Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/406

 for his side; and in 1862, in the same match, he scored 98 and 10, the former score being the highest made on either side. At Southgate, where he lived for many years, he formed the Southgate Club, which became a very strong one, owing to the all-round proficiency of himself and his younger brothers. Mr. Walker has been closely identified with the Marylebone and Surrey Clubs for years.

Mr. Russell Walker, another member of the famous family, was born at Southgate, Middlesex, 13th February, 1842. His height was 5 ft. 8½ ins.; weight, 13 st. He possessed the family hitting powers, and could play steadily when wanted. His quickness of eye and wrist-power were remarkable, and one hit was unique and exceptional; indeed, I cannot remember anyone but himself attempting it. If he were bowled a long-hop to leg, and it bounded high, with indescribable quickness he would hit it over his shoulder sufficiently hard to make it go over long-stop's head. I used to think it a fancy stroke, but changed my mind when I saw how repeatedly and effectively he brought it off. Where he got the quickness to do it, I do not know: possibly his racquet training at Oxford may account for it. He was champion at that there in 1861-2-3-4. In later years he showed the same quickness at tennis, and I have watched him with infinite pleasure in the court at Lord's, when he gave some of his fine displays against very much younger players, who fancied they had rather an easy undertaking before them. He had the power of being able to disguise his play, and you might look for a very long time into his eyes before you could find out where he meant to place the ball.

As a batsman, he met with great success in important matches; but his finest effort, to my mind, was his 92 in the second innings of the Gentlemen v. Players at