During the winter of 1885, it was decided to place the club upon a more solid and active basis, and a large gathering of prominent ‘Varsity players and others was held at Oxford, a question at that time coming up, as a suggestion, to include Cambridge ‘Varsity players and others, when it was unanimously resolved and carried, that the club be called “The Oxford University Authentics,” and confined to members of Oxford University only. Special rules were drawn up for membership, etc., and many matters of detail arranged. More important matches were played during the summer vacation, with a view of unearthing latent cricket talent, and giving members an opportunity of being brought more prominently before the cricket authorities at Oxford, and their respective counties—an opportunity they could not otherwise then have had. Above all, it had in view the keeping of old ‘Varsity cricketers of the past in touch with the present, and the present in touch with the future. Professor Case of Corpus Christi College—the well-known old Oxford cricket blue of 1864, 1865, and 1867—readily consented to become the President, and took much interest in the club, and to him we owe its motto: “By Jove’s authentic fire.” It may be mentioned that the name “Authentics” was given to the club by the founder, who, being a musical enthusiast, coined the word “Authentics,” as from an authentic cadence in music, and as derived from the Greek [Greek: authenteô], “to rule”; and from Professor Case’s happy thought the colours of the club were suggested—“Blue” for the sky, “Blood Red” for Jove’s arm, and “Old Gold” for the lightning.
Reverting to country-house cricket—aye, and the observation does for all club matches—the great aim is to induce those participating in first-class cricket to don flannels in the minor game. There is one great inducement, and let all managers take note of it. Tempt the crack amateur by offering him plenty of opportunity to bowl. In county cricket the amateur, with not a dozen exceptions in 1902—all I recall are Messrs. F. S. Jackson, D. L. A. Jephson, E. M. Dowson, E. E. Steel, J. R. Mason, W. M. Bradley, G. H. Simpson Hayward, W. W. Odell, C. M. Wells, H. Hesketh Pritchard and B. J. T. Bosanquet—field out while the professionals conduct the attack. To most amateurs bowling is a joy all the sweeter for its rarity. The amateur will not resist the bait, and will come if he possibly can. There is no cricketer so easy to get on with, or who makes a house match go better, than a distinguished amateur. The bulk are absolutely without “side,” and having learnt the sterner discipline of first-class cricket, absolutely revel in their sporting holiday, while the effect of their presence on the rest of the side is electrical.
With that I conclude. I could write more, if I ventured to trespass further on your attention. Should I have had the good fortune to divert and not to bore, I shall consider myself the luckiest in this band of writers, and after all, I have had the best of all topics. So, hurrah! and long life to country-house cricket!
From a Painting by Louis Belanger, belonging to H.M. the King.
A VILLAGE MATCH IN 1768.
