Lives in Cricket No 19 - Frank Sugg

whereas Ward’s was a watchful approach, more in the style of Barlow. Their partnerships did not always last long but when they got established Frank was invariably the main scorer. Typical was the match against Kent at Tonbridge. Sugg and Ward had an opening stand of 87 to which Ward contributed 18, Sugg going on to score 68. Lancashire totalled 484, with G.R.Baker making 109, and won the match by the satisfying margin of an innings and 330 runs. Mold took thirteen wickets, nine for 29 in Kent’s second innings of 57 all out, Johnny Briggs predictably taking the remaining wickets save for two run-outs. The match illustrated how formidable Lancashire could be when their batsmen matched the quality performances invariably turned in by their two star bowlers. Commenting on Sugg’s season in 1892, Wisden said: ‘Impatience to score used to be a sad fault in Sugg’s batting, but [this] season he appeared to have a much better control over himself and used his brilliant powers as a hitter with much greater discretion.’ The value of Frank Sugg’s fielding should not be overlooked. He preferred to field in the deep where his athleticism and powerful arm stood him in good stead but, whether in the deep or close to the wicket, his was a safe pair of hands. In his younger days he was often required to field at long on or long off to both bowlers, prompting the obvious calls ‘Get on your bike, Frank.’ Sugg liked to tell about his exploits in the field and the many splendid catches that he took. For example, when Dick Lilley of Warwickshire made a big hit, ‘I was right on the edge of the boundary, and leaning back to my full reach. I secured the ball just as it was crossing the ropes. Lilley came and shook hands with me for, as a true cricketer, he appreciated the difficulty of the situation.’ 68 Of course spectacular fielding was less common then than it is today – as, regrettably, are such sporting gestures as Lilley’s. Through most of his career Sugg averaged more than a catch every two matches and in 1892 he accounted for 15 dismissals. In 1897 he was to go one better with 16 catches. 1893 was a better season for Lancashire. Yorkshire topped the table, despite Lord Hawke’s absence from ten games, with twelve wins in their 16 matches, and Lancashire were second with nine wins. At least Lancashire had the satisfaction of twice beating their rivals from across the Pennines. The match at Old Trafford in late 74 Lancashire Stalwart 68 Sporting Chronicle , 1 August 1916.