GREAT CRICKET FINISH

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1920, Page 4

GREAT CRICKET FINISH

HOW MIDDLESEX WON. LONDON, Aug. 28. When Mr G. T. S. Stevens bowled the last. Surrey batsman at Lord’s yesterday and gave Middlesex the victory necessary to win for thorn the closest fight for the championship in the history of the game, there was witnessed one of the most remarkable scenes ever known on the most famous of cricket grounds. ! Not even after a Test match lias greater enthusiasm been shown. -Not even a sensational finish to a ’Varsity match lias won cheering louder or longer. It was almost hysterical in its intensity. The excitement which has been growing for weeks past as the championship became more interesting had reached its climax. Strangers were shaking hands with one another and saying how delighted they were that Mr "Plum” Warner had led his team to the head of the counties in the last year of his captaincy. While the final overs were being bowled thousands of spectators had already gathered at the edge of the boundary, ready to rush forward to congratulate the victorious team. And a moment after the last wicket fell the grass was black with people all hurrying towards the slim figure in the Harlequin cap which has become so much a part of English cricket. Mr P. F. Warner ran, too, but the crowd caught him near the pavilion- gate and carried him in triumph up the steps. And then came the oheering, volley after volley, and the hat-waving, which continued until Mr P. E. Warner, surrounded by the amateurs of the team, appeared on the balcony. As he stepped forward there came, a sudden silence even more impressive than the cheering. Standing with his hat in his hand, and speaking clearly enough for those on the edge of the crowd to hear, he told of his great pride in his team, his great love of the game, and the sorrow he felt at saying goodbye to county cricket. "This is both , tha happiest and the saddest day of my , life,” he said. - 1