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CRICKETERS.
Cricket is not only the pre-eminent outdoor pastime pursued in summer months, but it is in itself an educational training of keen observation, prompt action, sound judgment, fairness, power of endurance, and other elements in the formation of character, making the good cricketer a valuable member of society. The Dictionary of National Biography singles out several of the following Nottinghamshire Cricketers as having been preeminent:—
William Clarke
George Parr
Alfred Shaw
William Gunn
Arthur Owen Jones
WILLIAM CLARKE, (1798-1856), Founder and Captain of the All England XL First to organize and captain representative Nottinghamshire County elevens. He made the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground; was a great slow bowler, a great Captain, a great organizer.
GEORGE PARR, (1826-1891), Radcliffe. He became captain of "All England." "He was the finest batsman in England," says one testimony; "the finest batsman in the world," says another.
RICHARD DAFT, (1839-1900), of Nottingham and Radcliffe. "As a batsman distinguished for elegance and style." He published his recollections, under the title "Kings of Cricket." "In the early seventies he had no superior but Dr. W. G. Grace."
ARTHUR SHREWSBURY, (1856-1903), was born at Lenton and died at Gedling. Dr. W. G. Grace in "Reminiscenees" says, "Arthur Shrewsbury must be acknowledged as the greatest professional batsman of his age. He has been a pillar of strength to his native county." In 1887 he played eight three figure innings, scored 1653 runs, and averaged 78.
ALFRED SHAW, (1842-1907), born at Burton Joyce, the youngest of a family of thirteen. Buried at Gedling. He was called by Daft, "The Emperor of Bowlers." His connection with the game extended over forty years: few cricketers have played so long and continued so successful.
WILLIAM GUNN, (1858-1921). Born in Nottingham, one of the greatest and most graceful batsmen of his day, and a fine fielder, also a great Association football player. He played for England at both Cricket and Association Football—a rare honour. He was the founder of the large and successful business of sports outfitters and cricket bat makers trading as Gunn & Moore.
ARTHUR OWEN JONES, (1872-1914), born at Shelton, Nottinghamshire. He was educated at Bedford Grammar School and Cambridge University, and was captain of his school at Cricket and Rugby football, played for Cambridge University Cricket eleven, Captain of Nottinghamshire County Cricket eleven, Captained England's team in Australia, a fine forcing batsman, a brilliant fielder in any position.
Since the foregoing list was compiled, "Nottinghamshire Cricket and Cricketers," by F. S. Ashley-Cooper has appeared, giving what he calls "a wonderful record," and leaving it doubtful if any other county can claim to have excelled Nottinghamshire. That book shows how the list of worthy names could well be extended, but their story is there told in much better form than it could be told here. I am pleased to see that the services of Mr. J. A. Dixon, J.P., as Captain for eleven years, and others are duly recognised, and he is the only life member of the Committee, and his labours have in other departments of public good been continued. Mr. C. W. Wright, J.P. is also mentioned with distinction.