Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/273

 last recorded match was for Hampshire against the M.C.C. at Lord's in 1798, he being then 6l years of age; and but few, if any, cricketers have continued playing so late in life in county matches. He is said to have commenced his career in great matches in 1755, when only 18 years of age. If so, he played longer than any other cricketer ever has done; but he certainly appeared in no county match after the present one, though probably he played in the vicinity of Petersfield some years longer. Small's average, though very good, will not be found so high as Beldham's, T. Walker's, and a few others of that period; but this is to be accounted for from the fact that none of his innings previous to 1772 can anywhere be found, and therefore all the scores he made when in his prime are lost, as he had completed his 35th year when his name is first found in this book. As a bat, Small was 'tip-top', using his wrists well, and was a capital judge of the short run. He was also a most splendid field, active as a hare, and generally taking the post of middle-wicket. This 'admirable old man' was originally a shoemaker, but relinquished that trade to follow the game of cricket. He was long the 'crack' batsman of the Hambledon Club, of which he was one of the original members. (It would be interesting to know the names of the great players when Small began to play.) He also excelled in making bats and balls, keeping a shop for the sale of them. Indeed the latter were considered matchless; and when 80 years of age, he sold the last half dozen balls he ever made to E. H. Budd, Esq., from whom W. Ward, Esq., afterwards wished to purchase them at a guinea a piece! When he first began cricket, of course the crooked bat and scraping style of play must have been in use, and therefore more credit is due to Small in being able, when about 38 years of age, to change his play to the straight and defensive system! Small was also an excellent sportsman, and a capital shot. He held the deputation of the manor of Grantham and Foley many years, as