Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/83

 skill had not deserted him; for he played three innings, and scored 102 runs. He was one of my godfathers; and, after seeing my defence, thought me such a promising young player that he presented me with a bat before he left. My godfather was of the same opinion as my father and uncle about the bat being suited to the height and strength of the player, for the one he gave me was not full size. But it had what I had long wished for, a cane handle.

What was I doing in the way of bowling? will be asked. A great deal; though perhaps not giving it the thoughtful attention I bestowed on batting. I was not blind to the fact that, if I wished to become a good cricketer, I must cultivate every branch of the game. A year or two ago there was some talk of training boys to begin bowling at a shorter distance than twenty-two yards. With that suggestion I heartily agree; for I am perfectly certain that very few boys between the years of ten and fifteen have strength enough to bowl the regulation distance any length of time without becoming tired and bowling short. Eighteen yards was the distance we were taught to begin at, and a good length was the principal point drilled into our heads. I pegged away very perseveringly, and I believe in my twelfth year was paid the compliment of being considered the forlorn hope when the regular bowlers of the club had failed. A very dubious compliment, I admit, but I considered it a very high one. It was very encouraging to me, and I did my little best to justify it.

The year 1860 saw E. M. in great batting form for the West Gloucestershire Club, and I too helped to swell the total of the scoring-sheet. Against Clifton the Club did a good performance, scoring an aggregate of 381, and winning easily. E. M. and my uncle went in first, and made 126 before they were parted.