Lives in Cricket No 29 - AN Hornby

70 is one of the best qualifications of a good captain, Mr Hornby was the finest skipper I have seen. On the field he was a model to young players; possessed of an iron constitution and of fine physical powers, he was able to accomplish a large amount of strenuous work. I never heard him say that he was tired after a long day in the field, but, unfortunately, he did not seem to think others might be. He told S.M.Crosfield, after the latter had said that he was tired at the close of play, that he would put him long-field at both ends next day, and he meant it. Off the field, Hornby played an important role in Lancashire’s purchase of Old Trafford. When the possibility of buying the ground came up, the honorary treasurer, James MacLaren, supported the proposal but the secretary, Sam Swire, opposed the move. Hornby threw his weight behind the plan and the committee approved it. The Boss In 1882 Lancashire and Nottinghamshire lost one game each, so by the convention of the day were deemed joint champions. Lancashire won ten of their 14 games so perhaps had the edge over Nottinghamshire, who won eight out of 12. Standing: J.Rowbotham (umpire), G.Nash, R.Pilling, R.G.Barlow, A.Watson, J.MacLaren (Hon. Treasurer). Seated (back): J.Crossland, C.H.Haigh, A.N.Hornby, F.Taylor. Seated (front): W.Robinson, V.P.F.A.Royle, J.Briggs. Lancashire fielded the same team in four consecutive away games and former Yorkshire skipper Joseph Rowbotham umpired in all four, so was one of the few Yorkshiremen to appear in a Lancashire team photo.