Lives in Cricket No 46 - George Raikes

43 Raikes the International ‘Keeper’ his presence ensured success that would almost certainly have been theirs even in his absence. The pre-eminence of Magdalen is evidenced by the fact that, in the decade 1891-92 to 1900-01, there was only one year in which there not three or more footballers from the college playing in the Varsity Match. During Raikes’ tenure as custodian (1892-93 to 1895-96) there were at least four members of his college in the Oxford XI, with a peak being reached in 1893-94 when no fewer than five Magdalen men were awarded their Blues (note 8) . Raikes was again available for the Corinthians’ winter tour, being described as “putting in some capital work … received a lot of praise from the various critics … especially distinguished himself on more than one occasion”. He featured in a 7-1 pasting of Middlesbrough, helped to earn draws against Sunderland and Queen’s Park (note 9) but was unable to prevent Sheffield United winning by a solitary goal. During this tour Raikes surprised no- one by declaring himself unavailable to play for Norfolk County against Cambridge University owing to the proximity of the Varsity Match. He did however find time to turn out for an eleven entitled ‘Gentlemen of England’ that played against Derby County in a benefit match for John Goodall, the illustrious forward who had had a lengthy career for County and for England. The Gentlemen went down 3-4 in a match which was taken more seriously than some of that ilk. The Sportsman described Raikes’ keeping as “magnificent … the feature of the play was the splendid goalkeeping of Raikes, whose display was quite up to international form.” A match card showing Raikes playing as custodian for the Corinthians against The Army on 19th October, 1895. The Corinthians won 11-1, with Raikes being something of a spectator.