Lives in Cricket No 50 - Tom Emmett

93 The later years (1889-1904) arrival, commenting that despite being nearly 48 he ‘might be thought about 25’ It also commented that he was ‘an institution of the cricket world.’ Cricket was at a low point at Rugby when Emmett arrived, being poorly organised, lacking adequate coaching and decent wickets, and not being compulsory for all years. Emmett followed in the footsteps of former professionals including John Lillywhite, who had been there for six years, and Alf Diver. After Diver’s death in 1876 the game went into something of a decline and the appointment of Emmett – supported by a group of Old Rugbeians who guaranteed a sum of £60-70 to support improvements in sports in the school - was a key part of efforts to revive it. Emmett was paid £120 per annum at Rugby, and he made an immediate impression at the school, playing in a 13-a-side early season match in May and taking 5-18 and 6-4. 61 In July 1889, Emmett told a friend that he was very satisfied with the post, and wrote positively of the position and the ability of the boys. ‘Their batting is very promising’, he commented, ‘but bowling talent, as in most amateur quarters, is scarce.’ It was also reported that ‘Old Tom seems to Letter from Emmett to one of the many boys he coached at Rugby School. (William Roberts)