Lives in Cricket No 50 - Tom Emmett

58 Yorkshire Captain 1878-1883 stronger position. Emmett then bowled as well as he ever had in Australia, taking 8-47 in 51 overs to secure a 90-run lead. Batting a second time, New South Wales were dismissed for 49, Emmett taking a further 5-21 (including a leg-before-wicket decision which caused upset). However, the game became notorious, not for the result but for the ensuing riot. Bad feeling had grown during the match, particularly when a decision went in favour of Harris, who the crowd considered had snicked the ball. Barracking increased, particularly from the bookmakers in the grandstand. The umpire, George Coulthard, was from Victoria, and when he gave local New South Wales hero, Billy Murdoch, run out in the second innings, the noise levels grew. David Gregory went on the field and complained to Harris and Absolom about Coulthard’s umpiring. Gregory insisted that Coulthard be relieved of his duties, which Harris refused to endorse, and which Emmett later said would have resulted in them all going home. When this became known, the crowd – including ‘the very worst type of larrikins’- invaded the field. According to reports, in defending the umpire, Harris was hit with a stick or umbrella. Details of what happened next are confused and vary considerably between sources. According to one observer, Ulyett rushed over brandishing two stumps, intent on defending Harris. Emmett reportedly had the other stump but was restrained by his captain. The scenes were a major embarrassment Lord Harris, one of Emmett’s great supporters, who secured him a coaching post at Rugby School after his playing career ended.