The overdoing of athletics at schools is a favourite topic in these years, but on the whole Punch acquiesced in the new and formidable organization of pastimes of all sorts that went on in the 'seventies and 'eighties. He saw nothing but wholesome rivalry in contests with the Dominions. The early visits of the Australian cricket teams are dealt with at great length. In 1878, the year of Spofforth's "demoniacal" exploits, we read how,
The Australians came down like a wolf on the fold,
The Mary'bone cracks for a trifle were bowled;
Our Grace before dinner was very soon done,
And our Grace after dinner did not get a run.
Criticism was not wanting, but it was not directed against the visitors. At the close of the season Punch gives wholesome advice to English cricketers to repair their bad taste, bad management and bad play, and the advice is not without its point in 1921. Punch had already adapted Byron for his purpose; now he turned to Campbell:—
The Cricketers of England!
They yet may have their turn,
When pique, and fuss, and funk depart
And good pluck and luck return.