, Mortlock soon became identified with the Surrey Club, and when only six- teeu years of age played his first match for that society. Two seasons later he made his appearance for the County, and fo r, many years did loyal service to Surrey cricket. His best innings was his 104 against Mid­ dlesex, at the Oval, in 1866; but as long stop he was even of greater service, and it is said that during two successive seasons he long-stopped on the Oval to 12,000 balls for only three byes. H e was one of the first English team which visited Australia, and was one of the most successful bats­ men of that party. “ Old Stonewall,” as he was called, as much for his plucky long-stopping as for his stub­ born defence in front of the wicket, was one of the best all round players of Surrey’s team in the palmy days, and in addition he was a good fellow. His cheerful disposition made him many friends, and indeed, few pro­ fessional cricketers of his time were more popular. He had been ailing for the last two years, and he died after much suffering on Jan. 23rd. The funeral took place at Norwood Cemetery on Monday. C kicket in the S oudan . —On January 3 a cricket match was played at Suakim between the English Navy and the Soudan Field Force. Major-Gen. Sartorius, Col. Harring­ ton, and Lieut.-Gen. Hon.! Eitzroy Hay, played for the latter. The game was drawn in favour of the former by 20 runs on first innings. P kince G eorge o f W ales , while at An­ tigua, played in a cricket match for his ship, H.M.S. Canada, against the Planters, at Pear’s Village. The sailors won by seven wickets and 50 runs. “ C ricket of the current week contains an excellent portrait of Mr. G. Alexander, manager of the Australian cricket tour. The likeness is most excellent, and the whole number is well worth its price .”—Sporting limes, Dec. 29,1883. Next Issue of CRICKET will be published Thursday, February 28.