Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/306

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

a splendid batsman and fine field. The season of 1875 was his best for the county; he scored 191 in a single innings against Kent, and averaged 61 for the whole season. When the bowling was at all off the spot, Mr. Cotterill was in his element, and spectators had a rare display of scientific and all-round hitting; or, if the boundaries were small, he adapted himself to the situation, and, instead of going in for low hitting all along the ground, he put additional force into the stroke and hit right over the ropes. The match, United South v. Twenty-two of Edinburgh, at Edinburgh, in 1872, was played on a rather small ground, and I remember how he ran out at every favourable opportunity and hit the ball time after time among the spectators for his 95, second innings. He did not play for the Gentlemen so often as his performances entitled him to, but after his removal to Edinburgh he doubtless found his medical work prevented him from travelling so far south.

Few players have been so successful in throwing the cricket-ball, his performances that way being exceptionally good.

I competed against him at Eastbourne Sports in 1870, and a very good contest we had. The cricketers present took sides, and we were heartily cheered in the final throw, which was considered excellent at the time. My last effort, when measured, was 116 yds.; his, as well as I can remember, half-dozen yards less. But it will be seen from the following results that he exceeded that five years later:

In June, 1872, at the Edinburgh University Sports, he threw 116 yds. 1 ft. 4 ins.

In September, 1874, at Lewes Priory Sports, Sussex, he threw in 111 yds.

In March, 1875, at Edinburgh University Trial Sports, he threw 113 yds.