Cricket 1887

26 CRICKET: A WEEKLY RECORD OF THE GAME. feb . 27,1887. plating my injury, solemnly ejaculated, ‘ Nasty blow ! you must give up that silly cricket! ! ! ’ ” A c o r r e s p o n d e n t has been kind enough to furnish me with some very interesting particulars respecting the most successful batsmen in Inter-University matches. THE FIRST 25 “ AVERAGES” IN THE INTER-UNIVERSITY MATCHES. S'O oJ 6 °£ (C) W right, C. W ............. 4 (E) Bainbridge, H. W . 3 (E) Buckland, F. M. ... 8 (E ) Mitchell, R. A. H .... 4 (H) Patterson, W. S. ... 3 (H) Patterson, W . H. ... 2 (R) Yardley, W ................ 4 (E) Ottaway, C. J. ... 4 (W ) Hine-Haycock,T.R. 2 (U) Lucas, A. P ................ 4 (C) Page, H. V .................. 4 (E) Studd, G. B ................ 4 (E) Lyttelton, A .............. 4 (M) Steel, A. G ........... 4 (E) Tabor, A. S................ 3 (E) Longm an, G .............. 4 (S) Game, W. H ................ 4 King. R. T. (1846)........... 4 Knatchbull, R. (1829) ... 2 (E) Coleridge, C. (1849) 2 (E) Anson, T. A. (1840)... 4 (E) Studd, C. T ................. 4 (H) Maitland, W . F. ... 4 E) De Grey, T .................. 2 <E) Bligh, I v o .................. 4 (N.B. Of the above 23, 13 are Etonians, and but 2 Harrovians. 16 are Cantabs, and 9 Oxford. K. J. Key, with unfinished career stands with 5 com pleted innings for 222 runs. Average, 44.2. R. D. W alker’s the only man who played 5 times for his University, and H. P. M arriott the only m an who rowed 5 tim es for his University. The three m ost successful bowlers o f late years in Inter-University m atches are— Overs. Mdns. Buns. W ds. N-b.Wkts Steel, A. G. ... 317.3161 342 0 0 38 Studd, C. T. ... 329.2169 327 0 0 28 Evans, A. H. ... 332.1144 471 0 0 36 N.B. A. H. Evans, the Oxford fast bowler, did not bowl a wide or a no-ball. Steel’s average 9 runs, Studd’s 11.19, and Evans, 13.3 per wicket. T he Australian papers seem to be sorely troubled over the growing disfavour into which batting of the strictly defen­ sive order has fallen in the minds of the Colonial public. The cry, and it seems to be a general one with the Australian press, is that the systematic and monoton­ ous “ block, b lo ck ” of some batsmen, whose names I would not divulge for a moment, makes the game wearisome and uninteresting to the spectators, and that cricket is, in consequence, losing its attractions in some measure. T h a t there is some fear of the sort among the cricketers of Victoria is shown by the notices for alterations in the rules of the game, to be discussed at the meeting of the Victorian Cricketers’ Asso­ ciation. Mr. Budd will move an alteration in the existing law regarding leg before wicket, to enable the umpire to give a batsman out if he stop, with any part of his person, a ball which in the opinion of the umpire would have hit the wicket, whether it be pitched straight between the wicket or not. Mr. Gooch has given notice of his intention to propose that an over consist of six balls instead of four. Both of these are old friends here, and it can hardly be said that either of them has not received fair discussion. Major Wardill, the Secretary of the Mel­ bourne Club, referring to the matter at a soiree in honour of the New South Wales team, suggested that the cricket associa­ tions of the various colonies should hold a conference, with a view to alter the rules of cricket. In such a case he was of opinion that the home authorities would not be indisposed to adopt sound suggestions emanating from the joint associations of Australia. He added, too, his opinion that the various associations ought to act jointly in receiving teams from England and in sending Australian teams to Eng­ land. The Melbourne Club, I believe, did consult the New South Wales Association last spring with regard to participation in the responsibility of the last visit of Australian cricketers to England, so that Mr. Wardill seems to be quite consistent in this suggestion. I should think no real well wisher of the game would contest such premises. W h i l e on this particular subject, it is satisfactory to learn that M ’Donnell’s grand display of batting, of which a full account is given elsewhere, has had the effect, teste the Australasian, of re­ awakening public interest in the game. Murdoch’s opinion of Turner, of New South Wales, who has recently come so rapidly to the forefront of Australian bowlers, and who gave McDonnell such valuable help towards securing the victory may, too, be appropriately given here. “ Turner has wonderfully improved,” says the W. G. Grace of Australia, since last the quondam Cootamundra idol wielded the willow against the Bathurst man. “ He was a bit of a tearaway bowler in those days,” ob­ served Murdoch, “ but now he uses his head, varies his pace, keeps a good length, and on a wicket that suits him I fancy he has no superior ; he comes back at such a pace, you know.” No slight praise this, says the Australasian , coming as it does from a man of the champion’s ex­ perience and admitted ability as a judge of the game. I t will interest Southern cricketers in particular to know that the Surrey eleven will not for the future be able to claim the assistance of E. J. Diver, who had played for the County for the last three seasons by virtue of a residential qualifi­ cation, Diver has, indeed, practically given up first-class cricket, intending to devote himself to the duties of a school­ master in his native town, Cambridge. He has taken premises in Trumpington Street, and cricketers will wish him the best of luck on his return to his old vocation. THE LANCASHIRE COUNTY CLUB. T he annual general meeting of this Club was held on February 18, at the Grand Hotel, Manchester. Mr. A. B. Rowley presided over a large attendance. Mr. S. Swire, the hon. sec., read the report. Last season’s cricket it is said would compare favourably with m o3t of its predecessors, as regarded both county and club matches. The county appeared in the field on twenty-two occasions, and were suc­ cessful eleven times, and suffered defeat six. while five games were drawn. The successful matches were with Essex and Cheshire in both engagements, with Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Oxford University, and M.C.C. once, while the adverse games were with the Australians, Notts, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Gloucestershire. The drawn matches were one each with Notts, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxford University. In addition, the North of England and a combined England team met the Australians on the ground of this club. The former match was drawn, while the latter was a defeat for the Australians. The Manchester club did not engage in somany matches as in the previous season, but out of twenty-four contests played eleven were won, seven lost, and six drawn. The total strength of the club was 2,001. Great praise was due to Mr. A. N. Hornby for his valuable assist­ ance, and also to those amateurs who helped him on various occasions. The balance-sheet which was read by the treasurer, Mr. James Maclaren, showed that the total receipts last year, including £1,431 10s. lid. balance from 1885, had been £7,099 7s. 7d. Subscriptions amounted to £2,270 9s., and gate-money to £4,074 19s. 8d. (less £1,245 5s. 6d. paid to the Australian team). Among the items of ex­ penditure was £1,307 14s. 7d., for additions to buildings and stands. The remaining expen­ diture was £4,227 7s. Id., so that a balance was left at the bankers of £1,561 5s. lid. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said perhaps it would now be advisable that they should turn their attention to establishing a reserve fund. In the course of years they would be able to see the money accumulate to such an extent as would enable them to purchase the ground, or in the event of their lease expiring would enable them at some future time to establish a new ground with as much accommodation as they had on the present ground. He thought the county were to be congratulated on the position they stood in at the end of the last season. Considering the amount of amateur talent that they had in Lancashire, and con­ sidering they were opposed to such teams as Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, with whom it was rare to find an amateur, he thought Lancashire had no need to hide its head as to cricket. The report and balance-sheet were carried unanimously. Sir Humphrey de Trafford was afterwards appointed President of the club in the room of his late father; Mr. Swire was re-appointed hon. sec., Mr. Maclaren was again elected hon treasurer; and Messrs. A. N. Hornby, E. B. Rowley, O. P. Lancashire, W. E. Open- ehaw, A. Appleby, G. Walker, E. Leese, E. Roper, E. Challender, E. Gorton, A. G. Steel, and C. G. Hulton were elected to fill the twelve vacancies upon the committee. FREE FORESTERS CLUB. F ixt u r e s for 1887. May 21—Esher, v. Esher May 30, 31—W oolw ich, v. Royal Artillery June 1, 2 -O xford, v. Christ Church June 8 , 9—Rugby, v. Rugby School June 10, 11 —N ortham pton, v.Northam ptonshire June 16—Harrow, v. Harrow School June 18—Godalming, v. Charterhouse School June 22—W ey' ridge, v. Oatlands Park June 24, 25—Shoeburyness, v. School o f Gunnery July 1, 2 —Carshalton, v. Mr. Colson’s XI. July 2 ', 21—Hackwood Park, v. H ackwood Park July 22. 23—W inchester, v. Green Jackets July 25, 26 - Stoke, v. Staffordshire July 27, 28—Cheltenham, v. East Gloucestershire July 29, 30—Ludlow, v. Ludlow Aug. 1,2—Knighton, v. Radnorshire Aug. 1, 2—Norwich, v. Norfolk Aug. 3, 4—Shrewsbury, v. Shropshire Aug. 5 ,6 - W ooburn House, v. Mr. G ilbey’s XI. Aug. 8 ,9 —Maidstone , v. The Mote Aug. 10, 11—L inton Park, v. Linton Park Aug. 12,13—Shorncliffe, v. The Camp Aug. 23—Shepperton, v. E. Rutter’s X I. Aug. 24, 25—Aldershot, v. The Division Aug. 26, 27—Chatham , v. Royal Engineers Other matches are being arranged. 5 . com . A co a o +3 a CO V bo c3 a w £ qt-H 8 H fl 0 P h o > < 7 6 l 292 48.4 6 6 0 262 43.4 5 4 1 171 42 3 7 6 1 234 42.2 5 4 1 162 40.2 4 3 1 12 L 40.1 7 7 0 278 39.5 8 7 1 264 37.5 4 3 1 111 37.0 8 7 1 254 36.2 8 7 1 248 35.3 6 6 o 2 0 35.0 8 7 1 234 33.4 7 6 1 184 30.4 5 5 0 150 3\0 7 7 0 206 29.3 7 7 0 205 29.2 8 7 1 198 28.2 3 3 0 86 28.2 4 4 0 109 27.1 7 6 1 162 27.0 8 8 0 216 27.0 8 6 2 157 26.1 4 3 1 78 26.0 7 6 1 154 25.4 Next Issue March 31