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THE HAMBLEDON MEN

Harry Walker, whose first recorded match was in 1784, was born at Hide Farm, Churt, near Frensham, in Surrey, where all his family were farmers, their land being at Hindhead, near the Devil's Punch Bowl. Harry's average altogether will be found good, but he was not quite so famous as his brother Tom, though a far superior hitter, indeed 'his half hour at the wicket was considered better than Tom's whole afternoon'. He was left-handed, and, like all left-handed batsmen, could cut very finely to the off; in fact, it was said that he was the first who brought this kind of hit to any perfection. From his name first appearing in a great single-wicket match, it is presumed that he was already a player of some celebrity, but his earlier contests, if any, are lost. About 1794, he left Churt, and resided at Brook, near Witley, in Surrey, following the business of a maltster. In height he was about 5ft. 11 in., and in weight about 13 stones. No tombstone has been erected to his memory, but he was buried in Witley churchyard, July 22, 1805, aged 45. Was married, but left no children.


Thomas Walker's first recorded match was in 1786. He was born at Hide Farm, at Churt, near Frensham, in Surrey, November 16, 1762, and was a brother to Harry and John Walker, who also played in the Surrey Eleven. Tom was one of the steadiest batsmen that has ever appeared, and made some extremely long innings (often going in first and carrying out his bat), especially as to time, frequently remaining at the wicket several hours. So great was his steadiness, that he is reported once to have received 170 balls from David Harris (the great bowler of that time), and only to have scored one run from them! He could, however, drive well on and off. Walker had a thorough knowledge of the game, being also a fox-headed and crafty player. About two years after he joined the Hambledon Club, he began the system of jerking, or the round-armed delivery. This, owing to its tremendous pace, was for-