Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/230

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174
THE HAMBLEDON MEN

much to establish the good feeling that now exists towards Cricket, and Cricketers, in all parts of the kingdom, by showing the science as well as the true spirit of the game; that is, by playing with all their skill and determination to beat their opponents, and at the same time to be the best of friends with them. Their system allows them to play in all parts of the kingdom more than any other Club, and wherever they have once been, I believe they are always welcome again. These matches bring all classes together; men of all shades congregate, folks of all ages meet: if they can't join in the game, they take a delight in seeing their relations or friends excelling others. The wealthy and great derive advantage from them, as well as those inferior in station: they have an opportunity of seeing that there is good sense as well as good dispositions amongst their poorer neighbours, while these, by mixing in better society, gain an improvement in manners and morals.


Sir, I have gone rather minutely into different parts of the game: to some I may have been tedious, but as I had never read a book where these different points of the game had been sufficiently explained, I determined at your request to try my hand. It 's my first attempt, and probably the last. If it was making a match or playing it I should be more at home. Take the will then, for the deed, and I only hope I shall live to see some who have profited by my remarks. I now conclude, Sir, and hoping that we (I mean you, I, and our readers) may all meet in the field in this and future years,

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

WM. CLARKE.