Cricket 1894

APRIL 19, 1 q 94 BUCKET g. A WEEKLY RECOBP OF THE GAMEC 71 wrangie” cricketer, a being sure to exist under any conditions, for the bacillus of the species is always floating about. The other, to encourage as far as pos'ib’e that union of ranks, classes, and denominat:ons in one honourable pursuit of :nanly prowe?s, which is the sole justification for the ineradicable love of sport which appears to be an inborn instinct in the English people. REMINISCENCES OP CRICKET By RICHARD DAFT. “ E x trac ts from an old S crap B ook .” The ncxt match I find in my old fcrap book is most interesting m my eyes, as I have a'l my life been intimately ac­ quainted with the place in which it was played, and can still number among my acquaintances of to-day several of the players who took part in it. The match is styled as a “ Grand match between 22 of Bingham and neighbourhood and the All England eleven.” Bingham is a small market town (more important before the days of railways than now probably) situated on the old turnpike road between Nottingham and Grantham. It has always been a place famous for its sporting proclivities on a small scale. Fifty years ago it had one of the best local cricket clubs in Notts. The great rivalry which existed between this organisation and that of the neighbouring village of Radcliffe I have already des­ cribed in another place*. Bingham has not only been noted for its cricket, but for its encouragement to other branches of the national sports of olden times. Only a fortnight ago I read an account of a great wrestling match between Isaac Newton, the champion of Nottingham­ shire, and Bob Askew, “ the pride of Derbyshire.” The match had been arranged to take place on Easter Monday, 1762, on a stage erected in Bingham Market Place. The Notts champion had already overthrown the champions of the counties of Lincolnshire, Rut­ landshire, Leicestershire, and Herts, but the Derbyshire man was looked on as being too hard a nut for him to crack. The content commenced at 4 p.m., and continued till dusk before either had gained an advantage. Torches were now lit round the stage, and the struggle continued for some hours, when the Nottinghamshire man, on the stroke of ten o’clock, succeeded in throwing his celebrated opponent. The Derbyshire man is said to have never recovered from the effects of the prolonged struggle, but his opponent lived to the age° of ninety-two or three. Thousands of people are said to have witnessed the wrestling match at Bingham, and thousands of pounds to have depended on the issue of the event. Wrestling was very much in vogue in Notts in the earlier half of the last century, just before the era of prize fighting began. Sir Thomas Parkins of Bunn^y, in this county, was a great patron of this sport, and on the tomb where he lies buried it is recorded Kings ol cket,” p. 40. that “ Deaih gave him the ‘back throw’ ” on such and such a date. Returning to the cricket match at Bingham in 1854, I find the report in my old book to commence as follows : “ We may safely say that no county in England hasbeen forthe last centurymore celebrated in the annals of cricket than Nottingham­ shire, and perhaps no place has done more to sustain this reputation than the town of Bingham. During the latter part of the past and the whole of the present century Bingham has furnished some of the first cricketing celebrities of the day. In their various matches they have always proved themselves adepts at the noble game, and in a majority of cases have carried off the palm of victory. It was thought within the last few years, that the cricketing spirit of Bingham would die away and only be numbered amongst the things of the past, on account of the apathy and vacillating nature of the few who inherited from their forefathers the manly name and nature of a true cricketer ; but thanks to the perseverance of a few choice spirits, it has again revived, and we have now to record their doings, in co-operation with a few brethren of the bat, furnished by the neighbouring villages, against that eleven of England whose name is Legion ” (the writer has here evidently determined to sacrifice sense to sound). “ Before we proceed further,” he goes on, “ we may just state that the Bingham cricket ground is de­ lightfully situated on the north side of the town, in close proximity to the Castle Hill— a spot noted in the history of the county for its Roman station, and is the property of the worthy rector, who kindly lends it for the use of those who are desirous of developing this truly noble and scientific game. It is considered a good ground, but of late years has suffered much from want of proper care and attention. On the present occasion it has be n got into working order by that indefatigab'e caterer for the public, Mr. Edwin Briggs, the highly respected host o' the Chesterfield Arms, to whom the inhabitants of Biogham and neigh­ bourhood are indebted for the rich treat the above match has afforded. The wickets being pitched about half-past twelve o’clock, the game commenced with A. Clarke and Willsher going to the wickets to the bowling of Tinley and Butler. After some cautious play Alfred Clarke was caught in magnificent style by G. Hassall, Esq. Ander­ son next took the bat, but did not trouble the scorer, being caught out by H. Parr at the cover point. Catfyn next put in an appearance, and with his colleague Willsher, turned the tide of fortune, when Willsher was disposed of by a catch from Marriott. The lion of the day, G. Parr, next showed at the wicket, but that fickle jade Fortune deserted him, as he was almost immedi­ ately afterwards bowled by Butler for only three runs.” The report of the match goes on in this high flown style through­ out. S. Parr is described as “ bringing in the willow, and was not long ere he put it into active use by making three four hits in succession.” Stephenson is said to have “ received notice to quit when he had made 7.” W . Clarke was last man in, “ but not least, as by some beautiful play he placed 11 opposite to his name." The eleven scored 196 and the twenty-two 89 and 63. The report concludes thus :— “ Though the result of the game has been anything but favourable to our county players, yet we may safely say there is amongst them plenty of cricketing talent end much promise for a future time ; they have acquitted themselves in a highly creditable manner for young players, and we have no doubt in another season will be a more equal match f r their oppo­ nents. The fielding of the eleven needs no comment from us ; it was perfection itself. Their batting also—as the score indicates— proves them to be a most powerful team, and no mean antagonists to stand against. The accommodation on the field was every­ thing that could be desired, Mr. Briggs sparing neither trouble nor expense in providing for tbe wants of his patrors. The creature comforts under the super­ intendance of Mrs. Briggs speaks highly of the culinary talents of that lady, and could not fail to please the most fastidious taste. The attendance of spectators at the field showed the great interest the match had created in the town and neigh­ bourhood, and we sincerely trust that the revenue derived from the charge of ad­ mission to witness the play will compen­ sate the worthy host of the Chester­ field Arms for the enterprising spirit he has displayed on the occasion. The Wilfoid brass band was in attendance each day, and their rich music gave additional charm to the gay and festive scene.” Several members of the twenty- two who took part in this match are still hale and hearty, but have long since given up cricket. Mr. George Beaumont, a very old friend of mine, I often meet at the present day. This gentleman has always taken a great inte> est in our noble game, and has seen all the players of note for the past fifty years. Mr. George Hassall, who is described as having mag­ nificently caught out Alfred Clarke in the All E> gland match at Bingham, has always been a keen sportsman in this district. He resides at Shelford Manor, in Nottinghamshire, as his ancestors have done for generations past. It is a tine old house, once a seat of the Stanhope family, and sustained a siege by the Parliament­ ary forces in the Civil War. Relics of the engagements which took place around the old house are from time to time discovered in the shape of broken swords, muskets, skulls, and bones at the present time. One of Mr, Hassall’s sons is an excellent all-round cricketer with whom I play in many matches every season. G r a c e P a r l o u r C r ic k e t .— This novel game provides amusement for one or any number of persons. Matches can be played and analysis kept same as on the cricket- field. Sent securely packed to any address, on receipt of 2s. lOJd. Wright and Co., 41, St. Andrew’s Hill, London, E.C.