ported by the pupils of the Rev. Mr. Woodford, at Coalpit Heath. Mr. Woodford about this time had half-a-dozen college boys reading with him, who had learned their cricket under able teachers, and who were much more proficient with bat and ball than the majority of local talent. About the year 1845 the Mangotsfield was much strengthened by the appearance of two nephews of my mother, Mr. William Rees and Mr. George Gilbert, who came to stay with us during the holidays. The holidays lasted nearly two months, and my cousins showed both clubs that they had a great deal to learn in every branch of the game. Both were almost in the first class as batsmen, much above the average as bowlers, and fielded with dash and certainty.
The "Mangotsfield" became too much for its sister club and the majority of the clubs which played against it. The year 1846 saw it still improving, and the West Gloucestershire had to admit its superiority. Amalgamation was agreed upon the year after, and the West Gloucestershire Club chosen as the more dignified and most suitable name. Rodway Hill was the more convenient ground, and there they played for the next twenty years.
The principal clubs in the neighbourhood of Bristol about that period were Clifton, Kingscote, Lansdown, Westbury - on - Trym, and Bedminster. Lansdown had been in existence since 1825, and was the strongest opponent of the West Gloucestershire; the others had very little chance against it. In later years Cheltenham College was included in the list, and became the most exciting match of all. Forty years ago there was not the same limit as to age at Cheltenham, and the XI. were often nearer twenty years than sixteen. The College XI. became a thorn in the side of the West Gloucestershire, in proving that it was not
