Famous Cricketers No 63 - A.O.Jones

one over stood as a first-class record for 57 years. By scoring his only century in such a devastating fashion, Alletson helped to set Sussex a target of 237 in just under 200 minutes. At the end, Nottinghamshire nearly won a match which they looked certain to lose. Sussex were still 25 runs short of victory with only 2 wickets in hand. Nottinghamshire put up a good all round display of cricket in their home win over Surrey. Jones and Iremonger put on 62. Jones hit a 6 and 6 fours. The early Surrey batsmen played soundly but the middle and lower order were induced to play adventurous shots. The last 6 wickets fell for 31 runs in 40 minutes. Nottinghamshire batted sensibly in their second innings and, despite a wonderful century by Hayward, dismissed Surrey with runs to spare. This was the last occasion on which Jones and Iremonger put on 50 or more for the first wicket. If any proof were needed that A.O.Jones was a nationally known figure of his day, it was supplied by Punch Magazine . In the edition dated 28th June, there is a cartoon which is set in Battersea Gardens. It shows a startled nanny pushing a pram in which an infant is stretching out a hand to catch a ball. The caption reads, “Remarkable case of inherited instinct displayed by Master Jones, son of well known cricketer.” The return match with Sussex resulted in an exciting win for Nottinghamshire where a draw had seemed inevitable. Sussex made a large score and Notts replied in kind. Iremonger was not playing so Arthur Owen batted down the order. He put on 117 for the fourth wicket with John Gunn and 95 with Payton for the 5th. On the third day, Notts dismissed Sussex for a reasonable total, Garnet Lee taking 4 wickets for 17 runs. They had a target of 224 and made the runs with 45 minutes to spare. Jones and Hardstaff put on 61 in 40 minutes for the first wicket. Nottinghamshire gained a brilliant and exciting victory over Lancashire at Old Trafford. Wass and Iremonger bowled steadily and curbed the Lancashire first innings. Jones and George Gunn made a good start, putting on 98 together. James Iremonger batted at number 6 and made 53 not out. Lancashire batted again with a lead of 50 but sensible bowling ensured that Notts only had 250 to make to win. Jones was out with the total on 6, but George Gunn and Hardstaff put on 99 for the second wicket. Hardstaff and Payton put on 145 for victory. Arthur Owen made his only century of the season, and the last of his career, against Gloucestershire at Trent Bridge. For the second time in his career, he scored a century before lunch. He put on 82 with George Gunn for the first wicket and 83 for the second with Hardstaff. A.O. batted for 95 minutes, cutting and driving with great power and giving no chance. He was out with the score on 165. The rest of the team followed their captain’s example and made 432 in four and a half hours. Notts bowled and fielded superbly and earned a lead of 112 runs. Payton and John Gunn had an unbroken stand of 266 runs in 130 minutes. Jones declared the innings closed with Gloucestershire 466 behind and over four hours left. John Gunn recovered his old form and took 6 for 60. In the away match against Surrey, Jones had his off stump broken in two when Hitch clean bowled him. In the next match, against Essex, he made his second innings score out of 53 in 25 minutes. His last match of the season was against Derbyshire and he took 4 superb catches close to the wicket to ensure a first innings lead of one run. On New Year’s day 1912, Arthur Jones refereed his fourth international rugby match. It took place at the Parc des Princes in Paris. France entertained Ireland, who beat them by 11 points to 6. A few months later, on 25th March, he officiated at his final international. The match was between Wales and France and the venue was the Rodney Parade Ground, Newport. The home side won by 24 points to 8. Jones was reckoned to be a good referee because, “he did not blow the whistle too often.” Own Team O M R W Opp Ct Total Total 421. Nottinghamshire v MCC, Lord’s May 3, 4 (Nottinghamshire won by 66 runs) (captain) run out 25 90 94 lbw b F.A.Tarrant 1 226 156 73