Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 21 August 1903

Denaby v. Swinton

The return fixture between these two clubs was decided on Saturday last on the Denaby enclosure. Owing to the very inclement conditions that prevailed there were only a very few spectators present. Denaby, for a wonder, had only one Robinson included in its ranks, Luther and Walter Robinson being absentees, and Scott also did not play. Their places were filled up by second team men—W. Smith (son of “Crick” Smith), F. Butler, S. Hadfield, and H. Rose. The visitors were about as usual.

Denaby batted first, but opened in demoralising fashion, their wickets falling like ninepins before the deliveries of Jagger and Bowers. When the rain, which had threatened all the afternoon, fell at last, putting an end to proceedings for a time, Denaby had lost six good wickets for only 30 runs. Arthur Robinson only made one, Stott and Smith 10 each, whilst Moore and Burgin made a pair of spectacles.

Play was resumed shortly after four o’clock, W. Smith and C. Bury being the batsmen. A change then came over the game, both batsmen at first playing with extreme caution, ultimately mastering the bowling, and soon runs were coming freely. The youngster Smith, who is only 18 or 19 years of age, batted remarkably well, and changes of bowlers were tried with no effect.

However, with the score now well on, Bury was bowled by Taylor. Butler, another second team man, followed in, and he and Smith played the bowling until another sharp shower made the players seek the shelter of the pavilion. At this time Smith had made 40 in really splendid style, his leg glances and forward strokes being a treat to watch. At this stage the score was 78.

When play was again resumed about six o’clock, Denaby declared and sent Swinton in to bat, but when 42 were on for the loss of five wickets the game had to be abandoned on account of bad light, and only a few minutes of time. Rigby and Taylor batted well for 14, whilst Butler dismissed Rigby with a splendid slip catch.

Denaby v. Swinton