Source abbreviations: C Ch – Cambridge Chronicle & Journal (1801-1812)/ Cambridge Chronicle & Journal and Huntingdonshire Gazette (1812-1821); H B P & C  G – Huntingdon, Bedford, Peterborough & Cambridge Gazette (1815-1819)/ Huntingdon, Bedford and Peterborough Gazette & Cambridge & Hertford Independent Press; B & N P – Bury & Norwich Post; C Int – Cambridge Intelligencer; Peck – unpublished diaries of JohnPeck; Haygarth – “Frederick Lillywhite’s Scores and Biographies” compiled by Arthur Haygarth; Buckley – G B Buckley “Cricket Notices”.

Note: spelling mistakes have been left as found, omitting the device (sic) to avoid distracting from the sense of extracts.

1801

Mon. 3^rd Aug. “Thorp Park, near Peterboro’”, Sir John Shelley, Bart. “of the Marylebone Club”, John Orby Hunter, Esq. “of Thorp Hall”, and 9 Gentlemen of Peterborough v 11 Gentlemen of Wisbech CC. Wisbech won “with great ease”. C Intelligencer (C Int), 15^th Aug. p 2.

Wed. 5^th Aug. Thorp Park. Sir John Shelley, Bart, John Hunter, Esq; and 9 of the Hertfordshire Militia v “the same[as 3^rd Aug] eleven of the Wisbech Club.” Wisbech 34 (Huggens 4+ wkts) and 83 (Bewer 31, Porter 4+ wkts); Sir John Shelley etc. 79 (Shelley 26, Weatherby 20, T. Briston 4+ wkts, Bewer 5+ wkts) and 38(Bewer 3+ wkts). Scores tied. “A dispute afterwards arose whether two or only one notch [run] was run for the last ball, and to prevent mischief that might probably have ensued from contesting it in such a multitude, the Wisbech Players generously resigned the victory.”  The officers and men of the Herts Militia had been advertised to play Peterborough in early June. This match sort of completes the circle.   C Int, 15^thAug p 2.

Mon. 10^thAug. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. Mr Halls, fishmonger v Mr. Barron, publican, “for a considerable sum”. Halls won. 3 runs scored in total. “This curious match, for which the parties have long been in practice” drew a large crowd.”  C Int, 15^thAug. p 2.

Wed. 30^th June. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge v Ware for 50 guineas. Advance notice only. C Int, 26^th June p 3.

Wed. 29^th June. “Great Cricket Match”, 2 Gentlemen of St. Ives v 2 of Chatteris, for 10 gns.” 2 “bye-matches…won one each”. C Ch, 18^th June & 9^th July p 3.

Thurs. 30^th June, Chatteris. “the long depending match”, Chatteris v Manea CC for 50 gns. Manea won by 7 wkts. C Ch, 18^th June & 9^th July p 3.

Thurs. 13^th Sept. Jesus-Close, 1 member Cambridge CC v 6 of the town”. 1 won by an innings and 1 run.” C Ch, 14^th Sept. p 3.

26^th July. “We understand, that the offer made some weeks since, by nine of the Hitchin Cricketers with 2 from a neighbouring parish, to play any 14 in the county of Bedford, for 50 guineas, has not yet been accepted.” C Ch, 26^th July p 2.

…SIR, ANXIOUS to play a Friendly Game of Cricket, we……made proposals to several neighbouring parties, all of which were rejected; –– grown bold by such repeated refusals, we had the assurance to challenge, with two borrowed men from a neighbouring parish, the whole county of Bedford…the Saint Ives Players, anxious to crush our arrogance and humble our pride, conveyed to us by letter their readiness to accede to the proposal…they have, however, thought fit to recede. We beg, Sir, now…to express our willingness to play, (with 2 borrowed men,) the Cambridge Gentlemen, on Royston Heath, on any day, and for a sum that may hereafter be agreed upon. It may appear strange that we wish to borrow 2 men, but this being but one parish, and there being but few players, we can with difficulty raise but 9 at any time; we however pledge ourselves, that the two we borrow, do not, and never did, belong to the Mary-le-bone Club…

…The Cricket Players at Hitchin.” C Ch, 9^th Aug. p 2.

16^th Aug.

“…SIR;

[In response to] a very haughty and erroneous advertisement…from the Cricket-players at Hitchin.” “That a letter was written by and with the consent of the Saint Ives players……we readily admit; which was formally rejected by the Hitchin gentlemen.—That a second letter was written, [the letter referred to in C. Ch. 9^th Aug.] allowing each party to take in 2 men, the St. Ives players had no knowledge of whatsoever.” “…we think it a very unfair proposal…to borrow 2 men, who would, no doubt, be two of the best players that could be selected in Hertfordshire, (whereas we could make no such choice,) which must have ultimately been to our decided disadvantage……we again express our willingness to play the Hitchin gentlemen……strictly confining both parties to their respective parishes…

…The Cricket-players of St. Ives.” C Ch, 16^th Aug. p 2.

“…SIR…the ‘haughty advertisement’[ C. Ch. 9^th Aug] at which they [the St. Ives Cricket Players] seem so much displeased was inserted without our knowledge of consent……we have to state, that a short time since we received two letters in one day[as referred to in C. Ch. 16^th Aug], each containing a challenge from the St. Ives, but with this difference, that one proposed town against town, and the other allowed two men on each side……we therefore lost no time in conveying our readiness to accede to the last proposition” [because] “one of our players was determined to have nothing to do with it in harvest. That the loan of two men from a neighbouring parish would be considered by us as an advantage, we readily admit; nor can we conceive how the assistance of two from any part of Huntingdonshire can be deemed by them a disadvantage, unless they consider themselves the best players in that county.

Ignorant, Sir, as we were of the writer of the ‘erroneous advertisement’[C. Ch. 9^th Aug] before alluded to, we had not the least doubt but his intentions were good; we felt ourselves, therefore, compelled in some measure to agree to the proposal he made in our name…” “…we have adjusted matters with [the Cambridge gentlemen] to play on Royston Heath, on Wednesday the 27^th inst…

…The real Cricket Players at Hitchin.” C Ch, 23^rd Aug. p 2.

Wed. 27^th Aug. Royston Heath, Hitchin CC (with one of Kimpton, Mr Bruton, not allowed to bowl) v Cambridge CC. Hitchin won by nine wkts.” C Ch, 30^th Aug. p .

6^th Sept.

” To the Cricketers of Hitchin.

GENTLEMEN, Upon your so publicly declaring [the need for two given men], we permitted you to borrow one gentleman; and we cannot but express our surprize at your immediately accepting a Challenge from the Gentlemen of St. Ives, to play them upon their own terms, namely, Town against Town—The acceptance of which has induced us in this public manner to challenge Eleven Gentlemen of the Town of Hitchin, to play a match at Cricket, upon Royston Heath, on WEDNESDAY the 8^th of OCTOBER, for any sum not exceeding Fifty Guineas…

Wed. 10^th Sept. Potton Meadow, St Ives CC v Hitchin CC. Hitchin 63 & 28; St Ives 40 & 27. Hitchin won by 24 runs. C Ch, 13^th Sept. p 3.

20^th Sept.

The Hitchin players declined a rematch with Cambridge until the next season:

“SIR…

We beg leave…to remind the Cambridge Gentlemen, that when we were in treaty with them, we agreed to allow them the choice of 2 men from any neighbouring parish, and it could hardly have been supposed that a small town like this, of only one parish, could be able to meet the large and populous town of Cambridge consisting of 14 parishes, with (according to their own assertion) one of the first bowlers in the kingdom; yet when we refer to the state of the game, and find that we headed them the first innings, altho’ Mr. Bruton (the gentleman we borrowed) did not get one run, that we were deprived, by them, of the assistance of his bowling, and that there were nine wickets to go down the second innings, very little doubt can remain upon the subject…

…The real Cricket Players at Hitchin.” C Ch, 20^th Sept. p 3.

Mon.31^st Aug or 7^th Sept. Mildenhall, “the gentlemen of” Mildenhall v Newmarket. Mildenhall 107 in 2 innings; Newmarket 92 & 16 for no wkt. Newmarket won by 10 wkts.C Ch, 12^th Sept. p ; B & NP, 16^th Sept. p 2.

Tues. 1^st Sept. Newmarket Heath, “…for a considerable sum, between two gentlemen of the Cricket Society of Mildenhall, and two belonging to the Society of Newmarket.” Newmarket 21 & 21, “one wicket reigned”; Mildenhall 2 & 5.C Ch, 5^th Sept. p 3.

Tues. 6^th Oct. Newmarket, Newmarket v Mildenhall return not played. Mildenhall cancelled the day before. “In consequence of which two Innkeepers having provided sumptuously for their entertainment were, by dire necessity, compelled to distribute their luxuries amongst the poor of the parish.” Bury & Norwich Post (B & N P), 23rd Sept/7^th Oct. p 2.

1808 

Mon. 25^th July. Saffron Walden, 11 “gentlemen of Saffron Walden” v 11 “of the Cambridge Volunteers”. Cambridge Volunteers won by 2 wkts. C Ch, 30^th July p 3.

Mon. 4^th Sept. Thetford, Thetford CC v Newmarket CC. Thetford won by 50 “notches”. B & N P, Norfolk Ch 3rd Sept/7^th Sept. p 2.

Mon. 11^th Sept. Newmarket, Newmarket CC v Bury St Edmunds CC. Bury won. B & N P, 14^th Sept. p2.

Thurs. 21^st Sept. Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds CC v Newmarket CC return. Bury won. B & N P, 28^th Sept. p 2.　

Wed. 22^nd Aug. Peterborough Common, Peterborough CC v Thorney CC. Thorney won by 8 wkts.” C Ch, 31^st Aug. p 3.

Mon. 27^th Aug. Cambridge, Married v Single. Single won by 83 runs. “A numerous company attended on the occasion, among whom were a great many amateurs [enthusiasts] of the old school.” C Ch, 31^st Aug. p 3.

Mon. 3^rd Sept. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Royston CC. Cambridge won by an innings and 6 runs. For 100 gns.  After-match dinner at the Castle inn. C Ch, 7^th Sept. p 3; Morn. Ch. 7th Sept.

Mon. 10^th Sept. Royston Heath, Royston CC v Cambridge CC return. Cambridge won by 4 wkts. C Ch, 14^th Sept. p 3.

Sept./Oct. Wisbech v Terrington. Terrington won. C Ch, 19^th Oct. p 3.

Sept./Oct. Terrington v Wisbech return. Terrington won. C Ch, 19^th Oct. p 3.

Mon. 16^th Sept. Peterborough, Peterborough CC v Thorney CC. “The first inning was so well contested that after some debate it was allowed to be drawn, and the next inning to decide the game.” Peterborough won by 6 wickets. C Ch, 20^th Sept. p .

Before 21st Sept.  Walpole.  Report of a fight at a cricket match.  Teams not named and no details of match. Walpole was just over the border in Norfolk, and was later (1844) to become an opponent for Wisbech St Mary’s.  Suffolk Chronicle, Sat 21st Sept 1811.

Sept/Oct. Thorney CC v Peterborough CC return. Thorney won. C Ch, 18^th Oct. p 3.

Fri. 31^st July. Manea, Manea v March return. March 62 & 1; Manea 63 in 2 innings. March won by an innings. C Ch, 7^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 9^th Aug. Cambridge CC v Saffron Walden CC. Cambridge won by 64 runs. For 100 gns. C Ch, 14^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 17^th Aug. Walden Heath, Saffron Walden CC v Cambridge CC return. Cambridge won by 9 wkts. C Ch, 21^st Aug. p 3.

Mon 24th Aug. Leverington, Leverington v Parson Drove.  Parson Drove won. Stamford Mercury Fri 4th Sept.

Fri 28th Aug. Parson Drove, Parson Drove v Leverington return.  Leverington won. Stamford Mercury Fri 4th Sept.

Unknown date. 11 of Wisbech CC v 22 of Newton, Leverington, Murrow & Parson Drove. The 22 won. Peck.

Mon. 19^th July. Royston Heath, Royston CC v “nine gentlemen of Potton with two borrowed men”. Royston won by 50 runs. C Ch, 30^th July p 3.

Sat. 23^rd [24^th] July “The long-pending match between Kent and Cambridgeshire is to be decided…in Mr Chambers’s grounds of Ickleton-Abbey.—Miller plays for Kent, and Mumford for Cambridgeshire. No doubt from the notoriety of the match and the superiority of play which these two men have shewn, will draw a great concourse of spectators.” This may well have been a single wicket match.   Advance notice only. C Ch, 23^rd July p 3.

Mon. 26^th July Potton, Potton v Royston CC return. Royston won by eight wkts. C Ch, 30^th July p 3.

Thurs. 29^th July. March, March v Wisbech. March 40 & 13; Wisbech 62. Wisbech won by an innings & 9 runs” C Ch, 6^thAug. p 3.

Thurs. 5^th Aug. Royston Heath, Royston CC v Ware CC. Royston 121 & 32; Ware 53 & 49. Royston won by 51 runs. C Ch, 13^th Aug. p 3.

Fri. 6^th Aug. Wisbech, Wisbech v March return. Wisbech 60 & 51; March 40 & 36.” Wisbech won by 35 runs. C Ch, 13^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 9^th Aug. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Saffron Walden CC. Cambridge 40 & 79; Walden 64 & 25. Cambridge won by 30 “notches”. For £50 per match. C Ch, 13^th Aug. p 3.

Fri. 13^th Aug. Wisbech, Thorney v Leverington. Advance notice only. B & N P, 11^th Aug. p 2.

Mon. 16^th Aug. Saffron Walden, Saffron Walden CC v Cambridge CC return. Walden 34 & 81; Cambridge 80 & 36 for 8 wkts. Cambridge won by 2 wkts. “A large assemblage”. After-match dinner at the Sun Inn. C Ch, 20^th Aug. p 3.

Thurs. 19^th Aug. Ware Park, Ware v Royston, with two given men, return. Ware won by 106 runs. C Ch, 27^th Aug. p 3.

Tues. 31^st Aug. Parker’s Piece, Married v Single. Single won by an innings and 4 runs. “…the anniversary match…An Old English dinner of roast beef and plumb puddings…at the Castle Inn, Saint Andrew’s Street—many loyal and other songs, toasts and sentiments were given.” C Ch, 3^rd Sept. p 3.

Unknown date.  Burley on the Hill, Burley v Thorney.  Burley won. Stamford Mercury Fri 11 Aug 1815.

1815

Thurs. 15^th June. Chatteris, Mr. John Carrington Dunn’s ground, “GRAND CRICKET MATCH.” “Cockey Brown, Esq. late of Boston, a well-known player, and Mr. John Archer, surgeon, known by the name of the Mildenhall Hero”v “Joseph Mumby, Esq. one of the old school, belonging to the Horncastle Club, and Mr. John Dunn, of Chatteris, brewer, well known for his dexterity in the above noble game” “…odds at the commencement of the game were 3 to 2 in favour of the latter gentlemen, but soon changed in favour of the opponents, then even betting, and at last Lombard-street to a china orange.” Brown & Archer won by an innings & 6 runs. Huntingdon, Bedford and Peterborough Gazette (H B P & C G), 1^stJuly p 2.

June. “One day last week a famous match at cricket was played at Bentwick between the Bentwick and Doddington clubs, the former in two innings with much skill and judgement did not get a single notch, but the other with sweat of brow got one, and were of course declared the victors. H B P & C G, 1^st July p 2.

July. Doddington, Doddington v Bentwick. “It is expected those Olympiads will shortly take the field again at Doddington.” Match not recorded. H B P & C G, 1^st July p 2.

Wed. 2^nd Aug. Mr. J.C. Dunn’s ground, Chatteris, Mr. John Smith, jun. v 10 Gentlemen (8 played). J. Smith jun. 34; 10 Gents 2 & 1. Smith jun. won by an innings & 31 runs.

“…Mr. Smith was not allowed a single person to scout, nor…to cross the ball between the striker and the stumps although the match was made to play the regular game of single cricket. Mr. S. had to fetch all balls that were hit by the striker…” CIP, 12^th Aug. p 3. Tues. 15^th Aug. Doddington, Doddington v Wimblington. Doddington won by an innings & 14 runs. C Ch, 18^th Aug. p 3.

Thurs 10th Aug.  Stamford Race Ground. Oakham v Thorney.  This match was abandoned on the day of play due to an objection by Thorney to one of Oakham’s players.  Thorney eventually relented, but by then Oakham considered it too late to play. Stamford Mercury Fri 11th Aug.

Wed. 16^th Aug. – Mr. J. C. Dunn’s ground, Chatteris, Mr. John Smith, Bob Gregson & Fuller “…the latter two both noted pugilists…” v 3 amateurs of Chatteris CC. Smith, Gregson & Fuller won. Gregson, although a novice, scored “his share of the runs”. Scores and Biographies (Haygarth), Vol I p xx.

Thurs. 24^th Aug. March, John Ward, Esq. v Wm Walsham, Esq. Ward won. “…both bucks of the old school……much science was displayed…with great speed in running.” C Ch, 1^st Sept. p 3.

Wed. 6^th Sept. St. Ives, St. Ives CC v Chatteris CC”. Chatteris won by an innings, & 14 runs.” H B P & C G, 16^th Sept. p 3.

Wed. 13^th Sept. Chatteris, Chatteris CC v St. Ives CC return. Chatteris won by 9 wkts.

“Sir, Though it must be acknowledged that the St. Ives cricket players have been beaten in an almost unprecedented manner at home and abroad, yet it cannot be denied but what the Chatteris players and friends, were guilty of a sad breach of good manners, and at the latter place they would have treated the St. Ives disgracefully had it not been for, the respectable Patron of the players, Mr. John Friar, to whom much credit is due.

AN OBSERVER” H B P & C G, 16^th Sept. p 3.

Wed. 12^th June. Parker’s Piece, 11 of Cambridge CC v 17 “players of the town, who are not members”. Town 81 & 46; CC 73 & 54. Match tied. C Ch, 14^th June p 3.

Wed. 10^th July. Newton, cricket match at Newton Fair. Peck.

Mon. 29^th July. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Saffron Walden CC. Cambridge 53 & 26; Walden 28 & 34. Cambridge won by 17 runs. After-match dinner at Castle inn. C Ch, 2^nd Aug. p 3.

Fri. 9^th Aug. Walden Common, Saffron Walden CC v Cambridge CC return. Walden 117 & 48; Cambridge 88 & 80 for 9 wkts. Cambridge won by 1 wkt. “…won, as usual“. “…the outskirts of the spacious Common were promenaded by a greater assemblage of Ladies from the town of Walden and parts adjacent, than was ever before remembered on such an occasion.” “…several thousands of spectators from the counties of Essex and Hertford.” C Ch, 17^th Aug. p 3; Morn. Ch. 13th Aug.

Mon. 19^th Aug. St. Neots Common, Biggleswade CC v Cambridge CC. Biggleswade 36 & 44; Cambridge 70 & 11 for 0 wkts. Cambridge won by 10 wkts. Large crowd. H B P & C G, 24^th Aug. p 3.

4^th Sept. “We are willing to oblige correspondents with the results of cricket matches, but cannot give place to malignant controversies respecting them.” B & N P 4^th Sept. p 2.

Wed. 25^th Sept. Wisbech, Wisbech CC v Emneth, third match. Emneth won by ten wkts. For £50. C Ch, 4^th Oct. p 3.

Sat. 6^th Oct. “It is remarkable, that one gentleman, when he played in the Cricket Match against the Baldock, should get 44 notches in one innings, and when the same gentlemen played against the Cambridge, the whole eleven got only 27 notches.” H B P & C G, 5^th Oct. p 3.

Thurs/Fri. 3^rd/4^th July. Eton, King’s College Cambridge v Eton College. King’s 126 & 87; Eton 80 & 128. King’s College won by 5 runs. Buckley b), p 61.

Mon. 7^th July. Parker’s Piece, College Cooks v Townsmen. Cooks 72 (Scott 21, J Page 3+wkts) & 60 (J Page 5+wkts, M Page 3+wkts); Townsmen 43 (Scott 4+wkts) & 90 for 9 wkts (Scott 3+wkts, M. Page 22). Townsmen won by 1 wkt. For a dinner & wine. “…a good deal of dressing is expected for the dinner.” Marquees on the ground. After match dinner at Castle Inn. H B P & C G, 14^th June & 12^th July p 3.

Sat. 26^th July. Newmarket, Newmarket CC v Mildenhall CC. Newmarket 200; Mildenhall 88. Newmarket won. For 100 guineas a side. C Ch, 1^st Aug. p 3.

Mon. 28^th July. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Biggleswade CC. Biggleswade 49 (Medlicott 4+wkts, H Page 3+wkts)& 79 (Pepper 21, H Page 4+wkts, Medlicott 3+wkts); Cambridge 85 (Roberts 3+wkts) & 44 for 5 wkts. Cambridge won by 5 wkts. “…for a subscription purse…” “We observe, by Bills that have been distributed and placarded, that the Match¡­¡­is for 100 Guineas, and that the Cambridge, with their usual philanthropy and politeness, will permit the Biggleswade to choose one Player not a Member of their Club, to play on their side in the Match……The Royston Club have challenged the Conquerors.” “A circle composed of upwards of 1000 persons…” “The Cambridge undoubtedly are equal and perhaps superior in play, to any Club in this part of England…” After match dinner at the Castle Inn. H B P & C G, 19^th July 26^th July & 2^nd Aug. p 3.

Sat. 2^nd Aug. At Mildenhall, Mildenhall CC v Newmarket CC return. Newmarket 78; Mildenhall 29 & 23. Newmarket won by an innings & 26 runs.” C Ch, 8^th Aug. p 3.

Aug. Advance notice of eleven College Cooks v Newmarket CC at Newmarket. “The ground is not yet agreed upon. The Cooks propose the Bacon Course.” H B P & C G, 9^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 11^th Aug. Biggleswade Common, Biggleswade CC (with Mr Stanton) v Cambridge CC return. Biggleswade 88 (H Page 3+wkts, Medlicott 3+wkts) & 79 (Stanton 26); Cambridge 23 & 24. Biggleswade won by 120 runs. “…every vehicle from the lowly fish-cart, to the tandem, was in requisition at any early hour; expectation was at its highest stretch, and more money was won and lost, than may ever be remembered on a like occasion……the Biggleswade was observed throughout the game, to play with deliberate coolness and precision and every manoeuvre of the Cambridge was effectually defeated.” After match dinner at the Crown Inn. “…the harmony of the evening, was greatly augmented by the vocal powers of Messrs. Ling. (from the Ely choir,) Bird, Willis, and Mouud [?]…” H B P & C G, 9^th & 16^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 18^th Aug. Thetford, Thetford CC v Newmarket CC. Thetford 51 & 30; Newmarket 38 & 32. Thetford won by 11 runs. For 50gns.  C Ch, 22^nd Aug. p 3; B&N P 13th Aug.

Thurs. 21^st Aug. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC / “Old Club”, v 22 “Gentlemen of the town”. Town 54 (Scott 5+wkts, H Page 4+wkts) & 71 (82) (Scott 9+wkts, H Page 5+ wkts); CC 137 (Martin 31*, Bird 21, Battyll 20, Edmundson 6+ wkts+). Cambridge CC won by an innings & 1 run. For a Rump and Dozen. H B P & C G, 30^th Aug. p 3.

Mon. 25^th Aug. Newmarket Heath, Newmarket CC v Thetford CC return. Newmarket 111 & 65; Thetford 82 & 50.  Newmarket won by 44 runs “…altho’ They had not a picked-man from another club…”. C Ch, 29^th Aug. p 3.

Wed. 3^rd Sept. Newmarket, 22 of Newmarket CC v 11 of Cambridge CC. Newmarket 55 (H Page 6+wkts, Medlicott 6+wkts) & 90 (H Page 10+wkts, Medlicott 4+wkts); Cambridge 35 (Chiffney 3+wkts, Moody 3+wkts) & 48 (Chiffney 4+wkts). Newmarket won by 62 runs. H B P & C G, 6^th Sept. p 3.

Fri./Sat 5^th/6^th Sept. Parker’s Piece, 11 of Cambridge CC v 22 of Newmarket CC return. Cambridge 48 (Chiffney 5+wkts) & 45 (Chiffney 4+wkts, Moody 3+wkts); Newmarket 66 (H Page 5+wkts, Medlicott 3+wkts) & 65 (Medlicott 9+wkts). Newmarket won by 38 runs. H B P & C G, 13^th Sept. p 3.

Mon. 8^th Sept. Parker’s Piece, Collegians v Tradesmen of Cambridge. Tradesmen 31 (Lawson 4+wkts) & 20 (Lawson 6+wkts); Collegians 50 (Pryor 5+wkts) & 2 for 0 wkts. Collegians won by 10 wkts. For a dinner H B P & C G, 13^th Sept. p 3.

Thurs. 11^th Sept. Castle Inn, St. Andrew’s St. Cambridge. “…in consequence of the ill luck in the play of the Old Cricket Club this season , a gentleman in this town very liberally invited them……to a good harvest dinner……consisting of boiled beef and plum-pudding, and plenty of Foster’s entire.” H B P & C G, 13^th Sept. p 3 .

1818

Fri. 8^th May. Parker’s Piece, King’s College v “rest of university”. University 68 & 69; King’s 100 & 40 for 3 wkts. King’s College won by 7 wkts. C Ch, 22^nd May p 3.

Wed. 20^th May. Cambridge, “rest of the university” v King’s College. King’s 171; University 52 & 104. King’s College won by an innings & 15 runs. C Ch, 22^nd May p 3.

Mon. 20^th July. Biggleswade CC v Cambridge CC. Biggleswade 79 & 51; Cambridge 56 & 78 for 4 wkts. Cambridge won by 6 wkts. C Ch, 24^th July p 3.

Wed./Thurs. 22^nd/23^rd July. Newmarket, Newmarket CC v Holt CC. Newmarket 84 (Robinson 34, Norton 3+wkts, W.Pilch 3+wkts) & 101[90](W Weatherby 30, W Chiffney 24, W. Pilch 5+wkts); Holt 114 (T Daplyn 53, N. Pilch 25, W. or S. Chiffney 7+wkts) & 74 for 0 wkts (R Frost 42*, W Pilch 22*). Holt won by 10 wkts. For 300/330 gns a side. “…the odds are rather inclining in favour of Newmarket.” Large crowd. “…the clubs dined in a booth on the ground.” “much skill, and very superior to that of country players in general was displayed.”B & N P, 3^rd June p 2; C Ch, 5^th June 17^th & 31^st July p 3. Morn. Post 7th Aug

“The reader will observe several jockies on the Newmarket side.” Haygarth Vol. I p 413.

Mon./Tues. 27^th/28^th July. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Biggleswade CC return. Cambridge 34 (Wells 4+wkts, Roberts 3+wkts) & 69 (Martin 24); Biggleswade 77 & 28 for 1 wkt (Roberts 23*). Biggleswade won by 9 wkts. H B P & C G, 1^st Aug. p 3.

Mon. 17^th Aug. Royston Heath, Cambridge CC v Biggleswade CC, deciding match. Biggleswade 37 & 101; Cambridge 108 & 31 for 1 wkt. Cambridge won by 9 wkts.“…the Heath exhibited the appearance of a great fair.”  Dinner at Crown Inn. C Ch, 21^st Aug. p 3.  Morn. Ch.  20th Aug.

Fri. 21^st Aug. Newmarket Heath, Newmarket CC v Bury St Edmunds CC. Newmarket 210 & 150 for ? wkts.; Bury 82. “…the Bury gentlemen intimated, that owing to the ill health of their players, they should not resume the game the next morning; and the palm was yielded up to their opponents…” C Ch, 28^th Aug. p 3.

Tues. 1^st Sept. Ely Common, 4 v 6 of Ely CC. Six 16 & 18; Four 48. 4 won by an innings & 14 runs. H B P & C G, 12^th Sept. p 2.

Thurs. 3^rd Sept. Huntingdon, Cambridge CC v Peterborough CC (with one man from Oakham). Peterborough 31 & 65; Cambridge 74 & 23 for 0 wkts. Cambridge won by 10 wkts. For 50 guineas. H B P & C G, 29^th Aug. p 2. & C Ch, 11^th Sept. p 3.

Fri. 4^th Sept. The Depot, Bury”, Bury St Edmunds CC v Newmarket CC. Newmarket won by an innings. C Ch, 11^th Sept p 3.

Wed. 9^th Sept. Newmarket, Newmarket CC (with Robinson of Kent) v Cambridge CC. Newmarket 54 & 101; Cambridge 124 & 32 for 6 wkts. Cambridge won by 4 wkts. After match dinner at the Red Lion Inn. C Ch, 11^th Sept. p 3.

Wed./Thurs. 16^th/17^th Sept. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Newmarket CC return. Newmarket 91 & 69; Cambridge 73 & 94. Cambridge won by 7 runs. C Ch, 18^th Sept, p 3.

1819

Mon. 24^th May. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC / “Old Club” v Cambridge University (incl. King¡¯s College)”. CCC 92 (J Page 29, Coles 5+wkts) & 91 (Coles 5+wkts); CU 111 (Hannington 23, Bligh 20, Dark 4+wkts) & 73 for 8 wkts. (Greenway 22, H Page 5+wkts, Dark 3+wkts). Cambridge University won by 2 wkts. C Ch, 28^th May p 3 & H B P & C G, 29^th May p 2.

Mon. 31^st May. Parker’s Piece, “minor cricket club of” Cambridge v Saffron Walden. Cambridge won by 37 runs. C Ch, 4^th June p 3.

Mon. 21^st June. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge University v Cambridge CC second match. CU 85 & 100; CCC 109 & 77 for 3 wkts. Cambridge CC won by 7 wkts. C Ch, 25^th June p 3.

Tues/Thurs 20^th/22^nd July. Newmarket Heath, Holt CC v Cambridge CC, for 88 gns. Holt 93 (N Pilch 41, Dark 5+ wkts) & 57 (Frost 20, Medlicott 6+wkts); Cambridge 65 (Garwood 4+wkts) & 34 (R J Brereton 5+wkts, W Pilch 4+wkts). Holt won by 51 runs. Rain prevented play on the Wednesday.“…a grand match…for 200gns…From the great skill of both parties, this is expected to prove one of the most interesting matches which has been played for many years.”(B & N P)

“It seems the Holt gentlemen are rather the favourites, having come off conquerors in almost all the matches in which they have been engaged¡­However the same may be said of the Cambridge, who…have frequently beaten the gentlemen of the Essex and Bedfordshire Clubs…” “…every gig and horse that could be procured in this place was put in requisition, and numerous persons walked to Newmarket…” “The Norfolk gentlemen……displayed great skill at batting, (combined with much caution;) the excellent fielding of the Cambridge was very generally allowed.” “…the rain falling in torrents about the middle of the day……the company retiring into the town in excessive crowds, put the innkeepers to an unexpected route…” “their [Cambridge’s] situation appeared so prosperous at the commencement of their second innings, that 2 to 1 was currently betted on [them]…” but “fortune seemed on the sudden so much out of favour with the Cambridge men, that as if by a spell, they appeared to lose their nerves, prowess, and courage ‘quite defunct’­” Cambridge challenged Holt to a return match “the following day, or within a fortnight, for 100 guineas…” No record of return match.

“…­the pedant may consider those athletic amusements as light and trifling, but…we cannot consider the game of cricket as lessening but rather improving the dignity of man; besides a necessary relaxation from the sedentary and severer duties of life is exceedingly wholesome¡­the game of cricket as practised in our own country, we certainly consider the most national, as combining necessary exercise with manly science, and not in the least degrading to the liberal pursuits of man.”B & N P, 14^thJuly; C Ch, 9^th/16^th/23^rd July p 3; H B P & C G, 24^thJuly p 2; Haygarth,Vol I p 412 (Year given as 1818).

Sat. 17^th July. Newmarket, 11 of Newmarket CC v “21 boys, with young Hilton as commander”. Boys won. H B P & C G, 24^th July p 2.

Fri. 30^th July. March, North v South of the river. North won. “The folly of jesting…[A North player, whilst batting, received a hoax note claiming that his aunt was dead]…the colour was seen to forsake him, his whole frame was seen to tremble, the bat fell from his hands, and he fell insensible……We are very sorry that our creation should contain beings so insensible to the ties of kindred as to trifle with the feelingsof a tender hearted nephew……the young man becomes worth about [£]2,000 (in addition to [£]3,000) by the death of his aunt, which taken place shortly after…” H B P & C G, 7^th Aug. p 2.

Mon. 9^th Aug. Newmarket Heath. Newmarket CC v Bury St Edmunds CC”. Newmarket 231 (Tilbrook 136*) & 107; Bury 74 & 56. Newmarket won by 208 runs. C Ch, 13^th Aug. p 3.

c. 15th – 21st Aug.  Hertfordshire v 22 of Bedfordshire.  Herts won by 16 runs.Unknown year -Unknown date. “…in the days of Lord Frederick Beauclerk eleven of the County of Hertford defeated 22 picked men from the counties of Cambridge and Bedford on Biggleswade Common.” ;Bell’s Life 15th Sept. 1844 p 3;

Sat. 21^st Aug. Parker’s Piece, 3 Married v 3 Single Ironmongers of Cambridge. The Single won. H B P & C G, 28^th Aug. p 2.

Tues. 24^th Aug. 3 Single v 3 Married Ironmongers return. Single won by an innings and 20 runs. H B P & C G, 28^th Aug. p 2.

Mon. 30^th Aug/6^th Sept. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Newmarket CC. Cambridge 111 (Medlicott 27, Bird 25*, W Chiffney 3+wkts) & 131 (H Page 45, Medlicott 31, Chiffney 5+wkts); Newmarket 136 (W. Weatherby 47, J. Weatherby 33, Scott 3+wkts, H Page 3+wkts) & 107 for 6wkts. (J. Weatherby 31, Sankey 27*, W. Weatherby 22, H.Page 3wkts+). Newmarket won by 4 wkts.

“…that boisterous kind of exultation on the part of the victors…was neither gentlemanly or judicious: and we hope for the credit of the Newmarket gentleman, will not be repeated.” C Ch, 10^th Sept. p 3 & CIP, 11^th Sept. p 2; N & BP 8^th Sept. p 2.Fri.10^th Sept. Rougham, Bury St Edmunds CC v Newmarket CC return. Bury 35 & 96; Newmarket 96 & 36 for 0 wkts. Newmarket won by 10 wkts. C Ch, 17^th Sept. p 3.

Mon./Wed. 13^th/15^th Sept. Newmarket, Newmarket CC v Cambridge CC return. Newmarket 113 (Tilbrook 39*, Scott 4+wkts) & 194 (Hilton 54, W Chiffney 51, J Weatherby 37); Cambridge 109 (Medlicott 36, W Chiffney 4+wkts) & 106 (Martin 44, M Page 21, Chiffney 6+wkts). Newmarket won by 92 runs.

“…we have to observe, that some culpability[for Cambridge¡¯s performance] is undoubtedly attached to those who enter the lists without a decided intention of exerting themselves to bear off the prize…” “…it plainly appears, that the Newmarket gentlemen, by indefatigable exercise, and constant practice, have rapidly improved, while it is but too evident, that the Cambridge cricketers have retrograded, from a laxity of those most necessary qualifications, or, perhaps, from want of union and confidence. The laurels they manfully won at the beginning of the season has fallen from their brows, and been picked up by the Holt and the Newmarket. In fact, the Cambridge club has now arrived at a crisis, that it must be remodelled or reformed, before its members can think of giving or receiving any more challenges, into a body actuated with the essential qualities of consolidated activity, exertion, and reciprocal confidence, and divested of petty jealousies for we much regret (and cannot refrain from expressing it), that there are some, whose amiable suavity of manners gain the respect of all, but who will suffer their minds to be tinctured by trifling prejudice, to the exclusion of those who would be really useful on the day of trial; and whom, we are much afraid, has been treated with more harsh contumacy than his supposed erring can warrant; ¨C¨Cand by those who only paint in their fancy the Darke side of the question. We would hint¡ªthat to enable our townsmen again to advance on a footing commensurate with their neighbours, that an active and efficient eleven should be trained to simultaneous action in the field, and not subject to a change in every match they play…which may enable them once more to rank among the best of those who are famed in this manly game” C Ch, 17^thSept. p 3; H B P & C G, 18^th Sept. p 2.

Tues. 14^th Sept. Duxford CC v Chesterford CC. Duxford won by an innings and 56 runs. C Ch, 17^th Sept. p 3.

1820

Wed./Thurs. 10^th/11^th May. Parker’s Piece, King’s College v “rest of the university”. King’s 110 & 172 for 9; University 96 & 184. King’s College won by 1 wkt. “…by-standers having called “game” at the 280^th notch, when the two last men of King’s were in; the wickets were accordingly struck and the parties retired from the field; but…it was found to be a tie. The play was again resumed, and the King’s men made two more runs…” H B P & C G, 13^th May p 2.

Tues. 23^rd May. Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CC v Cambridge University CC (excl. King’s College). CCC 120 (H Page 38, Bird 33, Coles 6+wkts) & 131 (Bird 28, Scott 28*, Coles 4+wkts); CUCC 45 (H Page 5+wkts) & 129 (Greenway 41, Oxendon 34, Guthrie 22, Scott 5+wkts). Cambridge CC won by 77 runs. “…we never saw them [CCC] play better…we sincerely hope they will not relax in their practical exertions…The play lasted 10 hours.” H B P & C G, 27^th May p 2.

July. Eton College v Cambridge Etonians. Eton College won. Eton won by 6 wkts. Buckley Cricket Notices/Yorkshire Gazette 29th July.

July(?). Ashwell v Bassingbourn. Ashwell 41 & 75; Bassingbourn 50 & 44. Ashwell won by 22 runs. Colchester Herald, 8^th July ( Colchester Herald 8th July 1820).

Sat. 15^th July. At Newmarket. 24 youths of Newmarket. Won by four runs. 57 & 54 v 81 & 26. C Ch, 21^st July p 3.

22nd July.  Two matches between Holt and Newmarket have been agreed.  Norfolk Ch Sat 22 July p 2.

Mon 24^th July. Eldo Heath, Bury St. Edmunds CC v Newmarket CC. Bury 70 & 67; Newmarket 43 & 95 for 3/4 wkts. Newmarket won by 7/6 wickets. “So great were the changes in this game, that during the last innings the betting varied from 20 to 1 in favour of the Bury to the same odds in favour of Newmarket.” H B P & C G, 29^th July p 2; N & BP 26^th July p 2.

Mon. 31^st July. Newmarket Heath. Newmarket CC v Bury St Edmunds CC return. Newmarket 28 & 88; Bury 59 & 58 for 3 wkts. Bury won by 7wkts. C Ch, 4^th Aug. p 3.

Thurs. 3^rd Aug. March, North v South of the river. South won “easily”. ” It is hoped that this noble game will be patronized and not suffered to expire, like many other athletic exercises which contribute so largely to bodily health and mental relaxation.” H B P & C G, 12^th Aug. p 2.

Sat.19^thAug. Chatteris, 9 married men v 11 single men of Chatteris CC. Married won by 17 runs. H B P & C G, 26^th Aug. p 3.

5^th May. “A curious match of cricket is likely to take place in a few days, as eleven gentlemen of one family, in this town, have challenged all Cambridge to play any other eleven that may be found hardy enough to compete with them…” H B P & C G, 5^th May p 2.

Fri./Sat. 18^th/19^th May. [Rest of] Cambridge University v King’s College. University won by 1 wicket. C Ch, 25^th May p 3.

Thurs. 24^th May. “…on the New Ground belonging to the [University]”, Cambridge University CC v Cambridge CC. CCC 133 (J. Scott 36, G Fenner 34, J Page 25, Baxter 21, Fauquier 4+wkts) & 150 (W Martin 54, H. Page 55, Wyndham 3+wkts); CUCC 55 (H Page 3+wkts, Scott 3+wkts) & 204 (G. S. Hume 97*, H. Hannington 63, Scott 3+wkts). Cambridge CC won by 24 runs. CIP, 26^th May p 2; CU CC Match Book 1820-22.

2^nd June. “The Cambridge University Cricket Club, we understand, have challenged the Oxford University to play at either place, within a fortnight from the present time.” H B P & C G, 2^nd June p 2.

2^nd June. “…it is likely the Cambridge Cricket Club will play the Holt, for a considerable sum, the greater part of which is already subscribed.” No record of match being played. H B P & C G, 2^nd June p 2.

2^nd June. “A few weeks back, a challenge at cricket was sent to a certain party of gentlemen (inhabitants of this town,) which they readily accepted. We understand, they have discovered their error in being too precipitate, though they actually wished, last summer, to outvie the Cambridge Old Club at the same game.” H B P & C G, 2^nd June p 2.

Tues. 24^th July. Bottisham, Bottisham CC v Fulbourn CC. Fulbourn won by 6wkts. Notice of return, “when it is to be wished the parties may be more kind and attentive to each other’s comfort, and that the whole may conclude with perfect harmony and satisfaction.” H B P & C G, 28^th July p 2.

Wed. 25^th July. Chatteris, Chatteris CC v Ely CC return. Notice only. H B P & C G, 21^st July p 2.

Mon./Tues. 20^th/21^st Aug. Newmarket, Cambridge CC v Bury St Edmunds CC deciding match. Cambridge 86 (M Page 31, J King 6+wkts) & 123 (J Page 41, J King 5 wkts, Dark 5 wkts); Bury 36 (G Fenner 5+wkts) & 89 (Dark 44, G Fenner 3+wkts+). Cambridge won by 84 runs. “It is with considerable surprise, not unmixed with regret, we learn from authority, that an unfavourable impression exists among many of the inhabitants of Bury¡ªthe offspring of a peevish childish petulance¡ªimpugning the conduct of the victor club, and the character of their respectable umpire, in terms as gross and indecent as they are unwarrantable and unjust.” H B P & C G, 25^th Aug. p 2.

1^st Sept. “SIR,—…On the contrary, they [the inhabitants of Bury] are ever ready to bear witness to the civility and friendly disposition of the players…… With respect to the character of their ‘respectable Umpire,’ I shall only say that the Members of the Bury Club have adopted the resolution of others, who have played with the Cambridge, and determined not to play another Match with them, unless they appoint some other person to stand umpire on their behalf. I am your’s, &c. AN INHABITANT.”

Bury, Sept. 1, 1821. N & B P, 5^th Sept. 1821, p 2.

8^th Sept. “SIR,¨—­Every unprejudiced man who has really known the ‘respectable umpire’……­ will affirm that his decisions have universally been received as conscientious and honest…­” “The sagacious ‘Inhabitant’ boldly takes upon himself to deny ­that the gentlemen of Bury, and particularly the players, have impugned the conduct of the victor club.—Was he not present when vollies of abuse were showered upon the devoted heads of the ‘victor club’ from the Bury booth? Can he deny that the quandium [quondam], venerable, and warlike Doctor pronounced them as unfit to meet his townsmen in reciprocity of rank and character? ¨— that ‘they did not know how to play a fair game!’—that ‘there was not one gentleman among them!!’ and ‘that they always behaved ungentlemanly wherever they went!!!!’…­” “…­I dare venture to assure him [the Inhabitant] that…­the Cambridge club are prepared to ‘dare to the field’ the Bury club, with all their exotic and non-resident auxiliaries, for Five Hundred Pounds. ANTI-LEECHERINA.” H B & C P, 8^th Sept. p 2.

Unknown date. Cambridge Junior CC v “Common Club”. Result unknown. H B P & C G, 1^st Sept. p 2.

Unknown date. “Common Club” v Cambridge Junior CC. Result unknown. H B P & C G,1^st Sept. p 2.

Tues. 28^th Aug. Cambridge Junior CC v “Common Club” deciding match. Juniors won by 70 runs. H B P & C G, 1^st Sept. p 2.

Mon. 10^th Sept. Midsummer Common, “between the pro-commoners of Trinity and Jesus Colleges (the latter with two given men)”. Trinity 42 & 45; Jesus 48 & 38. Trinity won by three wickets. H B P & C G, 15^th Sept. p 2.

Nov. Plan to purchase an alternative ground for the university are abandoned.  This suggests that the existing ground was not considered wholly suitable. C Ch 30 Nov.