ATHLETIC SPORTS

This week being the feast week at Rushden, and the people all on holiday bent, the committee of the Rushden ''Star" Cricket Club arranged some athletic sports, for the benefit of the club, in order that the proceeds, if any, might be devoted to building a pavilion and laying out a new cricked ground for the use of the members. Rushden has always been noted for its cricketers, and the gentlemen of the neighbourhood have contributed liberally towards their funds, so that the committee and the officers of the club were enabled to make perfect preparations for the day's enjoyment. The weather was beautifully fine, and the spectators numerous, so that there is hardly any doubt that the meeting will prove a financial success. The secretaries, Messrs. J. Claridge and C. Bradfield are deserving of praise for the manner in which they exerted themselves to insure the comfort of all who were present. The field, kindly lent by Mr. J. Dickens, was admirably adapted for the purpose, and the course, a quarter of a mile in circumference was enclosed with small flags all the way round, the grass was cut and rolled, and in such good condition that, it won the admiration of the competitors as well as the spectators. The programme was capitally got through by the committee although some of the latter events were rather late, mainly owing to the jumping competition being introduced into the middle of the programme which occupied much time and kept many of the runners standing about, we think the committee would do well to place this feature of the programme last on the card on a future occasion. The races which do not call for special notice, were all very close affairs, and showed the judgment of the handicappers, who performed their duties very satisfactorily, although their decisions did not suit some of the competitors several of them backing out of their engagements just before the race, because they had not enough start, this was noticeable especially in the races confined to Rushden. The prizes were very massive and handsome, and the Rushden National School Band discoursed sweet music at intervals during the day, the company included many ladies, and numbered about a 1,000, the threatening sky after dinner no doubt preventing many from being present. Amongst the programme of music, which was well selected and admirably carried out, we noticed a gallop entitled "Rushden Hall," an original composition by Mr. G. Bacon, the conductor of the band, which was very well received by the listeners. Below will be found particulars of the various events:—

Quoit Match, at 9 yards; 1st prize, 10s.; 2nd, 5s.; 3rd, 2s. 6d.— J. Garley, Rushden, 1; J. Minney, Rushden, 2; G. Freeman and S. Lewis divided the third prize.

Youth's Race, 200 yards; first prize, writing desk, value 7s. 6d.; 2nd, set of studs, value 5s.; 3rd, knife, value 2s. 6d.—1st heat: W. Hall, Wellingborough, scratch, 1; S. Denton, Rushden, 6 yds., 2; J. Mayes, Thrapston, 18 yds., F. Dickens, Rushden, 42yds., G. White, Rushden, 24 yds., and J. Wiggins, Rushden, 36 yds., also ran. Won by two yards. Time 25 secs. 2nd heat: E. Chapman, Wellingborough, scratch, 1; Fred Ambridge, Rushden, 24 yds., 2; Albert Chettle, Rushden, 3. A good race ; won by half a yard. 3rd heat: F. Wilson, Wellingborough, scratch, 1; W. Childs, 42 yds., 2; H. Garley, Rushden, 12yds., A. Rootham, 12yds., J. Knight, Rushden, 30 yds., and W. Linnett, 54yds., also ran. Won by three yards. Final heat: Hall, 1; Denton, 2; Wilson, 3. Won by a yard; same distance between second and third. Time, 26 secs.

120 Yards Handicap Flat Race (confined to Rushden); 1st, cricket bat, value 21s.; 2nd, tea pot, value 10s.; 3rd, silver pencil case, value 5s.; 4th, vvaterjug, value 2s. 6d. —1st heat : C. W. Baker, 8 yds., 1; F. York, 6 yds., 2. C. Wilby, scratch, C. W. Bull, 5 yds., C. L, Bradfield, 9 yds., and S. Denton, 15 yds., also ran. Won by half a yard. Time, 13 secs. 2nd heat: G. Bull, 11yds., 1; T. Denton, 9 yds., 2. S. Colson, 1 yd., H. Bull, 6 yds., W. Denton, 8yds., and H. Chettle, 8yds., also ran. Won by a yard. Time, 13 secs. Final heat: C. W. Baker, 1; G. Bull, 2; T. Denton, 3; F. York, 4. Won by two yards. Time 13 secs.

Quarter-mile Race (Professional); 1st, 30s.; 2nd, 10s.—1st heat, J. Hanger, Wellingborough, 30 yds., 1. J. Watts, W'boro, 33 yds., 2. T. Barker, Rushden, 35 yds., also ran. Won by a yard and a half. Watts beating Barker by a foot. Time, 56 secs. 2nd heat: F. Payne. Kettering, 14 yds., 1; W. Walker, Wellingborough, 30 yds.; 2. F. Ellis, Rushden, 40 yds., also ran. Won easily. Time, 57 secs. Final heat : F. Payne, .1; J. Hanger, 2. Won without an effort. Time, 56 secs.

200 Yards Hurdle Race (Amateur); 1st, dressing case, value £1; 2nd, cigar stand, value 10s.—B. Mayes, Thrapston, 2 yds., 1; G. Lovell, Thrapston, 6yds., 2. Five ran. Won easily.

High Jump (Open); 1st. 10s.; 2nd, 5s.—F. Payne and Pearson tied at 4ft. 11in.

Quarter-mile Handicap Race (Amateur); 1st, leather travelling bag, value 30s.; 2nd, pair of bronzes, value 10s.—C. Bull, Rushden, 20yds., 1; F. Yord, Rushden, 20yds., 2, W. Essix, Denford, scratch, C. Wilby, Rushden, scratch, S. Denton, Rushden, 45 yds., and G. Lovell, Thrapston, also ran. Won by a yard. 2nd heat C. W. Baker, Rushden, 25 yards, 1; B. Mayse, Thrapston, 15 yds., 2. W. York, Kettering, 10yds., H, Bull, Rushden, 20 yds., T. Denton, Rushden, 30 yds., and G. Bull, Rushden, 35 yds., also ran. Won easily. Final heat: Baker, 1; Mayse, 2. Won by two feet.

200 Yards Handicap Hurdle Race (Professional); 1st, £1; 2nd, 7s. 6d.—F. Payne, Kettering, 8 yds., 1; W. Walker, Wellingborough, 18 yds. 2. J. Hanger, Wellingborough, 18 yds., T. Barker, Rushden, 18 yds., and W. Underwood, Yardley, 20 yds., also ran. Won easily.

120 Yards Race (Professional): 1st, 25s.; 2nd, 10s.; 3rd, 5s.; 4th, 2a. 6d.—First heat: J. Hanger, Wellingborough, 14 yds., 1; F. Payne, Kettering, 3 yds.; 2. W. Underwood, Yardley, 15 yds., also ran. Won by three yards. 2nd heat: A. Stephenson, Kettering, 13 yds,, 1; W. Walker, Wellingborough, 14 yds., 2. J. Abrahams, Rushden, 13 yds., and F. Ellis, Rushden, 16½ yds., also ran. Won easily. 3rd heat: W. Darker, Kettering, 12yds., 1; J. Bollard. Rushden, 20yds., 2. J. Watts, Wellingborough, 16½yds., also ran. Won by a foot. Final heat: Stephenson, 1. Payne and Hanger ran a dead heat for second place. Time, 14 secs.

One Mile Handicap Race (Amateur); 1st, field glass, value £2; 2nd, ink stand, value, 15s.—W. York, Kettering, 30 yards, 1; F. Summers, Wellingborough, 120 yds., 2. S. Colson, Rushden, scratch, and J. Mayes, Thrapston, 175 yds., also ran. Mayes led to the second lap, when he was passed by Summers, who led the way to the third lap, when York, who had been reserving himself, put on a spurt, and took the lead, which be held to the end, winning by six yards. Denton made a spirited effort on coming down the straight for home, and finished about the same distance in the rear of Summers. Time, 5 min. 15 secs.

CRICKET—The annual meeting of the Star Cricket Club was held on Saturday evening in the Temperance Hall, Mr. G. Denton presiding. The following were elected officers for the ensuing year: Messrs. J. Claridge and C. L. Bradfield, secretaries; Mr. J. Bull, treasurer; and Mr. F. Knight, collector. Committee: Messrs. J. S. Colson and Nibby; ground committee: Messrs. W. Claridge, J. Wilmot, C. Bull, and J. Bull.

The Rushden "Star" Cricket Club will hold their Annual Athletic Sports, on MONDAY, SEP. 22nd, on the Cricket Ground (Wymington-road). For particulars see Bills.

Athletic Sports—The annual sports of the Rushden Star Cricket Club were held on Monday last, under very auspicious circumstances. The weather was fine, and a large number of people assembled to witness the sports. The events were well contested. The following persons had the management of the affair: Mr. C. Claridge (secretary), Mr. J. Bull (treasurer), Messrs. D. Denton, S. Colson, C. L. Bradfield, J. and W. Claridge, and C. Bull (committee). Judges, Messrs. J. T. Colson and C. Wilby; starter, Mr. F. Knight; handicappers, Messrs. W. Denton and J. T. Colson. The Rushden Temperance Brass Band played the following programme in very good style.—"Queen's Guard Slow March," "La Vallee des Roses," "Hommase au Nord," "Les cloches de Comville," "On Guard," "Grand Honoria," "Vrais Amis." The Band played for dancing after the sports. The following is a programme of the sports, with a list of the successful competitors:—

150 Yards Handicap Flat Race for Boys under 14. 6 yards allowed for every year under that age. —First prize, value 7a. 6d.; second, value 5s.; third, value 2s. 6d.—First heat: C. Clayson, Northampton, 6 years, 48 yds., 1; A. Head, Raunds, 10 years, 24 yds., 2. Won easily. Second heat: F. Draper, Higham Ferrers, 9 years, 30 yds., 1; A. Giddins, Rushden, 11 years, 18 yds., 2. Final heat: C. Clayson, Northampton, 6 years, 48 yds., 1; F. Draper, Higham Ferrers, 9 years, 30yds., 2; A. Head, Raunds, 10 years, 24 yds., 3. Clayson, a very little fellow, ran in very good style, and won by four yards. About the same distance between second and third.

100 Yards Handicap Flat Race (professional).— First prize, £1; second, 7s. 6d.; third, 2s. 6d.— First heat: A. Owen, Kettering, 7 yds., 1; W. Evans, Higham Ferrers, 5 yds., 2. Won by six yards. Second heat: G. Miles, Wellingborough, scratch, 1; C. Forman, Rushden, 6 yds., 2. Miles cut his men down in fine style, put on a spurt at the post, and won a good race by a yard. Third heat: F. Owen, Kettering, 4 yds., 1; S. Clifton, Rushden, 4 yds, 2. A very good start was made. Clifton, who appeared like winning, was passed by Owen, who won by two yards. Final heat: A. Owen, Kettering, 1; F. Owen, Kettering, 2; S. Clifton, Rushden, 3.

100 Yards Handicap Flat Race (amateur)—First prize, value £1; second, value 10s.—First heat: W. Lewis, Rushden, 6 yds., 1; S. Denton, Rushden, 9 yds, 2. Penness held the lead for half the distance when he was passed by Lewis and Denton, Lewis eventually winning by two yards. Second heat: H. Hornby, Northampton, 5 yds., 1; G. Bull, Rushden, 8 yds., 2. Hornby won as he liked. Third heat: T. Fuller, Rushden, 5 yds., 1; B. Mayes, Raunds, 2yds., 2. A good start was made. Fuller led nearly all the way, and won easily. Final heat: H. Hornby, Northampton, 5 yds., 1; T. Fuller, Rushden 5 yds., 2. Very good race. Won by four yards.

Quarter Mile Handicap Flat Race (professional)—First prize; 15s.; second, 5s.; third, 2s. 6d.— First heat: J. Watts, Wellingborough, 12 yds., 1; G. Miles, Wellingborough, scratch, 2. Ellis was leading at the finish of the first lap, but was passed by Watts. About 100 yards from home Miles put on a spurt, and passed the post a good second. Second heat:—S. Clifton, Rushden, 10 yds., 1; F. Coles, Wellingborough, scratch, 2. Final heat: S. Clifton, Rushden, 10 yds, 1; F. Coles, Wellingborough, scratch, 2; G. Miles, Wellingborough, scratch,3.

One-Mile Handicap Bicycle Race—First prize, value 15s., second, 5s.; third, 2s. 6d.—First heat: F. Chettle, Rushden, 160 yds., 1; J. Denton, Rushden, 100yds., and S. Colson, Rushden, 110yds., dead heat for second place. Second heat: A. Wright, Rushden, 100yds., 1; A. Sanders, Higham Ferrers, 50 yds., 2. Bull got the start, but was passed by Wright and Sanders. Wright won a good race by two yards. Final heat: F. Chettle, Rushden, 160yds., 1; J. Denton, Rushden. 100yds., 2; A. Sanders, Higham Ferrers, 50 yds., 3.

200 Yards Handicap Hurdle Race (professional)—First-prize, 15s.; second, 5s.—T. Barker, Rushden, 15yds., 1; G. Miles, Wellingborough, 3yds., 2; ,J. Mabbott, Wellingborough, 16 yds., 3. Won easily.

High Jump.—First prize, 5s.; second, 2s.—H. Harris and A. Button tied at 4ft. 7in., but both failed to clear 4ft. 8in.

Quarter Mile Handicap .Flat Race (amateur).— First prize, value 15s.; second, value 7s. 6d.—First heat: F. York, Rushden 5 yds., 1; S. Colson, Rushden, scratch, 2. Won by a yard. Only two ran. Second heat: N. Gilbert, Rushden, 20 yds., 1; S. Denton, Rushden, 30 yds., 2. Final heat: N. Gilbert, Rushden, 20 yds., 1; S. Denton, Rushden, 30yds., 2; S. Colson, Rushden. scratch, 3. Good race. Won by four yards. Bad third.

Half Mile Handicap Flat Race (professional).— First prize, £1; second, 7s. 6d.; third, 2s. 6d.— T. Gell, Rushden, 40 yds., 1.

On Tuesday evening, the 28th ult., the above club formally closed the cricketing season by a capital supper, well served by Mrs. Hulatt, at the Coach and Horses Inn. About 30 persons were present.

The cloth having been removed, Mr. F. Knight was voted to the chair.

The Secretary, Mr. John Claridge, read a financial statement, showing the income of the Club for the past season to be £55 5s. 6d. The whole of the money had been expended in erecting a commodious Pavillion, in levelling the ground, and by meeting other expenses of the Club.

The accounts, as read, were passed, and the Secretary read a report of the Club for the year, showing that the Club had played ten matches, and won six. Only one of the ten was lost, two being ties and one drawn. In the match with Wellingborough, owing to the bad state of the ground, this club only made 19 runs in the first innings, but in the second they scored 120, and, if time had allowed the match to be played out, Rushden would have won easily. The match drawn with Higham Ferrers was greatly in favour of the Star Club. The ties were first with Wollaston, which was a very good match, and was notable for the plucky batting of Messrs. F. Knight and Claridge, and second with the Luton Club. The matches of the season were those played with Abington House School, at Northampton, and the Luton Club, at Rushden. In the former, the fine display of batting shown by Messrs J. Robinson and C. Bull, who scored respectively 77 and 45, succeeded in passing the total of their opponents by 30 runs. Some very good cricket was shown on both sides. In the Luton match, C. Bull made a good stand, and showed some good cricket, and the stand made by S. Robinson and F. Knight, and their good batting just at a critical part of the game, were the means of making the tie. This match was a very interesting and exciting one, and was watched with great interest by a large com-pany. The other matches were of a fair average type. The report then went on to allude to the erection of the pavilion, and the levelling of the cricket ground, and concluded by expressing the belief that this Club would be able to hold its own against any club in the county.

The Secretary reported that there were some outstanding subscriptions, which he thought should be got in.

Mr. C. Bradfield volunteered his services to collect the same.

The Secretary added that it had been suggested to him now that the Club was in such a good position, that they should engage a professional bowler. He had named the matter to several members, and they were all in favour of the suggestion. He had made inquiries, and had learned that they could secure the services of a professional bowler for 30s. a week.

On the motion of Mr. W. Claridge, seconded by Mr. C. Wilby, it was resolved that a professional bowler should be engaged.

On the suggestion of the Chairman, it was understood that a committee should be appointed to engage a good professional bowler, and get up some entertainments during the winter to meet the cost of his services. Messrs. F. Knight; J. Bull, C. Wilby, C. L. Bradfield, J. Claridge, C. Perkins, and G. Denton were appointed the committee.

It was resolved that the members should pay contributions all the year round.

Votes of thanks were passed to the Secretary, he Chairman, and to the landlady, Mrs. Hulatt, on the capital supper she had provided.

The Chairman, in a short speech, expressed the thanks of the Club to the honorary members, who had come so opportunely to the help of the Club, and enabled them by their very liberal subscriptions to erect the pavilion. They were particularly indebted to Mr. F. U. Sartoris for his kindness to the Club.

The meeting shortly afterwards separated.