Part 55

The Inter-’Varsity “Grind” was again won by Oxford (56 points to 45), Mr. H. W. Aston’s Aughamore (owner up) beating Mr. Fred Cripp’s Ballycraigy by a neck for first place. Mr. Atkinson’s Dandy Dan (the Hon. B. B. Ponsonby up) finished third for Cambridge. A course between Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard was utilised this year, and a very large and fashionable crowd was _en evidence_. Lord Orkney was judge, and Mr. Leopold de Rothschild and Mr. W. Selby Lowndes, M.F.H. Stewards. Oxford also retained the Chambers Shield by winning the Inter-’Varsity sports by the big margin of 7 events to 3. The Cantabs only accounted for the 100 yards, one mile, and weight items. The salient features of the meeting were the running of President Cornwallis (Oxford), who won the “Quarter” in 51 secs., and the “Half” in 1 min. 56⅖ secs., and the mile running of Mr. A. R. Welsh (Cambridge), who completed the distance in 4 min. 21⅕ secs. On the sodden track and under most wretched conditions all these performances were remarkable. Other notable feats were the hammer-throwing of Mr. A. H. Fyffe (Oxford), who created a fresh Inter-’Varsity record by hurling 136 ft. 3 ins., the jumping of Mr. P. M. Young (Oxford), who won the long jump at 22 ft. 3 ins., and the high jump at 5 ft. 7¼ ins., the weight-putting of President G. W. Lyttelton (Cambridge), 38 ft. 3¾ ins., and the hurdling of Mr. E. R. J. Hussey (Oxford), who beat Mr. F. H. Teall (Cambridge), the 1904–05 winner, in the fine time of 16½ secs.

Cambridge again won the golf competition at Hoylake by the excellent margin of 30 holes to 7. The play on the whole was somewhat disappointing, nor did Mr. A. G. Barry (amateur champion) do all that was expected for the Light Blues. “As a team,” however, the Cantabs were overwhelmingly superior, the best form for Oxford being shown by the captain (Mr. Grundy) and Mr. H. J. Ross. The annual chess match produced some sound all-round play, and, in the result, Oxford repeated their last year’s victory by exactly the same margin (4½ games to 2½). Shortly before this, the combined Oxford and Cambridge teams had drawn with the American Universities in their periodical contests for the Rice trophy. The play was per cable telegraph, and, in the main, was worthy the occasion. The trophy still remains on this side of the Atlantic. So far Oxford had drawn nearly level with Cambridge, and the Boat Race excited exceptional interest. How Cambridge won a very one-sided race, leading from start to finish, in the fine time of 19 min. 26 secs., is now a matter of history. They finished comparatively fresh, while four, at least, of the Oxonians were much distressed.

I quite agree with a distinguished Old Blue that the history of the 1906 practice, culminating in the race of April 7th, will ever stand as the most paradoxical on record. Before the crews left home waters Oxford were vastly superior “as a crew.” They could have given the Cantabs a dozen lengths over the championship course. Upon the crews’ arrival at Henley and Bourne End respectively, Cambridge improved out of all knowledge. In a flash, as it were, they became a crew, and subsequently beat all records over the Cookham course and every part of it. Nor were the Oxonians idle. They, too, advanced in appreciable fashion, greatly pleasing such sound judges as Sir John Edwards-Moss, Messrs. Fletcher, Harcourt Gold, Dr. Bourne, &c. Then followed the crews’ advent at Putney. Cambridge went on improving, and were visibly fit enough to row the race a week before the eventful day. Oxford were clearly in the rough, yet showed the longest and steadiest swing of any Oxford eight since 1897. Most experts expected a repetition of last year’s procedure, when the Dark Blues trained on and were fit to row for their lives on the morning of battle. But something was lacking during the last week. And that something never came. The spectacle was afforded on April 7th of this fine crew being outpaced and out-rowed from pillar to post. To most it was a perfect enigma. Some blame the boat, others their lack of fitness, and others again their over-doing matters. In any case the fact remains that one of the most powerful crews of modern years were pulverised by a Cambridge eight, whose great merit was uniformity and speed. Theirs was a sculling style pure and simple, while that of Oxford at their best was that of a first-rate oarsmanship. Does this mean a new theory in the matter of future make-up, training, and coaching?

Several other Inter-’Varsity contests have to be decided during the Summer Term, now in full swing. These include the polo match (June 25th) and the cricket match (July 5th, 6th, and 7th). Cricket prospects are rosy enough both ways. Mr. W. S. Bird (Malvern and New College) is the new Oxford captain, and Mr. E. L. Wright (Winchester and New College) hon. sec. Other old blues available are Messrs. G. N. Foster, E. G. Martin, N. R. Udal, G. T. Branston, and O. T. Norris, while many well-known senior men will be again in residence. These include Messrs. A. O. Snowden, P. T. Lewis, H. H. Worsley, H. M. Butterworth, B. Cozens-Hardy, E. Cripps, C. A. L. Payne, and the Hon. C. N. Bruce. Mr. C. H. Eyre (Harrow and Pembroke) is the Cambridge captain, and Mr. M. W. Payne (Wellington and Trinity) hon. sec. No fewer than eight old blues are available, viz.: Messrs. R. A. Young, C. C. Page, F. J. V. Hopley, K. P. Keigwin, L. G. Colbeck, G. C. Napier, P. R. May, and A. F. Morcom. With only one vacancy to fill up, competition for places will be exceptionally severe this year. The best known senior men available include Messrs. W. P. Harrison, C. Palmer, R. E. H. Baily (all county players), C. B. W. Magnay, R. S. Preeston, A. P. Scott, E. A. Smythies, G. C. Humphreys, C. S. Rattigan, and G. Belcher.

[Illustration:

MR. C. HENRY RIDGWAY, Master of the Pau Hunt.

_Photo by F. P. Subercaze._] ]

The best of the Oxford freshmen appear to be Messrs. J. H. Gordon and A. C. L. Clarke (Winchester), Lord Somers and H. E. L. Porter (Charterhouse), H. K. Gould and V. Eberle (Clifton), C. Hurst (Uppingham), G. C. Barnardo (Repton), O. H. C. Dunell (Eton), R. O. Morris (Harrow), E. B. Carpenter (Winchester), and H. A. Gilbert (Charterhouse). One or two above-average bowlers are included. Of the Cambridge “freshers,” Messrs. J. N. Buchanan (Charterhouse), K. G. Macleod (Fettes), N. S. Cornelius (Malvern), H. Hosken (Leys), and J. Reunert (Harrow), boast splendid public school credentials. For the rest, about the best appear to be Messrs. J. H. Wakefield (Repton), E. Hoffmeister (Brighton), H. W. Priestley (Uppingham), and H. P. Webb (of the same school). The trial matches commence simultaneously with this month’s issue of BAILY, and the outcome means a good deal to Oxford. On paper form at least the Light Blues have a decided pull this year. Capital fixture lists have been arranged both ways. Oxford play home matches against the Gentlemen of England, Lancashire, Yorkshire, the M.C.C., and the Free Foresters, and foreign matches against Sussex, the M.C.C., Worcestershire, and Surrey. The Cantab’s home fixtures are _v._ Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Surrey, the Gentlemen of England, Middlesex, Gloucestershire, and their foreign fixtures _v._ the Gentlemen of England, Sussex, Surrey, the M.C.C., and Liverpool and District (after the Inter-’Varsity match). Another period of all-round, fast and furious, is thus assured at the Sister Universities. Later on I shall have something to say of the results.

W. C. P. F.

Foxhunting in France.

MR. C. HENRY RIDGWAY, MASTER OF THE PAU HUNT.

One is apt to associate the noble science of foxhunting with the United Kingdom alone, and certainly to partake of this most fascinating sport in its perfection the United Kingdom must be visited. But foxhunting, good, bad, and indifferent, is to be found in many quarters of the wide world. A “Gib.” reynard is pursued amongst the rocks and cork trees; in Belgium there is more than one “_equipage au reynard_”; and in Virginia, Maryland, and other states of the Union foxhunting has flourished for centuries.

In France there are “equipages” innumerable, but the object of their pursuit is the stag, the roedeer, the wild boar, or the hare; and reynard is looked upon as vermin, except in the little far-off corner of the Republic which, till the days of Henri IV., although its sovereign bore the more ambitious (if empty) title of King of Navarre, composed the tiny kingdom of Bearn. Here, with its headquarters at the ancient capital, “La bonne ville de Pau,” foxhunting has flourished for over fifty years, and at the present time is pursued with the greatest vigour and success.

The earliest record of hunting around Pau dates from 1840, when Sir Henry Oxenden brought a pack of foxhounds, and a numerous stud, to the Chateau of Aureilham, near Tarbes, and found active employment in hunting the wild fox for four days a week. Three years after, on Sir Henry’s resignation, Messrs. Cornwall and Standish, then residents at Pau, established kennels at Bordes, not quite half way between Pau and Tarbes, and carried on the sport.

The mastership has, in the course of the long period that has elapsed since the hunt was started by Sir H. Oxenden, passed through many hands, Mr. J. Alcock, Mr. W. G. Tiffany, Mr. J. Stewart, Major Cairns, Mr. T. Burgess, the Earl of Howth, Mr. J. Gordon Bennett, Mr. Frederick Maude, Sir Victor Brook, Baron Le Jeune, Baron D’Este, being amongst those who have presided over affairs. The Mastership is now held by Mr. C. Henry Ridgway, who is in his sixth season, and the unvarying good sport he has shown has seldom been equalled and never surpassed.

Mr. Ridgway, although born in France, is of American parentage. He was educated at Oxford, and for several seasons hunted from Market Harboro. His sixty couple of hounds are all drafts from the best English packs, and his hunters all come from the shires. The whole equipment would do credit to any country, and the sport he has shown has never been equalled. An all-round sportsman, his racing colours have often been to the front on French turf, whilst he is a finished whip, a capital shot, and the captain of the golf club.

The hounds are divided into three packs—the “ladies,” the dog pack, and a mixed pack. All three packs have shown great sport; but for drive, quickness and looks the bitches are unsurpassed. Mr. Ridgway has a guaranteed subscription of 50,000 francs, and hunts always four days a week, and sometimes five days.

In January of this year, at a large complimentary dinner held at the English Club, he was presented by Mr. W. Forbes Morgan, on behalf of the members and subscribers of the Pau Hunt, with a beautiful two-handled Queen Anne Cup, and an address of thanks for the rare sport shown during his Mastership. Pau is fortunate in possessing, in addition to the foxhounds, a good pack of drag hounds, which meets once or twice a week, and which provides a fast gallop for those who prefer this kind of sport. In former years the drag was by far the more popular branch of the sport, but foxhunting has become more and more popular, and the drag has suffered in consequence.

The horn is carried by Walter Smethurst, who has been over ten years as huntsman with the Pau hounds. The fields, after the new year, number fifty and upwards, consisting principally of American and French sportsmen, and there are at least half a dozen ladies who hunt and go well. The number of English who hunt is very limited, although in former years there were a good many members of this nationality.

The Pau country may be said to resemble parts of Ireland, consisting of wide tracts of moorland, and small enclosures, fenced with bank and ditch, the former bearing very often a thick hedgerow, and the latter being very blind, with gorse and briar. In the Oloron Valley, to which the drag goes once or twice a season, stone walls and hedges are met with, and the going is all grass. The Garderes district—about ten or twelve miles from Pau—is a fine open country with clean fences and sound going; and the Auriac, in the other direction—to the east of the Bordeaux high road—is a grand country with high banks that take a deal of doing.

Good hunters can be hired at Pau, and stabling can be easily procured in the town. The Hon. Secretary to the Hunt, Mr. J. Barron, will always supply any information that may be required with regard to hunting in the neighbourhood.

South African Policy of the Marylebone Cricket Ministry.

“England _v._ South Africa,”

“The Fifth Test Match,”

“An Innings Defeat for England.”

“Mr. Warner, interviewed, said South Africans were undoubtedly the superior side, especially on their own wickets. It was a good thing that they had won the Test matches, as it had given a fillip to the game in South Africa.”—_Reuter’s Special Service_, April _2nd_, 1906.

MR. LACEY’S OPINION.

In the course of an interview at Lord’s yesterday afternoon (April 2nd) Mr. F. E. Lacey, the M.C.C. Secretary, said (the _Star_ states) in response to an inquiry regarding the reason that the M.C.C. eleven should have been so unaccountably beaten in four of the five Test matches: “Not unaccountable at all. It is a case in which the better side has won.

“There is little doubt that the South Africans have improved wonderfully, but certainly M.C.C. should have done better.

“I believe the chief cause of our defeat has been poor fielding. Then again, such really great batsmen as P. F. Warner and Hayes have not done themselves justice.

“A great many judges of the game attribute the apparent failure of our team to the fact that our men are playing on matting, but I can scarcely agree with them. I have practised a lot on matting wickets, and, judging from my own experience, it should hold no terrors for a really good batsman.

“I can only attribute the defeat of our eleven to inferior play. The fielding has been poor, the bowling only moderate, and the batting, with one or two exceptions, second-rate.

“Of course, it is very difficult to judge when one is sitting in the pavilion at Lord’s and the games are being played in South Africa, so perhaps I may be wrong.

“I am very pleased with the success of Crawford, who is, in my opinion, the finest all-round man on the side.

“It was never intended to send a representative eleven of England, but I thought we had chosen a side quite worthy of upholding the cricket honour of the country. Apparently we were wrong.

“Our defeat cannot do any harm; in fact, it may lead to a lot of good, and if the South Africans visit us in 1907 they should command a great amount of respect from all the first-class counties, as, judging by the improvement in their play, they will give us some good games, and may even be a hard nut to crack for a representative English team.”

These quotations are taken from the columns of the _Sportsman_, April 3rd, 1906, and to them it is desired most earnestly to invite the attention of those patriots who wish to see English cricket maintain its supremacy. Let one regard for the moment these two gentlemen individually as Mr. F. E. Lacey, Secretary of the Marylebone Club, Prime Minister of Cricket, and Mr. P. F. Warner, captain of English teams sent to play against the Colonies, Colonial Secretary of the Marylebone Club, which up to the present time has, without any Opposition, assumed and carried on the Government of Cricket.

The position in which they find themselves at the time of making these disclosures to the Press is as follows:—

For some years past, since 1888, the cricket associations of South Africa have from time to time invited English cricketers to visit South Africa in order to assist in the development of the game in that country. The team under Mr. Warner’s captaincy is the fifth that has visited South Africa, the preceding ones having been under the private management of, 1888–9, Major Wharton; 1891–2, Mr. W. W. Read; 1895–6, and again in 1898–9, Lord Hawke; and now, 1905–6, under the management of the Marylebone Club, with Mr. P. F. Warner as captain.

Major Wharton’s team was in no sense a powerful one, and included some amateurs of obscure cricket origin; and they lost four matches in the course of their travels. Mr. Read’s team was a strong one, and lost no matches. Lord Hawke lost two matches on his first visit to Africa, but, profiting by this experience, returned in 1899 with an unbeaten record.

An opportunity was afforded to South African cricketers of trying their skill against English cricketers in the summer of 1904, when a team of South Africans came to England to play a comprehensive programme, which included twenty-two first-class matches, against the Counties, ’Varsities, M.C.C., and so on, with a special match, by request, against England at Lord’s. Our visitors were modest, and without suggesting a series of so-called Test matches, asked as a favour that upon one occasion, and that at Lord’s, the headquarters of cricket, they might be allowed to meet the full strength of England in order that they might learn an important lesson in the game of cricket. This match was played in the middle of July, and the Africans brought their best eleven to Lord’s, and gained a decisive victory by 189 runs. But they were unable to exult in their triumph, for the management of the Marylebone Club took so little pride in the team they had selected to represent England that the match was chronicled as “South Africans _v._ an English Eleven,” and all cricketers know that the words, “An English Eleven,” applied to a team condemn the team in one’s mind before one has read the names. So little enough credit was given to the Africans for winning the one match they had arranged against England at Lord’s; although anyone who, in common with the writer, watched carefully the whole course of the match from start to finish, must have realised that as they played then our visitors might on their day have beaten the pick of England.

The result of that tour worked out: matches played 22, won 10, lost 2, drawn 9, tied 1. The first match they lost was the second of their tour, at Worcester, and of this game “Wisden’s Almanack” says: “The South Africans had all the worst of the luck, as, after holding their own on the first day, they had on the second to bat on a ruined pitch.”

So there was not much disgrace about this defeat. The other match lost was against Kent at Canterbury, where the home team, for some reason or another, always show to advantage. Kent batted first, and we read that: “Helped by the condition of the wicket, which had never been perfect, Blythe was very difficult at the finish.” And so the Africans lost by 104 runs. To an unbiassed observer it would seem that if upon the two occasions when they suffered defeat the Africans had happened to have won the toss, they might well have added a couple of wins to their record instead of losses.

These three matches—namely, the two first-class games lost by the Africans in 1904 and the Test match won by them at Lord’s—have been dwelt upon at some length in order to remind readers that the performances of that team were the performances of fine cricketers, and any intelligent student of the game who saw Mr. Mitchell’s men in the field must have realised that it was no fool’s job to find a team to beat them.

Now let us see what happens afterwards. Affairs settle down after the war in South Africa, and the time arrives when the Colonies are prepared to try their strength against the mother country.

South African cricketers are anxious to receive a visit from an English team, to treat all the members as their guests, and to pay the salaries of the professionals. In a spirit of the most confident loyalty, African cricket places herself in the hands of the Marylebone Club.

Africa is to pay the piper, the Marylebone Club is to call the tune. The tune has been played to its dismal end, and of the five Test matches four have resulted disastrously for _soi-disant_ England, the one win for the M.C.C. team being by a narrow enough margin.

Without committing oneself to any criticism of the composition of the team which was sent under the auspices of the Marylebone Club to Africa to render an account of English cricket, it may be sufficient for present purposes to suggest that if that team had been advertised to play at one of the gate-money carnivals of cricket at Blackpool or Bournemouth, and labelled according to custom “An Eleven of England,” there would probably have been no unseemly rush of trippers hustling for a shilling seat to watch their performances. Yet, according to this contention, what Blackpool would not afford in the way of extravagance, South Africa had to endure to the end.

An endeavour has been made to be very moderate in the premises, and now it is time to turn to the remarks made respectively by Mr. Warner, whom we have styled Chief Secretary for the Colonies, and Mr. Lacey, the Prime Minister of Cricket.

In the hour of disastrous rout and defeat they have been interviewed each “on his own,” separated from one another by thousands of miles. Let us see what they say.

Mr. Warner says “the Africans were undoubtedly the superior side, especially on their own wickets. It was a good thing they had won the Test matches, as it had given a fillip to the game in South Africa.”

So Mr. Warner says it is a good thing that the side styled “England” has lost the matches styled Test matches, for that will give a fillip to cricket in South Africa. One wonders if it will!

It might have seemed obvious that South African cricket “filliped” itself when its representatives swept the field in 1904, and one must bear in mind that the Australians—who, at all events, can always be depended upon to send their best—have met with more than one reverse when they have taken on a South African team. One might ask a good sportsman like Mr. Warner whether it is likely to give a fillip to a good shot to have to give the _coup de grace_ to a wounded hare or to go through the dull routine of killing a low-flying pheasant? Or, perhaps, to get back to his freehold, the popping-crease, to ask him would he prefer to score 128 runs against Africa or against XVIII. of Middleburg.

Mr. Warner is the most courteous of guests and opponents, and can be depended upon to say the right thing upon all occasions, but somewhere at the back of his head one suspects that there lurks the polished idea that it would have been better for African cricket, better for English cricket, and especially better for himself, if he had been enabled to be in the company of the best of English cricketers in this African campaign, and to have firmly asserted the supremacy of the Old Country at our national game.