Lives in Cricket No 2 - Johnny Briggs

controversy during the Scarborough match, when a tarpaulin was used to cover the pitch after the game had started, in contravention of Law 9, although Lord Hawke did not object. The cover was used so that spectators would not be disappointed by delays to play. Ironically, it proved insufficient to combat the east coast weather, and no cricket was possible on the third day. As a footnote to this rather tumultuous season, Briggs played for Royton in the Central Lancashire League ‘on his spare Saturdays’ along with Barlow. But despite their efforts, Royton failed to land the championship that season. CLL clubs were allowed, until 1908, to engage two professionals although duties might include those of coach and groundsman. Mixed benefit 65