Scotland v Sussex 16, 17 & 18 July 1903
by Cricket Scotland


Ground:Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow
Scorecard:Scotland v Sussex
Event:Sussex in Scotland 1903

DateLine: 4th February 2013

Scotsman

Day 1:
Considerable disappointment was experienced in Glasgow yesterday on account of the weather being so bad that no play was possible in the three days' match under the auspices of the West of Scotland Club between Sussex County and a Scottish eleven, which was to have begun at Partick yesterday.

After a wet day on Wednesday, rain fell all day, particularly without intermission, and the ground being quite unplayable, all idea of starting the match was abandoned for the day at noon.

The match has been insured by the West of Scotland Executive against interference by rain. As regards the weather there were no signs of a change for the better late last night. The game will start at noon today if the weather permits.

Day 2:
It looked as if this match which should have commenced at Hamilton Crescent, Partick, Glasgow, on Thursday, could not be proceeded with yesterday as the rain continued overnight and well into the forenoon.

At noon, after inspecting the ground, it was decided to delay proceedings until the afternoon, as the weather promised to improve. However, a start was not made until nearly four o'clock, when C.B. Fry and C.L.A. Smith went in to bat for Sussex.

The latter played very cautiously but Fry hit out freely, and had recorded 43 when Smith was bowled by Jupp for 17. Fry caused frequent changes to be made in the bowling, and when he appeared certain of another century he raised a ball from Miller into the hands of Graham at mid-on, his score then being 92, got by first class cricket, with one hard chance when he had only 23. In his score were eleven 4's, and five 3's.

Killick, too, made runs rapidly, and he put all the bowlers in succession through the boundary. Broadley, the West of Scotland professional, however, who came on late, scattered his stumps, his contribution being 46. The three wickets cost 167 runs.

Vine and Relf gradually raised the total until at 8p.m. 200 appeared on the telegraph board. Relf, however, was out, lbw, 30 runs later. R.B. Heygate joined Vine, and when the latter had completed his half century stumps were drawn for the day.

The match will be resumed this morning, weather permitting.

Day 3:
All things considered the game at Hamilton Crescent, Partick, was a success, for, though it rained throughout Thursday and until midday on Friday, three hours play was indulged in on that day.

On Saturday, although it rained up till midday, a start was made a few minutes after one o'clock, and continued without interruption 6.30. When Sussex batted on Friday the wicket was all in their favour as the bowlers were unable to hold the ball, and some risky, if rapid, batting was shown. Indeed Fry's 92 was secured in seventy two minutes, but perhaps the cricket of Killick and Vine was the best.

Killick's left hand work on the leg side was an attractive feature, his placing being exceptionally clever. Cox made the best strokes on the off side, his square cutting being remarkably fine and clean. Fry and the rest indulged mostly in driving, and this they did most successfully.

Play all over on Saturday was hardly on a level with that of the previous evening, possibly due in a great measure to the wicket, which was very soft on the top, and when the sun came out it "baked" considerably. Full advantage was taken of it by the Englishmen and the runs they secured were most difficult, the seven wickets only putting on 95 runs when the innings was brought to a termination.

Nine bowlers were tried altogether, and G.W. Jupp ran out with eight wickets, a remarkable bit of work, for which he was warmly applauded as he returned to the pavilion. With the wicket playing more trickily every minute and bowlers with the experience of Tate and Cox, every little manoeuvre was adopted, and so well did they deliver that within an hour and a half the whole side were out for the paltry total of 55.

Jupp here again was the hero, and his dozen, which were secured by drives, received warm approbation from the crowd. Sussex went in again, and scored 105 for the loss of one wicket.

Fry, who was previously taken at mid-on from Miller, fell to another catch from the same bowler, after which Killick and Vine played out time. The gate is estimated to realise about £250.

(Article: Copyright © 2013 Cricket Scotland http://cricketscotland.com)