Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks,
Football & Sporting Memorabilia

‘Gentlemen v. Players’ 1885. Early original double sided scorecard with incomplete printed and handwritten scores for the match played at Kennington Oval, 2nd- 4th July 1885. In a relatively high scoring match, a strong Players side batted first and scored 352 (William Gunn 93, Johnny Briggs 85, Arthur Shrewsbury 64) and then bowled out a weak Gentlemen side for 172 (Kingsmill Key 49, Wilfred Flowers 5/51). Forced to follow on 180 runs in deficit, the result looked to be a foregone conclusion, but innings of 159 from Walter Read, supported by W.G. Grace (76) and Manley Kemp (60no) they reached 372. Set 192 to win, the Players ran out of time and ended 148/5, and the match was drawn. Advertisement for ‘Cricket. A Weekly Record of the Game’ to verso. Printed on the ground by Wright & Co. (Cricket Press), London. 4.5”x6”. Some foxing and odd minor faults, otherwise in good condition.