Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 August 1903

Conisboro’ v. Denaby

Sensational Win by Conisboro’

The meeting of these old-time rivals excited no little interest in the two respective villages, and as a large attendance is always assured, it was a happy idea on the part of Conisboro’ to arrange that their professional, M. Harrison, should on Saturday receive his well-deserved benefit. This is the second time these teams have met this season, and, as on the previous occasion, a splendid game was witnessed. The weather was ideal for cricket, the heat of mid-day being tempered with a light breeze, attracting larger crowds than would have been the case had the weather broken.

Denaby elected to bat first, but opened very badly, G. L. Robinson and “Crick” Smith soon being dismissed, when only about 20 were out. With two of the finest bats Denaby possesses gone, things were not looking very rosy. The home men were quite at their best, their fielding all round being excellent. Scott batted patiently for 17 before being given out leg before to the bowling of Shaw.

The latter, who had gone on in place of Nicholls, kept an excellent length, and repeatedly had the batsmen in difficulties; try as they would, they could not get him away. The Denaby “rot” was stopped by Moore, who hit up a splendid, if lucky, 39, his play undoubtedly saving Denaby from a much heavier defeat than they were destined to receive. Scott also batted well for his valuable 17, but the remaining wickets were soon knocked over.

C. Bury’s appearance was hailed with delight, in anticipation as to how he would fare against the bowling of his former club mates. He played Field’s first ball prettily, but the next removed his bails to the accompaniment of a round of cheering. Bargin, who obtained six, was caught and bowled by Field very low down, and this smart performance was cheered to the echo. Hatfield was bowled by Field the next ball, the home captain at this point having obtained two wickets in two successive deliveries.

Barker, however, prevented him from doing the “hat trick,” but Field had his revenge by dismissing him off Shaw’s bowling behind the wickets. It was the best catch of the afternoon, and he fully deserved the round of applause which followed. The innings closed for 113, Field having obtained five wickets for 21 runs.

Conisboro’ entered upon this seemingly impossible task, with the professional, Mat Harrison, and Farrar opening the batting. With only three runs on, Farrar was run out. Walker followed, and whilst only making four he helped the professional to take the total to 26 before being dismissed by a beautiful ball from Luther Robinson.

J. Day, the hero of the previous encounter with Denaby, when he made 52 not out, followed in. With the score at 53, Day had to go, Barker bowling him with a “trailer.” Shaw came next, and he and the professional added 30 runs before the latter was given out leg before to Luther Robinson. He had played a magnificent innings of 58 out of a total of 84.

Conisboro’ have in a great measure to thank their professional for their great and sensational victory over their rivals, for they won easily with four wickets to spare. The fifth wicket fell at 110, and the sixth at 117, Shaw being not out 17, Tennison 15, and “Mr. Extras” compiled 13.

Denaby v. Conisboro’