Scotland v W.G. Grace’s XI 30 June 1, & 2 July 1890 by Cricket Scotland

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Ground:	Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow
Scorecard:	Scotland v WG Grace's XI
Event:	WG Grace's XI in Scotland 1890

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DateLine: 4th February 2013

 

 

Day 1:
This important fixture, promoted by the West of Scotland Club, was commenced yesterday at Hamilton Crescent, Partick, before nearly 600 spectators. The weather from a cricketing point of view was of the worst possible description; and after half an hour's play rain caused a retirement. After waiting for nearly three hours and there being no improvement in the weather, the game had, much to the disappointment of all concerned, to be abandoned for the day.

 

There was only one change in the teams, O. Reigate taking the place of Cranston in the English Eleven. J.S. "Robertson", the Scottish captain, won the toss, and on a first rate wicket prepared by Pierce, the groundsman, went in with A.D. Dunlop, the bowling being shared by Richardson and Shacklock. Three singles had been scored when the Scottish captain was bowled, making way for T. Anderson.

 

Both batsmen played cautiously, and soon launched out in rare style. Runs came quickly, the old Lorettonian doing most of the hitting, chiefly off Shacklock, who was sent twice in succession to the off boundary. This brought on Dr Grace at 29 in place of the fast bowler, but he had only bowled one over when the rain drove the players to the pavilion.

 

Day 2:
This important fixture was continued at Hamilton Crescent, Partick yesterday. Rain stopped play on Monday, with the Scottish score at 33 for the loss of one wicket.

 

The weather yesterday was of the most favourable disposition, and a capital day's cricket was enjoyed. The spectators numbered 2000, being the largest attendance ever seen at the ground. The Scotsmen occupied the wicket for two hours and a half, during which they compiled 136.

 

For this they were mainly indebted to two Edinburgh batsmen, H.J. Stevenson and R.J. Pope. The Academical was about two hours at the wickets, carrying his bat for 26. His innings was faultless, and he never played better cricket in the West, his drawing to the on being exceptionally fine.

 

The Australasian representative played with remarkable vigour, his principal hits being deep cuts. He was dismissed rather unfortunately in going to hit a slow one from Dixon. The Englishmen batted for two hours, in which time they ran up 221 for four wickets.

 

A start was made at noon , the not outs, A.D. Dunlop (20) and T. Anderson (3), resuming the batting to the bowling of Dr Grace and Richardson. Dunlop only managed to improve his score by 2, when the Notts bowler sent him back. C.T. Mannes did not trouble the scorers, being bowled first ball, and Anderson and he both left at 50.

 

R.J. Pope and H.J. Stevenson made a good stand, and both scored freely. At 77 Dixon and Shacklock were tried, with the result that two runs later the Australasian was dismissed by Dixon for a capital 22. Stevenson continued to play in fine style, and showed something of his true form, his placing being very pretty.

 

Butler assisted to raise the score to 120, when he was given out leg before. The others made no stand, the innings closing for 136, Stevenson carrying out his bat for 26, a performance which well merited the splendid reception which awaited him on his return to the pavilion. The bowling analysis gave Dr Grace five wickets for 32 runs, and Richardson four for 42.

 

Dr Grace and Shrewsbury began the batting for the Englishmen, and with the score at 30, the Doctor skied one, which was held by Pope. Shrewsbury and O.G. Radcliffe took the score to 104, when the latter was beaten by "Robertson". The Notts batsman stayed until 130 when he put one into "Robertson's" hands, after a brilliant innings of 61, which included eight 4's and two 3's. J.A. Dixon and H.B. Daft carried the score beyond the Scottish total, and played out time.

 

When the game stopped for the day, at half past six four wickets were down for 221 runs. The drawings for the day amounted to over £100, which is probably the largest sum taken on one day at a cricket match in Scotland

 

Day 3:
Only half an hour's play was possible yesterday, the third and last day of the engagement, in the match at Hamilton Crescent, Partick, between this English team, captained by Dr W.G. Grace and the Scottish Eleven.

 

Overnight the Scotsmen had completed their innings, which realised 136, mainly through the efforts of H.J. Stevenson and R.J. Pope, the eastern representatives; while the English team had compiled 221 runs for four wickets (J.A. Dixon 47, and H.B. Daft 51, being not out).

 

It was ten minutes to twelve when the match was resumed, and as the weather outlook then was very ominous, there was a meagre attendance. Both batsmen played freely, and, in about twenty five minutes the score had been increased by 45, boundary hits being the order of the day. Then a heavy shower caused the players to seek the shelter of the pavilion, and as a sharp thunderstorm broke over the district, accompanied by a drenching rainfall, further play was out of the question, and at two o'clock, it was decided to abandon the match.

 

The score stood at 265 for four wickets. The drawings for the three days amounted to £140.

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