Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/287

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SACRILEGE TRIUMPHANT
219

in a drunken fit about 1796, aged about 46. 'His dying request to George Ring was, that he (Ring) would kill his favourite dog, and bury it with him. This was done in despite of the remonstrance of the officiating clergyman, on the score of sacrilege.' There were two cricketers of the name of Wood playing about this time in the great matches (no relation, but both opponents of the Hambledon Club). John Nyren in his book mentions but one, John Wood. John Wood resided at Seal, near Sevenoaks, in Kent; was a change bowler, and a good general player; tall, stout, and bony. The Seal register has no entry of his burial; the date of death, age, &c., therefore remains unknown. Thomas Wood, the other player, was a miller, residing at Pirbright, in Surrey. It is sometimes impossible to distinguish one from the other (as is the case with several other old cricketers), owing to the initials being often omitted in the old scores.