RUSHDEN - CRICKET CLUB—The members of this club are working energetically to make the concert which they propose to give on behalf of the club successful. Funds are needed for the purpose of introducing improvements into the general management of the club not to meet expenses which have already been incurred. This announcement is necessary, because an erroneous impression has got abroad as to the object for which the forthcoming concert is to be given.

CRICKET MATCH—On Monday last the cricket season was opened by the Rushden Cricket Club playing a match against the Desborough club, on the Rushden ground. The Desborough team, who had the assistance of Mr. T. Plumb, won on the first innings.

The Annual Meeting of the Rushden Cricket Club was held on Thursday week in the Club-room, at the Coach and Horses Inn, Mr. F. Knight presiding. The Secretary read letters received from the various clubs he had written to respecting matches for the coming season, from which it appeared that a good number of matches would be played. A discussion as to when the duties of a professional should commence ensued, and it was ultimately arranged that his engagement should commence about the middle of May. The principal business of the evening was the election of officers for the season, and the following were chosen: Captain, Mr. F. Knight; treasurer, Mr. Jas. Bull; secretary, Mr. C. Claridge; committee, Messrs. J. Claridge, C. Bradfield and C. Bull; collector, Mr. Jas. Bull. About 12 persons joined the club, and the number now on the books is over 40.

RUSHDEN CRICKET CLUB—A MATCH between an Eleven chosen by J. Hill, Esq., and an Eleven of the above Club, will be played at Rushden on Monday and Tuesday, August 15th and 16th. Play to commence each day at 11.30. The following are the probable players:—

Mr. Hill's Eleven: J. Hill, H. Peel, C. W. Rawlinson, J. H. Savory, L. S. Gibbard, J. W. Orr, J. M. Markham, Hon. F. Henley, G. R. Burge, S. Monck, W. Harris.

Rushden: F. Knight, G. Dentoo, J. Claridge, W. Claridge, J. T. Colson, J. S. Mason, C. Bull, G. Bull, C. H. Simpson, S. Robinson, C. Claridge.

Admission to the ground each day, 2d.; a space will be reserved for ladies, 6d.

Rushden Cricket Club—The annual meeting of the above club took place on Monday evening in the Infant Schoolroom. Supper, to which about 40 members and friends sat down, was provided by Mrs. Wood, of the Wagon and Horses Inn. Amongst the visitors were Mr. Wilkins, Mr. J. Warren, Mr. W. Claridge, sen., Mr. E. Knight, &c., &c. After the cloth had been removed the chair was occupied by Mr. G. Denton, who called upon the secretary (Mr. J. Claridge) to read the report, which was as follows:—"In again celebrating our annual meeting, it is with much satisfaction that we are able to present, both with regard to our strength as a club, and to our financial position, a very much more encouraging and favourable account than we were able to do at our annual meeting last year. With regard to the financial state of affairs, as will be seen from the balance-sheet, we started the present season with a balance due to the treasurer of over £6. We shall be able to start next year with more than this amount to our credit. This alteration in our position is due in a large measure to the liberal way in which we have been supported by the public, for by the charge for admission to our home matches we have realised over £14, whilst the sports were productive of over £16. These items, with the £4 received from honorary members (exclusive of the list of Mr. Praed, which has not yet been received), contributes in a very large degree to our total of receipts. From a cricketer's point of view, the season just ended has been a very pleasing and most satisfactory one. The weather was much more favourable than last year, and on this account we were able to play more matches. The total number of matches played was 19; of this number we lost two, two were drawn, and 15 were won. The matches lost, as all of you are aware, were with Mr. Hill's XI on Aug. 15 and 16, and the return match with the Britons on September 15th. In the match with Mr. Hill's team we were defeated by 10 wickets. In our first innings, the batting of Messrs. Denton and Bull, as all will remember, was very good. Going in first, they put together 112 runs for the first wicket, a feat before unknown in the annals of the club. These two received good help from Mr. J. Claridge (36), and Mr. G. Bull (16), but the rest did very little, and the innings closed for 177. On Mr. Hill's team going in to bat, rain came on very heavily, and our bowlers could scarcely hold the ball. Next morning the ground played very dead, and before the second wicket fell 119 runs had been made, about 80 of which had been made the previous night. The innings closed for 242. In our second innings we only made 92, leaving Mr. Hill's team 29 to get to win, which number they obtained without the loss of a wicket. For Mr. Hill's team Messrs. Savory (85) and C. W. Rawlinson (46) batted finely; Mr. Markham, Mr. Burge, and Mr. Hill also batted well. The rain coming on at intervals appeared all against us, and though undoubtedly the beat team won, yet, had the weather been more favourable, the match would no doubt have been closer. Our other loss was with the Britons at Northampton. Here we played one man short in both innings, but deducting for this loss, our rapid collapse in both innings is altogether unaccountable. None of our team were in practice; this no doubt was one reason for our not scoring better. For the Britons Messrs. J and F. Kingston made 91 out of 134. In the end we were beaten in one innings, our totals being respectively 43 and 27. The matches drawn were with the Bedford Grammar School on Whit Wednesday, and with the Luton club at Luton. In the former match we scored 347, being at the wickets the whole of the day. The principal scorers in the match were S. Robinson 104 not out, L. S. Gibbard 58, J. Claridge 48, F. Knight 29, J. Mason 27, G. Sanders, 23. In the match at Luton, the latter scored 111 in their first innings, and when the match was abandoned we had made 21 for one wicket. The matches won have been with the Britons once, Oundle once, Kimbolton twice, N.G.S. twice, Wellingborough twice, Finedon twice, Irthlingborough twice, Abington House School twice, and Luton once. The best matches have been played with Mr. Hill's 11, the Britons, Kimbolton, at Kimbolton, Luton, and Abington House School, at Northampton. During Whit week five matches were played, and it is interesting to find that during the week five players scored over 100 runs, these being G. Denton, S. Robinson, C. Bull, J. Mason, and J. Claridge. The most exciting match was with the Britons at Rushden. ln the first innings the Britons made 62, our score being 46. In the second innings the Britons made 56, leaving us 73 to win. These were made just before time, the excitement as each run was made being very manifest by the lusty cheering. This result was mainly attributable to Mr. J. Claridge, who carried out his bat for 21, J. Mason contributing a most valuable 12. The match was won by four wickets. This year will be remembered as having seen the "century" obtained by two of the members of the club. This distinguished honour has been obtained by Mr. G. Denton, who made 124 not out against Irthlingborough, and by Mr. S. Robinson, who scored 104, not out, at Bedford. But this year will be remembered especially by us, for the proud position the club occupied in being able to number among its members seven who at one time or another took part in county matches. This fact speaks well for the strength of the club, and should give each member an impetus for making the club in future as successful as it has been this year. Cricket in Rushden is now in good condition, and if the interest in the game is maintained, as we have no doubt it will be, we see no reason why, during the coming season, we may not be as successful as we have been this year. The success of this year should encourage us, and make us resolve to redouble our efforts, not simply to retain the reputation gained this year, but to make the club stronger and the cricket of a better nature than it has ever been before. The thanks of the club are due to those gentlemen who, not playing at cricket themselves, support us by their generous aid; they are especially due to one of our vice-presidents (Mr. Praed) who kindly undertook to see a few gentlemen to ask them to subscribe to the club. Though we have not yet received his list, we know that he has collected something on our behalf. We are sorry to state that the bowling analysis has not been kept in all the matches this year; we are consequently unable to find out whose analysis comes out best. We are therefore only able to give those who obtained most wickets. These are J. Claridge (34), S. Robinson (33), J. Mason (36), J. T. Colson (22), G. Bull (27).”

The number of runs made by the Club in completed innings during the year was 2,835, giving an average per innings of 135. Reckoning innings unfinished the total number of runs made during the year was 3,339.

The Chairman, at the conclusion of the report, expressed the pleasure it had given him to listen to the report, which at any rate surpassed anything he had previously listened to on former occasions such as these, and although somewhat eulogistic of himself, yet he thought it was a most pleasing and satisfactory report.

The report was then, amid much applause, unanimously adopted.

The Secretary then read the balance sheet, which showed a balance in hand, after paying all expenses, of over £9. This, the Chairman remarked, was even more satisfactory than the report, and it was for the meeting to decide to what purpose the balance should be appropriated. After some discussion a proposition to the effect that a furrow on either side of the cricket ground be taken up and levelled, and that a piece at either end be also levelled was unanimously carried, and a committee consisting of Mr. G. Denton, Mr. F. Knight, Mr. J. Claridge, Mr. J. Mason, and Mr. C. Bull, were appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The flooring of the pavilion was also mentioned, and upon the recommendation of the Chairman this matter was left to the committee just appointed. —The Chairman then read a letter from a professional asking if the Club intended to engage a professional during the coming season, and applying for the place should it be decided to engage one. Some discussion took place upon the matter, and in the end a proposition to the effect that the Club was not in a position to engage a professional, and that the writer of the letter be written to to this effect, was unanimously carried. It was also unanimously resolved that Mr. C. Bull be appointed to look after the ground next year if he is willing to undertake the duty, the Chairman, Mr. Knight, Mr. Bradfield, and others speaking in high terms of praise of the efficient manner in which he attended to his duties during the past season.

A suggestion was made by Mr. Warren that a special effort should be made to secure more honorary members. He believed that many gentlemen would become honorary members if they were seen by someone and asked to subscribe.—This gave rise to some discussion, in the course of which Mr. F. Knight explained to Mr. Warren the difficulty the officers of the club experienced in the matter, and thought if it was taken by a non-player the difficulty would be more easily overcome. He thanked Mr. Warren for his suggestion, and hoped they might number more honorary members in the future.—A suggestion from the Committee was put before the meeting by the Chairman to the effect that in future members' subscriptions be paid in advance and in one sum, instead of monthly as at present. A proposition to this effect, with the addition that the amount of the subscription be 10s. was unanimously carried.

On the proposition of Mr. Bradfield, a vote of thanks was accorded to the honorary members and visitors. Mr. Wilkins responded.—Mr. G. Mason proposed, and Mr. J. Claridge seconded, a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wood for her catering on the present occasion and also throughout the season. This was cordially adopted.—On the motion of Mr. F. Knight, seconded by the Chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Barker for so kindly placing the room at the disposal of the club.—The business of the meeting being now over, on the proposition of Mr. C. Claridge, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Denton for presiding.—Mr. F. Knight was hereupon appointed chairman, and the remainder of the evening was spent in a convivial manner, some capital songs being given by Messrs. Durham, Edwards, W. Knight, A. Linnitt, Sanders, Bradfield, &c.

CRICKET CLUB—The annual meeting of the Rushden Cricket Club was held on Monday last. The Chairman (Mr. J. Claridge) having read the notice convening the meeting, called upon the secretary to state what matches had been arranged for the coming season. The Secretary stated that home and home matches had been definitely arranged with Northampton, Oundle School, Kimbolton, Leicester Temperance; and that matches with Mr. Hill's Eleven, with Luton, Wellingborough, Thrapston and other places were in course of arrangement. It was thought that these, with one or two matches which would probably be played in connection with the Northamptonshire Challenge Cup Competition, would be quite enough. The election of officers then took place, the following been chosen:— Secretary, Mr. C. Claridge; captain, Mr. F. Knight; treasurer, Mr. J, Bull; collector, Mr. C. L. Bradfield; committee, Messrs. J. Claridge, J. S. Mason, and W. Claridge. Other minor matters were settled, and the meeting was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

RUSHDEN V. OUNDLE SCHOOL—On Saturday last a match between the above clubs was played on the Rushden ground, which resulted in a very easy victory for the boys. Rushden went first to the wicket and put together 153, of which number Mr. G. Denton made 45, and Mr. F. Knight 44 not out. The school went in and soon settled down to hitting. There were 100 for three wickets down, and shortly after this Read, who was hitting hard, drove the ball out of the field twice in one over. When the stumps were drawn, the score was Rushden 153, and Oundle 211 with five men out, Dickson having scored 32, Robinson 32, Dyer 21, not out, and Read 99.

RUSHDEN C.C. v LEICESTER TOWN C.C.— On Monday a match was played on the Rushden Ground between the above clubs, which resulted in a victory for the Rushden players. The weather was beautifully fine, and a large company paid the gate money, including a good sprinkling of ladies. Time not allowing the game to be finished, it was decided on the first innings—Rushden, first innings, 81; second innings, six wickets down for 144 runs, Mr. Denton being not out for 66, and Mr. Wagstaff not out for 15. F. Knight also made 30 in the second innings; Messrs. Frear and T. Howard played well for 15 and 11 respectively for the visitors; Williscroft bowled well for Leicester; and Mason was well on the mark for Rushden, taking the whole eight wickets, three of which fell in four balls.

COX'S ELEVEN v. ETTE'S ELEVEN—On Saturday last a match was played in Mr. Skinner's Mill Close (kindly lent for the purpose), between eleven chosen by Mr. E. Cox, of the New Inn, and eleven by Mr. Ette, of the Feathers Inn. Cox's team won by 56 runs. Scores: Cox's team, first innings 55, second 42; Ette's, first innings 19, second 22.

RUSHDEN CRICKET CLUB v. MR. HILL'S ELEVEN

THE above Match will be played at RUSHDEN, On MONDAY & TUESDAY, AUG. 28-9. The following are the expected players:—

CRICKET MATCH AND SUPPER—On Saturday last, the employees of Mr. Foskett played a team of Mr. Sparrow's men at cricket. The latter team proved successful. After the game a hot meat tea was excellently served in the Coffee Tavern by Mr. Martin, the manager, to which 30 sat down. The cloth having been drawn, Mr. Foskett presided with Mr. Sparrow in the vice-chair, and the usual complimentary remarks were made by the employers and employed, and a very pleasant and social evening was spent.

This match was played at Rushden on Monday last and resulted in favour of the visitors by an innings and 103 runs. Annexed are the scores:—

Rushden v. Northamptonshire C.C.
On Thursday a match was commenced on the Northampton Racecourse, between Rushden, as the victorious team in the Rural Challenge Cup, and a team representing the Northampton C.C. The latter won the toss, and obtained 66 in their first innings. The Rushden men then went to the wickets, but were very unsuccessful, the whole of the team being disposed of for 29 runs. Annexed are the scores and analyses:—