Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

33 establishment of the Football Association, but before the secession of Blackheath and before Laws were uniform throughout the game. An early match against Redhill in early 1871 in which James Nightingale, Cricket Club secretary, played for Reigate brought the following observations. As the rules of this club do not tally with those in the neighbourhood, and consequently there is a difficulty in making matches, it has therefore been arranged that at a general meeting of members on Friday evening next the Rules should be revised. 48 Later in the year in a match against Crystal Palace (not the present Football League Club) only seven of the Reigate Club put in an appearance, the other four, said the local newspaper, 49 being too delicate to send word that they were unable to venture out. Crystal Palace found three substitutes for the Reigate team and the match went ahead. Organisation was to improve in later years and Read would play a part in that. In 1875, the only occasion Reigate actually won an FA Cup tie, Read played an important part, as his team hung on to a lead by a single goal. Some dangerous onslaughts were made on the Reigate goal, but owing to the brilliant back play of Laker and Read, assisted by the excellent goal-keeping of Sargant, their attempts were frustrated and no further result obtained. 50 Throughout his twenties, except when injured and on overseas cricket tours, Walter was a regular and important member of the team, demonstrating his versatility when used as an emergency forward. Reigate Priory v East Grinstead This return match was played at Reigate on Saturday last resulting in a victory for the home side by three goals to none. Notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather and slippery nature of the ground, some excellent play was shown by both sides. For Reigate Read displayed splendid form forward, two goals being placed to his credit, the third being kicked by Smith. 51 48 Reigate, Redhill, Dorking and Epsom Journal 31 January 1871 49 Reigate, Redhill, Dorking and Epsom Journal 26 December 1871 50 Surrey Mirror 2 November 1875 51 Reigate, Redhill, Dorking and Epsom Journal 30 January 1877 Reigate Priory