"THE NURSERY OF CRICKET."

​

The late J C Shaw.

Whether, or not, the town of Sutton became known throughout the length and breadth of the land on account of its musicians, authors, or astronomers, it is perfectly clear that a considerable share of its world-wide popularity has been earned by its famous professional cricketers! The first of the latter to bring about its renown was, doubtless, the late J. C. Shaw, while the lot to maintain it at the present time is in the hands of. we are proud to state, Tom Wass, the Notts. County right-arm fast bowler.

Shaw who was born at Sutton April 11th, 1887, made his debut in an important match in 1865, then being 28 years old. He afterwards played regularly for Notts. County and in All-England Eleven matches for 10 years, concluding his career in 1875. He proved to be one of the best medium-pace left-hand bowlers ever seen. For 16 of Notts, v. All-England on September 15th, 1870, he took all 10 wickets for 20 runs. He died March, 1888, in his 51st year, being buried in Sutton churchyard.

Tom Wass.

Wass who was born at Sutton, December 28th, 1874, started his career with Notts. County v. M.C.C. and Ground in 1896, and is to-day one of the world's best right-hand fast bowlers. His successes have unfortunately, varied during the past 11 seasons owing to slight injuries received during some of the matches he was engaged in. We wish him every possible success in the future, and hope that he will continue to maintain Sutton's reputation in the same noble spirit as his predecessors have done. Sutton's other famous cricketers were:—The late W. Barnes, born at Sutton May 27th. 1852, died at Mansfield Woodhouse March, 1899 and is buried there The late Fred Morley, born at Sutton December 16th, 1850, died at Sutton (where he is buried) September 28, 1884. W. Flowers, born at Calverton, near Nottingham (coming to Sutton when an infant). Dec. 7th, 1856, now resides at Sherwood Rise. Nottingham, and is engaged by M.C.C as umpire. G. Bean, born at Sutton March 7th, 1864, now also engaged by M.C.C. as umpire. The late "Johnny" Briggs, born at Sutton October 3rd. 1862 died at Cheadle Jan. 11, 1902. and is buried near the Old Trafford.

The late J. Crossland, born at Sntton April 2nd. 1852. died at Blackburn September 29th, 1903, and is buried there. The late Tom Barnes (brother of W. Barnes), died in 1873, aged 24, and is buried at Sutton.

In their day, Messrs. T. and W. Barnes, Morley, Flowers, and Shaw represented Notts. County with conspicuous ability, Morley, Flowers, and W. Barnes also playing for M.C.C. and visiting Australia. Bean played for Sussex, and likewise visited Australia once with an English representative team. Crossland and Briggn represented Lancashire, the latter also journeying to Australia. Other players who have played for a short time with Notts. County were J. Lindley, C. Shore, and T. G. Buckland. At one time Sutton turned out about 70 professional Cricketers each Beason, and by the doughty deeds of the players mentioned the town gained the appellation of "The Nursery of Cricket."

​

SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD CRICKET CLUB.

This Club acquired its present ground (the owners being the Unwin Family) in Hardwick Lane in 1904, at an outlay of upwards of £100. Towards that amount the Duke of Portland contributed £10, and is now an annual subscriber of £5. For many years previously the Club tenanted the New Cross Ground in Outram Street, which had to be relinquished owing to it passing into the builders' hands: The Club was temporarily disbanded on that account at the end of 1901 until the present ground was secured, and during that time the members joined other clubs in the town. Tom Wass formerly played with this Club, and is willing to assist it now when opportunity offers. The Secretary is Councillor H. S. Shacklock, Solicitor, Market Place, and President. Councillor G. Stevenson. The members number about 100. In 1905, the Club was the Champions of the Notts. League. The yearly rental of the ground is £15.

​

CRICKET MEMS.

Sutton Robin Hood, Sutton Cooke's, and Eastfield Side Baptist (formerly belonging to the Notts. League) became defunct two seasons ago.

There are several other clubs in existence in the parish.

A field known as "Hatchett Holmes," in Hucknall Road, is historic from the fact that Sutton and District opposed an English representative cricket team there in or about 1869. Other minor matches were also played there, including the well-known "Clown" Cricketers., This field, which was handed over to the builder by Mr. W. Hepworth in 1899, was also formerly used for other al fresco gatherings.

An extraordinary, bowling feat was accomplished on the Outram Street ground by F. Renshaw, of Sutton, on Saturday. June 30th. 1885, who was engaged as professional at Spalding. He was on a visit to Sutton, and playing with the Midland Hosiery Club against Bulwell he secured all 10 wickets for one run. Of these he clean bowled eight batsmen, four with successive balls. His analysis was—21 balls, 3 maidens, 1 run, 10 wickets.

Sutton now claims England's oldest umpire in Mr. Frank H. Farrands, of the Staff of Life Inn, who is 75 years. He first went to Lord's in 1868, and has regularly attended there for the past 40 years.