Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/411

 Mr. A. J. Webbe was born in London on the 16th January, 1855. His height is 5ft. 8 in.; weight, about 11½ st. He might almost be called a veteran; for he has been before the public as a first-class player for more than 17 years. He earned a great school reputation at Harrow, strengthened it by his doings at Oxford, and in 1875, when he first represented the Gentlemen, he played most brilliantly. His fine score in the second innings, against the Players, at Lord's that year will not readily be forgotten for the sound defence and great patience he exercised in compiling it. I have had the pleasure of an enjoyable and profitable partnership with him on two or three occasions since; but I do not believe he has ever played more brilliantly than he did then, when he was in his 21st year, and was almost a stranger to first-class professional bowling. Morley, A. Shaw, and Hill were at their best, but we put on 203 runs before we were parted; his 65, as well as I can remember, being faultless.

Very few know how successful he has been with the bat. Year after year he has been well up in the averages, and to-day, though he is in his 37th year, he is as sure and effective as ever. The year 1887 was far and away his finest. On the 5th of August that season he scored 192 not out against Kent, and a week later 243 not out against Yorkshire. In the second match the wicket was very fiery, and Hunter, the wicket-keeper, had to stand back to the fast bowlers. Ball after ball went over Mr. Webbe's head, but his nerve and patience never deserted him.

When Mr. I. D. Walker gave up the captaincy of the Middlesex Eleven, Mr. Webbe took up the responsibility, and ever since he has worked with hands and head to speed its interests. That he has succeeded everyone will admit, just as freely as it will be admitted