Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

34 In early 1884 with the game growing in popularity and local support increasing accordingly, Reigate beat Royal Engineers 1-0 in a second round Surrey Cup match. It was played in beautiful weather, and in the presence of a large number of spectators, who had apparently come from all parts to witness the game, whilst another gratifying feature was the presence on the ground of many of the members of the families in the neighbourhood. Hobbs and F Burtenshaw among the backs and Read (who during the second part of the game took a place in the centre) played in their usual reliable and effective manner. 52 He was also instrumental in organising matches On Wednesday next a football match between an eleven selected by Mr W.W. Read and the Lennox Club. The following are down to play for Mr W.W. Read… 53 and his absence through injury was a major reason for Reigate’s failure to retain the trophy which they had won in its inaugural season. This fine football player, who has proved such a strength to the Reigate team this season unfortunately met with an accident in the match v Barnes. Every one will regret this, and at the same time heartily wish that his inconvenience will be but of a temporary character only and that he will soon be able to take his old place at back, where he has on more than one occasion saved his team from defeat. 54 He was unable to take part in the semi-final against Dorking at the neutral venue of Guildford which Reigate won 2-1 and the Surrey Mirror expressed the view that their chance of retaining was dependent on Read’s being fit to play. The final tie between Reigate Priory and Barnes will be played at Kennington Oval today (Sat). Both Clubs can present an exceedingly good record for the season, Barnes having suffered defeat on only two occasions. Reigate has been defeated also on two occasions. We think the match will probably depend on the ability of W W Read to represent Reigate. Should he be well enough to perform, we shall expect to see Reigate victorious, 52 Sunday Mirror 19 January 1884 53 Surrey Mirror 26 January 1884 54 Surrey Mirror 9 February 1884 Reigate Priory