The Palermian 1899

Around The Wickets

(The following account of our season’s cricket has been compiled by Dom Clement from his diary of the matches plated through the year. Ed)

1^st Match, May 11^th. Red v White

The morning was fine & cool;& a good game was anticipated. White go in first, amid much jeering from their opponents. Their batting was very poor, - simply awful. Fr P Carthagh was bowled almost immediately, & Fr Vicar followed him in a moment with a meagre score of one. Dom Thomas made a shore stand, but in attempting to display a ‘special’ cut (performed only by A.E.Stoddart) was promptly stumped amid loud laughter and enthusiastic cheers from the Red. The next three men are bowled out one after another for ducks. Total of White’s runs, 12, of which 4 were extras. Seven batsmen succeeded in making 8 runs!! And Tom’s 6 the highest, phew! The bowling was very fine. The fielding all round was also quite passable. The Red went in with every prospect of success, but their batting was not so brilliant. The total for the side being 27, of which 6 were extras. Dom Edward’s 6 was the highest score for his side. The bowling was capital, - both Fr Vicar & D Thomas bowled straight and sure. As no second innings was played, White declining to take their second innings in the afternoon, the Red remained victorious by 15 runs.

2^nd Match. May 11^th afternoon. Romans v Greeks

Since Fr Vicar was unfortunately absent in the afternoon, another match, Romans v Greeks was selected. The Romans, winning the toss, decide to go in first. Fr Philip & Tom take their place at the wicket. Thomas meets with bad luck, being run out for the paltry total of 1. Michael then joins Fr Philip & some capital batting takes place. Micky slogs away fast & furious, but in attempting to steal a ridiculously short run is stumped, for the substantial score of 10. Fr Philip & Vincent then keep together for the rest of the afternoon, & at last Fr Philip, - foolishly enough – declares the innings closed. The side made 52 for only 2 wickets down, Fr Philip’s 21 not-out being regarded as an excellent piece of cricket. A new bowler appeared on the scene in the person of D Francis. His first attempt was looked upon with kindly eyes. He bowled 3 overs. It is not our custom to criticise a new player, whether he be a bowler or a batter, & so we will charitably pass over Francis & his bowling, remarking only that he did not succeed in taking a wicket. Another new bowler also appeared on the field in the person of the Rev Carthagh: he bowled 7 overs. We will also refrain from criticising him, and merely remark that no wicket fell to his balls. Edward also bowled for the side of the Greeks, and we cannot refrain from saying that D Edward was strangely off the wicket; out of the 4 wides, 3 must be laid to his account. The fielding on the whole was fair, but it might have been better.

The Greeks went in for their innings with but poor prospects of success, but after a time the side brightened up a bit as the batsmen slogged away with all the desperation of despair. But the Romans conscious of theor strength & flushed with success, put on bowler after bowler; & the wickets began to fall slowly and surely. Fr Carthagh & Francis made a good stand, and for a moment the victory seemed about to be snatched from the boastful Romans, but only for a moment. Fr Carthagh was caught at point, & although another strenuous effort was made by the Greeks to ensure a draw, the side was all out for 45 – a close match, since the Romans declared for 52. Fr Master’s 12 & Fr Carthagh’s 8 were the highest scores for the Greeks, & Fr Philip’s 21 not-out, Michael’s 10, & Vincent’s 9 were the highest for the Romans. The game was won for the Romans by Thomas’ magnificent bowling, he took 5 wickets out of 6. Fr Philip was quite off in bowling & out of 4 wides he bowled 3. A most exciting game on the whole.

3^rd Match. May 18^th. Cavaliers v Roundheads

Great rivalry existed between these sides, and much speculation was raised as to their respective chances of victory or defeat. The Cavaliers, although having manifestly the weaker side, nevertheless manfully determine to take their chance, and having won the toss decide on taking the 1^st innings. Their batting was very poor, Edward’s 10 & Clement’s 7 being the only substantial scores for the side. The bowling of the Roundheads was very commendable, both Fr Philip & Thomas bowling with deadly swiftness. The fielding also was quick & on the whole praiseworthy. The Cavaliers’ score, 1^st innings, was 20, extras 2.

The Roundheads went in at 11.30 & batted fairly well, considering the excellent bowling of Fr Vicar & D Edward. Their score was 26: Fr Philip’s 7, and D Thomas’ 5 were the two highest: 7 extras.

Afternoon. 2^nd innings

Brave and determined the Cavaliers take their place at the wicket for their second innings, determined to win, - or lose. But the Roundheads possessed three good bowlers. FF Philip, Carthagh, & Tom, and the Cavaliers, after making an excellent stand, are all out for 32, Br Joe’s capital slogging, & Fr Vicar’s careful play doing much to make up this score. The Cavaliers’ total was 52.

The Roundheads take their place at the wickets with instructions to play steadily, as they had 27 to make to win. The batsmen faithfully obey these instructions, & notwithstanding the really fine bowling of FF Vicar & Edward, thet repel every ball, & slowly, but surely, the score begins to rise. The tea bell put an end to their innings, the side having made 28 for three wickets down; total 54. Thus the Roundheads after a most exciting match won by 2 runs, 3 wickets.

4^th Match. Plain Chant v Florid

A very exciting match, which ended in a crushing defeat for the Chanters, in whose ranks ‘Boastful Jeffs’ was most prominent for the sarcastic remarks he heaped on his opponents & the praise which he bestowed on his own side & himself in particular. Towards the close of the game the spirits of the combatants became very animated, & several times cricket bats & wickets were freely & fiercely used by the more excitable members of either side. (Fr Prior remarked sotto voce to Fr Isadore that cricket seemed to take away the appetite, as several members of the Community were absent from dinner.) The Plain Chanters fared dismally. Fr Vincent made the highest for his side, viz.9. Those who boasted most, made very few runs, viz. Fr Maste 2, D Francis 1, D Bernard 1. Florid won by 13 runs. What a magnificent victory!!

5^th Match. Zouves v Loretonians

This match was very carefully selected, & ought to have proved most exciting; but the play was very poor, the bowling especially. Fr Philip was recommended to close his eyes when bowling, & then perhaps a chance ball might hit the wicket. On the other side Fr Master bowled 8 overs, & at last after many desperate efforts succeeded in sending a straight ball. The batting for some unaccountable reason was also most distressing. Fancy,the highest score on either side was Fr Edward’s 5! Total, Loretonians 24, Zouves 21. 15 extras for both sides.

6^th Match. Fat v Lean

A very good little match, which ended in a victory for Fat. Fr Vicar was in his element during the game, & displayed great enthusiasm when he learned what the sides were. He immediately placed himself at the head of the Fat eleven, (seven, I mean) and assured them that he would lead them to a glorious victory. He kept his word, although hthe Lean men made a determined resistance. Fr Vicar, who went in third for his side made a most vigorous stand, valourously driving back every ball, although the heat was great, & he was obliged on more than one occasion to sink on the ground, puffing and panting with exhaustion, The side made 32, of which Fr Vicar’s 9 not-out was much admired & commented on. The Lean side made 28, FF Philip’s & Cartagh’s 11 & 9 being the best.

7^th Match. Butter v Dripping

The titles of these sides would lead one to imagine that the match was utterly insignificant, & unworthy of comment. But, on the contrary, the game evoked so much enthusiasm & rivalry, that a large gathering of visitors was discernible, chief among them being Mr.McLoughlin. Dripping went in first, & batted very briskly for some time, but the two last wickets fell for nothing, & the side was out for 85. Butter went in, & at first the wickets fell with alarming rapidity. At last, Fr Philip went in with Fr Tom, & then we were treated to some very fine batting. The Rev P Corr, although his bowling this year was very poor, nevertheless batted passably, & sometimes even excellently well. But today he seemed to outdo himself. He sent every ball to the boundary, and played with a dash that evoked rounds of applause from his own side, & words of wonder & envy from his opponents. When the bowling became dangerous, he played steadily, coolly blocking every ball; & when the bowling became a little wild, he was not slow to avail himself of the opportunity, but punished the bowler by sending the ball spinning into the river, or into the opposite field. The Dripping bowlers could not get him out, so the game was declared in favour of Butter, for the magnificent total of 94. Fr Philip’s score was 40 not-out, a score perhaps never surpassed by any cricketer of St. Monica’s. The fielding was very brisk, and we have no criticism to pass on this department.

8^th Match. Republicans v Monarchists

These sides were very carefully picked, and the match was very keenly contested. For the first time in the season, D Michael showed himself to be something of a slogger. He was chosen for the Republican side, & wore a red handkerchief round his neck to distinguish himself from his more servile, monarchical brethren He went in first, & immediately commenced slogging the ball all over the field. Every time he hit the ball, he shouted aloud some mocking epithet against every crowned head in Europe. That red Republican, D… (Trojan Johnny) stood by his side, exhorting him to more daring efforts by his fervid gesticulations & American capers. At this stage, the field was in an uproarious condition. The Monarchist side played with frigid dignity, thir bowlers, however, were desperately excited & made no secret of the fact that they were bowling for poor Micky’s legs!! The Republicans were yelling instructions to Michael mingling their advice with shouts of encouragement, every time Micky hit the ball. “Well done, Micky, old boy!” “Knock the hedge down!” “Knock Kruger’s head off” “Knock the skin of his waistcoat off” At last, however, Michael, growing exceedingly desperate, & not a little nervous, slipped back on the wickets, in a most delightfully ridiculous fashion, as on of Fr Edward’s balls alighted complacently on the fag end of his nose.

Fr Edward bowled well for the Monarchists, & Fr Vincent, for the first time in the season, bowled some under hands. The game was not over, when the dinner-bell rang, but the Monarchists had no chance. The game nevertheless was declared a draw in favour of the Republicans, who made 47. Michael’s was the best;21 & not-out. The batting was very passable on both sides but the bowling was extremely poor, Fr Edward doing his best to maim some of the Republican batsmen.

9^th Match. Unhealthy v Healthy

Batting fair. Bowling very passable indeed. But fielding rather sleepy. Unhealthy win by 11.

10^th Match. England v Australia

It will be thought that after so much practice there ought to be a noticeable improvement in every department of cricket. And there has been a decided improvement in batting & fielding, but the bowling is still scarcely passable. Today’s match is a good instance. Australia went in first, & FF Cartagh & Thos commenced batting in a most sprightly manner. ‘Twas a glorious morning, & both the batsmen were in great form. At last Fr Cartagh was caught in the slips, & went out with the fine score of 19. But Fr T still kept to the stumps, & when at last Joe O’Riley, after batting to the best of his ability, was run out, it appeared that Fr Tom’s score was 35 not-out. Total for this side, 94. The bowling of England was remarkable for its inaccuracy & rashness. Fr Edward’s bowling was noticeable for its dangerous delivery; two men were somewhat injured thereby, & his own wicket-keep, D Michael, was utterly played out towards the end of the game. Fr Philip was a little better; & Fr master took a turn – then the Australians slogged about at will.

England went in at 12 o’clock, & were all out in half an hour for 30, Fr Edward’s 14 not-out being the highest. The Australian bowling was beautiful, Fr Thomas taking 4 wickets in 8 overs, & Fr cartagh also bowling with calmness & precision.

11^th Match. Men v Boys

A very exciting little match, which ended in a draw in favour of the Men.

12^th Match. Return Match of Red v White

White won easily by 7 runs & 6 wickets. Their batting was beautiful.

13^th Match.

A pick-up match, including four visitors, i.e. two young Gilpins, Carlo Rota, & E Payne, played in the meadow. The sides were very fairly chosen, and a close game ensued, resulting in a victory for Fr Edward’s by 2 runs: total Fr Edward’s side, 52. Fr Philip’s 50.

14^th & Last. Priory v Village

It had been observed that the villagers of Spettisbury had been vigorously practicing and perfecting themselves in the national game. The object of these strenuous exercises was fully suspected, and FF Edward and Thomas might be seen at all hours practising with bat and ball. At last the villagers sent in a courteous challenge, which was accepted. On Saturday, September 16^th at 2 pm. a respectable number of village cricketers entered the field, surrounded by a motley crowd of enthusiastic admirers. They went in first, and made a very fine score, 74, only 4 of which were extras. Thomas and Francis went in first for our side and played with great steadiness and care. But when Fr. P. joined Fr. Thomas, some fine slogging was seen, so much so that it soon appeared the villagers had no chance. The match was declared closed with three still to bat, and a total of 90, including 16 byes and a wide. Fr. P’s 29 not-out and Fr. Tom’s 23 were the highest scores.

Averages for ‘99

Fr Vicar 2’71

Fr Master 2’14

Fr Philip 20’8

Fr Edward 4’86

Fr Thomas 11’45

Fr Vincent 5’38

Fr Cartagh 9’1

D Michael 4’6

D Francis 4’6

D Charles 2’21

Br Joseph 3

Back