James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1876

88 however, they relied too much on the prowess of one individual, for H. IL Webbe had been a consistent scorer both daring the term then in progress and through tho season of last year when he compiled the (on any ground) fine average of 42. Although this form has been fully borne out in flie Middlesex Eleven, and elsewhere it was not fated that his batting should recompense the Wykehamists for their weak bowling and for loss of tin toss at Eton, where for the second year in succession the Hon. A. Lyttleton obtained 100 runs. Notwithstanding that Webbe played excellently for over .>0, the Wykekamists found themselves out-scored altogether, having, let us observe, had to go in after a long day’s fielding, and submit to the inevitable loss of wickets attending on sucli a condition of school cricket. Add to this, moreover, that rain came in the night, altering the state of the ground, and assissting Haig Brown’s admirable bowling, we can scarcely wonder that another Eton victory was easily scored. Winchester, therefore, had to be content with Webbe's reputation, which we expect to see sustained at Oxford, and the possession [of an improved if somewhat unlucky eleven. ,7,,,, , , : Having strict regard to truth we must say that cricket at Cheltenham is not in a satisfactory state. At times the performances appear brilliant, but far oftener they are of the weakest order. There is a want of soundness, a want of steadiness, and a want of self- reliance, yet withal a "want of humility, which is quite fatal to real good cricket. Bowling is far too tiring work for those who want merely to pass the time pleasantly and amuse themselves. The mistaken generosity of old C'heltonians supply the school with professional help, so the boys do little but practice batting, but even in this they do not succeed. In short, for some reason or other, the cricket now existing is not of the right school order, but is more of the luxurious loungy style in vogue with the wander­ ing clubs, of men who have passed their examination and their days of genuine work. The boys must be left more to their own exertion, they must practice more with each other, and finally, they must remember that union is strength and gi^e up all small petty house jealousies, and fight loyally for the school whose cricketing honour has been entrusted to then* keeping, and whose career is eagerly and anxiously studied by thousands of old Cheltonians in various parts of the world. Wc Lave written strongly because we feel strongly. When cricket at a lar_o school like Cheltenham languishes, it is not only that school that h utters the whole cricketing community is to a certain extent weakened. Next year we trust we may see more working together, more real hard prac­ tice, more thorough determination to be worthy of following in the steps of tho'6 who have gone before. If this be so, we are sure to have better general cricket, more thorough grounding in the elements, wdiicli will tend to success in time. Of the doings of the Eleven for 1875 there is not much to say. F. E. Allsopp is a really fine cricketer all round ; a splendid field and shows promise of being a brilliant bat, and is also an average slow-round bowler. It is a pity that for the next year or two he will not be nn ch heard of, as he is entered at the Woolwich Academy. Of the bowl­ ing of the Eleven we cannot speak, as we did not see any worthy of the name. Omitting Allsopp, Druitt and Kushbrooke Lad the best idea of bowling, but both want energy and practice. Fowler plays sterling cricket, and has good defence, but is so weak that he cannot do him-