Mexborough and District League – Conisborough 45 Swinton 46 for 8

May 1897

Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 14, 1807

Mexborough and District League

Conisborough 45              Swinton 46 for 8

G.Wilson 7-15

The opening league fixture between these teams was brought off on the former ground on Saturday. The weather was cold, and a strong wind was blowing across the ground. The fielding side fielded with their coats on, and colours turned up.

The homesteaders were the first two bats. (Sharpe and Nesbitt). George Wilson and Ardron shared the bowling. The former’s bowling was unplayable, and both the first two had to retire with a “duck,” the next three batsmen were soon dismissed, and then a bit of a stand was made by Briggs and Burton. The former was not allowed to get double figures, for when he had made nine he was well caught by wood of Ardron, the remaining batsmen did not take much trouble, Briggs carrying out his back very useful eight. The whole side were dismissed for a paltry 45. Geo Wilson claimed seven wickets for 15 runs, a very good performance, whilst Ardron took three wickets for 20 runs.

With only 46 to get to win, Swinton started in a smart fashion, Atley and Mallinson started to the bowling of Keys and “Gud” Hardy, the old Mexborough goalkeeper. Runs came pretty freely for a start, but after Mallinson had made nine he missed a straight ball from Keys. Then came Barlow, who after having made four was well caught by Sharp. Atney was next to leave, he having played a good innings of 13 runs. Wickets now began to fall in alarming fashion, and it looked as though Conisborough were going to pull it off. With three wickets to fall and four runs to get to win Swinton looked as though they would just get home. Wilson, in trying to get the necessary for by driving the ball out of the field, was cleverly caught in the Longfield by Sharp. With Wood and Jeffcoat in, the four were got by byes, leaving these two not out with none to their credit, with Dr Fullerton to bat.

Thus Swinton gained a narrow victory by two wickets.