Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

that Lionel would be standing down as captain; it had been clear he was only temporary for a year anyway. The newspaper added that he was to play possibly for Exeter and Devon next season. It transpired neither was correct; perhaps it was Lionel reporting this, as he was clearly frustrated about the season he had just endured. In early December, at Somerset’s AGM, it was confirmed that Lionel would not continue as captain. As John Daniell had returned from India, he was appointed for 1908. Happier news was reported that due to the cost-cutting the club was in surplus; however the fixture list would be reduced from 18 to 16 matches after 1909. Somerset on the field were in dreadful trouble and there was even talk of dropping into the minor counties: the club had no money, continuing losses, only three professionals, no new talent and dwindling support. Somehow though the club would continue mainly through the efforts of the committee and loyal members who shared the losses each season up to the Great War. It’s little surprise that Lionel, and then Daniell and Poyntz, had poor records as captain. The plain truth was that the team was not good enough to compete at Championship level. There was too much for too few of the capable players to do, day in and day out. The Taunton Gazette published Lionel’s thoughts on the season. He stated: ‘This season is the most disappointing I have ever had to face in my life. Throughout the season this team has had no fighting spirit, there is a distinct lack of ability and the team is ageing with no talent coming through to compete at a first class level.’ Quite damning but true. The Taunton Courier went on to add that ‘in recent seasons the County has paid for professionals from other counties, and sadly none of these candidates show any real ability to contribute on a daily basis, the last recruit who was successful was Braund and that was some years ago.’ Lionel may well have been relieved to be getting out; for the county bleaker years lay ahead. Lionel would now pretty much throw his lot in with Devon, mainly playing golf. Captain of Somerset, and the Earl of Devon 102