Lives in Cricket No 39 - Alec Watson

43 The anni mirabiles in 1881, as the students won by seven wickets. At Old Trafford Surrey too were crushed. In addition to his unbeaten sixty runs – he had been out only once so far in 1881 – he had six for 30 in Surrey’s first innings, and ten wickets in the match. Then followed Lancashire’s first match with Middlesex. Wisden described it as ‘The Return’, but in fact the first match had not taken place, as Lord’s was required for matches by Harrow Wanderers; pressures on Lord’s were apparently as intense as they are now, though perhaps from a different source. Lancashire’s season concluded with the now usual southern tour. Surrey were steamrollered again, as Watson had figures of 40.3-26-23-6 in the second innings. His batting form returned with 27 and 24 at Clifton, but rain ruined the match. Kent too were crushed in the final match. By going through the 1881 county season undefeated Lancashire were universally recognised as the champion county. Nearly all of their wins were by large margins, and the three draws were in the County’s favour. Alec Watson shared fully in that success. Although his haul of wickets had declined from 88 to 69, that number had been affected by rain and by the continuing success Lancashire 1881 Standing (l to r): G. Nash, J. Crossland, J Smith (umpire), R.Pilling, A. Watson. Seated (l to r): A.G.Steel, Rev V.P.F.A.Royle, A.N.Hornby (Captain), A.Appleby. On floor (l to r): W Robinson, R.G.Barlow, O.P. Lancashire, J Briggs. [Roger Mann Collection]