Lives in Cricket No 51 - Rev ES Carter

Ealing 41 “A more extraordinary exhibition from representatives of such a crack London club has been seldom heard of in the annals of cricket and we will merely quote the telegraph as each wicket fell, One for1, two for 3, three for 3, four for 3, five for 6, six for 6, seven for 6, eight for 7, nine for 7. Out of this score there were three extras thus leaving a total of four runs from two balls bowled by the Rev. E.S.Carter.” Both openers had been run out and Carter took three of the remaining seven wickets for those four runs. When Ealing went in for their second innings Carter batted at number five, ‘and was quickly at home for the telegraph board soon afterwards showed that runs were being scored with great rapidity, and not until the ninth wicket did the MCC succeed in disposing of the once famous ‘dark blue’ representative for a magnificent score of 45.’ MCC were later able to hang on for a draw but were nearly beaten, Carter taking another three wickets. Then came the second pronouncement from the County Times (supported by Notices of Ecclesiastical Preferments in many newspapers) on 28 May 1875: “None can regret more than we ourselves at the removal of the Rev. E.S.CARTER, curate of Christ Church, from Ealing, at the same time we congratulate him on his appointment as Minor Canon or Vicar-Choral of York Minster. Although it cannot be said that the rev. gentleman has been long resident amongst us, he has nevertheless, by the display of a genial disposition which renders him peculiarly fitted for his high and important office, succeeded in winning the esteem and affection of us all, independent of distinction. Mr CARTER’S usefulness has not merely been limited to the Church, he has also rendered good service in the field as a cricketer, and a reference to the score of last Saturday’s match will at once demonstrate his sterling qualities in that direction. Our regret, however, is mingled with some degree of pleasure, in as much as steps are being taken to present Mr CARTER with a testimonial as a practical proof of the good feeling that is entertained towards him.”