Lives in Cricket No 2 - Johnny Briggs

Interestingly, Briggs kept up his poor record against Spofforth when appearing for Liverpool and District against Australia at Aigburth, succumbing once again to the Australian fast bowler in the first innings of a match that the visitors won by one wicket. From Widnes to Old Trafford 21 Briggs had a good record in matches for the Players against the Gentlemen, scoring 420 runs (at 19.09) and taking 56 wickets (at 17.60 apiece). The Gentlemen-Players fixture was one of the oldest series in cricket and began in 1806. It was normally played at Lord’s although other venues, including The Oval and Scarborough, were used from time to time. Other grounds on which the match has been played included Blackpool, Hove, Hastings, Folkestone, Bournemouth and the Prince’s Ground in west London.