clubs; but more particularly for gentlemen bowlers who should wrest the supremacy from the professionals, and make the Gentlemen v. Players match a closer contest.
The club became a most popular one, and did good work for the game whenever it played. Crowds naturally flocked to see an eleven which comprised most of the best amateur bats of the day. Originally small in number, its strength to-day is something to be proud of, and to be enrolled amongst its members is considered a very high honour. I have in my possession a copy of its first Rules and Regulations, and give a selection:
RULE III.
A candidate for election shall be placed at a wicket, with or without a bat as the club may decide, and be bowled at. One straight ball to exclude. The number of balls given not to exceed the number of members of the I Z.
RULE V.
That the entrance be nothing, and the annual subscription do not exceed the entrance; but that the expenses of a match (i.e. of the I Z. umpire, &c.) be defrayed by the members engaged therein.
RULE VII.
That all directions connected with the game may be conveyed in the French or Italian languages.
SUPPLICATION.
Members playing in I Z. matches are more than most earnestly requested to abstain from wearing any coloured shirt, jacket or trousers. A Zingari belt or cap or ribbon should be the only distinguishing badge.
IRRITATION.
I Z. batsmen and fieldsmen being hit are not entitled to scratch or rub.
PROHIBITION.
Health drinking and dry toasts.
REITERATION.
Keep your promise, keep your temper, keep your wicket up.
The club flourished at a great rate, and in 1862 was made up of Active Members, Agents, Half-play Members liable to be called out, Members unattached to Cricket but attached to the I Z., and Candidates for the Asylum for Aged and Decayed Zingari.
