Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 August 1903
Conisboro’s Great Achievement
Conisboro’ and Denaby are names that are inseparably linked together by more ties than one, and it is with cricket as with “urban powers” that the antagonistic spirit prevails. Denaby have for the past few years been looked upon as the superiors of their neighbours in the cricketing world, and most games that have been decided between these teams have generally ended in Denaby’s favour. Therefore, it will come to most people who follow cricket closely in the Mexboro’ and District League as a great surprise to know that on Saturday last Conisboro’ succeeded in turning the tables upon their proud “relations,” and annexing a couple of most welcome points.
Especially is this noticeable when one studies the league table, for, previous to the match, Denaby stood level with Mitchell Main for third position with 21 points, whilst Conisboro’ and Swinton were keeping each other warm at the bottom of the ladder with eight points each. Truly, these past weeks have furnished some surprises, for with Swinton beating Mexboro’ in hollow fashion the previous Saturday, and Conisboro’ accounting for the Denaby team last week, one begins to wonder how the clubs will ultimately finish.
A Rumping Benefit
The match between Conisboro’ and Denaby has been set aside for the benefit of Conisboro’s professional, Mat Harrison, and a more deserving sportsman never donned the flannels in the Mexboro’ League. He has rendered Conisboro’ invaluable service this season, and practically won them the match on Saturday.
The game was made all the more interesting by the fact that Harrison was formerly professional for Denaby, whilst Bury, who figured on the Denaby side last season, played for Conisboro’; but whereas the former “came off,” the latter was bowled second ball. The game was decided under splendid climatic conditions, and a large crowd assembled to see the “great fete,” whilst in addition a good number of tickets had been disposed of, and with the hat going round when Harrison had completed his 50 he should be assured of a substantial sum.
He deserves it. He made 58 before, in attempting to pull a ball round to leg, he was given out leg before. He received a splendid ovation on returning to the pavilion, some of the Conisboro’ supporters seemingly being intoxicated with delight. This fine compilation, coming as it does upon his very creditable score of 62 not out made against Tansley the previous week, only shows that this popular professional did not exhibit his true form in the earlier part of the season.
How the Play Went
To cut the story short, Denaby, who batted first, were more than surprised at the excellence of the opposing attack, which is proved by the fact that the whole side were dismissed for 113, towards which Moore (39), Scott (17), and Stott (17) were the principal contributors.
T. Field, the home captain, secured five wickets for 21 runs—a capital achievement. Conisboro’ astonished their supporters by hitting off the runs required for victory for the loss of only six wickets, Harrison, as stated, being the star artist. He received support from Shaw (17 not out) and Tomlinson (15).
It was a glorious victory, and sent the home crowd delirious with delight. Luther Robinson, the visiting captain, seemed to give most trouble to the batsmen, but there “Luther” always was a trier.