Cricket 1894

98 m i G K E T A WEEKLY RECORD OF THIS GAME MAY S . 1894 THE LONDON CLUBS — THEIR HISTORY. T he N orthbrook (L ee ) C lub . Founded in 1871, this well-known club, whose matches have for some years past been reported in the columns of this paper, will shortly enter upon its twenty-fourth season. It can boast, too, what can not be claimed by every Metropolitan club, that from its forma­ tion up to date the members have played continuously on the same ground, situate close to Lee Station (S.F.R.), and about a mile and a half from Blackheath. Foremost among the founders of the North­ brook must b» mentioned Johnston Whitley, W. Willis, Q.C., a vice-president; Arthur Lowrey, the brothers Pentreath, and others, who, previous to the formation of the club, had been in the habit of practising in a field close by. It is almost superfluous to add that the N.O.C. derives its name from the landlord of the ground, the Earl of Northbrook, the first and only president of the club, whose family sometime since resided in this neighbourhood, where the Earl possesses a large estate. To Lord Northbrook, as well as to his son, Viscount Baring, moreover, the club has been greatly indebted for much kind support and generous patronage from the earliest period of its history. During the first few years of its existence the Northbrook played one match a week only. Such a programme soon became too limited for them, and during the past fifteen years it has had two fixtures every Saturday, besides whole-dav matches on other days. A glance at the list of the original members will show, amongst others, the names of George Whitley, Straker, the first captain; Prest, Bull, C. E. Chaddock, hon. treasurer; John Pound, Alec Ingram, vice­ captain ; W. Willis, Q.C., at one time a regular playing member, and always a liberal supporter of the club, and R. J. Pottle, the last three of whom are members at the present time. The sketch on the front page represents the very handsome Pavilion luilt last year to replace the old building, which was completely destroyed by fire. The new structure was erected at a cost of e£250, by Messrs. Kennard Bros., builders, Lewisham, from the designs of Messrs. Robins, Snell and Gore, architects, London. In point of artistic design and appearance, as well as for the comfort and convenience it affords to members and visitors alike. This substantial building, of which the Northbrook men are justly proud, is one of the most attractive-looking of the pavilions to be found on any of our cricket fields. The present captain of the Northbrook is Alfred H. Smith, who succeeded to the post some three years ago. Well-known as a fast round-arm bowler, as well as an excellent bat with a very neat style, and a good field, he brought to the post all the essentials for a good player. For many years past he has rendered valuable service to the club, and no more popular captain than Alfred Smith can be found in the neighbourhood of London. W . D. Butler, the new vice-captain, has kindly undertaken to captain the A team for the forthcoming season. He, too, has long been known as a steady batsman, a useful wicket­ keeper, and a good all-round sportsman. Of the remaining officers we must mention Charles Kelly, the indefatigable hon. sec., who for the past six years has devoted himself without stint to the service of the club, and lastly, Sydnev Abbott,the hon.treasurer, a dashing batsman of the highest order. The latter’s remarkable score of 105 against a strong team of the M.C.C. last year will not be readily forgotten by those who had the good fortune to witness it. His free­ dom of play is excelled only by his vigorous hitting powers. Amongst other prominent members should be added the name of Charles Pearse, who for ten years, 1881-1891, filled the office of captain of the Northbrook, and to whom the club owes so much of its success. On his re­ tirement from office in March, 1891, Pearse was presented with a handsome testimonial in recognition of the zeal and ability shown by him during his long captaincy. Going back to the seventies we note that C. B. Campbell, a fast overhand bowler, held the post of captain for some years. Just then, too, Arthur Taylor, a first-rate wicket-keeper, who worked hard for the olub in the double capacity of hon. sec. and hon. treasurer for eight years, did excellent service. During the same period R. Pentreath, S. O. Woolmer, as hon. treasurer for several years, H. Mundy, a good batsman of the hard-hitting type and a smart field, Arthur Lowry, H. E. Storrie, G. S. Warmington, Field, Wood and others helped to establish the club, and bring it to its present position. Those who played against the Northbrook in those early days may remember the rough uneven meadow with the long grass all round the borders, and doubtless they must be gratified at the improvement which the ground has under­ gone during the last 20 years. Other prominent cricketers at the present time include Frank Willis, of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, whose 72, not out, against Black­ heath in 1892 was a fine exhibition of his great hitting powers. Twice last year the same cricketer obtained over a century while playing for his college in the inter-collegiate matches. Vernon Smith, a fast left-hand bowler; J. W. Knowles, a stylish and con­ sistent batsman; J. Dacres, C. Springthorpe, A. E. Coates, who has played on more than one occasion for the Gloucester County team ; C. D. Higham, and others, have also made their names famous in the annals of the club. Nor ought we to omit the name of W. Blenkiron, the Old Carthusian football player, whose fast deliveries have upset many a batsman’s wicket. The last-named is likewise a most determined hitter. Last year, while playing against a well-known club, he was credited with the following hits in one over, viz., 4, 6, 4, 6, 4, and but for the fieldsman just touching one of the balls which he failed to hold, another of the 4’s would have been sent clean out of the ground. This extraordinary performance was duly noted in our columns at the time. In recent years the three brothers Mitchell, including W. G. Mitchell, the old Rugby International player, have also been identified with the Northbrook. It is curious to observe in passing that E. Mitohell bowls and bats with the right hand, W.G. bowls with the right and bats with the left, while G. Mitchell bowls with the left and bats with the right. A history of the club would not be complete without mentioning the name of R. W. Burroughs, at one time an excellent batsman and a good bowler, who, in 1887, made nearly 1000 runs with an average of over 60 at the close of the season. In connection with the Northbrook C.C. the name of William Marks, an enthusiastic lover of the game, will probably be as familiar to many of our readers as that of any other member. For many years past this veteran cricketer, so deservedly popular, has taken the liveliest interest in the affairs of the club, and the names of Messrs. Marks and Ingram have indeed long been associated with tbe annual “ Boys’ Match,” which has afforded so much enjoyment to the younger generation of cricketers. It may not be without interest to add that the Northbrook has on many occasions received some valuable recruits from the training college of Mr. Wolffram, of Manor House, Lee, the well-known army coach. Conspicuous amongst these cricketers should be mentioned the late Captain Barrow, who gallantly volunteered for the Egyptian service, and was killed at the Battle of Tokar. About the year 1882, especially, Captain Barrow and Captain E. G. Wynyard, the powerful batsman of the Hampshire County team, rendered valuable assistance to the club. It was gratifying to hear that the Royal Humane Society had, a short time since, pre­ sented Captain Wynyard with a silver or bronze medal for helping to save life. In addition to the foregoing, Stuart Williamson, and Turnbull, all of Wolffram’s, havo also helped to win matches for the club. Stuart’s figures in particular reached a very high average one year. Since 1880 the olub. which numbers about 100 members, has played two matches every Saturday, and sometimes three, in addition to the whole-day matches. Accordingly, we find on the card no less than 50 fixtures for the coming season. Amongst those with whom engagements have been made are the following well-known clubs, viz., Blackheath, M.C.C., Dulwich, Croydon, Hornsey, Bromley, Burlington Wanderers, Norwood, Bexley, Hampton Wiok, Eltham, Blackheath School, and many other leading Metropolitan clubs, the first match taking place on May 5th. A match-week has also been arranged on the home ground for the latter end of July, when the fixtures with the M.C.C., Hampton Wick, and others will be played. As regards the future prospects of the N.C.C., it is satisfactory to find that all last year’s members will again be available this year. Moreover, several new members have lately joined, including one or two promising young players, and it is hoped that the North­ brook will continue to maintain the position it has long held as one of the leading clubs in the South of London. A word or two may be added as to the ground itself. Following the example set by others, the committee declined to allow foot­ ball to be played on any part of their enclosure during the past winter, and at the close of last season a large portion of the cricket pitch was levelled and returfed, so that every precaution has been taken to secure good wickets for the present season. A new groundman has also been engaged, and has already made consider­ able progress in the preparation of the turf. Finally, the members of the N.C.C. are to be congratulated on having recently obtained a valuable extension of their lease. This brief sketch would be incomplete withont a refer­ ence to the great loss the club has recently sustained by the death of the late Mr. Thomas Blenkiron, of Horn Park, Lee, for many years one of the vice-presidents. The deceased gentleman up to the very last evinced a hearty interest in its affairs, and the news that he is no more will be heard with sincere regret not only by the members of the Northbrook but by Metropolitan cricketers generally. BLACKHEATH C.C. v.BLACKHEATHF.C. Played at Blackheath on April 28. BLACKHEATH C.C. H.C. Stewart,cA.Hub­ bard, b Aston..........44 J. R. Mason, c sub., b A ston........................41 K. Christopherson, c G.Hubbard.b Aston 4 E. C. Mordaunt, c J. H. Fegan, b Maud... 15 Stan. Christopherson, c Onslow, b Way- mouth ............. 8 H.Mason, c Johnston, b Onslow ... .......... 1 H.R. Blaker, b Maud D. Christopherson, c Dixon,b a aj mouth F. L. Sanders, b Waymouth .......... E. Mason, not out ... J. H. W. Davies, c Johnston, b Way- mouth ................. B 9, lb 1, w 1 ... T o t a l..........] B lackh eath F.C. A. S. Johnston, b Mor­ daunt ........................ 4 P. Maud, t Mordaunt 8 A. J. M. Onslow, c and b Mason ................. 2 M. O’C. Tandy, b San­ ders ........................72 J. H. C. Fegan, b Mor­ daunt ........................ 3 G. Dixon, c Stewart, b D. Christophereon 3 G C.Hubbard, notout 3 R. L. Aston, c San­ ders, b S. Christo­ pherson ....................19 E. G. Waymouth, b S. Christopherson 37 R. A. Fegan, b 8. Christopherson ... 0 A. G. Hubbard, b K. Christopherson ... 0 B 8, lb 3 ..........11 Total . 157