Cricket "Test series", Monmouth v Dean Foresters, 1839 (General)

by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Monday, December 09, 2013, 19:34 (4003 days ago)

Whilst listening last-night to another cricket match downunder, I found this old newspaper report which I hope is of interest, relating to what appears to be a far more important "international Test series" from way back.

Reported by the Monmouthshire Merlin of 24th August 1839.

"CRICKET.
The return Cricket Match between the Monmouth and Forest of Dean Clubs, came off at Monmouth, on Monday last. The ground was not very favourable, on account of the heavy rains which had fallen during the preceding night. Upon this occasion, the Forest of Dean men won in one innings: the score was as under. The two clubs being now even, another game will be played at St. Briavels on Monday next.

FOREST OF DEAN. — FIRST INNINGS.
Nicholls ........... 11 Caught, Jones.
Roberts,sen ...... 3 Bowled, Jones.
Richman ............8 Bowled, W.Wanklyn.
Crawshay .........12 Run out.
Phillpotts ..........2 Bowled, W.Wanklyn.
W. Roberts,jun ..3 Leg before wicket.
Coke ................1 Run out.
Brickdale ..........0 Bowled, W.Wanklyn.
Newmarsh ........2 Not out.
Curre ...............4 Bowled, W.Jones.
Machen ............4 Bowled, W.Wanklyn.
Byes ...............2
TOTAL: ...........52

MONMOUTH. -
FIRST INNINGS......................................SECOND INNINGS.
W. Wanklyn ....5 Leg before wicket. .........2 Bowled, Richman.
E. Wanklyn .....4 Stumped out, Nicholls. ...0 Ditto, ditto.
Bellamy .........1 Caught, Nicholls. ...........0 Not out.
Jones ............0 Bowled, Richman. ..........2 Leg before wicket.
E. Wall ..........1 Caught, Machen. ............0 Bowled, Richman.
King ..............1 Leg before wicket. .........1 Bowled, Nicholls.
Rolls ..............1 Bowled, Nicholls. ..........6 Ct., Roberts,jun.
Whitehouse ....2 caught, Newmarsh. .......0 Bowled, Nicholls.
Nicholas .........1 Caught, Roberts. ..........2 Bowled, Richman.
T. George .......0 Not out. ......................6 Ct., Roberts,sen.
Long ............10 Caught, Nicholls. ..........1 Caught, Machen.
Byes .............1 ...................................3
TOTALS: ........28.....................................23

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3393003/ART27/cricket%20dean

The Merlin was published and printed in Monmouth by: Charles Hough (1829- ca.1835), John Nash (ca.1835), Edward Dowling (ca.1835-1858) and William Christopher (ca.1858-1884).

I hope to find out a lot more about this match and the players, but at first glance it appears the teams are largely madeup of prominent local "gentleman" as might be expected given the date eg Crawshay, Machen, Rolls. I see the Roberts name well-represented in the Dean side, a name also prominent in the history of our club Cinderford St Johns formed 1880.