![]() ![]() ![]() Even in 2008, the match attracted a larger crowd than any of Middlesex's first-class matches. The match in 1914 was attended by over 38,000 people during its two days. The game made national newspaper headlines, and was attended by schoolboys large and small, their elder brothers and fathers, accompanied by their ladies and other members of London society. The number of spectators necessitated the first introduction of viewing stands and a boundary rope at Lord's in 1866. In its heyday, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, "the School's day" was one of the highlights of the London " season", alongside Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot. Eton v Harrow was joined by the University Match and Gentlemen v Players as the three key features in the England cricket season. Many Eton and Harrow players went on to win blues at Oxford and Cambridge. Charles Wordsworth, nephew of William Wordsworth, played for Harrow in the four matches in 1822 to 1825, and arranged the first University Match at Lord's in 1827, two years before the first Boat Race. The first Eton–Harrow match in 1805 preceded by one year the first Gentlemen v Players in 1806. The schools were early adopters of cricket caps: Eton (light blue) and Winchester (blue) in 1851, and Harrow (striped) in 1852, followed by Cambridge (1861) and Oxford (1863). During the two World Wars it was relocated away from Lord's.Ī triangular tournament at Lord's also involving Winchester – Public Schools Week – ran until 1854 it was emulated by matches of other schools particularly Charterhouse, Rugby and Westminster. From 1822, the match has been an annual event, with the exception of 1829–18. They moved to Lord's Cricket Ground for a rematch in 1818, and played again in 1822. There is some evidence for earlier matches between Eton and Harrow School, but teams from the schools definitely played a cricket match at Lord's Old Ground in 1805, probably organised by the boys. By the early 19th century, cricket was well established in English public and grammar schools. Westminster School played matches against Eton at Tothill Fields in the 1790s. Horace Walpole entered Eton in 1726, and later wrote that playing cricket was a common occurrence at the school. However, the club has told its members in a letter that "the budget suggests we could be around £10 milllion worse off than a normal year".īased on the committee's "prudent" projections, a cash outflow is forecast at just under £12m, of which £7.4m is being spent on redevelopment projects.Cricket was being played by teams at English public schools by the time of the English Commonwealth. The MCC has fared better than many other sporting outfits due to the loyalty of its membership base, which has remained at full capacity since the first lockdown. Lord's has enjoyed the fastest sales in its history for England's post-lockdown ODI fixtures this summer. However, as Telegraph Sport disclosed last month, there will be no traditional early-bird queues, at least until the visit of New Zealand from June 2.ĭespite being told not to queue, MCC members have been assured they will be the first spectators to return. Lord's became the first major sporting venue to declare it is planning for "full ground capacity" in December thanks to breakthroughs in the Covid-19 vaccine. The 1970 match was also played at Harrow as Lord's was reserved for a Gillette Cup tie. Matches have been played at Lord's except for 45, when they were held alternately at the two schools. Prominent cricketers include Nick Compton (Harrow) and Alex Loudon (Eton). ![]() Among many notable former members of the Harrow XI was Lord Byron, while Alec Douglas-Home played for Eton in 19. "We will advise further details for this weekend in due course, but our immediate focus is arrangements for the New Zealand Test," Lavender wrote, explaining the venue's famous Pavilion will be partially available.Įton, founded in 1440, and Harrow, 132 years later, first played each other on June 20, 1805. The school match is scheduled immediately after the Government's May 17 relaxation of crowd rules, which will see larger venues welcome back 10,000 fans. ![]() "A limited numbers of spectators will be permitted at each of these matches and we have earmarked both days as validation events to prove our Covid-safe operational capabilities to Westminster City Council, the body which grants the safety certificate for Lord's," Lavender wrote. Ticket arrangements are yet to be confirmed for the school and varsity matches, but it is expected numbers will be initially below 5,000. In a lengthy letter to MCC members explaining a ballot for the eagerly-awaited Test, chief executive and secretary Guy Lavender said the Eton-Harrow match on May 22 will play an important part in the historic venue receiving a safety certificate from Covid-19 inspectors. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |