In a match on November 11th, 1884, Over 5 ft. v. Under 5 ft., the game was considered by the “cognoscenti” to be a hollow affair for the Overs. These heroes, however, received a lesson as to the folly of holding a foe too cheaply; for the Unders won by 7 goals to 0! The Overs, no doubt, got well chaffed about it; and the smaller boys must have played a very good game to win so easily.
Cambridge twice beat Oxford; the Third Term beat their seniors, the Fourth, by one “corner” only; while the Second Term beat the “News” by 6 goals to 1.
In the first match, Odd Classes v. Even, the Odds won by 2 goals and 1 “corner”; but the Evens turned the tables at the return match, winning by 11 goals 2 “corners” to 2 goals. (It is said that a cadet made some wretched jokes on this occasion; remarking that though the odds were against the Evens, they played even better than the Odds; that it was odd that they had not got even with them before, and so on. There is no saying what intricacies he might not have got entangled in, had not some of his comrades mercifully rolled him down a steep slope and sat on him; while a lieutenant who was told of it spoke darkly of “three days two” if he didn’t drop it. Sensitive minds cannot stand much of this sort of thing!)
In 1884 the cricketing prospects were decidedly improved by the appointment of Mr. E. M. Tims, naval instructor, who has been there ever since, and is now chief. For many years he was a tower of strength to the eleven; but has now relinquished cricket, and is resting on his laurels, and urging on his juniors to further victories.
THE CRICKET PAVILION.
Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth.
The cricket season of 1885 opened well, Britannia again beating Plymouth Garrison on May 6th; while a week later they scored a tremendous victory over Plymouth Cricket Club.
Britannia, 299; Underwood “came off” to admiration, scoring 156; he and Lieut. Thomas contributed 206 between them; moreover, there was quite a record in extras—no less than 31. Plymouth went in against this formidable total, and only succeeded in obtaining 87.
May 16th, Britannia v. Torquay: