"KING WILLOW."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 1 (Supplement)

"KING WILLOW."

BY LILIAN M. SMITH.

REMINISCENCES OF LORD'S.

Regarded as a whole, the New Zealand cricket team has more than fulfilled expectations. It was a good combination, but its members have not been able to prove themselves fully, the weather having conspired to affect their record, as is shown by the number of drawn games. Every keen cricketer irr the Dominion awaits with interest their return, and longs to hear more of their experiences. The tour must have been an education as well as a pleasure. Doubtless they have drunk deep ot the fountain of cricket wisdom. We look forward with zest to the first matches in which the returning players will take part, to note to what advantage they apply the knowledge so gained. Perhaps, following on the alteration of the height of wickets, the players may have also some further ideas of their own toward the brightening of cricket in the Dominion. May we look forward to seeing, as was illustrated in Punch some little time ago, varied side-shows, a brilliantly uniformed band escorting the elevens on to the field, and such bizarre attractions ?

To come back to serious discussion, it is to be hoped that these players will not be lacking in suggestion of useful ideas picked up while in England, for such are sadly needed here, especially in the provision of better facilities for practice and for the general encouragement of young players. I felt a thrill on reading of the first match at Lord's, where they severely defeated a strong M.C.C. team with an innings to spare. This was one of the most notable achievements of their tour. Lord's 13 a wonderful ground, with seating accommodation for twenty thousand or more. The playing ground appears like a great stage and the players as mere marionettes. Lord' 3 Centenary. The first match I witnessed at Lord's was England versus South Africa, in 1907. Jessop (known as the "Croucher"), the brilliant Gloucestershire player, delighted the crowd with his tremendous hitting, lifting several balls to the boundary. He was a most unorthodox player, obtaining his scores all round the wicket. The late Albert Craig, the Surrey poet, an enthusiastic follower of cricket, amused the spectators, in the intervals, by reciting original verses about the players.

To me the most, interesting match at Lord's was the Centenary in 1314. To celebrate this great event the M.C.C. arranged a special Cricket Week, the outstanding fixture being the Rest of England against the M.C.C. team that had won the rubber in South Africa the previous winter. In this centenarv match England defeated the M.C.C. eleven by an innings and one hundred and eighty-nine runs. Mr. C. B. Fry captained the Rest and Mr. J. W. H. T. Douglas the M.C.C.

Ilia Majesty the King, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York —both enthusiastic cricketers—honoured the Maryieborie Cricket Club by their presence on the second afternoon of the match, and the King was received by that famous cricketer Lord Hawke. His Majesty was accorded a loyal and he.jrtv reception as he walked on to the ground, every man and woman of the twelve thousand onlookers standing, while play was stopped for a few minutes, the players remaining on the field- J. W. H. T. Douglas ("Johnny won't hit to-day"), who was batting, joined C. B. Fry, and the two captains a waited His Majesty in front of the pavilion. Is was a happy idea to make th<= presentation out in the open, and both captains stood most gravely, possibly a little nervously, awaiting the brief ceremony. There was further cheering when, by the King's desire. Lord Hawke presented to him first Mr. Fry and then Mr. Douglas. The presentation was probably responsible for Douglas' speedy downfall on returning to the„crease.

At the close of the second day the memorable centenary dinner was held at the Hotel Cecil. Never, perhaps, have so many famous cricketers, young and old. been gathered together. To name but a few well-known players, there were W. G. Grace, Lord Harris, A. C. McLaren, C. B. Fry. R. FT. Spooner. S. G. Smith. 11. K. Foster. Lord Hawke presided, proposing the toast of the evening. " Lord's Cricket- Ground and the M.C.C." When kv \V..'' rose to replv to the toast of "The County Cricket Clubs " he w:i,-5 given an overwhelming reception. Eton v. Harrow. Gentlemen v. Players at Lord's has a history of over a. hundred years, the- first match having been played in 13C6. and it is still the ambition of every cricketer to take part in this classic contest, the best in the land being/ seen in the match. The first Eton v. Harrow match was played in Icos. and spectators at this recurring fixture are' always wildly enthusiastic. Eton has won forty-one times. Harrow thirty-five, and twentyfive games have been drawn. One of the features of this match used to be the arrival of the coaches, filled with relations and friends of the plavers, these ail making a. picturesque background. At this match youth, beauty, rank and fashion are to be found. For old Etonians and Harrovians it is tile match of the year. Fathers become most excited, throwing their hats into the air and generally behaving like schoolboys, reviving their own school days, while mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins cheer like fourth-form bovs. After luncheon, the crowd wanders over the lawn. The ladies want to see the pitch, and., shall we add. to disnlav their wonderful frocks. The enclosure at Ascot on Cup Day is not so gay and pretty a scene as this. The annual match between Oxford and Lam bridge is also played at Lord's, and is very similar to the Eton and Harrow match. But it has not quite the same joyous gaiety. " The Study cf a Life-time." The game of cricket is an integral part of the sporting history of England, having been played as far back as the fourteenth century. From the fact of its distant birth, it. would appear to possess something of more intricate value than a mere summer game. In rural districts the annual match between the village team and the squire's eleven was at one time the event of the vear. and did much to foster a fueling cf friendly rivalry rather than of antagonism. The late Sir Frederick Toone, manager of the last three Australian teams, well epitomises the virtues of tne grand old game. "Itis a science,'' he says. '• the study ot a life-time, in which you may exhaust yourself-but never your subject. It is a contest, a duel or melee, calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control. It is a contest in temper, a trial of honour, a revealer of character. ft affords a chance to play the man and act the gentleman. It means going into God's out-of-doors, getting close to fresh air, exercise, a sweeping away of mental cobwebs, genuine recreation of the tired tissues. It is a cure for care, an antidote to worry. It includes companionship with friends, social intercourse, opportunities for courtesy, kindliness and generosity to an opponent. It promotes not only physical health but mental force."