General News
1 August, 2025
WHEN WE LED THE WAY: We hosted England’s finest
In 1850 the Australian population was comprised mainly of people of British descent. Sporting facilities were virtually non-existent as was any organised team competitions.
Generally sporting competition was solely cricket.
Most games were challenges rarely comprising a team of 11 or a club.
Improvisation was the name of the game.
Teams from all over the district were involved in challenges. Most of the matches were vigorously sponsored by the local hoteliers, usually single and double wicket games.
Considerable amounts of money was wagered on the outcomes. Most of the contributors were cashed-up gold miners from the district.
Teams from all over the district took part. Some of the challengers were Dunolly, Maldon, Tarnagulla, Amherst, Talbot, Betley, Ararat and Castlemaine.
Amazingly teams from Melbourne were regular challengers.
The playing facilities were primitive. The wickets were dirt pitches (totally unpredictable).
They upgraded to matting which was hardly any more friendly to the batter.
To make runs even more difficult was that they could only be scored forward of the wicket.
Maryborough issued a challenge to Ballarat for a stake of £15 in 1859.
It was to be a single wicket match played on the Eastern Oval.
Two surprising outcomes were firstly, a special train was chartered to Ballarat, and secondly that several bookmakers bet ball-by-ball on the match.
The favouritism fluctuated and when the Ballarat side seemed certain to win, Maryborough’s last batsmen (considered as a bunny) eked out the winning run on a misfield. To use cricketing vernacular “the last man got his tucker!”.
This game was the impetus and the game became a fixture.
In 1863 Princes Park became accessible and in 1893 it became as it is today. In 1885 the grandstand was declared open.
Elation filled Maryborough when it was announced that England’s finest 20 players were to play a local team.
The team was to be led by the legendary W.G. Grace. The English 11 were to play a local team of 22 players.
Avoca’s considerable anger at not getting the match led to a minor sabotage.
On their way from Ararat to Maryborough, the English party were entertained by a street banquet featuring Avoca’s finest wine and produce.
The team arrived late for the reception in Maryborough and exhausted from their over indulgence in Avoca.
The challenges were dominated by the bowlers. The wickets were “dragged earth” and produced “shooters and kickers”.
The England team among its numbers had the legendary W.G. Grace.
In all his first class cricket Grace scored over 54,000 runs and took over 2000 wickets.
The township recognised the significance of the occasion with the council and business houses doing everything possible to make it a memorable occasion.
The costs were two shillings and one shilling admission.
The cost for the celebration ball was one guinea for a lady and gentleman.
The England team dismissed the district side for 72 and 76 making 223 itself with Grace scoring 44.
The crowd of over 3000 exceeded any other on the tour.
Incredibly Griffiths, an England player, challenged a Beechworth 11.
Given three fielders he dismissed every batter for ducks. One no ball was the only score.
He then scored two singles and the game was over.
Of particular note was the diminutive Sam Cosstick, a fast round arm bowler who played for Victoria over a span of 16 years and umpired a test match in 1877.
Everyone in Maryborough is indebted to Ron Sinclair who despite his health issues was able to research the history of cricket.
I had the good fortune to spend some time with Ron in Holyrood Street.
Despite severe arthritis he was able to type with the stubs of his fingers.
When holidaying in England I visited the Lord’s Library where the “History of Cricket in Maryborough” was given the recognition it deserves.
Ron’s contribution to the MKM Cricket Club is recognised in the naming of the Ron Sinclair Oval and life membership of MKM and the Maryborough District Cricket Association.
Hopefully the updating of Ron’s work may take place in the future.
Sadly like most competitive sports in the district the numbers have dwindled dramatically both in officials and participants.
I also had the good fortune to work with Graham Neil for a decade on the MDCA.