James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1894

PUBLICS C H O O LCRICKETIN 1893.1 1 9 Mortimer's presence added immensely to the defensive powers of the team, and awkwardstyle notwithstanding , we should not be surprised to find himdoing well `at Cambridge. Druce, the captain , is also at Cambridge, and it is far from un- likely that he will make his mark at Fenners . Heled his team with judgement andcontributed very considerably to the success of the season . Twoor three of the younger boys,notably Grahamand Moir, have great capabilities , and ought to train on, while Johnson's wicket -keeping throughout the term was the subject of general praise . At Lords he was not seen at his best , owing to damagedhands, partly owing to the erratic deliveries of the fast bowlers . Talking of bowling re- mindsus that it was in this that the team were deficient . Skimmingwas the most effective by far , and Beloe was always steady , but the fast wickets were all against him, the others were very variable . The fielding , on the whole , was up to the mark and as they worked hard and pulled together , their success was well deserved . In the coming season we mayexpect another good side , as 5 or 6 old colours are available . One of these , Cheales , was so dead out of form last summer term that he generously resigned his place in the Rugbymatch, but as he scored heavily in the holidays (in good company too), we hope the depression was only temporary. TheRadley eleven , after beginning very badly , woundup the season in grand style , losing onlyone of their last eight matches , and that one was practically decided bythe toss . After the middle of June they were a bad side to beat , as they bowled steadily , fielded well , and batted with considerable confidence . The improvement was largely due to the exertions of their Captain , Webb,and perhaps , even more to the unceasing efforts of the old " blue" A. Č. M. Croome. Cricket , as we know, has a very dangerous rival at Radley , and the success of last year's team could not havebeen obtained nad not everyone worked with a hearty good will . Webbhas not reachedthe estimate which was formedof his abilities in 1891, but he was a good captain , and is a useful cricketer , as was Chinnock , but the hopes of the place are centred in. Bailey , who, should all go well with him, ought to be a fine bat this year. A useful lesson is supplied by our consideration of Radley's doings last season , and the lesson is this , that unremitting care , on the part of authorities and captain , can convert an apparently weak team into one that is likely to makea goodshowagainst anyopponents. Verb sap. If the school matches could be eliminated fromthe programme weshould be able togive agood account of the Repton boys . Butthe crushing defeat at Uppingham, andMalvern's brilliant victory sadly discounted their other triumphs . It is only fair to the team to state that circumstances militated against them in the Uppingham match, so seriously that the break downin their first innings admits of partial excuse . Nothing , however, can get over the fact that , on the day, the Reptonians weredistinctly the weaker side . Wilson was at his very best , and a strong cross wind, to which Repton boys are entirely unused, utterly disconcerted Bryant, and madeBardswell almost unplayable in the first innings . In some of the club matches Bryantbowled with marvellous success , and on his day, weshould judge him to be above the average of school slow bowlers . Unfortunately he is , it would seem, very dependent on early success , and this is a fault which must be eradicated if he is ever todo himself justice in the field . Busby wasthe other bowler whowasinstrumental in the victories of the team, andhe mayjustly bereckoned a cricketer of great natural powers , abeautiful field , a very fair bowler , anda brilliant batsman. Hehas, it must be confessed , utterly failed to redeem his early promise , but his future depends en- tirely on himself , as with ordinary care and perseverance he will be a most valuable addition to any team. Abell's failure was, perhaps , the most disappointing , Davenport's success the most pleasing feature of the season , and from his perform- ances at Eastbourne we nourish the hope that he maydistinguish himself at Cam- bridge. During the term he played a very safe game, andoften scored heavily , but at times he was painfully slow, and far too indulgent to the bowlers . Abell's failure