Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

30 associated. In 1892 Read’s XI had played Sixteen of Reigate and the Club were encouraged to be more ambitious. The following season saw the first of the end-of-season jollies, W.W.Read’s XI v W.G.Grace’s XI. On this occasion it was a two-day affair; two years later it would, according to Cricket 41 be extended to three, though Cricket Archive records it as a two-day match. Although none of the matches were granted first-class status, they attracted – maybe the money helped– the leading players of the day ..the committee were encouraged to try another fixture this year on a more elaborate scale. They were fortunate enough to second the active assistance of WG and his personal influence added to that of W.W.Read naturally had the effect of collecting some of the best cricketing talent in the country. The local public had particularly good reason too, to be pleased, as in addition to WG’s fine innings on the first day, WW who was born and has lived, with the exception of a very 41 19 September 1895 42 Cricket 21 September 1893 Reigate Priory W.W.Read’s XI v W.G.Grace’s XI at Reigate, 1894. [Reigate Priory Cricket Club]