Scotland v Lancashire 1 & 2 July 1895 by Cricket Scotland

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Ground:	Raeburn Place, Edinburgh
Scorecard:	Scotland v Lancashire
Event:	Lancashire in Scotland 1895

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DateLine: 4th February 2013

 

 

Day 1:
There was a capital attendance of spectators at the Grange ground, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, yesterday to witness the first day's play in the important match between Lancashire and Scotland. With the exception that A.R. Don Wauchope took Rice's place on the home side, the teams were exactly as advertised.

 

The weather, though sometimes threatening, was favourable to cricket until twenty minutes to five, when the downpour became so heavy that the players were compelled to leave the field and spectators to find what shelter they could. After waiting for fully half an hour, during which time it continued to rain mercilessly, the stumps were drawn for the day.

 

The Scotland captain beat Mr Hornby for choice of innings, and after considerable hesitation decided to put his opponents in. This, by some, was considered a somewhat risky experiment, considering the batting strength of the Lancastrians, but Mr Hay Brown had regard to the trying light and the state of the ground, which was supposed to favour the bowlers.

 

Possibly Mr Brown's judgement would have been borne out by results but for three important mistakes in the field, whereby Tinsley, who with Ward made the stand of the day, was missed no fewer than three times, in the first instance when his score was but two. Mr Hay Brown, Hainsworth, and Haigh were responsible for these errors, which cost their side dearly.

 

Of the day's cricket it may be said that, with the exception of Ward's perfect display, it was somewhat on the slow side, Sugg being the only batsman who hit a ball over the ropes. Ward's batting was superb, and it is questionable if he even made one bad shot.

 

The remainder of the players found it exceedingly difficult to negotiate Haigh, who bowled in fine form throughout. Smith bowled well but with very bad luck; while more advantage might have been taken of Hainsworth's abilities.

 

Despite the mistakes alluded to the home fielding was good, Wauchope in the outfield, Lawther at wickets, and Mannes at point all showing up well. R.H. Johnston was also keen as ever. Play will be resumed today at noon.

 

Day 2:
This contest was brought to a conclusion at Raeburn Place yesterday, victory resting with the visiting team by the substantial majority of 98 runs with a single innings to spare.

 

The attendance of spectators was again satisfactory, there being nearly 1000 present. Fortunately, also, the weather kept good, and there was no interruption as on the previous day.

 

Having scored 203 for seven wickets on Monday, Lancashire resumed batting with Hornby and Knowles. It was at once seen that the wicket was playing treacherously, and with 20 runs added the venture came to an end.

 

Scotland then proceeded to the wickets, but though a small score was expected, few, if any, were prepared for the total collapse which followed. Aided by admirable fielding and superb wicket keeping, Briggs and the veteran Watson disposed of their opponents for the paltry total of 23. Of this number, R.H. Johnston claimed 13, and some idea may be furnished of the feebleness of the Scottish batting when it is mentioned that he was missed when he had contributed but a single.

 

On going to bat a second time it seemed as if the home side were about to fare little better than at the first attempt. Mannes and Tom Johnston made a stand, however, the former hitting out in fine style, The best display, however, came from Dunlop, who treated the bowling with scant courtesy. To the great delight of the crowd he hit out in fearless style, sending the ball to all parts of the field.

 

With 40 to his credit Mr Dunlop also fell a victim to Briggs and retired amid a hearty round of applause in which the Lancashire team heavily engaged. It was a splendid innings, made at a trying time, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on the Somerset player for pluck and nerve.

 

With Dunlop's departure little else was done, with the exception of a slight stand by Lawther and Trotter. The Lancashire fielding was again perfect, while Briggs once more bowled with remarkable effect.

(Article: Copyright © 2013 Cricket Scotland http://cricketscotland.com)