Start date 1731 | ||
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The 1731 cricket season was the 134th in England since the earliest known definite reference to cricket in January 1597 (i.e., Old Style – 1598 New Style). Details have survived of thirty important matches and one single wicket match.
Contents
- Important matches
- Single wicket
- Other events
- Counties
- Clubs and teams
- Players
- Venues
- Additional reading
- References
Match reports in the newspapers were increasingly common and tended to contain more detail, sometimes including the names of patrons and players. Tim Coleman was named in the report of a minor match in which he was playing, and referred to as "the famous Tim Coleman". Records have been found of 30 important matches in 1731.
The most dramatic match of the season was the one at Richmond Green on 23 August. It ended in a riot and it is believed that the 2nd Duke of Richmond conceded defeat after the match was originally declared a draw. Of greater significance, it is the earliest match for which the team totals were recorded and have been preserved, rather than simply who won the wager.
Important matches
The following matches are classified as important:
Single wicket
July. A single wicket match was played at Maidstone between two officers of the Royal Horse Guards, Captain Beak and Lieutenant Coke. It was for a "considerable sum of money" and won by Captain Beak after three hours "very hard played". Waghorn stated that it was the first military match he found during his researches.
Other events
July (exact date unknown). An unusual match at Duppas Hill, Croydon, between a Kent team and a Surrey team who were all called Wood. The Woods won. This is interesting given the well documented confusion over different players called Wood or Woods in the 1770s.