Guernsey Cricket 1869-1900

Cricket in Guernsey 1869 to 1900

All the information is taken from the articles that appeared in the Star newspaper during this period.

Cricket was played originally on Cambridge Park but later at the Fort Field (also referred to as the Belvedere Fields or Garrison Grounds or Fort George ground)

1869

Quite a few matches were between XI’s assembled by gentlemen of the era. The first report was from August 1869 between Mr A Black’s team of twelve players and Mr C Le Lievre’s team played at Cambridge Park. The players in Mr Black’s team were F Hendy, J Freeman, A Black, A Carey. A Le Messurier, E Madden, Gore-Langton, Colonel Murray, W Ozanne, E Thurston, T Beesley, W Cooper. Their opponents were J Carey, C Le Lievre’s, G Bailey, H Black, C Methuen, H Spencer, P Trachy, W Carey, E Carey, W Collings, F Nagely, A Lacey. Mr Black’s team by scoring 144 beat the opposition by 38 runs with Bailey taking 4 wickets and in reply Hendy took 8 wickets and A Carey 3.

A week later the team of A to K took on the Rest of the Alphabet and in September a South of England side (scoring 120) took on Guernsey side (scoring 41) in a 12 a side match at Cambridge Park. Two days later in Jersey the United South of England were due to play against 22 of the Channel Islands but owing to bad weather the steamer did not leave. However, a week later the match was played. Over three days the CI team scored 57 and the English side replying with 107. The second innings was only marginally better for the islanders when they managed 62 but England soon knocked the required 13 runs without loss. A certain James Lillywhite (junior) was playing for England. He was the first captain of an English Test against Australia in 1876, winning one and losing one. He played just the 2 Tests but 256 matches for Sussex and Middlesex where his slow left-arm bowling took over 1200 wickets. He later umpired for 8 years including 6 international matches.

1870

Things were no better in 1870 than sometimes in the modern era. In a letter to the Editor in February of that year was the following:

“It was never intended that Cambridge Park should be invaded by hosts of cricketers during the summer months, not only in the afternoon, but late in the evening as well, and the sooner this is put a stop to the better”.

On 19th April the Island team (98) played Elizabeth College (154) at Cambridge Park, the first match of the season.

The Inter-Insular has produced its moments but on 31st May Thomas Fowler, labourer, was produced (in court) by Assistant Constable Flambé, charged with having used insulting language to one of the gentlemen engaged in the cricket match between Victoria College and Elizabeth College which was played on the New Ground on Saturday last. It was deposed that in the course of the day he interrupted the game several times and insulted some of the players. He was sentenced to pay 10 shillings or be imprisoned for a week.

To indicate teams playing at that time the Royal Artillery (144) played the 17th Regiment (28 and 42) on the Garrison Ground in June and in the same article it was reported that the Island CC (118) played Elizabeth College (77, with Braybrooke taking 5 wickets). A week later the North played the South (one of at least 4 games between them) at Cambridge Park.

1871

Article 30th March about New Ground.

In April the Douzaine settled the dispute about playing cricket in Cambridge Park when they allowed it to be played after 1pm. A week later Elizabeth College (165) beat St John’s Club (87 and75) at Cambridge Park. Other teams to play there included the Garrison, the Island CC, and various Regiments.

In July a team representing Guernsey went on tour to Hampshire. In the first game Winchester College (196) beat Guernsey (62), and in the second game Guernsey scored 81 and 121 with South Hants scoring 77.

On 20th July the Guernsey Cricket Club (GICC) scored 125 and 15 for 0 to beat the Jersey Cricket Club (JICC) who mustered 33 and 105 at the Fort George Ground.

At the end of August an irate resident wrote a letter to the Editor:

Sir, I have just heard that our boys’ cricket match, Guernsey College v Jersey College, is this year removed from Cambridge Park. May I enquire brought your columns why this is? For many reasons this match has been a great pleasure to all parties connected with our College, and as they are now drawn up the hill to an exposed place (suspect this meant Fort Field) to their great inconvenience of those who take an interest in cricket and to the great disadvantage of the boys. I think it is time that the Parish should be consulted and their opinions taken rather than allow a few prejudiced persons to have all their own way.

Yours obediently, Resident.

It was further continue two days later with another letter:

Sir, I quite grew with your correspondent ‘A Resident’ when on the question of playing cricket on the New Ground, he observes that it is time the parish should be consulted and their opinion taken, rather than allow a few prejudiced persons to have all their own way. No doubt a few loud talking persons have had too much of their own way and it is quite time adult cricket matches should be played somewhere else than Cambridge Park. Two fatal accidents from cricket balls have recently occurred in England and at least there has been one narrow escape from injury here. The New Ground was intended for the exercise of the militia, a promenade for the inhabitants generally and a place of recreation for boys, whether from the College or other schools play at ball or cricket and I am not aware they are interfered with, but it is quite an infernal thing when you see the class of individuals who have lately more or less appeared to have the right to monopolize the place for themselves.

‘A Resident’ is probably one of the ones who would like to hold the keys of the gates and exclude everybody but some half dozen College boys and a number like himself. Why does not ‘A Resident’ combine with the residents and do the thing respectably. Providing a field for the exclusive use of all those who take an interest in cricket. Are they supposed to be too poor or too parsimonious? I have once or twice heard tall talk about the island – a painful sort of threat mentioned casually to a friend of mine who has a fair knowledge of things in general and has assured me he was of the opinion it would not in any way affect the census of 1881.

1873

There are a few references to cricket matches played in this year. Teams mentioned were:

Guernsey CC, Artillery, 9th, 15th and 84th Regiments, St John’s CC playing at Fort Field and Cambridge Park.

In May Elizabeth College scored 86 and 60 against Victoria College who amassed 274 to win easily. Harrison from Elizabeth College took 6 wickets.

1874

Opposition to cricket was still evident with another letter to the Editor in July.

Sir, I am sorry to hear that the opposition (unintelligible if not malevolent) to cricket on the New Ground has been renewed. There are but few outdoor amusements in Guernsey and it is important that the number of these should not be curtailed. Moreover it should be remembered that cricket affords pleasure not only to the comparatively few players but also to an indefinite number of lookers-on. As to danger, I need hardly say that it exists only in the imagination of the ignorant; it is certainly possible that accidents may occur at cricket but I have yet to learn in what amusement or business of life accidents may not occur. Destitute of public open spaces as Guernsey is the banishment of cricket from the New Ground simply means its extinction from the island, save in so far as the military authorities more wise and merciful than the civil, may make it welcome on the Fort Ground, remote, treeless and unsheltered. It is however matter of notoriety that this last interference is owing, not to the civil authorities themselves, but to the action of an individual. It’s surely lamentable that the amusement and welfare of large classes if the community should be at the mercy of the responsible caprice of a possibly foolish or churlish Bumble.

I am yours obediently, George Stainsbury

Two days later there was a reply.

Sir, As the letter signed George Stainsbury in your issue last Tuesday is calculated to mislead your readers I venture, after due enquiry, to state what has really taken place, and I find that cricket from being forbidden on Cambridge Park is allowed to be played there five afternoons out of six, the cricketers merely being asked not to play from 3 till 5 o’clock every Saturday afternoon, whilst the military band performs in the Park which then is crowded with listeners of all ages. Surely common sense tells one that this simple and very necessary prohibition will not have the terrible consequences predicted by George Stainsbury of driving cricket out of the island.

The civic authorities and those deputed by them are quite right to see the lives of the many are not endangered by the games of the few. So long as the cricketers condescend to make use of one of the few public and open spaces in Guernsey so long must they condescend to bow to the authority which regulates the affairs of this public ground. And George Stainsbury as a teacher of youth would do far better not to waste his time in finding fault with those who exercise their authority for the good of the publication at large it should rather try to inculcate the old precept, too often lost sight of in these modern days, to show respect to the authorities that be.

1875

In the summer there were references to games being played on Cambridge Park and Fort Field between North and South, the Guernsey Cricket Club against St John’s CC, the Garrison and various Regiments.

In August it was reported that the match between the Guernsey and the Jersey elevens had been postponed but gave no additional reason as to why.

The Elizabeth College sports were always held at the Fort Field.

1877

On June an article appeared concerning Elizabeth College sports. ‘The interest displayed by the public generally in all that concerns Elizabeth College would if no other evidence had been forthcoming have been fully proved by the large concourse of persons of the highest respectability which yesterday flocked up to the Fort cricket field to enjoy the annual sports. The pleasures of yesterday being therefore still fresh in the minds of our readers, this may not be an inopportune moment to select for drawing attention to a pressing need which has far many years hampered the energies of the College – we mean the want of a Cricket Ground.

This was the first reference of a cricket ground for the College which as is corded a long draw out affair.

In October ‘the old pump in the cricket field at Fort George, formerly used for the purpose of supplying the barracks with water, is being replaced by a windmill. A large tank has been built on a higher elevation than the cisterns in the Fort. This will be filled by means of the windmill and will keep a continuous supply of water in the barracks without hard labour.’

1879

In May the first match of the season took place at Cambridge Park between the Island and the St John’s Club.

Also during the season there were matches involving Elizabeth College, Victoria College, the 22nd, 107th, 87th and 64th Regiments, the Garrison, Alderney and the Royal Artillery. The Elizabeth College v Victoria College was held over two days and of two innings per side.

Under the headline “A cricket ground for Elizabeth College” the article went on ‘We are glad to find that at least an energetic effort is to be made to secure a cricket ground for Elizabeth College as was duly advocated by Dr Magrath and other old Elizabethans at the last prize distribution. When this plan of proceedings is settled we feel quite sure there will be plenty of OEs come to the rescue’

1881

During the year there was an argument via letters to the Editor about raising money for a ground against a laboratory. There was a long way to go yet.

1882

In early February a committee had been set up by Elizabeth College to try to raise money.

‘The committee appeal in the first instance to all OEs soliciting their hearty cooperation and active support in providing funds for two most pressing wants.

Racket and Fives court. 2. Cricket ground. Looking at the large number of wealthy and distinguished individuals connected with the past history and doubtless interested in the future prosperity of the College there ought to be no serious difficulty in promptly carrying out these objects.

On 7th February a subscription list was opened and £216 was paid into the New Bank. The Bailiff (Sir Peter Stafford) contributed £1, the Dean of Guernsey 5 guineas, and the Lieutenant Governor (Nelson) 5 guineas. The highest contribution was 10 guineas.

In March a subsequent list revealed that the total was now £340 19s 9d with all subscribers being listed with the amounts.

In May the total was up to £388 19s 9d the collectors being Frank Carey and J T R de Havilland.

By June at prize giving it was stated that £500 had been raised but that a further £1000 was still needed. During the speeches given it was said that it was no fault of the school that cricket was rather at a discount. There was no proper playground and no suitable cricket field suitable for the game. Mrs Mainguy’ gave £1000 for the new gymnasium. The Principal, Rev J Oates, trusted that Mrs Mainguy’s liberality would stimulate some of the many rich folk in Guernsey to come forward, not with a subscription of £5 or £10 but with far larger sums.

1883

In February after the completion of the new gymnasium it is now to be hoped that a final effort will be made to secure the cricket field for which funds have already been so liberally subscribed.

Of all the cricket matches that were played there were always games arranged between elevens of gentlemen. ‘In the September the second match came off on Mr de Sausmarez’s ground and proved an easy win for the home team. Mr de Sausmarez XI scored 66 and in reply Mr Miller’s XI scored 9 (H Rowley 5wickets) and 7 (F Rowley 8 wickets).’

In the middle of the month a letter appeared in the Star.

Sir, From reading your able reports of the matches played at Guernsey between the local club (Guernsey) and the St John’s Club no-one can doubt for a moment but that the latter are greatly superior considering the size of the two places, this is much to be regretted and the cause should be seen into and if possible remedied. The principal reason for what really amounted to a severe defeat were, I believe, the roughly good wicket provided by the Guernsey men, the fact that their team was picked from all classes and that they were in first class form while the Jerseymen were sadly in want of practice. No-one can doubt that there are as good cricketers in Jersey as in Guernsey and practice is only required to perfect them. At present it is out of the question as there is only a rough and lumpy People’s Park, practice doing more harm than good.

In late September Mr Miller’s team got their revenge on Mr de Sausmarez’s Team. Mr Miller’s XI 54 (H Rowley 5 wickets) and 31 for 6 wickets, Mr de Sausmarez’s XI 52 (W Miller 6 wickets) and 21 (W Miller 6 wickets)

In October St John’s CC published their averages for the season, played 10, won 5 and lost 3, having been founded in 1862. The averages only gave the batting statistics:

F. Hendy 21.4, A Maunder 19.1, R Kingsford 18.4, H H Flockton 17.1

1884

The fund raising at Elizabeth College stated that concerts, theatricals, bazaars and fancy fairs were to be staged

There was an interesting report of a match in July when Elizabeth College 3rd form played the Secondary School. EC scored 32 (W Jones 7 wickets) and 34 (W Jones 8 wickets), Sec schools scored 14 (N Carey 6 wickets and G Carey 4 wickets) and 42 (N Carey 2 wickets, G Carey 6 wickets).

The averages for the St John’s CC appeared in October, having won 4 and lost 3:

J Le Messurier 26 and A Maunder 16.7.

1885

On 20th June an article appeared which explained more behind the Elizabeth College cricket ground.

‘The Elizabethan Fund Committee on the 28th February in 1884 completed the purchase of 3 fields for a College Cricket Ground containing about 15 verges or 6 acres and situated near the Archery Field for £1606 cash and 7 quarters 3 bushels of wheat, rent due on the property. Of the sum of £1606, £406 5s 0d were paid out of the fund and the balance of £1200 to be paid out of the rent received from the tenant of the fields which are let for £50 per annum.

Subscriptions to date £492 11s 5d and thanks also to the Greffier and Mr William Carey, advocate, who kindly waived their fees connected with the contract and to Mr Duquemin, his for the plan of the property.

In June Elizabeth College took on Highlands College from Jersey at Cambridge Park prior to their game against Victoria College in July where they were beaten by what must be a record shoreline. Victoria College scored 321 with F Jones amassing 105 and in reply Elizabeth College were dismissed for 54 with J Godfrey taking 5 wickets.

On 25th July the Elizabeth College committee announced that on Tuesday 28th July there would be a Grand Concert in aid of the cricket ground. On 30th a report of the concert was given including lists of songs sung by various people including such songs as ‘come into the garden Maud’. The event raised £21 3s 10d.

In early August there were matches between Married and Singles as well as the Castel (67) against St Andrews (69) which included 20 extras and the last 7 wickets going down for 9 runs.

At the end of the month Town (103 with extras contributing 50 and G Carter taking 9 wickets) took on Country (21, N Carey 5 wickets and E Beauclerk 5 wickets) and 23 (N Carey 7 wickets).

Into September and St George scored 82 (H Mauger 4 wickets, W Culcross 5 wickets) in beating Mr Maunder’s XI who scored 37 (E Beauclerk 4 wickets and E Marshall 5 wickets)

The last entry for this year was a letter to the Editor on 29th December.

Sir, I hear the promoters of the scheme for providing Elizabeth College with a cricket ground are endeavouring to raise funds for this laudable purpose by means of an Amateur Theatrical Performance. This seems a mistake, surely it would be better that the College should supplement the sum already raised by internal means – by a small terminal payment made by the parents of present Collegians in like manner as the gymnasium is now subscribed to.

1886

In May matches were played between Highlanders and St George, Elizabeth College, Alderney, and Gentlemen v Players.

After the College had finished for the year in July they produced their averages:

C S G Carey 164 runs at 14.1

C Rowley 164 runs at 11.1

C Davey 141 runs at 10.1

G Cassels 104 runs at 9.5

Arnold (professional) 385 runs at 38.5

F Martin 15 wickets for 82 runs at 5.7

C Davey 56 wickets for 427 runs at 7.4

C Rowley 14 wickets for 193 runs at 13.1

Arnold (professional) 71 wickets for 245 runs at 3.3

On 17th July it was reported that several gentlemen had met at Sarel Place, St Martins with the object of forming a cricket club in the Parish.

Later that month a concert was given at Elizabeth College by Old Elizabethans for the benefit of the cricket ground at which the Lieutenant Governor (Elkington) and the Bailiff (MacCulloch) attended.

On Saturday 14th August it was reported that St Martins CC played against Mr H Mauger’s XI at the Cricket Field, St Martins. Scores were: St Martins 30 (H Mauger 10 wickets) and 26 (G Smith 7 wickets) and in reply Mr Mauger’s team scored 23 (B Ince 5 wickets) and 81 (J Martin 6 wickets).

A fortnight later St Martins (156, J Robin 8 wickets) beat St Andrews 44 (H Walters 6 wickets)

Another historic date in the Elizabeth College cricket ground saga was 11th September. A meeting of the Old Collegians and other subscribers to the fund was held on Thursday last with Major General Elkington in the chair. The report of the committee appointed at a meeting last July was read, recommending that the three fields purchased in 1882 should be immediately converted into a cricket ground, so as to be available next Spring. The report was unanimously adopted.

Further to that article in October a meeting of the committee was held at the College where a plan for laying out and levelling the fields prepared by Mr Andros was discussed and unanimously adopted. Sub committees were appointed for the purpose of getting up theatricals, concerts and a fancy fair or exhibition during the ensuing winter.

It was announced on 23rd November that the concert would be on 7th December, the report of which appeared on 9th. ‘One of the largest and most fashionable audiences assembled in the Hall of Elizabeth College on Tuesday evening. The Lieutenant Governor, Bailiff, and elite of the Island being present’.

1887

April saw another Readings and Concert in aid of the cricket field fund, this time held at St Andrews schoolroom.

A momentous occasion was reported on 5th July:

‘On Saturday last the new cricket field was opened with a match between Elizabeth College and Victoria College, Jersey amid circumstances which will render the day memorable in the annals of the College and of cricket in the island. The weather was perfect, the heat being tempered on the higher ground by a genial but refreshing breeze. Upon entering the field the sight was strikingly picturesque, the players standing out in bold relief against a semicircle of blended colour where the beauty of the island had gathered to witness the contest, while beyond rose dark trunks and thick foliage, formed a rich and varied background to the scene. We never remember, under any similar circumstances, to have seen so large and brilliant an assembly. The Lieutenant Governor and Mrs Elkington were on the ground, and took the greatest interest in the progress of the game, while Rev John Oates MA, Principal of the College, was present during the greater part of the day, welcoming his guests with that kindliness and cordiality which always characterize his manner upon these occasions. The enjoyment of the day was much increased by the presence of the band and pipers, for whose attendance the College was indebted to the kindness of Col. Essex and the Officers of the Gordon Highlanders.

A refreshment tent had been provided on the ground and Mr Richards proved to have catered with even more than his usual ability for the wants of the visitors. In fact, no point had been neglected which might tend to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of both players and spectators, and it is only right to add that the thanks of the College and indeed of the island a43 due to the gentleman by whose energy and forethought the success of the day was mainly secured; the burden of organisation, which is no slight task, fell upon T B Bushnell Esq. of the College, who must be heartily congratulated upon the distinguished success which attended his indefatigable efforts.

The game resulted in a victory for Elizabeth College by 161 against 69. The play of the visitors does not call for any special remark except that they were as a whole by no means contemptible opponents. For Elizabeth College E W Robinson was he only one who made a stand in the first innings, but in the second innings a change came over the spirit of the team, and some fine play was shown. Thackeray and V S Rowley broke the bowling and Cassels’ batting was especially brilliant while he was well backed up by Waterfield, Robinson and Brockman, S Carey and Martin also did excellent service throughout by their bowling. The following is the score:

ELIZABETH COLLEGE

1st innings

H G Waterfield b Ross 0

H J Thackeray b Andrews 0

V S Rowley b Ross 3

G R Cassels c Ross b Andrews 1

S W Robinson c Jones b Andrews 19

S C Carey b Andrews 4

F Martin b Ross 1

G O Rowley c Atkinson b Ross 3

V G Brockman c Atkinson b Andrews 0

R H F Standen run out 6

E L Biggs not out 4

Extras ?

Total 39

2nd innings

Ct Snell b Godfray 18

B Godfray 12

Run out 12

Ct Atkinson b Snell 27

B Snell 17

B Godfray 0

B Ross 3

Run out 0

C Godfray b Ross 17

Run out 4

B Ross 0

Extras 12

total 122

VICTORIA COLLEGE

1st innings

A Godfray b Carey 3

D Andrews b Martin 7

W Snell b Carey 0

F Ross b Carey 8

A Cabelan c Brockman b Martin 8

H Atkinson b Carey 7

J Jones c Biggs b Carey 0

P Hicks b Carey 0

G Gruchy c Carey b Martin 8

A Blackwood b Carey 4

W Sarbe not out 4

Extras 3

Total 47

2nd innings

C Carey b Martin 4

C Cassels b Martin 7

C Standen b Martin 2

C Martin b Carey 2

B Carey 3

C Standen b Carey 0

Run out 0

Not out 0

B Martin 2

B Martin 1

Extras 0

Total 22

The new field gave great satisfaction and the wicket was very good, and there is no doubt that the interests of cricket will be very largely promoted by this new acquisition. Cricket now plays so important a part in the gymnastic side of a boy’s education that the value of proper facilities for regular and systematic practice can hardly be overestimated, while the events of last Saturday were sufficient to prove that the field will be a boon to the island at large. Hitherto the funds for its purchase have been chiefly supplied by the Old Elizabethans, who have come forward in a most praiseworthy manner; but we believe some considerable amount is still required, and we cannot refrain from expressing our opinion that the present is a most fitting opportunity for the exercise of a further and more widespread liberality to secure in perpetuity to the College the ground which has just been opened with so bright an augury of future triumphs.

1888

On 18th February the Elizabeth College cricket ground committee granted permission to the members of the Guernsey Bicycle and Tricycle Club to lay down a racing track in their field off Kings Road.

In March there was a grand variety entertainment given in St Julian’s Hall in aid of the cricket field fund where the programme included vocal and instrumental music. Detailed account the following week listed all the performers, not least Mrs Brown’s poetry.

Concerts seemed to be in vogue when at the end of the March a concert and readings evening was held with proceeds going towards the St Martins CC.

The next month there was a Bicycle Concert at St Julian’s Hall proceeds going towards the making of a new track at Elizabeth College cricket ground. At the end of April it was announced that great progress had been made with the new cycling track to open on Whit Monday 21st May, a series of sports had been arranged.

A letter on 15th May kept the cricket ground in the spotlight: Sir, Allow me through the medium of your widely read columns to suggest that since Elizabeth College has now a cricket ground, cricket should be made compulsory at any rate on half-holidays. The improvements in cricket would be immense and I am told the majority of boys want it.

A week afterwards cycling appeared in an article: Yesterday afternoon the new cycle track laid in the Elizabeth College cricket ground for the use of the Guernsey Bicycling and Tricycling Club was duly inaugurated under the auspices of as favourable weather as could be deserved for such outdoor gatherings. No better sport could have been chosen for the site and the track itself may be described as faultless in every respect. Shortly after 2pm Mr de Havilland, President of the Club, declared the track open. Owing to the suggestion of their vice-president, Mr J Bishop, that the Elizabeth College cricket field had been thought of. There had occurred a hitch owing to the objection raised that the track would materially cut up the cricket ground and it was through the exertions of Mr William Carey that they had been able to settle this matter satisfactorily. Now they had entered into a lease for 10 years at a rental of £25 per annum. There followed numerous cycle races from 100 yards to 3 miles.

At a meeting of subscribers to Elizabeth College cricket ground on 25th May the following resolutions were carried:

1 The cricket field to be under the management of a committee of five until such times as the debt shall be paid off.

2 The management committee to consist of Frank Carey, William Carey, F P Hutcheson, T B Bushell, J T R Havilland.

3 All persons shall pay for admission to the field on certain public days.

On 29th May there was an updated subscription list, 18 more giving £164 including £100 from the Royal Court and £30 19s 9d from the proceeds of the March concert.

It was reported on 9th June that Elizabeth College has defeated Victoria College for the second successive time. The winners this time only secured their victory by the narrow margin of two runs. The match was due to have begun at 11am but had been unavoidably delayed owing to the packet (boat) having been slightly detained by the fog which overhung the islands on Wednesday morning. Victoria College scored 75 (G Rowley 4 wickets and E Trotter 5 wickets). Elizabeth College scored 77. As was usual in those days play continued to fill the available time, and in their second innings Victoria College scored 53 (E Trotter 4 wickets and C Haworth 4 wickets)

There was an announcement on 28th June that a match would be played on Saturday on the New Cricket Ground between Mr Pochin’s XI and Mr Ince’s XI at 2pm. Admission would be 5d and the band of East Surrey would be in attendance.

There was another concert on 14th July and a week later the Bicycle and Tricycle Club held their annual championships.

1889

Victoria College made amends for the previous year when they easily beat Elizabeth College by scoring 149 (G Rowley 5 wickets and E Cameron 4 wickets) against EC’s scores of 76 (and 42) in June.

The subscription list was increased by £70 including £14 8s 0d from the Easter concert.

At the end of July at Elizabeth College Speech Day Mr J T R Havilland, who presented the winners of the Mainguy Prizes, addressing His Excellency, Sir Edward Gascoyne Bulwer, said that as this was the first occasion of the College being honoured by his presence he would give the history of the foundation. Referring to Mrs Mainguy’s munificence the speaker hopefully remarked that he wished some liberally disposed lady would come forward and strike off the debt on the cricket field. He was continually receiving long bills for weeding, mowing and other expenses.

St Sampsons CC (48 and 56, Rowe 5 wickets) beat St Sampsons Athletics Club (33 and 31, A Dorey 4 wickets and P F Dorey 4 wickets).

On 12th September a letter to the Editor with the headline ‘Converting Delancey Hill into a Park’

Sir, For one foul mouthed stone throwing brute that frequents Delancey Hill now, you will have twenty at a moderate computation and so long as the gang refrain from overt acts they will have as much right there as the most respectable members of the community. Then a Park means a Park keeper on permanent duty, it means gates to be opened and locked at stated intervals and above all it means a multitude of lamps. Conceive for one moment what would happen if these precautions in the cause of decency and order were neglected. Would it be possible for decent folk, especially women and children, to pass over the hill or through the grounds with their additional umbrageousness after nightfall? Would not respectable persons have to avoid the place as they would a pestilence? I for one have seen no restriction imposed upon those who desired to traverse Delancey Hill. The tenant is not in the habit of standing upon the strict letter of his rights. Why should not well be let alone and the hand of this gentleman permanently strengthened to keep out the roughs? There a hundred objections to be urged against this ‘Park’ idea if time and space permitted, but I contend myself with one more remark under the head of the subject. The ‘Authorities’ of St Sampsons have not shown themselves so remarkably skillful in putting down such abominations as unrestricted bathing, and the disorder, which obtains along this part of the Banks and in St Sampsons itself, that as should feel cheerful about their undertaking the unknown burden of managing – a Park!

It is said that certain young men of St Sampsons want the ground for cricket – Dear me! I am an old cricketer and I beg to say that if L’Ancresse Common, with its abundant turf of matchless quality, be not good enough for them, they had better give up the noble game and stick to bumble puppy or some such diversion more within their scope.

Your obedient servant, An annual visitor.

Two days later there was a reply.

Sir, I cannot quite agree with ‘An annual visitor’ about the proposed park. I think it would be a most advantageous thing for the neighbourhood and the island generally…….. But I am quite at one with your correspondent in thinking the place most unsuitable for cricket. It would require to be properly levelled and rolled. Have the St Sampsons people calculated the cost of this, in addition to the other expenses…… Above all the irruption of a parcel of roughs is greatly to be deprecated. The place would degenerate into a rendezvous for the lowest of the low……

17th September. Sir, ……. No! If converted to a Park it would at once become a favourite resort for parishioners and visitors alike and would I am sure be appreciated by the community at large. Gambling, characteristic horseplay, cock-shying, and abominable language would then be a thing of the past, and fresh air, pure language and wholesome amusements would be substituted and encouraged. Referring to the game of cricket, what more harmless amusement could be indulged in, unless it is ‘bumble-puppy’, but as I am not acquainted with this sport it would be necessary to have some instructions before expressing an opinion…… A Parishioner.

[Ed. Bumble-puppy is a ball game where, attached by a string to a post, it is hit so that the string winds round the post. (Definition in Free Dictionary). It is also a game of whist played haphazardly and unskillfully or contrary to the rules and conventions.]

Saturday 21st September letter to the Editor:

Sir, I was very sorry to read in your edition of last Thursday a letter from ‘An annual visitor’ objecting to the proposed Park on Delancey Hill, and as a working man, I should like to have a word on the subject myself, if you will allow me, through the medium of your columns.

First then, ‘An annual visitor’ begins by giving rather a sarcastic description of Delancey Hill and its surroundings, but he forgets to state that there is not a more healthy locality on our beautiful little island, and if it was made into a park, how many of us working men and our families would really enjoy our evenings during summertime, when our boys and girls could enjoy themselves each at their own games and amusements. ‘An annual visitor’ has assailed our young men’s cricket games and says L’Ancresse Common is good enough for them. Well Sir, if ‘An annual visitor’ can point out a spot on L’Ancresse where a real game of cricket can be played, I will be pleased to recommend our young men to go there. Then Sir, he objects to the alleged roughs, whose habitat in St Sampsons, whom he is pleased to style as foul-mouthed, stone-throwing brutes. Well Sir, that could soon be stopped by the present tenant, but ‘An annual visitor’ says they hold this right on sufferance. Really Sir, I should not think the present tenant would suffer it for one moment if he knew it to be so; but Sir, I am very sorry to say that it is so; that is the gambling, stone-throwing and offensive language is going on on Delancey Hill Sunday after Sunday without seeming let or hindrance. Surely this could be put a stop to by the present tenant if he knew it. ‘An annual visitor’ mentions a game or sport, I don’t know which, called Bumble-puppy, and I have asked my boys if they understand it, but they say it must be something new as they have never heard anything about it before. So, Dear Sir, I would like to ask ‘An annual visitor’ if he would kindly give my boys or anyone else a lesson or two in Bumble-puppy, and I for one, would feel very grateful for it, as if we cannot get the Park the boys might enjoy it on L’Ancresse Common.

Dear Sir, the one hundred objections that our friend ‘An annual visitor’ could bring forward, I think the following will answer them all: our young men and boys would have a place to pass their summer evenings, and not loiter about our road corners; and as the place is very healthy, as I know for a fact, our own family being one proof, as I am myself over 50 years of age, and have brought up a family of eight boys and girls within 1000 yards of Delancey Hill, and have lived close to it all the time. I can recommend it to all persons rich or poor as a healthy resort for invalids recovering or suffering from nervous disability, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatism, lumbago, and any other ills that require a bracing air and exercise to keep in check or to cure, and I would say to the promoters, don’t leave a stone unturned until you succeed in your noble endeavours to have Delancey Hill for a People’s Park, and you will have the thanks of every working man in the lower parishes, and I am sure too, of every right-minded individual in Guernsey.

Dear Sir, hoping I do not ask too much from your valuable space.

I remain, Sir, yours truly, A St Sampsons working man.

1890

In March and April of this year there were events from the Elizabeth College choral society still raising funds for the cricket ground.

The East Surrey Regiment and the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (Garrison) were two of the teams who appeared during the year. Victoria College beat Elizabeth College by 209 runs to 95.

1891

In January the Sinking Fund was better off by £51 including £18 from last summer’s concert and the General Fund by £92 which included money from Sports day, Christmas and Summer concerts. The Sinking Fund was instituted in September 1889 a sum of £1200 payable at 3%. Currently the debt stood at £1133 6s 8d.

In June Elizabeth College beat their sister College by scoring 67 and 54 for 4 in reply to scores of 65 and 55.

1893

‘Guernsey Industrial and Loan Exhibition and Pavilion Bazaar.’

It is definitely decided that the above exhibition will be held in Elizabeth College during August. The bazaar will last about three days in the first week and it is proposed to carry on the exhibition for a fortnight. The proceeds will be devoted in the first instance to paying off the debt on the handsome cricket pavilion erected last year. It is hoped should the attempt prove a real success that the debt on the cricket field may also be reduced to such a sum that a determined effort a year or two hence will relieve a burden which is beginning to weary even the best friends of the College. The exhibition will include National History, Arts, furniture, books, war trophies, stone work, and fisheries.

On 24th June the Garrison played Hampshire Rovers over two days at the College Field. The match was remarkable for the tremendous score achieved by the visitors being the largest ever made in a Guernsey cricket match. Garrison 126 and 106, Hampshire Rovers 500 with 46 extras, Capt Carpenter 170, J Craston 96, W Hynes 50, Capt Malcolmson 62.

In the paper of 1st July there was a report of an accident. ‘While several officers were playing cricket on the Fort Field on Thursday afternoon a ball struck a little girl named Queripel in the eye, injuring it seriously. The child was conveyed immediately by one of the officers to the Military Hospital, where the injury which required two stitches was promptly attended to.

Later that month it was announced that there had been subscriptions of £85 to the General Fund and £15 to the Sinking Fund and three debentures of £33 6s 8d had been redeemed leaving the debt now at £1100.

In August there were matches featuring the Royal Fuselliers, the Yorkshire Regiment, the Garrison, the Island and the Derwent Wanderers.

On Monday evening, 18th December, the Elizabeth College Choral Society will give their 14th concert in the College Hall in aid of the cricket ground.

1894

‘Guernsey and Jersey cricket match.’

The following are the scores of the players who represented the two sister islands in the cricket match played on the Elizabeth College cricket ground on 31st July.

Was this one of the first Inter Insular matches or was this a GICC a v JICC a match?

Jersey

H E Atkinson 21

G M Robertson 7

M Muttal 17

H Worke 0

J Spearman 0

O Belk 31

R B Lattimer 4

J Atkinson 2

F Pearce 22

A Jagger 0

F Allen 3*

Extras 6

Total 113. J Le Messurier 7 wickets

Guernsey

C A Carey 19

G du Maurier 11

J Le Messurier 2

J Cranston 4

C L Carey 32*

W Simpson 1

Rev W F Le Lievre’s 22

G Carey 1

H Williams 29

R Metcalfe 1

N Field 0

Extras 12

Total 144. R Lattimer 4 wickets.

It may well have been a Guernsey v Jersey matches on 11th August there was a report of the GICC playing against the Free Forresters. The previous match did not mention GICC so one can assume it may well have been a representative island match.

On 22nd September a concert in St Andrews Arsenal by several lady and gentlemen amateurs was held in aid of the St Andrews Wanderers Football and Cricket Club.

1895

In May a match had been held between Elizabeth College and St Andrews F &C Club at College Field with St Andrews winning by 36 runs. Interestingly it was also noted that W C Grace had scored his hundredth hundred this month.

In June a return match was played between Elizabeth College and St Andrews with this time Elizabeth College winning by 147 runs.

On 20th July it was announced that ‘the gale during the night blow down the marquees erected on the Fort Field for the accommodation of cricketers’.

September 10th saw the Island XI play Taunton CC at Fort Field. The island XI was not fully represented, one or two prominent players having a golf engagement. Island XI scored 99 and 76, Taunton CC 121 (Le Messurier 5 wickets) and 24 (Higgett 5 wickets). Tyler and Nicholls, the Somerset County bowlers took part. The report went on to say that it had been reported that owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding some spectators were refused admission to the Fort Field last week. Some steps were recently taken to prevent trespassing on the field which is partly let for farm purposes, but it had not been intended to exclude any spectators on the occasion of any cricket or football match.

1896

A letter in May to the Star.

‘Sir, Someone should be blamed for the present unsatisfactory condition of the College cricket ground. It is so full of holes in the centre that it will be dangerous to play on it this season. Two or three weeks ago the grass was nearly a foot long. This reflects no credit on those in authority, it should not be allowed to fall into such a state of neglect.

In June the Guernsey Athletics went on tour to Jersey and later went to the Isle of Wight. Amongst the teams playing locally were Rangers, the Garrison, the Royal Artillery and Castle Carey CC.

On 3rd June the annual fixture between Elizabeth and Victoria schools was a narrow win for EC. The scores were EC 104 and 78, VC 126 and 54 having been 54-7 thereby EC winning by just 2 runs. For EC there was a certain PG Woodhouse playing in which he batted at number 10 and scored 2 and 0*. The heroes for EC were A Stevens with 10-77 and W Brock 7-83 in the two innings.

The Guernsey Rangers scored 86 against the Northerners Athletic Club, for whom F C Howitt took 5 wickets, and in reply the northerners scored 90, the match played at Delancey Park.

In July Guernsey Athletic scored 201 and 45 against Incogniti CC at College Field. Incogniti had scored 329 for whom Capt E E Higginbotham shoes 108 and W Dunman 101.

In October the Guernsey Rangers F & CC general meeting was held at Mrs Old’s Fountain Street Cafe.

1897

It was reported that on 9th June a most successful smoking concert was given by the Rangers F & CC at the Rechabite Hall in the Truchot. Songs were sung and cheers given to medal winners with the evening concluding at 10.45pm

Letter to the Editor on 10th July:

Sir, The Elizabeth College cricket field has become of late a regular promenade for nurses with perambulators and children in the afternoon and with twenty cricket balls flying in all directions for several hours, it is obvious that this will sooner or later end in a bad accident, and must therefore be stopped at once. The ground has also been invaded late in the evening by various parties of roughs, who have smashed all the glass in the sheds and broken into and damaged the pavilion. A special constable has therefore been sworn in and trespassers will henceforth be vigorously prosecuted.

Elizabeth College Games Committee.

On 8th September an article stated that there would be a match between the Guernsey Militia and Guernsey Athletics. Two days afterwards there would be a match between Married and Single players.

Late in the year in December a short article was printed: ‘It has definitely been decided to hold a bazaar in Easter week for the winding up of the College Field debt.’

1900

On 8th March t was announced that Mr James MacLaren, father of Mr A C MacLaren, the cricketer, died on Tuesday night after a long illness at his residency, St Martins. Mr MacLaren was the 1st president of the English Rugby Union in 1882 and for twenty years he had been treasurer to the Lancs CCC. He was formerly in business as a merchant in Manchester. He had 6 sons and 3 daughters.

The season opened with the Castel Roughs against the Grange CC. The Grange scored 171 with Sheldon scoring 55 and H F Morres 51. In reply the Roughs scored 124 with H T Knight scoring 54*.

In May there were matches involving Elizabeth College, Guernsey Athletic, St Martins CC and the Castel. In a drawn match Elizabeth College scored 187 and the Castel replied with 77 for 5.

Bringing May to a conclusion St Martins scored 123 against Guernsey Athletics 104 for 5 at Delancey Park and Elizabeth College scored 54 in reply to the Castel Roughs 196. The Athletics also played against Elizabeth College where they scored 165 and the College easily won scoring 175 for 3 wickets with W A Wells scoring 77* and B Leapingwell 60.

June was a good month for Elizabeth College when they amassed 257 (B Leapingwell 132) against Victoria College who were dismissed twice for 42 and 20 in Jersey.

Also in June St Martins scored 145 for 3 and then had the better of exchanges against the 3rd Suffolks who only mustered 44 and 23 for 1. St Martins came unstuck against the Grange CC when they scored 95 to the Grange’s 140.

Elizabeth College won again when they scored 187 (B Leapingwell 97) against 77 for 5 for the Castel.

At the end of June the Grange CC toured Jersey. In their first match they played Victoria College and the second match was against the Jersey Island Cricket Club. B Leapingwell continued his run of scores when he totaled 68 in College’s 292 for 6 with Guernsey Athletics being all out for 118.

In June The Grange CC beat Elizabeth College by 48 runs and in July the was another drawn match between Guernsey Athletic (100 for 9 wickets, A Hill 26) and Castel Roughs (138, A Schreiber 37 and C Bradburne 23) at Cambridge Park.

In July a match was played at the College Field between Grange CC and Elizabeth College. The wickets were pitched at 11.15am, the College winning the toss and batting first scored 244. The Grange made 137 for 7. The following are the scores:

Elizabeth College

W A Wells b MacLaren 1

J A Laine c and b Andrews 19

C E Anderson c Andrews b Morgan 22

T H Knight c Wilson b Bradburne 22

T H Stanger-Leathes b MacLaren 25

B Leapingwell b Hill 70

H Leapingwell b MacLaren 0

R A Hayley b Morgan 10

R G MacLaren not out 21

H Brath run out 1

Thorne b Schreiber 36

Extras 11

Total 244

Grange CC

D Andrews b B Leapingwell 42

A Schreiber b B Leapingwell 15

C Bradburne b H Leapingwell 25

A Hill b H Leapingwell 8

J W Morgan b Laine 8

W Sheldon run out 2

J MacLaren b Knight 16

Capt Byass not out 17

E H F Hutchinson dnb

J Wilson dnb

W C T McMaster dnb

Extras 4

Total 137

In September St Martins CC scored 210 for 4 wickets against Guernsey Athletic (74) but both sides only fielded 8 players.

St Martins

A R Hill b Hargreaves 0

J D Andrews law b Bird 4

G MacLaren 120*

W G Dixon b Shakespeare 37

C P Hill c Carey b Hargreaves 42

R MacLaren dnb

W G T McMaster dnb

O W Rowley dnb

Extras 7

Total 210

Guernsey Athletics Club

H S Burstall b C Hill 0

C E Anderson c C Hill b Andrews 5

E S Hargreaves c A Hill b C Hill 2

E B Shakespeare c sub b Andrews 36

P Dugmore c A Hill b Andrews 0

T Carey 21*

W J Pontin c and b G MacLaren 2

W Bird c Andrews b C Hill 1

Extras 7

Total 74