Army battle, Roses War

100 Years Ago: 30 May to 5 June 1925

Day 1

Manchester: Lancashire v Yorkshire

Yorkshire Crawl

It was a dull, cold, windy day at Old Trafford, with fewer than 16,000 spectators. A heavy shower delayed play by nearly half an hour. Ted McDonald struggled for footing, while Cecil Parkin battled the blustery wind. Percy Holmes and Herbert Sutcliffe had little trouble, reaching 50 by lunch, but McDonald soon bowled Sutcliffe after a 66-run stand. Yorkshire’s batting was labored, but the brightest spell came in the sixth-wicket partnership of 65 in an hour between Wilfred Rhodes and Emmott Robinson (above). Rhodes attacked McDonald, while Robinson preferred Parkin. After Rhodes fell, the tail crumbled, adding just five runs.

Lancashire also found scoring difficult. Kennedy and George Brown put on 39 for the first wicket, but four wickets fell for 73, including Philip Mead for 17. Lionel Tennyson then joined Alex Bowell, and they held firm until stumps. For once, Tennyson abandoned big hits, opting for restraint. Lancashire took the night-watchman tradition to extremes, sending in both Len Hopwood and George Duckworth for a single over. Yorkshire are at full strength, but Lancashire are missing captain Jack Sharp due to a shoulder injury.

Cambridge: Cambridge University v Army

Two Brilliant Centuries

Two brilliant centuries were scored at Fenner’s today, though the rest of the cricket was mediocre. The first was by Godfrey Bryan for the Army, who made 112 in two hours out of 196. Tom Enthoven was Cambridge University’s best bowler, escaping most of Bryan’s powerful hitting while bowling into a strong wind. He is captaining in Cecil Bennett’s absence due to injury. Benjamin Sherwell again kept wicket superbly for Cambridge, who are not at full strength due to examinations.

The University batting showed more depth than the Army’s, though it was dominated by K. S. Duleepsinhji’s brilliant innings. He reached fifty in 70 minutes and his second in just 35, driving superbly, though some say he lacks the style of his great-uncle Ranji. After the University played Yorkshire, Ranji reportedly sent a cable to Wilfred Rhodes asking his opinion of Duleep; Rhodes replied he was the best young batsman he had seen since the war. With Eddie Dawson scoring 40, Cambridge looks set for a strong lead over the Army, whose bowlers offer variety but lack true quality.

Leyton: Essex v Worcestershire

Cutmore and Russell Boost Essex

Essex started slowly on the protected pitch, but after taking 25 minutes to get off the mark, Jimmy Cutmore played fluently to score 51 in under 90 minutes. Jack Russell steadied the innings, scoring more freely against Worcestershire’s dubious change bowling, and Essex reached 178 for four before his dismissal. Then came a Johnny Douglas special—digging in for 35 in 2¼ hours. Rain cost 40 minutes’ play and freshened the pitch, allowing Fred Root and Dick Pearson to excel with the second new ball, taking the last four wickets for 21 runs. Much of the day saw slow cricket, as Worcestershire restricted runs with Root’s leg-trap until batsmen fell from frustration, while Essex followed their captain’s policy of waiting for runs rather than forcing them—far from ideal for a Bank Holiday.

Southampton: Hampshire v Kent

Collins Rescues Kent

Heavy overnight rain followed by bright morning sunshine created a sticky pitch. Major Lionel Tennyson took the bold decision to send Kent in. The pitch aided the bowlers, though perhaps not as much as he expected. Wally Hardinge fought for 29, and a subdued Frank Woolley made 32, but six wickets fell for 82, with Alec Kennedy and Jack Newman doing the damage. Then George Collins played one of his finest innings, partnering John Deed in a 79-run stand in just over an hour. Collins drove powerfully and was last out for an invaluable 64.

Hampshire also struggled for runs, though Kennedy and George Brown put on a useful 39 for the first wicket. Four wickets were down for 73, including Philip Mead for 17, before Tennyson joined Alex Bowell and they held on until stumps. For once, Tennyson abandoned big hits, playing a restrained and successful innings. The match looked evenly poised, and against a stronger team like Kent, his decision to bowl first seemed justified.

Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex (Jack Hearne’s Benefit Match)

Hearne Celebrates with a Century

Jack Hearne’s century in his benefit match seemed inevitable, even with Maurice Tate in the opposition. Arthur Gilligan defied medical advice to play in support of Hearne, though he did not bowl. Bert Wensley took over as opening bowler, working hard with little success. Greville Stevens and Horace Dales gave Middlesex a solid start of 45, Dales attacking Tate brilliantly, including a six over midwicket. After his dismissal, Hearne dominated, expertly handling Tate’s best deliveries. He also shared a steady 114-run stand with his ‘twin’ Patsy Hendren.

A rain delay interrupted play, but Hearne reached his century before the close to great applause. It took nearly four hours, a testament to Tate’s fine bowling and Sussex’s superb fielding. His 57th first-class century—and 44th for Middlesex—surpassed Pelham Warner’s county record of 43. He may not be the most exciting batsman to watch, but he is a connoisseur’s delight—efficient and highly effective.

Northampton: Northamptonshire v Leicestershire

Wright and Woolley Give Northants Advantage

Leicestershire are missing Albert Lord and George Geary due to illness and Alan Shipman with a knee strain. Overnight storms left the pitch covered. Medium-pacer Philip Wright wreaked havoc on Leicestershire’s top order, taking the first four wickets as six fell for 86. They were rescued by their least experienced players—debutant Neville Dowen, who defended resolutely for 19, and Haydon Smith, who struck a maiden fifty in 55 minutes with 10 fours. After their dismissals at 161, a bold last-wicket stand of 43 between Tommy Sidwell and Alec Skelding pushed the total beyond 200.

Northamptonshire held a strong position overnight. Fanny Walden opened with Claud Woolley but fell for 4. Dick Wright (unrelated to Philip) then joined Woolley until stumps, with Northamptonshire reaching exactly half of Leicestershire’s score for just one wicket lost.

Nottingham: Nottinghamshire v Surrey

George Gunn Leads for Notts

The Trent Bridge pitch, covered overnight, played at an easy pace. Jack Hobbs returned for Surrey, while Nottinghamshire omitted veteran John Gunn, who has struggled for form. George Gunn led the way as Dodger Whysall labored to 11 in their 55-run opening stand, while Sam Staples, promoted to No. 3, added 20. Arthur Carr injected life into the innings with a brisk 49 in 50 minutes, but two quick wickets left Nottinghamshire at 172 for five. Surrey lacked the bowling strength to capitalize, and Willis Walker built a solid 73-run partnership with Gunn. Always composed, Gunn was twice struck by Bill Sadler’s deliveries before fatigue set in, prompting him to get out for his first century of the season. He repeatedly walked down the pitch to Sadler, tempting the bowler to punish his audacity. Walker impressed, while Tom Oates and Len Richmond contributed good attacking strokes late in the day.

Taunton: Somerset v Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Recover as White Injured

Gloucestershire’s innings turned when Jack White strained a back muscle and could no longer bowl. Only captain Douglas Robinson showed any confidence among the top four, his fighting 42 taking over two hours. With five wickets down for 98, rain showers further disrupted play. Jim Bridges claimed four wickets with excellent bowling, while White, though wicketless, kept the batsmen under pressure. His injury allowed Wally Hammond and Captain Adrian Becher to stage a recovery with a 94-run stand, aided by fielding lapses—Becher was dropped three times. The later batsmen added useful runs against White-free bowling, pushing the total to 283. Had White bowled alongside Bridges, the score would likely have been far lower.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Derbyshire

Brilliant Stephens

Derbyshire seemed to have a chance with Warwickshire at 154 for eight. Bill Bestwick struck early, removing Jack Parsons for 3 and Freddie Calthorpe for 0, but Len Bates and Willie Quaife steadied the innings with a 61-run stand before the middle order collapsed. Bestwick then strained a thigh muscle, hampering Derbyshire further. At eight down, Arthur Croom joined George Stephens, playing his first match of the season, and together they transformed the innings. Stephens attacked brilliantly, cutting and driving with ease to score 121 in two hours, while Croom provided solid support. Their 154-run partnership doubled the total before Stephens fell. Last man Harry Howell stayed while Croom reached his fifty, lifting Warwickshire to 322—usually beyond Derbyshire’s reach. Still, openers Garnet Lee and Joseph Bowden survived the day without loss. Conditions remained unpleasant, with a cold, blustery wind.

Day 2

Cambridge: Cambridge University v Army

University Big Lead

Duleepsinhji fell early this morning for 128 in two hours and 20 minutes, but the University built a commanding 220-run first-innings lead. All ten batsmen reached double figures, though only Benjamin Sherwell capitalized with a fifty against mediocre bowling. The Army again struggled in their second innings, losing seven wickets to more fine bowling from Tom Enthoven. Still 45 runs behind at stumps, their only realistic hope tomorrow is avoiding an innings defeat.

Leyton: Essex v Worcestershire

Worcestershire Collapse

Despite Saturday’s sluggish play, the Bank Holiday crowd was so large it briefly encroached onto the field. Worcestershire collapsed to 62 for seven against George Louden and Johnny Douglas, as the main batsmen showed little confidence, gifting catches off half-hearted strokes. Then Lord Arthur Somers showed the way with his maiden first-class fifty, attacking wisely and confidently. Harry Rogers supported him in a 73-run eighth-wicket stand that avoided the follow-on. Even so, after Louden wrapped up the innings, the deficit was 98.

Essex then steadily extended their lead. John Freeman and Jack O’Connor batted usefully, before O’Connor and Jack Russell built a solid 90-run third-wicket partnership in 90 minutes. Fred Root bowled leg-theory, Cliff Wilson off-theory, and finally it paid off—the middle order collapsed, Wilson dismissing both batsmen before Root took over. Douglas, however, resisted and stayed until stumps. Essex now lead by 337 with two wickets in hand, though they likely won’t need them against Worcestershire.

On Saturday, William West umpired alongside former Warwickshire batsman Crowther Charlesworth, but he had to leave after a bereavement. Special permission was granted for Frank Chester to replace him, despite rules barring umpires from officiating matches involving their former county—though questioning Chester’s impartiality would be unwise.

Southampton: Hampshire v Kent

All-Round Jameson in Hampshire Win

The Bank Holiday weekend produced a shock result. Hampshire resumed their innings with Alex Bowell and Major Lionel Tennyson, adding 75 before Tennyson fell for 59, breaking his poor run of form. Bowell continued his cautious innings, lasting nearly 4½ hours. A vital 86-run eighth-wicket stand with Captain Tom Jameson helped Hampshire to 305, giving them a 108-run lead.

Despite the pitch playing well, Kent’s batsmen struggled. Bill Ashdown and Frank Woolley made useful contributions but failed to push on. When Jameson came on with his leg-spin, Kent collapsed from 78 for two to 98 for eight. John Deed provided brief resistance, and last man Tich Freeman hit out for 15 before Deed was left unbeaten on 22. Hampshire needed just 29 to win. Jameson took five wickets in nine overs for nine runs. With 15 minutes of play remaining, Hampshire rushed to finish the match, losing three wickets before Tennyson’s final blows secured a remarkable victory—vindicating his decision at the toss. It was Hampshire’s first win of the season and Kent’s first defeat.

Manchester: Lancashire v Yorkshire

Hallows Takes Lancashire Ahead

Better weather brought a record crowd of nearly 35,000 to Old Trafford, but not a faster scoring rate. Lancashire took almost 90 minutes to reach 50—25 minutes slower than Yorkshire had yesterday. As expected, their night-watchmen quickly fell to George Macaulay, bringing Harry Makepeace and Charlie Hallows together for the third wicket rather than the first. They reached 94 by lunch, when Makepeace was remarkably stumped off Wilfred Rhodes.

Ernest Tyldesley was the only enterprising batsman, scoring 35 in 75 minutes. Aside from John Barnes, who made 17 in an hour, the later batsmen fell quickly. Hallows, however, remained anchored and just managed his century before stumps, taking nearly 4¾ hours. Macaulay missed a high return catch when he had 41. Lancashire overtook Yorkshire’s total during Hallows’ ninth-wicket stand with Ted McDonald and had yet to complete their innings by the close. Several brief rain stoppages meant a wet ball at times hampered Yorkshire’s bowlers on a lifeless pitch. An outright result seems unlikely unless Yorkshire collapses in their second innings, as they did at Headingley last year.

Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex (Jack Hearne’s Benefit Match)

Sussex Follow On

Middlesex resumed their innings, but wickets fell steadily as they tried to accelerate against Maurice Tate. Jack Hearne was seventh out at 313, caught off a superb slower ball from Tate, who few batsmen could handle. He batted 4¾ hours but struck just seven fours. Nine wickets were down for 342 when Harry Lee, at No. 9, played a lively 40 in a last-wicket stand of 41 with Jack Durston. Tate eventually bowled Lee with a straight ball, finishing with eight wickets in 54.1 overs, mostly from the pavilion end, while Bert Wensley bowled 50.

Sussex lost two wickets to Durston’s sheer pace before lunch, but Ted Bowley stood firm. Arthur Gilligan hit two sixes into the nursery end crowd in scoring 22 in 12 minutes. Bowley’s partners came and went until he was sixth out at 118. The innings seemed finished, but Tate remained, briefly overshadowed by Colonel Arthur Watson, who smashed 54 in 45 minutes. Sussex recovered to 218, helped by Nigel Haig’s two brilliant catches to dismiss Bowley and Tate. Sussex had to follow on, and Jack Hearne struck twice early, though Bowley was still at the crease at stumps. A Bank Holiday crowd of 20,000 boosted Hearne’s benefit fund.

Northampton: Northamptonshire v Leicestershire

Skelding Turns the Tables

Northamptonshire had the better of the first day, but Leicestershire dramatically turned the tables today and are poised for victory, weather permitting. Alec Skelding, ineffective yesterday apart from bowling Fanny Walden, ripped through the batting once warmed up, collapsing the score from 118 for one to 164 all out in 90 minutes. Claud Woolley made 82 before Skelding bowled him—exactly half the final total. Skelding’s devastating spell brought him seven wickets for 33.

With an unexpected 40-run lead, Leicestershire’s batsmen consolidated their advantage with a steady team effort. Only young Les Berry, at No. 3, reached 50, but nine batsmen made double figures before they were all out just before stumps, setting Northamptonshire a daunting 353 to win tomorrow. The home side will be pleased with their Bank Holiday crowd of over 5,000.

Nottingham: Nottinghamshire v Surrey

Surrey Bat Big Under Hobbs

Jack Hobbs has long been expected to surpass W. G. Grace’s record of 126 first-class centuries. Perhaps this season, it has become a firm ambition. He has now scored five consecutive centuries, reaching 118, and today he showed great determination to add another. At this rate, he may accomplish the feat before season’s end.

Nottinghamshire’s innings wrapped up quickly this morning, and Surrey’s openers Hobbs and Andy Sandham put on another century stand, with Sandham contributing 56. Hobbs played cautiously, taking two hours to reach fifty and another 1¾ hours for his century—slow by his standards. Once past three figures, he attacked in style, adding 141 with Alfred Jeacocke, who fell at tea. Hobbs accelerated further after tea, finally caught in the deep for 189 (21 fours) in just under five hours, having given one tough chance on 5. His final stand with Tom Shepherd added 96 in just over an hour, mostly his work. At stumps, Surrey led with five wickets in hand, though their weak bowling on a sound pitch makes victory uncertain. A crowd of 20,000 turned out today.

Taunton: Somerset v Gloucestershire

Swinging Balance

The match swung back and forth at Taunton, but mostly in Gloucestershire’s favor. Charlie Parker, bowling despite a stiff neck, struck three times quickly, while George Dennett added another to leave Somerset reeling at 31 for four. Jack MacBryan, playing his first match of the season, fell to Parker for 4. Randall Johnson and Edward Northway steadied the innings with a 76-run stand. Guy Earle played a trademark cameo, hammering 18 runs, including two sixes, off 11 balls. Somerset avoided the follow-on, largely due to Jack White’s 25, but still trailed by 116.

Gloucestershire then had early trouble as Earle removed three wickets with real pace, leaving them at 31 for three. Harry Smith held firm while Wally Hammond counterattacked with a commanding 82 in 90 minutes, including 15 fours, before falling just before stumps. This may be the decisive shift, with Gloucestershire ahead by 274 runs and six wickets in hand.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Derbyshire

Derbyshire Struggle

Derbyshire’s priority was avoiding the follow-on, though it remained uncertain for much of the day. Les Townsend and Guy Jackson shared a 46-run third-wicket stand, but neither pushed on, and the fragile middle order struggled against Willie Quaife’s leg-breaks. Neither Harry Howell nor Norman Partridge found bowling form, yet Derbyshire’s batsmen failed to capitalize. Eight wickets were down for 147, still 26 short, but Jim Horsley, dropped twice, and Harry Elliott played crucial innings to see them past the mark.

Warwickshire still led by 137, and Len Bates and Jack Parsons built on it with a 55-run opening stand before Arthur Morton removed Bates and Reg Santall in quick succession. Bill Bestwick remained unable to bowl. Quaife dug in, believing it was time to grind, and Morton bowled nine consecutive maidens before finally dismissing Parsons, who attempted to break free. Warwickshire ended the day 224 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand. Over 7,000 spectators endured four rain interruptions.

Day 3

Cambridge: Cambridge University v Army

Army Save Innings Defeat

Cambridge University duly won, though the Army avoided the innings defeat that had seemed likely. This was largely due to Sam Jagger’s wayward bowling, as he struggled with form and fed the batsmen half-volleys they punished. The University needed just 19 to win but lost both openers in the process. Eddie Dawson’s poor luck continued, bowled off his pads for 5.

Leyton: Essex v Worcestershire

Louden Bowls Essex to Victory

Essex began the day with a 337-run lead over Worcestershire. Why did Johnny Douglas bat on? Did he truly expect Worcestershire to chase it, or just want a fifty for himself? He clearly trusted the weather. He batted another half-hour, reached his fifty, and was soon dismissed, Harold Palmer adding 37 for the last wicket.

Worcestershire’s target of 379 was purely theoretical. Maurice Foster opened himself and hit a brisk 44, including ten off an over from Douglas. His dismissal triggered a collapse, mostly to George Louden’s pace, as the score crumbled from 79 for one to 92 for seven. Herbert Hopkins played a fluent 44, with Harry Rogers supporting him in a 46-run eighth-wicket stand. But the rain held off, and Essex wrapped up victory before tea by a large margin. Louden took five for 49, adding to his four in the first innings, as Worcestershire matched their first-innings total—a rare occurrence.

Manchester: Lancashire v Yorkshire

Dull Draw

From the outset, a result was unlikely unless Yorkshire collapsed. Lancashire’s first innings ended after 15 minutes, with Charlie Hallows still unbeaten and a 33-run lead. Yorkshire had only the draw to play for, and they ensured it, showing little concern for the Lancashire crowd. Herbert Sutcliffe batted 2½ hours for 40, Maurice Leyland nearly two hours for 29. By midafternoon, Lancashire rested their main bowlers, bringing on their change options. Len Hopwood enjoyed dismissing Leyland (bowled by a full toss) and Roy Kilner. Yorkshire made no declaration, unwilling to waste their bowlers’ energy. Lancashire ultimately gave all ten players a bowl—except George Duckworth—before the match dragged to its inevitable conclusion.

From start to finish, it was a war of attrition, typical of post-war Roses matches—trench warfare on the cricket field, with neither side willing to "go over the top." Yorkshire had no choice but to play for the draw, though they might have done so with more flair. They lost their perfect championship record, and Lancashire, with their first-innings lead, leapfrogged them at the top.

Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex (Jack Hearne’s Benefit Match)

Sussex Concede

Sussex began the day 82 runs behind, following on with six wickets left as Arthur Gilligan joined Ted Bowley. They added 62, though Gilligan was twice dropped. Bowley played a solid innings but edged Nigel Haig to the keeper for 68. Without addition, Gilligan was bowled leg stump by Gubby Allen, visibly exhausted after playing against doctor’s orders for Jack Hearne’s benefit match. Maurice Tate struck a few blows, and the last pair pushed the total past 200, but Middlesex needed only 45 to win.

Normally, Gilligan would have opened the bowling with Tate to make Middlesex work for victory, but unable to bowl, he effectively conceded the match. He rested Tate and brought on part-timers Arthur Watson, John Naumann, and his brother Harold. In response, Frank Mann opened with Horace Dales, but both fell attempting big hits, to Harold Gilligan and Naumann. Patsy Hendren then struck the winning runs.

Northampton: Northamptonshire v Leicestershire

Fourteen to Skelding

As expected, Leicestershire secured victory after their poor first day. Set 353, Northamptonshire’s weak batting made the target virtually impossible. Alec Skelding wasted no time, dismissing both openers within 15 minutes. Vallance Jupp briefly halted the collapse with a fine counterattack, scoring 57 in 75 minutes. Only one other batsman, occasional amateur Stuart Humfrey, reached 20. He smashed his maiden fifty—61 not out in under 35 minutes—hammering five sixes off Ewart Astill to salvage some pride. Northamptonshire may have fallen, but they went out in style. Skelding added six more wickets to finish with match figures of 14 for 125.

Nottingham: Nottinghamshire v Surrey

Payton Ensures Draw

As expected, the match ended in a draw, though Surrey had moments of hope. When their innings resumed, Fred Barratt troubled the batsmen with a fine opening spell, with only Douglas Jardine handling him well. The last four batsmen added just 10 runs, restricting Surrey’s lead to 55.

Percy Fender pushed for victory, and after an opening stand of 40, three wickets fell quickly, two to Alan Peach. Arthur Carr played an aggressive 32, and Surrey still had hope at 115 for five, but their limited attack couldn’t capitalize. Wilf Payton batted well alongside Willis Walker, the pair settling in and wearing down the attack with a 116-run stand in 100 minutes. By then, a draw was inevitable. After tea, Fender rested his main bowlers, letting the non-bowlers have a go. Bert Strudwick bowled seven overs for 36 runs without a wicket—ensuring he stays behind the stumps next match.

Taunton: Somerset v Gloucestershire

Somerset Surrender

Gloucestershire batted for 50 minutes this morning, with Captain Adrian Becher top-scoring with 33, before declaring, setting Somerset a highly unlikely 343 to win in just over four hours. In other circumstances, the declaration might have come too late.

Somerset started promisingly, with Stanley Rippon showing confidence until he fell for 22 out of 25 on the board after 25 minutes. But the rest collapsed without resistance. Charlie Parker was the chief beneficiary, taking five for 26 to complete match figures of ten for 97. Only Jim Bridges reached double figures, making his feelings clear by smashing a four and a six before he was last out.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Derbyshire

Lee Fights Draw for Derbyshire

Warwickshire, 224 ahead overnight with seven wickets in hand, extended their lead swiftly once Willie Quaife was dismissed. George Stephens joined Tiger Smith, adding 59 in half an hour before Freddie Calthorpe declared at 328 ahead, leaving 4¼ hours of play.

Ordinarily, such a target would be beyond Derbyshire, but former Nottinghamshire batsman Garnet Lee rose to the occasion. He scored his first century for Derbyshire—their first of the season—at the perfect moment. While victory was never realistic, a draw was. Though Joseph Bowden fell for 1, Lee partnered 96 with Les Townsend and 94 with Guy Jackson, all but securing safety. His innings spanned 3½ hours. Warwickshire’s bowling lacked bite, and Harry Howell was far from his best.

Day 1

Cardiff: Glamorgan v Somerset

Earle Revives Somerset

Glamorgan were weakened by the clash with M.C.C. vs. Wales at Lord’s, losing four players, including Norman Riches and Helm Spencer, to the Wales side. The Cardiff pitch was good and the weather superb, but the batting was poor. Joe Mercer and Frank Ryan bowled accurately, enough to dismantle Somerset’s lineup. They slumped to 71 for six before Guy Earle counterattacked with powerful drives, adding 61 with Charles Winter—their biggest partnership. After Earle fell, 19-year-old Emrys Davies polished off the innings with three wickets for three runs. Glamorgan fielded superbly as usual.

Glamorgan’s reply started solidly as Eddie Bates and Tom Abel put on 23 for the first wicket, but Jim Bridges and Jack White triggered a middle-order collapse. Bates battled for two hours for 29 before falling as the eighth man out, with the score at 59 for eight. Mercer and Ryan, after their bowling heroics, were needed again to see Glamorgan through to stumps, which they did. But Glamorgan lacked an Earle to rescue them. Bridges bowled superbly with the wind, making the ball lift sharply off the pitch. A crowd of 5,000 watched this mixed display.

Bristol (Greenbank): Gloucestershire v Sussex

Harvests for Parker and Tate

It was a good day for both Charlie Parker and Maurice Tate at Packer’s Athletic Ground today as they between them dominated play for their respective teams. The top of the pitch soon began to crumble enough to give the bowlers help, the ball turning and coming quickly off the pitch. Once Parker found his spot, the visitors were in trouble. Sussex reached 52 for the loss of Harold Gilligan for 7, but the two batsmen mainly responsible, Ted Bowley and Lionel Isherwood, were the only members of that team to reach 20. None of the others could stand up to the deadly bowling of Parker, who bowled through the innings for 23.1 overs and gave away only 37 runs for his six wickets.

Gloucestershire so struggled against Tate that they always looked likely to fall behind on the first innings. Alf Dipper was fourth out at 36, before Wally Hammond decided to take on Tate, hitting him for three fours, but then falling lbw to him for 18. Colonel Douglas Robinson came to the rescue with an aggressive 39, the highest innings of the day, but when he was out after 45 minutes nine wickets were down for 107 and Gloucestershire looked likely to fall behind. But there came an unexpected last-wicket partnership of 38, the highest of the innings, between Parker and George Dennett, who gave their team a lead of 22. By then Tate was tiring before he eventually bowled out Dennett; like Parker, he bowled throughout the innings — apart from a change of ends — for 23.5 overs. But on this particular day Parker looked the more lethal bowler of the two.

Sussex had almost half an hour to bat at the end of the day, and they lost both openers in that time. In the final over Bowley hit his wicket the instant before he was bowled for 9, another scalp for Parker.

Portsmouth: Hampshire v Northamptonshire

Tennyson Rescues Hampshire

Hampshire did not start their innings well, their first five batsmen all being out for 82 runs on the board. Philip Mead was bowled by Vallance Jupp for 8. Then Lionel Tennyson took over, aided by a solid innings from Tom Jameson. Many were saying a couple of weeks or so ago that Tennyson seemed to have lost his ability to take charge of an innings and dominate the bowling as he used to, but for the second match in succession he is now proving the pessimists wrong. He hit powerfully for 73 in about 80 minutes until he was out to a skyer held by the bowler, Jupp. Three wickets fell quickly, all to Jupp, and the eighth wicket went down at 172, but then the debutant Kenneth Paver was joined by Walter Livsey, and they shared a partnership of 80 for the ninth wicket, with Livsey doing most of the scoring. The final total was a reasonable 264, with Jupp having taken six wickets, despite taking some powerful hits from Tennyson and Livsey.

Northamptonshire had the final hour to bat through, and they made a fair start, scoring 51 runs for the loss of Claud Woolley only. On paper the match appears quite well balanced, but remember the weakness of the Northamptonshire batting . . .

Manchester: Lancashire v Kent

Kent Fall to McDonald

Kent, probably not in the most confident of moods after being beaten by Hampshire, came to Manchester to run into the full force of Ted McDonald as the weather warmed up. The Australian worked up a fine pace on a good pitch and removed Bill Ashdown and James Seymour for 14. Wally Hardinge lasted for 18 until he mistimed a slower ball when the score was 48, but when Frank Woolley was caught at mid-on off a ball that lifted awkwardly, the score was 56 for four wickets — all to McDonald. In this situation Horace Taylor, a relative newcomer, did well to make a confident 23, but with Dick Tyldesley also bowling well there was no recovery for Kent. Tich Freeman did well to make the top score of 25 from No 10 before Tyldesley dismissed him and Kent were all out for 139. McDonald had bowled well and the fielding was excellent, but most of the Kent batsmen had played poorly.

Lancashire were in a fine position, and their response was to build a reply with grim determination rather than joyful freedom. Harry Makepeace and Charlie Hallows put their heads down for an opening partnership of 86 in almost 1¾ hours, with Hallows going on to reach a fifty, although he was badly dropped by Woolley at slip when 43. Lancashire passed the Kent total with only these two batsmen out, and Ernest Tyldesley and Frank Watson were still there when play ended, although they did not take advantage of tiring bowlers. The Kent bowling lacked sting, apart from Charlie Wright, and rarely troubled any of the batsmen. They are facing a possible innings defeat.

Leicester: Leicestershire v Surrey

Astill and Geary Save Leicestershire

Leicestershire, a weak batting side, did well to score 278 runs today, although the three top scorers were all all-rounders rather than specialist batsmen. Major Gus Fowke did his best to hold to top-order batting together after the first three wickets had fallen for 29 runs, and made 21 in an hour and three-quarters out of 58 for four. There followed a fine partnership of 107 for the fifth wicket between Ewart Astill and George Geary, with Astill scoring an excellent 89 in 2¼ hours. He also had the rare achievement of being dropped, just before he was out, from an easy chance to Jack Hobbs at cover point.

Geary is back in the team after missing four matches through illness. He kept up the good work with Haydon Smith, and the score immediately before he was out was 239 for five. From there it declined to 278 all out. The pitch was not easy at first and did not suit the faster bowlers, with Percy Fender and Stanley Fenley getting most of the wickets. Hobbs and Andy Sandham survived 20 minutes’ batting for Surrey until the close.

Lord’s: M.C.C. v Wales

Hearne and Hendren Help Themselves

It was a pretty stupid idea to schedule this match to clash with Glamorgan’s match against Somerset, thus splitting the strength of an already weak team. It is not clear how it was decided which Welshmen should play for which team, but Norman Riches and Dai Davies at least would be welcomed by their county. Five players are making their first-class debuts, and this includes Frank Lee, a brother of Harry Lee of Middlesex, on the M.C.C. side. Jack Hearne and Patsy Hendren were both included in the M.C.C. team, and it was confidently expected that both would score centuries against the weak bowling attack of Wales.

That almost happened. Hearne shared a second-wicket partnership of 143 with the former Scotland player Patrick Fraser, and was then joined by Hendren. He went on to score 118 in the very quick time for him of two hours and 20 minutes, before being caught off an uncharacteristically careless stroke. Hendren played an incomprehensible innings, hogging the bowling and doing little with it, never playing his strokes freely against a weak bowling side; he failed to reach a century he didn’t deserve. However, Ken Harris, a former Glamorgan slow bowler from before the war, did well enough to cause a minor collapse in the middle order before Walter Franklin and the captain, Jock Hartley, put on 141 for the eighth wicket. Hartley, despite being 50 years of age, showed he still has real class, and it is hoped he will be able to complete a century tomorrow.

Oxford: Oxford University v Army

Double-Century for Army

The one great feat of the day was a superb double-century by the Army’s opening batsman, Captain Edward Williams. Overall he scored 209 runs in 4¼ hours and hit 31 fours. It must be said, though, that the University bowling was seriously weakened by the absence of their two top bowlers, Tom Raikes and Edward Hewetson. However, the Army are without their best bowler, Adrian Gore. None of the other Army batsmen reached 50, the nearest being Claud Tudor at No 5, who made 49 and shared a partnership of 142 with Williams. Williams gave only one chance, a difficult one to square leg when he had 161, and his innings was notable for its powerful driving. The bowling may have been weak, but the fielding was good. Oxford University had 25 minutes to play out before the close and got themselves into more trouble, as Captain Philip Havelock-Davies with his right-arm slows removed John Stephenson for 5 and the night-watchman Ivor Gilliat without scoring.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Yorkshire

Yorkshire Mediocre Batting

Yorkshire went in first on a sound batting pitch on a brilliant sunny day at Edgbaston after Major Arthur Lupton won the toss yet again, seven times in nine matches, but made a very moderate showing with the bat. They lost their first three wickets for 62 runs, Freddie Calthorpe producing an excellent opening spell that removed Herbert Sutcliffe and Edgar Oldroyd cheaply, but then came the best part of their day, as Maurice Leyland and Wilfred Rhodes put on 103 runs together for the fourth wicket in 80 minutes. Warwickshire might well have finished the day on top had not Leyland been dropped at fine leg when he had 18 and Rhodes a difficult one in the slips on 2. It was Rhodes’s third successive fifty. After that Roy Kilner did quite well until he ran himself out, but the tail again disappointed.

Warwickshire worked hard with the ball and in the field, although Harry Howell is still not in form, bowling at little more than medium pace. Warwickshire in the last hour made a better start than Yorkshire had done, with Len Bates and Jack Parsons making 41 together very well for the first wicket.

Stourbridge: Worcestershire v Derbyshire

Three Fifties for Derbyshire

Derbyshire won the toss on a good Stourbridge pitch and, for once, capitalized. Fred Root’s leg-theory posed problems, but Garnet Lee and Joseph Bowden weathered it, adding 59 for the first wicket. Les Townsend then batted aggressively, putting on 93 with Bowden, while Guy Jackson contributed a solid fifty. At 261 for five, Derbyshire looked strong, but the tail collapsed to Harry Rogers, adding just 12. Still, 273 was their highest total of the season.

Worcestershire’s reply began disastrously, losing three wickets for just 4, including Dick Pearson for 2. Maurice Foster showed aggression, while Charles Tarbox dug in, but both fell before stumps, leaving Worcestershire in trouble at 82 for five. Their struggles were compounded by the absence of veteran Bill Bestwick, too unwell to play.

Day 2

Cardiff: Glamorgan v Somerset

Somerset Big Lead

Glamorgan’s last three batsmen showed more resistance than their seniors, with the final pair pushing the total past 100, narrowing the deficit to 41. Somerset’s second innings started poorly against sharp bowling and fielding, leaving them precariously placed at 76 for six. Cecil Case crawled to 11 in 100 minutes, but Charles Winter and Algy Bligh—two occasional players—rescued the innings with a superb 92-run stand for the seventh wicket. After Winter departed, George Hunt and Jim Bridges provided attacking support, with Bligh battling his way to an unbeaten 73 across 2¾ hours—not stylish, but invaluable. The last four wickets produced 189 runs, overshadowing the top order’s efforts from both teams.

Glamorgan’s second innings began cautiously in the final half-hour, chasing an improbable 307. Eddie Bates and Tom Abel started steadily but both fell, the second wicket going in the final over at 25. With the pitch deteriorating, their best hope for tomorrow seems to be a valiant fight—or rain.

Bristol (Greenbank): Gloucestershire v Sussex

Dennett’s Turn as Gloucestershire Win

Sussex fought hard in a gripping finish, but Gloucestershire edged home. On a badly worn pitch, Sussex’s batsmen struggled for runs. Charlie Parker was a constant threat, though Arthur Watson briefly countered with two sixes. Most batsmen opted for caution, allowing George Dennett—also bowling superbly—to claim the most wickets. After Watson fell, James Langridge batted solidly, finishing unbeaten.

Chasing 97, Gloucestershire faced a fierce battle against Maurice Tate, who kept the result in doubt until the final moments. Harry Smith anchored the innings, while Douglas Robinson, temporarily retired hurt after a knee blow from Tate, returned with Wally Hammond running for him. Their crucial stand secured the last 18 runs before Percy Mills struck the winning blow. Sussex fought to the very end, with Tate delivering another masterful spell—23.4 overs with just one change of ends, finishing with match figures of 12 for 94.

Portsmouth: Hampshire v Northamptonshire

Kennedy with Sound Batting Bring Hampshire Advantage

Northamptonshire made a solid start yesterday but crumbled this morning under Alec Kennedy’s superb bowling. Mixing accuracy with clever changes of pace, he at one stage had six for 36 before tiring slightly to finish with six for 59. Northamptonshire ended 121 runs behind on the first innings.

Hampshire’s second innings began poorly as George Brown fell to Philip Wright’s second ball, but the runs soon flowed. Kenneth Paver, promoted to open after defending well at No. 10 in the first innings, resisted for 65 minutes before falling for 4 at 56 for three. Philip Mead and Tom Jameson both made fifties, while Jameson and Jack Newman built the strongest stand of the innings—75 for the seventh wicket. Lionel Tennyson declared at nine down, giving Northamptonshire 20 minutes to bat before stumps, needing 398 to win. The openers survived.

Manchester: Lancashire v Kent

Lancashire Pull Ahead

This morning, Ernest Tyldesley and Frank Watson extended their third-wicket stand on a good pitch in sunny conditions, adding 94 before Watson fell, caught down the leg side. Tyldesley pressed on to 77, while John Barnes played an attractive fifty in 90 minutes. After lunch, Lancashire’s tail faltered, but they still secured a strong 192-run lead. Kent’s poor fielding was costly, with five missed chances—Hallows, Tyldesley, and Barnes all benefiting. Most errors came off Charlie Wright, Kent’s best bowler.

Wally Hardinge and Bill Ashdown launched Kent’s second innings with a 49-run stand, handling Ted McDonald better this time, while Cecil Parkin remained off form. Frank Woolley added a quiet 21, but the middle order crumbled, leaving them at 108 for six. Jack Hubble and George Collins then staged a seventh-wicket rescue, adding 75—Hubble dominant with superb strokes, Collins resolute in defense. Hubble departed in the final over, leaving Kent still nine runs short of avoiding an innings defeat.

Leicester: Leicestershire v Surrey

Astill and Geary Save Leicestershire

Leicestershire made Surrey work hard for runs with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Jack Hobbs, surprisingly, fell for 19, brilliantly caught down the leg side by Tommy Sidwell off Alec Skelding at 52. Andy Sandham and Tom Shepherd added 60 for the third wicket, both scoring fifties, but at 208, Skelding struck again, removing Alan Peach and Percy Fender—bowled first ball—to leave Surrey six down. Douglas Jardine led the recovery, aided by a cautious Bill Hitch, whose batting, though no longer fearsome, was invaluable. Hitch’s 39 helped Surrey into the lead before George Geary cleaned up the tail, taking the last four wickets cheaply. Leicestershire suffered without Ewart Astill, who was unable to bowl due to a strained back.

With just under 90 minutes left to bat, Leicestershire lost both openers cheaply but found stability in Les Berry, who showed good form and some luck, surviving with John King. They ended the day 37 runs ahead with two wickets down in their second innings.

Lord’s: M.C.C. v Wales

Wales Follow On

M.C.C. resumed their innings this morning, but Jock Hartley fell short of his century before the last wicket fell. Their total included a staggering 62 extras, 44 of them byes. Wales responded with a determined batting effort, though the bowling was unimpressive. Ten batsmen reached double figures, but only three passed 20—John Bell, Clarence Bruce, and Dai Davies—all making fifties. Bell, having qualified for Glamorgan from Yorkshire, played a strong innings before running himself out carelessly. Despite their resistance, Glamorgan had to follow on. In their second innings, Norman Riches and Bell forged a promising opening stand, racing to 76 in just 55 minutes, keeping hopes alive for tomorrow.

Oxford: Oxford University v Army

Holmes Stands Tall amid Disaster

For the second time in the match, a single batsman dominated his team’s innings—this time, it was Errol Holmes, the Malvern College freshman. He arrived with his team in deep trouble at 19 for four, victims of Captain Philip Havelock Davies’ slow bowling. Walter McBride partnered him to 70, while Geoffrey Legge added 89 for the sixth wicket. James Richardson contributed some hard-hitting 35 in a 59-run eighth-wicket stand. Holmes, reaching his maiden first-class fifty and powering on to a magnificent unbeaten 161, struck 17 fours in just 3 hours and 20 minutes, offering only one chance at 120. Despite his heroics, the Army held a first-innings lead of 98.

The University’s second innings started well when Edward Williams fell for 1 to debutant Courtenay Reece, leaving them three down for 39. Reginald Hudson steadied them with a fifty, while Holmes, buoyed by his batting success, claimed three wickets. By stumps, the Army had strengthened their position, leading by 233 with four wickets in hand.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Yorkshire

Sutcliffe Back in Form

Yorkshire, after an indifferent first day, delivered a dominant performance to seize control. Roy Kilner and Abe Waddington ripped through Warwickshire’s top order, reducing them from 78 for one to 89 for six, threatening a follow-on. Willie Quaife dug in grimly for 38 not out in 2½ hours, joined by Arthur Croom in a defiant 45-run stand that averted immediate disaster. Useful tail-end contributions pushed the total to 198. George Macaulay, hampered by a bruised thumb before lunch, returned to finish off the innings.

Then Yorkshire’s batsmen took over. Herbert Sutcliffe, eager to regain form after his triumphant Australian tour, adopted positive methods—and it paid off. He and Percy Holmes forged their thirtieth century stand, piling up 199 before Holmes fell to Reg Santall for 79 in 2¼ hours. Sutcliffe had already reached his hundred and fell for 130 half an hour later, but Maurice Leyland and Wilfred Rhodes kept the runs flowing. Yorkshire closed the day 345 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand—their best performance of the season so far.

Stourbridge: Worcestershire v Derbyshire

Derbyshire Staring Victory in the Face

Worcestershire needed 124 to avoid the follow-on but teetered at 101 for seven before Harry Rogers and Harry Bryant’s 32-run stand saved them. Even so, they finished 125 runs behind.

Derbyshire, unfamiliar with dominance, held firm. Their top five batted superbly, reaching 209 before Guy Jackson fell. Garnet Lee contributed a valuable 59, but the lower order collapsed, losing six wickets for 28 to Fred Root and Dick Pearson with the second new ball. Root bowled superbly against his former county, though his figures of five for 54 in 29 overs barely reflected his impact. Still, a 379-run lead is surely beyond Worcestershire—unless Maurice Foster can produce something extraordinary.

Foster and Pearson have yet to bat, while Worcestershire slumped to 44 for three by stumps, losing Harry Higgins and two night-watchmen. With dry weather expected, Derbyshire supporters may have a restless night, fearing what might derail their first victory since July 1923.

Day 3

Cardiff: Glamorgan v Somerset

Hunt and White Wrap Up Glamorgan

Glamorgan crumbled this morning on a worn pitch against the relentless bowling of George Hunt and Jack White. Hunt struck immediately, removing Cyril Walters with the first ball and Emrys Davies soon after. White then dominated, taking most of the remaining wickets as the pair bowled unchanged. At 45 for seven, Johnnie Clay remained defiant, but Jack Mercer briefly counterattacked, smashing 22 runs in ten minutes—the only apparent way to score today. Once Mercer fell, Clay followed after a stubborn hour-and-a-half vigil for 12, and Glamorgan’s bleak innings ended well before lunch.

Portsmouth: Hampshire v Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Batsmen Surrender

Northamptonshire collapsed in just 90 minutes, handing Hampshire a commanding 314-run victory. Alec Kennedy and Jack Newman struck early, reducing them to 24 for four. Albert Thomas and captain Maurice Fitzroy briefly steadied the innings with a 33-run stand, but once spinners Tom Jameson and Stuart Boyes took over, the batting crumbled. The last three wickets fell at 83, with all four Hampshire bowlers sharing the spoils. Northamptonshire played with ten men, as Fanny Walden was ill.

Manchester: Lancashire v Kent

Collins and Freeman Fight but Lancashire Win

Kent, trailing by nine runs at the start of play with only three wickets left, delayed Lancashire’s victory longer than expected. This was thanks to a determined ninth-wicket stand of 92 in 70 minutes between George Collins and No. 10 Tich Freeman. Collins, rock-solid for over three hours, was last out—run out trying to keep the strike. Freeman hit freely for 66, remarkably finishing as Kent’s top scorer in both innings. Their efforts lifted the total to 128, as the last four wickets added 211 runs. Lancashire’s bowling lacked edge, with only Dick Tyldesley posing a threat.

In reply, Len Hopwood and Charlie Hallows opened, Hopwood seizing his chance with a fine innings. Hallows fell for 19 at 28, superbly caught by Frank Woolley in the slips. Useful stands with Ernest Tyldesley and John Barnes followed, but Hopwood remained unbeaten, sealing victory with the winning hit for 64 not out in 1¾ hours as Lancashire won by seven wickets. Freeman proved his worth with the ball, dismissing Tyldesley and Frank Watson. The sun shone brilliantly throughout.

Leicester: Leicestershire v Surrey

Surrey Narrow Victory

The pitch deteriorated with uneven bounce, making scoring difficult for both sides, though fielding lapses also played a role. Les Berry batted positively for 74, surviving two chances, and shared a 36-run fifth-wicket stand with George Geary, who was also dropped. Tom Shepherd was Surrey’s best bowler, claiming five wickets.

Leicestershire bowled well as Surrey chased 146. Jack Hobbs and Andy Sandham opened with a 54-run stand, though Hobbs struggled early against Alec Skelding and was dropped on 27. He fell at 82 for four, leaving the match finely poised. Douglas Jardine steadied Surrey with another crucial innings, despite being dropped before scoring. At 140 for eight, Bill Sadler and Bert Strudwick held their nerve—Strudwick’s boundary on-drive and Sadler’s two sealed Surrey’s win at 17:42.

Lord’s: M.C.C. v Wales

Brilliant Riches Forces Draw

Despite the match’s lack of first-class quality and the players’ apparent indifference to the result, it remained entertaining, with 1,373 runs scored for 30 wickets over three days. The highlight was Norman Riches’ superb 187 not out in five hours, saving his team despite three dropped chances. He batted cautiously until lunch, then opened up with brilliant stroke play. He might have reached 200 had he not declared, though his target of 208 in 90 minutes was never realistic. His opening stand with John Bell yielded 137, with Bell producing an impeccably timed innings. M.C.C. made no attempt to chase the total and didn’t even send in Jack Hearne or Patsy Hendren—had Hendren opted to attack, the finish might have been thrilling.

Oxford: Oxford University v Army

Narrow Defeat for Oxford

Oxford University came agonizingly close to an unexpected victory after trailing since day one. Chasing 299, they slumped to 164 for seven despite Errol Holmes’ fine 77. All seemed lost until James Richardson and Ivor Gilliat mounted a superb eighth-wicket stand, taking the team within reach. At 277, Richardson fell to a poor stroke for 64, leaving 22 to win. John Greenstock failed to score, and with five minutes remaining, Philip Davies bowled Gilliat for 68, sealing the Army’s narrow win.

Birmingham: Warwickshire v Yorkshire

Kilner Wickets as Yorkshire Win

Yorkshire declared at their overnight score, setting Warwickshire 346 to win. The worn pitch suited Roy Kilner’s bowling, and Warwickshire’s chances soon looked bleak. After Jack Parsons fell for 5, Freddie Calthorpe promoted himself to No. 3 and attacked alongside Len Bates, knowing aggression was their best option. They put on 83 in an hour before Kilner bowled Calthorpe for 30, and Bates soon followed for 51. Willie Quaife, characteristically defensive, managed only 4. Bob Wyatt showed fight in the middle order, but eight wickets were down for 143 by lunch.

Then Norman Partridge arrived, intent on hitting. Fortune favored him at 5 when Maurice Leyland dropped him at long-on and threw wildly, gifting four overthrows for a ‘six.’ Partridge then tore into Kilner, smashing 34 off two overs, including another overthrow-assisted ‘six’ from Leyland. In total, he plundered 46 off four overs after the drop. Unbeaten when the last wicket fell, he had batted just 25 minutes. Kilner finished with six for 92, his figures dented by Partridge’s late onslaught.

Stourbridge: Worcestershire v Derbyshire

Derbyshire Triumph at Last!

Derbyshire secured their first County Championship win since July 1923, defeating Worcestershire by 212 runs this morning. On a fine sunny day, they quickly removed Charles Tarbox, a stubborn batsman, bringing in Maurice Foster. Foster played well for 32 before Les Townsend bowled him, leaving the score at 94 for six—Derbyshire knew victory was imminent. Nine wickets fell for 119, but the last pair, Lord Somers and Harry Rogers, provided the innings’ best batting, adding 48 runs. Somers was finally stumped off Wilfred Hill-Wood just before lunch, sealing the win.