Changing Landscapes
History Makers—Part XXXIX: Reflections on the Australian up-country games
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What follows is the latest installment in our series on the inaugural women’s Ashes tour of 1934/35. The previous installment is here.
11th May 1935
"Let’s enjoy ourselves and worry about Antonio later!"
The English tourists of 1934/35 had traveled across the country, experiencing changing scenery, varied weather, and shifting playing conditions, entertaining appreciative crowds along the way. First-class matches against Western Australia and Victoria had demonstrated the significant progress the game had made in Australia. They faced several talented players, but one star shone above all: Peggy Antonio.
As their thoughts turned to the upcoming match against New South Wales and how best to adjust their game to counter the threat posed by the Australian spinners, they crossed the Victorian border to play their first up-country game in the agricultural town of Deniliquin, the traditional home of the Barabababaraba people.
Deniliquin: A Puncture Along the Way
The town’s residents turned out to welcome the team’s motor coach, but a puncture delayed their arrival. They dined at the Globe Hotel, escorted by Miss M.E. McDonough, the local association president and a language teacher at Deniliquin High School.
Miss McDonough was set to leave her teaching post later in the week, following the game, to transfer to Sydney. She had been staying at the Globe Hotel for three years. In addition to her cricket-related work, she was actively involved in many town activities. She received a handsome clock from her school and a cheque from the cricket association.
(Source: The Pastoral Times, South Deniliquin, December 1934)
Deniliquin Women’s Cricket Association
The Deniliquin Ladies’ Association was formed in 1932 but changed its name to the Deniliquin Women’s Association earlier this year to align with other associations worldwide. It is currently affiliated with the NSW association, though discussions have been held about transferring to the Victorian association.
The team to face England was selected from the local Wednesday competition, which features three teams: Federals, Centrals, and Imperials. Mr. J. Daly has been running bi-weekly coaching clinics, which have been enthusiastically attended. The visit attracted considerable attention, and several fundraising events were held in the lead-up to match day, which the local council had declared a public holiday. This special day began with a civic reception at the town hall.
Snowball Is Out for a Golden Duck
10th December 1934 — Deniliquin vs England at Deniliquin Memorial Park
Deniliquin: 40 (D. Wennerbom 13, E. Morris 11, M. Hannon 10; M.E. Richards 3-4, C. Valentine 3-6). Deniliquin: 27 (D. Wennerbom 12; M.E. Richards 7-14, M.I. Taylor 2-11)
England: 126-9 dec. (E.M. Child 36*, M. Hide 19*, J. Liebert 12; J. Nesbit 3-29, K. Dunne 2-8, E. Hynes 2-40). Hours of play: 10:45 AM – 5:10 PM
On a cloudless day with a light southerly breeze, nearly 1,000 spectators—some traveling up to 75 miles—welcomed the English tourists and waited in anticipation as the Deniliquin openers took guard.
As Collins and Beck surveyed the field, they saw 200 cars parked around the ground. Despite playing for three years, they were understandably nervous as Hide and Richards marked their run-ups. Collins played out Hide's first over, but Richards bowled Beck and Jackson within three deliveries. Aside from Dot Wennerbom, who top-scored with 13, the Deniliquin batters struggled but performed admirably in the field. They were dismissed for 40, with every batter clean bowled—an unusual occurrence.
England shuffled their batting order at 12:15 PM, allowing fringe players more time in the middle. When Grace Morgan—England’s reserve wicketkeeper, middle-order batter, and captain of the Civil Service team—was bowled by Hynes, it seemed the tourists had underestimated the local side. Valentine struck her first ball for four, but England’s troubles continued in Nesbit’s fourth over.
Jean Nesbit, Deniliquin’s leading bowler, impressed England captain Betty Archdale, who watched from the stands. She later recommended that NSW consider Nesbit for selection, sending a letter of appreciation. England slumped from 1-17 to 3-17 as Nesbit took two wickets in two balls, including Betty Snowball for a golden duck. The visitors continued to struggle—Nesbit was difficult to score against, while Hynes and Dunne chipped in with valuable wickets. Joe Liebert was England’s only double-digit scorer before Nesbit bowled Partridge, reducing them to 8-56. Turner and Child added 29 for the ninth wicket, followed by an unbeaten 41-run tenth-wicket partnership between Child and Hide, taking England to a respectable 126-9 declared.
Deniliquin folded quickly in the second innings, dismissed for 27 in 14.1 overs. Wennerbom batted well again, scoring 12 before Morgan stumped her off Mary Richards, who recorded remarkable figures of 7-14, including a triple-wicket maiden. Despite the disappointing result for the local team, they left inspired. Betty Archdale emphasized that the tour’s purpose was not serious competition, but rather to stimulate interest in women’s cricket in Australia.
Entertainment and Profits
During the tea break, the crowd was treated to boomerang throwing demonstrations and musical renditions by a group of Indigenous performers.
A Successful Match, Both On and Off the Field
The game was a great success, fulfilling Betty Archdale’s wish to showcase women’s cricket to a broader audience. It also provided a financial boost to the local association. Gate receipts and proceeds from the post-match dance totaled approximately £160. After covering hotel and travel expenses, a surplus of £80 was deposited.
During the tea interval, an autographed bat was auctioned for £6/5/0. Remarkably, it was handed in again, raising an additional £4/10/0.
In another fundraising effort, the visiting players sold autographs for 1d each to support the flood relief fund, raising £2/3/6.
Looking Ahead to NSW
The following day, before departing for Sydney for the NSW match, the team toured the Dahwilla and Wanganella estates, where they observed merino sheep and kangaroos. After enjoying afternoon tea at Dahwilla, they returned to town around 4 PM and were driven to Albury, where they caught the night train.
Letter of Appreciation
Betty Archdale sent a letter of appreciation to the Deniliquin Association:
The 1935 Season Begins
The 1935 season will see an increase in the number of players, schools, and clubs participating in cricket. Matches will be played regularly across the country at the club level, intensifying competition for places in the showpiece games.
The selection committee for the marquee matches has been announced:
The Oval, 15th June – The Rest vs. the touring team
Hove, 20th July – England vs. The Rest
Miss B.K. Abbot, Miss Bryant, Miss Doman, Miss Douglas Brown, and Mrs. Somerset will be responsible for selecting the teams.
Arrangements for the Oval game are progressing well, with a strong crowd and extensive press coverage expected. Tickets are selling quickly and can be purchased from the Surrey County Cricket Club.
