This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
COUNTY CRICKET.
113

three matches, and losing two of them; the other was unfinished. Nottinghamshire only played six matches home and home with Cambridgeshire, Yorkshire, and Middlesex; winning 2, losing 1, whilst 3 were drawn.

The All-England Eleven v. United All-England Eleven match was played, as usual, at Lord's, for the benefit of the Cricketers' Fund, on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd May, and a large crowd witnessed the contest. The teams were composed entirely of northern players: both elevens were well represented, and a very good match took place, the United winning, and making the record of matches played between them 7 wins each, 2 drawn. But after that, representative matches North v. South, and Gentlemen v. Players were completely spoiled, owing to the northern players declining to play. No less than thirteen players in the North refused, and at last the committee of the Marylebone Club spoke out clearly and firmly. At a committee meeting of that club, held on May 21st, the following resolutions were passed:

"1. That as the committee must decline to enter into the disputes among the professionals, or take the part either of northern and southern players, another eleven be selected to play in the North v. South match.
"2. That the selection of players for the match Gentlemen v. Players having been considered in reference to the refusal of the northern players to meet the southern men, the players in all matches at Lord's be selected from those who are willing to play together in a friendly manner in the matches on that ground."

Of course, the resolutions were passed too late to have any effect that season; but they bore fruit two or three years later.

The match between the Gentlemen and Players at Lord's, on the 25th June, was not representative of the players; although it was strong enough to beat the