"BRITANNIA" GAMES.
Scanty Early Records--Practice _v._ Precept--Officers _v._ Cadets--
Presumptuous Juniors--A Close Match--Football--Penalty of Punning--A
Decisive Victory--A Demon Bowler--Two Curious Innings--Sports and
Regatta--The Rushworth Seal--The Editor is Sarcastic--His Feelings
are Soured--An Excited Timekeeper--Why Williams Didn't Win--The Pro's
Average--Teignbridge Victorious and Vanquished--W. G.'s Eleven--Some
Fatherly Advice--The Editor is Appeased--A Close Sculling Match--
Foreign Football Matches--A Dry Cricket Season--The Editor and the
Beagles--Lord Harris's Maxims--The Bold Sir Bedivel--Big Third Eleven
Scores--Seventeen Years' Athletics--Huddart Shows the Way--The Editor
on "Stodge"--A Hot Run for the "Footmen"--Youthful Boxers--Glasgow to
the Rescue--An Afternoon's Cricket--Splendid Playing Fields--And
Plenty of Cricket--Teignbridge's Small Score--_Britannia_ Wins All
Round--Third Eleven Makes a Record--A Question of Time--Keep Your
Ground Clock Right--Remarkable Results of the Season--Money Well
Spent.
In this chapter will be included not only cricket and football, but
some account of regattas, athletic sports, etc.
Unfortunately, records are not available very far back, as a regular
account is only to be obtained from the _Britannia Magazine_, which
was started in 1884. There were cricket matches inserted in the local
papers, as referred to in the opening article in the magazine, in
which also it is hinted that they were not always very accurate.
That the _Britannia_ boys and their officers have for many years been
very keen about games is, however, an undoubted fact; and the
formation and subsequent improvement of the playing fields at
Dartmouth has afforded them every opportunity for indulging their
taste in this respect. Portland was, of course, a wretched place all
round, for games or any other purpose: you might arrange a football
match, and find that the weather did not admit of landing, nor were
prohibitory gales by any means unknown even in summer.
Since those days, also, there has been a great deal more attention
paid to these matters in all schools, except perhaps in the chief
public schools, where they have always been pursued with some system.
In 1874, as has been seen, the cadets' professional was called before
the Admiralty committee to give his views as to the physique and
capabilities of the cadets at cricket, and it was there stated that
they took a great interest in the game, and were frequently victorious
against school elevens of older boys.
In those matches, also, in which they play "full strength," with the
"pro." and officers, there appear invariably to have been some among
the latter who were exceptionally good, sometimes nearly the whole
eleven being made up of them. It may be that a certain prowess in
athletics is taken into account at the Admiralty among the
qualifications of a lieutenant or instructor for appointment to the
_Britannia_; it is certainly worth considering, and should turn the
scale between two officers, _cæteris paribus_. Boys are all subject to
seasons of slackness, and do not moreover always realise the value of
games in promoting the _mens sana in corpore sano_, and the importance
of the advice and co-operation of their superiors in these matters can
scarcely be overrated. A little practice is worth a ton of precept,
and when the lads find that the lieutenant who inspects them at
divisions, the instructor who teaches them spherical trigonometry, the
doctor who physics them in the sick bay, or the paymaster who sends in
the account to their parents are well able to take a bat and show them
how to play a fast "yorker," or bowl them with a "break-back" on
occasions, there is sure to be a far keener spirit about cricket than
if they were left to themselves.
In all these branches there have been notable cricketers in the
_Britannia_, nor must the Engineer officers be omitted--of whom more
anon.
One of the earliest matches recorded in the magazine is Officers _v._
Cadets, on May 10th, 1884, of which the score is as follows:--
OFFICERS.
Lieut. Thomas, retired 102
Mr. Finlay, c Johnson, b Nugent 2
Captain Bowden-Smith, b Nugent 0
Lieut. Stokes, b Nugent 10
Mr. Aldous, c Johnson, b Collins 2
Mr. Lane, b Collins 0
Com. Bainbridge, not out 44
Mr. Braithwaite, b Nugent 0
Sergeant Meakin, b Nugent 0
Mr. Mason, b Nugent 4
Mr. Langmead, c and b Nugent 0
Extras 1
---
Total 165
CADETS.
Nugent, b Meakin 11
Collins, b Meakin 0
Grenfell, c Bainbridge, b Meakin 3
Johnson, b Meakin 36
Brock, b Meakin 7
Gurner, c Bainbridge, b Meakin 2
Domville, b Braithwaite 21
Margesson, b Thomas 7
Loring, not out 10
Vivian, c Bowden-Smith, b Thomas 8
Murray, b Meakin 0
---
Total 105
Lieutenant Thomas, who was a mighty batsman, magnanimously retired
after making his century, or the juniors would have come off with a
worse beating; he and Captain Bainbridge, it will be noticed, made 146
between them out of 165. Cadet Nugent appears to have been a deadly
bowler, and had the assurance to bowl his captain for a "duck." This
feat, however, fades into insignificance compared with that of a
stalwart midshipman in the Channel Squadron some years earlier who,
with a tremendously hard square cut, knocked the Admiral off his legs
at point, and sent him limping off the field!
Matches with various clubs and schools in the vicinity of Dartmouth
recur, of course, many times: the balance of victories is greatly in
favour of the _Britannia_. The professional Underwood, whose name
appears so many times in the scoring sheet, was there for a long time,
and did excellent service, both in coaching the cadets and in winning
first eleven matches, frequently making a long score and taking his
full share of wickets.
The following are some among the chief matches played in 1884:--
May 17.--_Britannia_ _v._ Engineer Students: _Britannia_, 121;
Engineers, 94.
May 21.--_Britannia_ _v._ Newton College:
Newton College, 93; _Britannia_, 119 (Cadet Bentinck on this occasion
carried his bat through the innings for 38, Captain Bainbridge making
37).
May 24.--_Britannia_ _v._ Mr. Denison's Eleven:
Mr. Denison's Eleven, 106; _Britannia_, 156 (Lieut. Thomas scored 95
not out).
On the Queen's birthday "whole" there was a very close and exciting
match against the Royal Naval College.
ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE.
Lieut. Johnstone, c Thomas, b Meakin 3
Sub-Lieut. Arbuthnot, b Underwood 9
Sub-Lieut. Hillyard, c Brock, b Bentinck 29
Sub-Lieut. Donner, b Meakin 17
Sub-Lieut. Hardinge, c Collins, b Vivian 7
Lieut. Pyke, c and b Underwood 21
Lieut. Stanhope, b Underwood 1
Sub-Lieut. Bruce, c Bainbridge, b Underwood 0
Sub-Lieut. de Crespigny, b Meakin 7
Sub-Lieut. Booth, not out 5
Sub-Lieut. Wells, b Meakin 0
Extras 2
---
Total 101
"BRITANNIA."
Cadet Bentinck, b Hillyard 24
Capt. Bainbridge, c Booth, b Pyke 5
Cadet Nugent, b Pyke 0
Underwood, c Johnstone, b Wells 15
Cadet Johnson, c Johnstone, b Wells 0
Sergt. Meakin, b Arbuthnot 8
Cadet Collins, b Wells 15
Lieut. Thomas, b Pyke 13
Cadet Brock, b Wells 5
Cadet Loring, b Wells 4
Cadet Vivian, not out 2
Extras 12
---
Total 103
The College score was not a formidable one to face; but when the "pro"
was out for 15 there was considerable anxiety. Lieut. Thomas, however,
the other great "stand by," was still to go in. When he was bowled for
13 there was consternation indeed. The College team were generous in
the matters of extras, however, and the hundred went up amid shouts of
applause, a glorious match being brought to a triumphant conclusion.
May 31st, _Britannia_ _v._ Plymouth Garrison:
Garrison, 65 (Captain Quill, 46); _Britannia_, 257 for seven wickets
(Bentinck, 73, Lieut. Thomas, 62).
This was a great victory, as a Garrison team is usually pretty strong.
In addition to "foreign" matches, of which there was a full programme
every season, a great deal of ingenuity was exercised in organising
both cricket and football contests among the cadets: Port Watch _v._
Starboard; the Admirers of Cambridge _v._ Oxford; Over 5 ft. _v._
Under 5 ft.; Odd Classes _v._ Even Classes; _Britannia_ _v._
_Hindostan_; to say nothing of the various matches between the terms.
No "foreign" football matches appear in the earlier numbers of the
magazine, but a regular programme was instituted later on.
In a match on November 11th, 1884, Over 5 ft. _v._ Under 5 ft., the
game was considered by the "cognoscenti" to be a hollow affair for the
Overs. These heroes, however, received a lesson as to the folly of
holding a foe too cheaply; for the Unders won by 7 goals to 0! The
Overs, no doubt, got well chaffed about it; and the smaller boys must
have played a very good game to win so easily.
Cambridge twice beat Oxford; the Third Term beat their seniors, the
Fourth, by one "corner" only; while the Second Term beat the "News" by
6 goals to 1.
In the first match, Odd Classes _v._ Even, the Odds won by 2 goals and
1 "corner"; but the Evens turned the tables at the return match,
winning by 11 goals 2 "corners" to 2 goals. (It is said that a cadet
made some wretched jokes on this occasion; remarking that though the
odds were against the Evens, they played even better than the Odds;
that it was odd that they had not got even with them before, and so
on. There is no saying what intricacies he might not have got
entangled in, had not some of his comrades mercifully rolled him down
a steep slope and sat on him; while a lieutenant who was told of it
spoke darkly of "three days two" if he didn't drop it. Sensitive minds
cannot stand much of this sort of thing!)
In 1884 the cricketing prospects were decidedly improved by the
appointment of Mr. E. M. Tims, naval instructor, who has been there
ever since, and is now chief. For many years he was a tower of
strength to the eleven; but has now relinquished cricket, and is
resting on his laurels, and urging on his juniors to further
victories.
[Illustration: THE CRICKET PAVILION.
_Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._]
The cricket season of 1885 opened well, _Britannia_ again beating
Plymouth Garrison on May 6th; while a week later they scored a
tremendous victory over Plymouth Cricket Club.
_Britannia_, 299; Underwood "came off" to admiration, scoring 156; he
and Lieut. Thomas contributed 206 between them; moreover, there was
quite a record in extras--no less than 31. Plymouth went in against
this formidable total, and only succeeded in obtaining 87.
May 16th, _Britannia_ _v._ Torquay:
_Britannia_, 153 (Mr. Tims 40, Lieut. Thomas 32); Torquay, 54; a very
solid victory. But nemesis ensued, for on June 14th Torquay made 167
against _Britannia's_ 37; they brought on a deadly fast bowler, who
wrought havoc in the "timber yard," and established a funk, taking six
wickets for 12 runs.
June 17th. _Britannia_ played the Royal Marines, who can usually get
a good team together; however, _Britannia's_ star was again in the
ascendant, their side scoring 184 (Underwood 55, Lieut. Thomas 32),
against the Royal Marines' 117.
Lieut. Thomas got out in rather a curious fashion: he had a man to run
for him, and, being non-striker, was out "in the country" near the
umpire. The striker drove a ball back hard along the ground; it was
diverted by a fieldsman (who made a grab at it) and hit the opposite
wicket; the "runner" was out of his ground, of course. It is an
extraordinary thing that if you have a man to run for you, you are
almost certain to be run out. He may have the very best intentions,
and be a perfect sprinter between the wickets; no matter, he is sure
to be out of his ground when the wicket goes down.
In a match against the Engineer students in July, 1885, each played
rather a remarkable innings. _Britannia_ went in first, and only
scored 80, of which the "pro" made just three-fourths, leaving an
average of two runs apiece among the remainder of the eleven. The
Engineers, however, were not going to be out-classed in the matter of
eccentricities; they scored 40 for two wickets, and were all out for
60!
Matches in the season of 1885 resulted as follows:--
Played, 17: Won 11, lost 2, drawn 4.
This is a good record, and by no means the only one of the kind, as
will be seen.
* * * * *
We must, however, leave the achievements of the cricketers and the
football teams for a little while, in order to notice some of the
other competitions, which it has been considered advisable to include
under the heading of "Games."
It has been customary for a long time past to hold meetings as
follows:--
The cadets' regatta takes place in the autumn on a Wednesday or
Saturday afternoon.
Sailing matches are also held between the sailing cutters--third and
fourth term cadets only--in each term, in heats, as opportunity
offers.
Athletic sports take place in the cricket field on a Wednesday or
Saturday afternoon before the Easter vacation.
An assault-at-arms is held in July and December.
A tennis tournament is held in the autumn term, and a racquet
tournament in the summer term.
A swimming competition takes place at the end of the summer term.
Prizes are given for cricket: one for the best batting average, and
one for bowling.
The beagle whips each receive a prize when passing out.
This is a goodly list; and a keen interest is taken in all, both by
officers and cadets.
The regatta consists of pulling races only; the most important contest
being that between representatives of the port and starboard watches,
in twelve-oared cutters, for a silver cup, which is placed, after the
regatta, on the port or starboard side of the messroom, according to
the winning watch, and the other watch tries to shift it over next
time. It changes hands with considerably greater frequency than the
America Cup!
The other events in the regatta are as follows:--
Four-oared gigs (a race in each term).
Pair oars, with coxswains.
Single sculls.
Four-oared gigs for study classes, each crew being distinguished by
the name of a master.
In connection with the single sculls there is a curious and unusual
trophy, known as "The Rushworth Seal." This is an old-fashioned gold
seal, presented by the father of Mr. C. E. Rushworth, midshipman, who
lost his life in a gallant attempt to save that of a seaman who fell
overboard from H.M.S. _Agincourt_, in the Levant, in 1877. It is kept
in the messroom, in a glass case, with a small model of a ship's
cutter, and is held by the winner of the single sculls for one year,
thus serving to "keep green" the memory of the youthful hero, and
stimulate others to do likewise.
The regatta has usually been an occasion upon which numerous guests
are invited on board to witness the prowess of the cadets with the
oar, and also to enjoy a little harmless recreation in the shape of
dancing. The editor of the _Britannia Magazine_ evidently considers
that there is too little looking on and too much dissipation in the
way of dancing and attending to fair guests.
The regatta of 1886 was held on a very bad day, the rain coming down
heavily towards the end. The editorial remarks are a little bitter:--
"It is hoped that the next time the officers will have an opportunity
of seeing some of the races, as they are naturally interested in the
performances of the cadets. As at present arranged, we think that
their hospitality to their many visitors must make them utterly unable
to see a single race."
And again:--
"Dancers had been driven by stress of weather from the poop to the
middle deck, and were enjoying 'Sir Roger' when the drowned rats
appeared."
It does appear to be somewhat of an incongruity that the cadets should
row races in pouring rain without the satisfaction of having their
officers and the visitors in the "gallery"; but the editor does not
see any improvement next year, and is down upon them savagely.
After referring in a somewhat caustic vein to the inevitable notice,
"If Wednesday be wet, the regatta will be postponed until Saturday,"
and the folly of holding a regatta on equinox day, he proceeds:--
"Let us for the future have the cadets' regatta on August 12th, and
then we shall have no doubt about it. There need be no cadets here:
that will make little difference. A few blue boats can be set to row
up and down, with crews from the shore, hired for the occasion. The
officers of the ship will entertain the fair ones from the
neighbourhood under a blazing sky, and the only difficulty will arise
at the end, when the finish of the races usually brings an accession
of strength to the dancing men, and ladies who have been without
partners for too many dances find that the opportunity of a valse with
a sailor, which they have looked forward to all the year, has failed
them.
[Illustration: A CLASS AT THE GYMNASIUM.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
"It is not well to be cynical (!), but to row in hailstorms, and to
make sport for spectators who do not look on, has soured our
feelings, and we have only to look forward to our next regatta with
hopes of better things."
This is the editorial sledge-hammer with a vengeance, even the ladies
who love to dance with sailors are not spared. The note of exclamation
above is _not_ the editor's; it is merely inserted as an outlet for
the feelings of the reader of this extract.
The athletic sports include the following events:--
Mile handicap.
Half-mile handicap (sometimes).
Quarter-mile handicap.
100 yards handicap.
Hurdle race.
Sack race.
Obstacle race (sometimes).
High jump.
Long jump.
Pole jump.
Throwing the cricket-ball.
Tug of war.
Most of the events are duplicated as "open," or "under five feet," so
the programme is a long one.
In 1886 the open quarter-mile was run in 62 seconds, and the 100 yards
in very good time. The editor of the _Britannia Magazine_ says,
however: "The 100 yards was won by Cadet Field, two others being
almost neck and neck; the timekeeper was so excited that he gave the
time as 10 seconds, which we have reason for doubting."
It certainly seems a remarkable feat for lads like these, who do not
presumably go in for very extensive training.
The high jump was 4 ft. 3-3/4 inches, which is not remarkable; and the
long jump 15 ft. 2 ins.
Cadet Kennedy won the pole jump with 7 ft. 1 in., which is distinctly
good; and the half-mile was won in 2 mins. 35 secs., Cadet Field, the
winner of the 100 yards, who was scratch, just failing to carry it
off.
The following curious editorial comment appears in reference to the
long jump:--
"Sharp, jumping very well, won easily: Foord was second, a foot behind
him. Williams would have won had he jumped further."
There may be some sporting signification in this otherwise somewhat
glaringly obvious statement; on the other hand, the editor, who found
it necessary at times to be severe, may have been relaxing himself a
little.
In the cricket season of 1886 nineteen matches were played, with
results:
Won, 8; lost, 6; drawn, 5.
Not as good as 1885, but the season was remarkable for the tremendous
average obtained by the professional: 100·9 for 18 innings; the next
to him was 15·8! He made 174 not out against the Navy at Plymouth;
_Britannia_ scoring no less than 337 for 5 wickets, against their
opponents' 83.
In 1887, which was a remarkably fine summer, nearly every match came
off, returns being played in several instances.
Underwood again showed great form, but he failed in the first match,
against the Royal Marines; the cadets pulled off the match, however,
scoring 68 against 53. These are small scores for such redoubtable
teams, and the Marines determined that theirs, at least, should be
larger in the return match, in which they reversed the former
decision, scoring 197 to _Britannia's_ 81. This was largely due to the
fine batting of Lieut. Rait, R.M.L.I., who took out his bat for 119.
The following was played on June 1st:--
"BRITANNIA."
Underwood, c Carr, b Sim 30
Cadet Evans, c Gervis, b Carr 1
Cadet Delacombe, st Arundell, b Sim 0
Lieut. Shortland, c Denison, b Sim 0
Cadet Henslowe, hit wkt., b Sim 0
Mr. Tims, b Sim 24
Cadet Gillett, b Carr 1
Mr. Taylor, c Arundell, b Sim 6
Cadet Watson, c Shrubb, b Carr 0
Cadet Walter, not out 3
Cadet Carr, c Sim, b James 6
Extras 4
---
Total 75
TEIGNBRIDGE.
Sim, l b w, b Underwood 91
James, b Taylor 8
Comming, c Delacombe, b Underwood 43
Denison, run out 12
Ridley, not out 21
Carr, c Underwood, b Shortland 7
Shrubb, b Underwood 0
Bafen, b Shortland 0
Arundell, absent 0
Llewellyn, b Underwood 0
Gervis, b Underwood 2
Extras 6
---
Total 190
[Illustration: REGATTA DAY: TWELVE-OARED CUTTER WINNING A RACE.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
Teignbridge are always dangerous opponents, and though the close of
their innings was decidedly of a processional character, Sim won
easily off his own bat. It will be noticed that Underwood and Mr. Tims
made 54 for _Britannia_, the rest nowhere!
On the return, on July 6th, Teignbridge brought an almost totally
different team; perhaps they discounted their adversaries too freely,
but it may have been as good an eleven or better. At any rate
_Britannia_ administered a good beating:--
"BRITANNIA."
Underwood, b Robinson 21
Cadet Delacombe, b Mapleton 4
Cadet Watson, b Mapleton 7
Cadet Evans, c Ellis, b Mapleton 5
Mr. Tims, c Bearne, b Ellis 48
Lieut. Shortland, c Denison, b Robinson 0
Cadet Henslowe, b Ellis 14
Mr. Taylor, c Rendell, b Ellis 11
Cadet Gillett, not out 38
Cadet Carr, c Robinson, b Ellis 5
Cadet Walter, b Mapleton 4
Extras 7
---
Total 164
TEIGNBRIDGE.
H. S. Steele, c and b Underwood 1
A. Bearne, l b w, b Underwood 0
J. B. Denison, c Underwood, b Tims 7
J. T. Warner, c Tims, b Taylor 38
A. Robinson, b Taylor 20
H. B. Mapleton, c Gillett, b Underwood 33
Rev. G. Warner, c Evans, b Underwood 1
W. R. Rendell, st, b Underwood 18
G. Shrubb, b Underwood 0
E. F. Denison, b Tims 3
Ellis, not out 0
Extras 5
---
Total 126
The second eleven played some matches, and came off successfully.
Result of the season in 1887:--
Played, 21: Won, 10; lost, 7; drawn, 4.
The season of 1888 was remarkably successful:--
Played, 17: Won, 12; lost, 1; drawn, 4.
There are not many schools that lose only one match out of seventeen
in a season. For some reason, there are no scores inserted in the
_Britannia Magazine_ for this season; it is mentioned that Captain
Bedford rendered good service with the bat on more than one occasion.
In 1889 there is again a lack of material for comment, the cricket
number for this year having unfortunately been lost.
One very important event, however, has to be recorded.
On July 17th and 18th a two-day match was arranged against M.C.C. and
Ground, and the team was captained by no less a person than "W. G."
himself. Unfortunately, he could not come down for the first day's
play; but let Mr. Grace speak for himself:--
_15th September, 1903._
Dear Captain Statham,--In answer to your inquiries _re_ my visit
to the _Britannia_ in 1889. My son, H. E. Grace, was not then on
the _Britannia_, as he did not join until January, 1890. It was
through Lieutenant Abdy, who had played with me at Lord's, that I
promised to play. Gloucestershire were playing the Gentlemen of
Philadelphia at Bristol on the first day, and it was arranged that
I should get down for the second day if I could not go for the
first. As the match at Bristol was not over, I did not get to
Dartmouth until late in the evening of the first day's play. My
friend Abdy was just leaving the _Britannia_, as he had been
ordered off to the manoeuvres, so took no part in the second day's
cricket. Lieutenant de Robeck was deputed to look after me, which
I need not say he did right well. You will see by the enclosed
score that I was absent the first innings. After the match was
over another was started, in which I took part. It ended in a
draw. I remember the best form was shown by Abdy, de Robeck,
Taylor, and Royds. Underwood, the professional coach, took the
greatest interest in the cadets' cricket, and did wonders for
them, considering he had only had them under his charge for two
years. I am sorry I do not recollect more details, but to go back
fourteen years is a long time.
Believe me, yours truly,
W. G. Grace.
As will be seen by the score, _Britannia_ had to follow on, scoring
only 61 against 156. They did better in their "second venture" (as the
"daily" cricket reporter hath it), but M.C.C. won easily by seven
wickets.
[Illustration: CRICKET, FOOTBALL, AND ROWING TROPHIES, AND THE
RUSHWORTH SEAL.
_Photo: Cassell & Co., Ltd._]
M.C.C. AND G. _v._ H.M.S. "BRITANNIA."
_Played at Dartmouth, July 17th and 18th, 1889._
M.C.C.
_First Innings._ _Second Innings._
L. F. B. Dykes, c and b
Underwood 18
Chatterton, c Abdy, b Taylor 47 c De Robeck, b Taylor 6
G. Crake, b Taylor 0 not out 0
Rev. N. Copleston, b Underwood 42
West, J. E., not out 33
Rev. G. T. Warner, b Underwood 2
Mycroft, W., b Abdy 0
R. T. Warner, b Underwood 3
W. G. Grace, absent 0 not out 30
P. Steele, absent 0 run out 2
C. Crowdy, absent 0 c Underwood, b Taylor 6
Byes, 8; wides, 3 11 l b, 1; w, 3; n b, 1 5
--- ---
Total 156 Total 49
H.M.S. "BRITANNIA."
_First Innings._ _Second Innings._
Underwood, b Mycroft 7 run out 43
Taylor, b Mycroft 0 b Chatterton 14
Lieut. de Robeck, c and b
Chatterton 10 b Dykes 12
C. Stratton, run out 6 c Grace, b Chatterton 15
P. Francklin, c Dykes, b
Chatterton 3 c Steele, b Dykes 7
Lieut. R. Abdy, c Taylor, b
Mycroft 12 st West, b Dykes 6
C. E. Pilkington, b Mycroft 2 b Chatterton 14
P. M. R. Royds, c G. Warner,
b Chatterton 2 b Grace 15
E. M. Tims, not out 12 st West, b Mycroft 4
C. L. Lewin, l b w, b Mycroft 4 b Chatterton 7
P. A. H. Brown, c Dykes, b
Chatterton 0 not out 2
Byes 3 b, 1; l b, 3 4
--- ---
Total 61 Total 143
M.C.C. won by seven wickets.
In the second match M.C.C. went in first and declared at 118 for two
wickets. "W. G." made 48 before he was bowled by Mr. Taylor, hitting
out of the ground several times: Chatterton, not out 57.
_Britannia_ made 82 for nine wickets before time was called; Mr. Grace
took seven of them.
In a local account of the match the reporter remarks ironically that
the "cadets _fielded_ very well," which scarcely does the _Britannia_
justice. Their second innings was not at all a bad performance against
the bowling of Mycroft, Chatterton, and Grace, all of whom were
accustomed to getting their share of wickets in first-class cricket.
Among other matches played during this season, there is a phenomenal
one against Torquay, in which _Britannia_ made over 200, and got
Torquay out for 20. _Britannia_ also beat Teignbridge by 89, and
Plymouth by 157.
The editor gives some fatherly advice to cricket aspirants:
"The practice at the nets is not all that it should be; instead of
trying to play with care and learning to defend the wicket, by far the
greater number of cadets seem to think it is a good opportunity for a
slog. By all means play the ball hard, but it is the ruin of any boy's
cricket when once he begins to slog at everything in practice."
The bowlers are admonished for trying to bowl too fast and not keeping
a good length; the fielding is "damned with faint praise," and finally
certain cadets "who take a delight in playing the fool" at the nets
are recommended, in good plain English, to stay away. Very good
advice: let us take our cricket seriously, by all means.
The regatta of 1890 came off with great _éclat_; and as the editor has
no disparaging remarks to make about the "gallery," it may be
concluded that his gentle insinuations on former occasions have
produced the desired effect. There was a very close race for the
Rushworth Seal in the single sculls, Cadet Prentis just pulling it
off, probably because he was a trifle fresher than Withers, who
unshipped a scull close to the finish, which is always likely to
happen when a pumped-out sculler spurts; and though he recovered
pluckily, it lost him the match.
Some "foreign" football matches are on record in the season 1890-91.
Rugby.
Blundell's School, Tiverton, _Britannia_ lost by 5 points.
Royal Naval Engineers' College, a similar result.
Exeter Grammar School, _Britannia_ lost by 3 goals to 1.
Association was more successful:--
Against Paignton School, _Britannia_ won, 5 goals to 1.
Return match, _Britannia_ won 5 goals to 0.
Mannamead School won by 2 goals to 1.
The match with Plymouth was a draw.
Totnes Grammar School won by 5 goals to 0.
In the match against Torbay Football Club, as they were a heavier team
than schoolboys, Lieutenant de Robeck and Dr. South played; and after
an exciting game, _Britannia_ won by 1 goal to 0.
[Illustration: FIRST ELEVEN, 1889: OPPONENTS OF "W. G.'S" TEAM.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
"A Newcomer"--evidently an executive officer who had passed the
_Britannia_ in his youth--takes occasion to remark upon the vast
improvement in the cricket of the cadets, and attributes this to the
careful coaching of the professional. He says--"The form and
confidence displayed now is quite different from that of twelve years
ago. The bowling is much improved, but it is a bit wild at times, from
the very mistaken idea of trying to bowl too fast, which is always
prevalent among boys so young. The fielding is also very good, and
quite up to the form of any of the public schools, who do not have
such a difficult piece of ground to perform on."
The year 1893, as many will remember, was remarkable for its long dry
summer; indeed, the summer appeared to commence in April, and went
right through to September, so that most cricket grounds--the
_Britannia's_ included--were any colour you like except green.
It was naturally a season for batsmen, and _Britannia_ made some long
scores.
Against Exeter Grammar School they declared at 249 for 3 wickets;
their opponents were perhaps tired by their leather-hunting, for they
did not avail themselves of run-getting weather, being all out for 49.
Mannamead School and Plymouth Cricket Club were also handsomely
beaten, while South Devon, against _Britannia's_ 186 for 7 wickets,
scored 116 for 9, and just managed to keep their end up until time was
called: a moral victory for _Britannia_.
The second eleven won nearly all their matches: Paignton School were
beaten by 203 to 74, and Montpelier School by 146 (for 7 wickets) to
32.
Cadets Begg and Backhouse had each a creditable bowling analysis, the
former getting 26, and the latter 34 wickets for an average of under
eight runs each.
The editor has something to say about following the beagles:--
"We must review the beagling season up to date (Christmas, 1893). As
far as sport goes it has been satisfactory, but as far as the
attendance of the cadets goes it has not. Now, why is this? We have
heard that beagling is considered by some of the senior boys to be
'bad form.' Now, we ask you cadets who are sportsmen, are you to be
choked off your sport because some big or senior boy--who may play
football only, or is more probably a loafer, bred in a town with no
knowledge of sport, poor chap--says, 'Feign I beagling,' or something
of the sort?"
There appears to have been a sort of wave of slackness passing through
the ship about that time, at least in regard to the winter games; but
some brilliant work was done at cricket when the summer came round
again--the last season in which the _Britannia_ boys were to have the
advantage of Underwood's coaching.
_Britannia_ (without the professional) declared at 173 for _one_
wicket against Paignton, and got them out for 120. Against the Royal
Marines--also without the professional--they had even more "up their
sleeve," for they made 274 against 68.
[Illustration: A "BRITANNIA" RUGBY TEAM.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
Lieutenant de Robeck made some big scores--114 against the Royal
Marines, and 109, not out, against Newton Blues, a very strong team.
Matches, 1894: Won, 6; lost, 5; drawn, 5.
Some maxims of Lord Harris are here inserted in the magazine, for the
benefit of the "young ideas":--
"Don't, when you are at the wicket, go through a variety of attitudes
to show how you could play an imaginary pitched up or short ball, but
be content with playing it correctly when it is bowled."
"Don't, when you have been bowled out, say it was the worst ball ever
bowled; it detracts from your own merits."
"Don't, when you miss a catch, think to gain the sympathy of the
audience by tearing your hair or grovelling in the dust; save another
run by throwing the ball in as quickly as possible, and abase yourself
in your own estimation as much as you please afterwards."
It is Lord Harris also who gives the advice: "Don't, when you give a
chance off your glove, rub your elbow: it is not good form, and will
not deceive an efficient umpire."
With regard to the second paragraph quoted above, the crack bat of a
very good club, who was addicted to finding some special reason for
getting out, varied it on one occasion, when a "bailer" had him first
ball. He put on a judicially satisfied air, and remarked in a loud and
cheerful voice, "I'm not a bit ashamed! It was a splendid ball; might
have bowled anyone: not a bit ashamed!"
In 1895 no fewer than 22 first eleven matches were played, with the
following results:
Won, 13; lost, 7; drawn, 2 (both in _Britannia's_ favour).
The second eleven won 13 and lost 4; and the third eleven, playing
"foreign" matches for the first time, won 3 and lost 1.
A great season this; certainly no school could hope to display greater
keenness about cricket, and few would attain such a measure of
success.
There was a great match against Mannamead School, in which only cadets
played, on June 12th.
"BRITANNIA."
Cadet Greatorex, b Knowles 4
Cadet Lambert, b Miller 31
Cadet Master, b Wilkinson 43
Cadet Bedwell, b Wilkinson 61
Cadet Johnson, b Wilkinson 28
Cadet Alison, b Wilkinson 0
Cadet Gascoigne, c Knowles, b Read 30
Cadet Chilton, c Tothill, b Brock 45
Cadet Nicholson, not out 41
Cadet Oliphant, b Wilkinson 18
Cadet Fisher, c Ching, b Wilkinson 1
Extras 5
---
Total 307
MANNAMEAD.
Tothill, c Master, b Alison 10
Read, b Greatorex 2
Knowles, b Alison 21
Brock, b Alison 0
Miller, b Fisher 9
Wilkinson, b Fisher 0
C. Tothill, b Alison 26
Roberts, b Alison 4
Hunt, run out 15
Paul, not out 5
Ching, b Alison 8
Extras 14
---
Total 114
A fine example of even scoring--three in the forties and two in the
thirties.
The hero of "cock's score," Cadet Bedwell, does not appear to have been
put on to bowl, or, at any rate, he achieved no success; but in the
following effusion he seems to be selected for distinction--perhaps in
irony, being more of a bat than a bowler.
It is one of several which are contributed by a gifted correspondent
of the _Britannia Magazine_, each in the style of a well-known poet;
they are very clever imitations, and probably the author is not a
cadet, though there is no saying, of course. It is scarcely necessary
to name the poet whose style is here adopted:
So all day long the cricket ball was bowled
Among the wooded heights by western seas,
Until _Britannia's_ champions one by one
Had fallen, hopeful, though the side was out
For only ninety. Then, because the score was small,
The captain put on Bedivel to bowl,
And charged him thus: "Take this our trusty ball,
And fling it straight into the middle stump;
And let the scorer watch with anxious care,
See what thou doest, and deftly note it down."
Then forth he fared, the bowler Bedivel--
Him Bold Sir Bedivel his comrades called,
Save when they dubbed him Bedivel the bowled--
Clothed in white flannel, solid, muscular,
And taking careful aim, he hurled the ball.
The batsman's eyes were dazzled at the sight;
He dallied long, dividing his slow mind
In act to swipe. But at last it seemed
Better to block it and to save his stumps.
But lo! too late: the yorker hit its mark.
Then spake the captain to Sir Bedivel:
"Hast thou performed the order that I gave?
What is it thou hast seen? What hast thou done?"
And answer made the bowler Bedivel:
"I hurled the ball forth, aiming near the crease;
I saw the leg-stump prostrate on the ground."
This is an excellent piece of fooling, whoever wrote it, and should
immortalise not only the writer, but Sir Bedivel also. There is a
footnote appended in the original: "Probably the same who was
afterwards called Bedivere," which leaves a comical sort of
uncertainty which way the anachronism works.
The cricket season of 1896 was marked by two remarkable performances
of the third eleven, against Totnes School.
In the first match _Britannia_ made 309, and won by an innings and 225
runs; in the return they made 405, winning by an innings and 220. This
is what may be termed "making a holy show" of Totnes; and it argues
also a very widely spread proficiency among the cadets, for, even
paying both sides the poor compliment of assuming that Totnes were
weak, an innings of 405 under any circumstances argues a capacity for
batting which is most unusual in a school third eleven.
The first eleven played their two old rivals--Plymouth College and
Mannamead School--amalgamated into one establishment; only cadets took
part in the match, and they declared at 266 for six wickets,
dismissing their opponents for 117.
The season's record is an exemplary one:--
First eleven.--Won, 11; lost, 3; drawn, 2.
Second eleven.--Won, 11; lost, 4.
The _Britannia_ games are never permitted to stand still--there is no
such thing as finality recognised.
In 1893 a regular series of football matches was in full swing, both
Rugby and Association being played.
The "Soccer" team won four out of five matches.
Montpelier School won, 7 goals to 2
Montpelier School won, 7 goals to 0
Plymouth College won, 3 goals to 2
Mannamead School lost, 2 goals to 4
Mannamead School won, 6 goals to 1
Twenty-five goals were thus scored for _Britannia_, and only nine
against, which is an instructive method of regarding a football
season.
[Illustration: A "BRITANNIA" ASSOCIATION TEAM.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
At the regatta of 1896 a new event was introduced--_Hindostan_ _v._
_Britannia_--two pinnaces competing, each crammed with cadets. This is
a regular piece of marine buffoonery; of course, the oars are very
much handicapped by the crowd, but, nevertheless, two or three hands
manage to get hold of each oar, while the remainder make as much noise
as possible. _Britannia_ won, amid shouts of laughter.
The list of times, etc., in the various athletic competitions,
extending over nearly 20 years, as set forth in the accompanying
table, is very interesting. The mile record of 5 min. 8 sec. is
discredited; but it was, undoubtedly, done in 5 min. 9-1/2 sec. by
Cadet Ward, in 1901, so perhaps the hero of 1893 has been wrongly
deprived of his place. It is certainly astonishingly good time for a
boy, if correct, the pace being nearly 11-3/4 miles an hour. In view
of the doubt--possibly attributable, as on a former occasion, to the
unduly excited condition of the timekeeper--the alternative record is
held by Cadet Huddart, who subsequently won laurels on a sterner
field, but did not, alas! survive to wear them. He was a midshipman in
the Naval Brigade attached to Lord Methuen's force, and in the assault
at Graspan, leading his men under the deadly fire, he was hit
repeatedly, but refused to fall out, until a mortal wound laid him
low.
SEVENTEEN YEARS' ATHLETICS.
| Long jump
----------+------------
1878 | 14·4
1879 | 14·4
1880 | 13·6
1881 | 14·9-1/2
1883 | 16·3
1884 | 17·2
1886 | 15·2
1888 | 14·0
1889 | 14·7
1890 | 14·5
1891 | 15·8
1892 | 17·11
1893 | 15·2
1894 | 16·5
1895 | 15·0
1896 | 16·9
1897 | 17·2
Holder of | Ballantyne,
Record | 17 ft. 11. in.
| 1/4 mile (open) | 1/4 mile (under 5 ft.)
----------+-----------------+-----------------------
1878 | 67 | 72
1879 | 65 | 70
1880 | 69 | 75
1881 | 70 | 72
1883 | 60 | 71
1884 | 65-1/2 | 70-1/2
1886 | 62 | 68-1/2
1888 | 66 | ...
1889 | 66 | ...
1890 | 66 | 67
1891 | 66-1/2 | 69
1892 | 58-1/2 | 66
1893 | 60-3/5 | 64
1894 | ... | 71-1/5
1895 | 69-2/5 | 74-2/5
1896 | 61-3/5 | 67-4/5
1897 | 62-1/5 | 75-4/5
Holder of | Chichester, | Hallett,
Record | 58-1/2 sec. | 64 sec.
| High jump (open) | High jump (under 5 ft.)
----------+------------------+------------------------
1878 | 4·3 | ...
1879 | 4·4 | ...
1880 | 4·2-1/2 | ...
1881 | 4·5 | ...
1883 | 4·5 | ...
1884 | 4·8 | ...
1886 | 4·3-3/4 | 4·0-1/2
1888 | 4·8 | 4·1-1/2
1889 | 4·5-1/2 | 4·2
1890 | 4·10 | 4·5
1891 | 4·8 | 4·1-1/2
1892 | 4·8 | 4·5
1893 | 4·6-1/2 | 4·4
1894 | 4·8-1/2 | 4·8-1/2
1895 | 4·9 | 4·7
1896 | 4·11-1/2 | 4·2-1/2
1897 | 4·6 | 4·0
Holder of | Yule, 4 ft. | De Burgh,
Record | 11-1/2 in. | 4 ft. 8-1/2 in.
| Throwing cricket ball
----------+-------------------------
1878 | 70-1/2
1879 | 71
1880 | 70
1881 | 76
1883 | 72
1884 | 75
1886 | 74
1888 | 70
1889 | 75-1/2
1890 | 89-1/4
1891 | 80-1/2
1892 | 80
1893 | 77
1894 | 87
1895 | 75
1896 | 87
1897 | 87
Holder of | Paulet, 89-1/4 yds.,
Record | with very strong wind.
| Mile
----------+----------------------------
1878 | 6
1879 | 5·58
1880 | ...
1881 | ...
1883 | ...
1884 | ...
1886 | ...
1888 | ...
1889 | 5·36
1890 | 5·49
1891 | 6·2
1892 | 5·35
1893 | 5·8
1894 | 5·34
1895 | 5·54
1896 | 5·42
1897 | 5·31-4/5
Holder of | White, 5 min. 8 sec.
Record | (inaccurate, probably);
| Huddart, 5 min. 31-4/5 sec.
| 100 yards (open) | 100 yards (under 5 ft.)
----------+------------------+------------------------
1878 | ... | ...
1879 | ... | ...
1880 | ... | ...
1881 | ... | ...
1883 | ... | ...
1884 | ... | ...
1886 | ... | ...
1888 | ... | ...
1889 | ... | ...
1890 | ... | ...
1891 | ... | ...
1892 | 12-1/5 | 13-1/5
1893 | 11 | ...
1894 | 12-1/5 | 12-4/5
1895 | 12-4/5 | 13-3/5
1896 | 11-2/5 | 12-4/5
1897 | 12-1/2 | 13-3/5
Holder of | Collard, | Pawson,
Record | 11 sec. | 12-4/5 sec.
| Hurdles (open) | Hurdles (under 5 ft.)
----------+----------------+----------------------
1878 | ... | ...
1879 | ... | ...
1880 | ... | ...
1881 | ... | ...
1883 | ... | ...
1884 | ... | ...
1886 | ... | ...
1888 | ... | ...
1889 | ... | ...
1890 | ... | ...
1891 | ... | ...
1892 | ... | ...
1893 | ... | ...
1894 | ... | ...
1895 | 20-2/5 | 22-4/5
1896 | 16-4/5 | 19-4/5
1897 | 18-3/5 | 21-1/5
Holder of | Gibbs, | Bingham,
Record | 16-4/5 sec. | 19-4/5 sec.
| Tug of war
----------+-----------
1878 | ...
1879 | ...
1880 | ...
1881 | ...
1883 | ...
1884 | ...
1886 | ...
1888 | ...
1889 | ...
1890 | ...
1891 | ...
1892 | ...
1893 | Port
1894 | Star
1895 | Port
1896 | Port
1897 | Port
Holder of | --
Record |
[Illustration: BOXING CLASS.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
The Association team has been uniformly more successful than Rugby;
the following remarks of the editor on the subject of Rugby football
appear to point to a possible explanation:--
"A most important item in football is 'stodge.' I have actually seen a
fellow come out of the canteen to play a match--a _match_, mind
you--with his mouth full of jam, or some mess or other. He wonders,
after a time, why he is a bit off colour; thinks it's the weather, or
his boots. Mind, no stodge till the game is over."
One might adopt the language of the sinister Custom House officer in
"The Smuggler's Leap":--
"Your words are plain, though they're somewhat rough!"
The marvel is that boys so frequently play a good game at "forward,"
or make a long score at cricket, in spite of "stodge," and that of the
most wind-destroying character: they are, presumably, specially
constructed in the interior at that age.
At Christmas, 1897, it is reported that Mrs. Curzon-Howe, the
captain's wife, presented a couple and a half of beagles to the pack,
which then amounted to 17-1/2 couples, with some puppies coming on.
The beagles started a fox on one occasion, and ran it for nearly two
hours. The distance is stated to have been fourteen miles; there is no
mention of the number of "footmen" who kept with the hounds, but it
must have been rather hot for them.
A new feature in 1897 was the introduction of hockey matches: Cadet
Captains _v._ Ship; Officers _v._ Ship; _Britannia_ _v._ _Hindostan_.
There is an assault-at-arms twice in the year--in July and December;
the summer meeting is held in the fields, and great enthusiasm
prevails.
Competitions take place at the horizontal bar, parallel bars, and
other gymnastics, properly so called, including the "human pyramid"; a
display with dumb bells; poles, etc.; and contests with gloves and
fencing swords, which, of course, are by far the most popular, both
with cadets and spectators.
The boys get a good grounding in the essential points of fencing and
boxing, but to attain to any great degree of proficiency in either
requires a good deal more time than can conveniently be devoted to it,
and the boxing frequently has a strong spice of the "hammer and tongs"
business about it. Still, there are some who shape very well; and, at
any rate, a few systematic lessons will enable a lad to do something
more than assume, like Mr. Pickwick, "a paralytic attitude," which
his friends confidently believed to be intended for a posture of
defence.
Cricket continues to flourish, and a season in which _Britannia_
should fail to win a majority of matches would be regarded as a sort
of hideous dream. The editor of the _Britannia Magazine_ would either
pass it over in silence or dip his pen in gall and administer such a
rating as would, in his editorial opinion, infallibly bring about a
different result in the ensuing year; followed, no doubt, by a mild
protest against cynicism!
[Illustration: THE BEAGLE WHIPS.
_Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._]
These things do not happen, however, as the following figures will
demonstrate:--
1898.
First eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 7; drawn, 6.
Second eleven.--Won, 13; lost, 7: drawn, 1.
Third eleven.--Won, 11; lost, 3.
1899.
First eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 5; drawn, 4.
Second eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 4; drawn, 1.
1902.
First eleven.--Won, 7; lost, 3; drawn, 5.
A very exciting match was played, in 1902, against Stratford-on-Avon
Wanderers; Lord is the _Britannia_ professional, a left-hander, and an
artful dodger in the matter of an unexpected "break back."
WANDERERS.
Arlington, b Lord 41
Deer, c Smith, b Swan 1
Holloway, b Glasgow 11
Fellows, b Glasgow 18
Holton, c Whetham, b Glasgow 15
Hastings, b Glasgow 0
Fish, b Glasgow 4
Jackson, b Lord 0
Ashley, l b w, b Glasgow 2
Whitehead, b Lord 10
Challaway, not out 1
Extras 3
---
Total 106
"BRITANNIA."
Dr. Bobardt, b Arlington 2
Cadet Abercrombie, c Hastings, b Whitehead 5
Mr. Smith, l b w, b Whitehead 7
Lieut. Wood, b Arlington 10
Mr. Swan, c Deer, b Hastings 14
Lieut. Lewis, l b w, b Hastings 26
Mr. Benn, c Hastings, b Arlington 1
Lord, c Fish, b Arlington 18
Rev. W. Royse, not out 13
Cadet Whetham, b Hastings 0
Cadet Glasgow, b Arlington 9
Extras 7
---
Total 112
_Britannia's_ score was 101 at the fall of the eighth wicket; Cadet
Whetham was bowled first ball--six runs still wanted when Glasgow came
in. He had taken six wickets, and now he came to the rescue with the
bat, and he and Mr. Royse, the chaplain, won the match by steady play
at a critical moment.
To a lover of beautiful scenery and keen cricket, it would be
difficult to find a more attractive spot than the _Britannia_ cricket
grounds on a fine half holiday. For the benefit of readers who have
not enjoyed the privilege of being present on such an occasion, let us
pay a visit in spirit to the _Britannia_ on a certain Saturday during
the summer of 1903; a perfect day, which would have been too hot but
for a light westerly breeze with never a touch of chill in it.
[Illustration: THE CRICKET FIELD.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
The cadets' dinner is at noon on Saturday, and by 1.30 there is
scarcely a boy left on board the ship. Some are away in boats or
sailing cutters, some are off for a walk, others to visit friends in
the neighbourhood, and so on; but we must follow the large contingent
which makes its way to the cricket grounds. Landing at the solid stone
pier abreast the ship, we cross the asphalt tennis courts, and mount
the concrete steps in the far right-hand corner. There are many of
these steps, intercepted by level landings, and winding up the
hillside past the racquet courts, all overshadowed by trees, which
lend a welcome shade, but do not prevent one getting pretty hot during
the ascent. At length the last flight is surmounted, and a broad,
well-kept path, still under trees, leads on past the beagle kennels,
where a loud and inquisitive chorus greets a stranger, to the lower
ground. Play is already in progress, so we dutifully keep to the right
behind the white screen, and passing across the end of the cricket
ground, mount to the upper ground, which is separated from the lower
one by a steep grassy bank some 12 or 15 feet high, with several
flights of stone steps. Here, standing by the edge of the bank, you
can see both grounds to advantage. On the far side is the pavilion, a
long bungalow, with an elevated scoring-box in the centre; and here
are spacious dressing-rooms, a canteen, where excellent "stodge" may
be obtained at the most moderate charges, and a large amount of
sitting accommodation for onlookers. A large tent to the left contains
tea and refreshments for the officers and their friends. The view is
magnificent in every direction, and the full benefit of the summer
breeze is felt at this elevation.
Furthermore, there is a great deal of cricket going on; the first and
third elevens are playing matches on the lower, and the second eleven
on the upper ground; and there is plenty of room for a couple of
picked sides to play in addition.
Anticipating a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in such surroundings, we
take up a commanding position on a seat overlooking the first eleven
pitch.
The match is against Teignbridge, who always play a strong team,
including several county players; so _Britannia_ naturally does all
she knows, and her eleven only contains two cadets, while the "pro" is
included as a matter of course. The remaining eight comprises two
lieutenants, two Engineer lieutenants, the paymaster, the science
master--whose science is not confined to the lecture room--the
chaplain, and one of the doctors.
The "foreigners" have first knock, and are not doing as well as their
strength would lead one to expect. Already several wickets are down,
and the score is small. The deliveries of Lord, the professional, and
Mr. Warner, the science master, are evidently too much for the
batsmen. The fielding, moreover, is very keen; quite up to the mark.
The boundaries are liberal, especially on the north and north-east;
indeed, the former looks well worth five runs.
There goes their crack player! Bowled by Lord for a "duck." This is an
extremely good riddance, for he is a doughty bat; a left hander, with
a strong defence, and a dangerous capacity for scoring if he once gets
set.
Two more wickets in rapid succession, both to the science master; and
the end comes with surprising rapidity.
The first lieutenant, his many-coloured blazer showing up to advantage
in the strong sunlight, comes along with a joyous countenance. "Lucky!
got 'em out for 59; strong team, too!"
Very lucky: and not all luck, either. Being, of course, strong
partisans of _Britannia_, we rejoice with him, and hope his side will
be in form with the bat.
The "gallery" is mustering rapidly. Nearly all the officers of the
ship are on the ground; the captain strolls up, with two or three
children and a happy dog; officers' wives, and outside friends, make a
goodly show on the seats along the terrace, half-way down the bank.
Time for _Britannia_ to go in, and Engineer Lieutenants Benn and Smith
are deputed to open the ball. Athletics, as is well known, are by no
means neglected at the Engineers' Training College; and these two
gentlemen, whose duty it is to look after the engines of the tenders
attached to the _Britannia_, and initiate the cadets into the
mysteries of steam, are well able also to show them a wrinkle or two
in handling the willow.
The bowling starts well. Looking at the pitch, in nautical parlance,
"broadside on," one is able to see what a good length the left hander
keeps: shoots unpleasantly, too, at times, so that you have to be wide
awake to get down on them.
These two are bad men to bowl at, though; they "keep their hair on,"
watching the ball keenly, and contenting themselves at first with a
snick or two through the slips, or a "pull" of moderate dimensions.
But the left hander is beginning to lose his length a little, and
pitches them up; so the batsmen may get a chance of "opening their
shoulders."
Lieutenant Benn faces him for a fresh over. Ah! there is one well
pitched up: he won't let that off! Not he: a lovely off-drive, going
at a tremendous pace, all along the ground, just outside mid-off, who
makes a wild grab, but fails to reach it. Away it goes, the man behind
the bowler tearing after it, without the remotest chance of catching
it, until the little dark speck disappears from view over the gentle
slope on the northern boundary. Really now, anyone, "W. G." or "C. B."
included, might be proud of that drive: and there are several more of
the same kind to follow, though the foe discounts them by putting a
man there.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Smith is not idle; he is not as fierce a driver
as his companion, but his wrist play through the slips is delightfully
clean and well timed.
The opponents' score is passed long since, and still no wicket. Ah!
there is one at last. Lieutenant Benn is caught, for an innings of 69,
thoroughly well played: and the score is 117 for one wicket; very good
business!
Lieutenant de Burgh, of whom great things are usually expected, is
bowled by a shooter from the left hander; Lieutenant Smith is caught
for a capital innings of 46; Cadets Sparling and Beal show nice form
with the bat, the latter scoring 17; then Dr. Bobardt and the "pro"
get together and play out time. The doctor is a left hander, and
smites very hard when he gets his opportunity; mid-on has occasion to
wring his fingers and inspect them dubiously more than once,
testifying mutely to the vigour of the doctor's drives--or, possibly,
not mutely; but his remarks are not audible to the gallery.
Total, for six wickets, 214; and of course, being a one day match, it
was in reality a victory by ten wickets, Dr. Bobardt and Lord taking
out their bats for 47 and 20 respectively.
And what about the second eleven? They are playing Montpelier School;
Lieutenant Chetwode plays with them, as a set off against the master
on the other side, who is a very big man and a very keen cricketer.
_Britannia_ bats first, and does very creditably: Powell 49, Cull 44,
Ling 25, Nicholson 22, and no ducks; "extras" comes out with an
unusually long score, 22; total, 221. Towards the end of the innings
Montpelier's bowling was very slack, and Cadet Powell displayed good
capacity for availing himself of it, repeatedly getting boundaries
away to the bank under the trees on the west side; big leg hits, well
timed.
The School would have come off badly, indeed, without their master,
who went in first wicket down and scored 91; no one was able to keep
him company very long, and it looked like a certain victory for
_Britannia_ when the ninth wicket fell with some time to spare.
However, the last two men kept their ends up, and the result was a
draw, greatly in _Britannia's_ favour, the School score having only
reached 168.
The third eleven had a similar experience against King Edward School,
but the "morality" of the victory was much more pronounced,
_Britannia_ scoring 283 to their opponents' 60 for nine wickets;
obviously, a declaration at 200 or so would have been sounder tactics.
Cadet Scott scored in this match 104; and he and Cadet Alexander did
some remarkable scoring together, actually compiling 103 runs off the
first nine overs! An average of over 11 runs an over; rather
demoralising for the bowlers!
Well, this delightful afternoon is over, all too soon; "time" is
called all round, and soon there is a general exodus from the fields,
cadets and officers streaming off in groups down the steps, discussing
the play in enthusiastic fashion; and so off to the ship, happy and
hungry, in spite of the "stodge" in the pavilion.
During a first eleven match this season a curious misunderstanding
occurred. It was a "full strength" game, and _Britannia_, going in
first, scored freely, declaring at 244 for eight wickets. There was
time to dispose of the other side, with good luck, but not too much;
and of course their policy was to play for a draw.
However, they began to go out pretty fast towards the close, and with
about a quarter of an hour left the ninth wicket fell. The last man
came in, and after a couple of overs the visitors' umpire announced,
as he came up to the wicket, "Last over." Everyone who had a watch on
looked at it, and saw that it was only 6.20; the large clock fixed on
the base of the flagstaff in the corner of the ground, however, said
6.30 within a minute or so. The over was bowled, with no result, and
the aforesaid umpire calmly took the bails off, and walked off the
ground.
Then there was a row. _Britannia's_ captain pointed out that the clock
was wrong, and that there was nearly ten minutes more play; the umpire
maintained that they were bound to go by the ground clock, and was not
at all sporting about it. _Britannia's_ captain, being a man in
authority, gave him a good slice of his naval executive mind, but the
umpire was stubborn, and time was fleeting. Luckily, however, the
visitors' captain, who was changing in the pavilion, was a sportsman
of different kidney; and he immediately decreed, upon being appealed
to, that, time or no time, the innings should be played out. So the
recalcitrant umpire, and the batsmen, who had taken off their pads,
had to come back again, and one of them was so long about it that the
bowler did not realise that he had not arrived until he had commenced
his run, and found that he was attacking an empty wicket! So, amid
some merriment, the batsman at length got fixed up, and a few balls
sufficed to decide the match, the last man being dismissed, just on
the stroke of time, by a clever catch in the slips.
Moral: Have your ground clock kept right.
The season of 1903 has been a most successful one, as the following
figures testify:--
First eleven.--Played, 19: won, 15; drawn, 3; lost, 0 (one
abandoned).
Second eleven.--Played, 22: won, 14; lost, 7; drawn, 1.
Third eleven.--Played, 12: won, 9; lost, 1; drawn, 2.
In addition to the remarkable performance of two cadets in a third
eleven match, mentioned above, it is on record that Dr. Bobardt on one
occasion scored 39 runs off two consecutive overs; that Lieutenant de
Burgh made what is believed to be the record score for _Britannia_ of
229 not out (he also scored on another occasion 177 not out); and, the
bowlers being determined not to be left out in the cold, the "hat
trick" has been performed five times, the Rev. H. Royse, the chaplain,
doing it twice.
Enough has been said, perhaps, about the games to indicate what an
important place they are assigned in the general programme of the
_Britannia_, and with what keenness and uniform success they are
pursued. As the editor remarks, in the opening number of the magazine,
no school has such a variety of fixtures; "we want a whole _Bell's
Life_ to ourselves," he says.
The playing fields could scarcely be surpassed, one would imagine: a
good idea of their extent and quality and also of the amount of work
entailed in their construction may be obtained from the illustrations.
That high bank which separates the two cricket grounds, and the
smaller one at the further side of the upper ground, mean a lot of
navvies' work; but no expense or trouble has been spared in the
matter, the Admiralty possibly holding the view that if, as was said
by a great soldier, British military victories are won on the playing
fields at Eton, they are not going to give the Navy any excuse for not
winning victories on the score of inefficient playing fields!
Certainly, money so expended is money well spent. Since the early days
of the _Britannia_ a complete revolution has taken place in the matter
of recognised recreation for both soldiers and sailors--officers and
men. Formerly they had to do as best they could, by private
subscriptions, both for indoor and outdoor games; now a large sum is
voted annually for the purpose, and the _Britannia_ games and playing
fields bear witness that the Admiralty is not behind the times in this
respect.
[Illustration: VIEW FROM THE NEW COLLEGE.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]