STL All Sports

Those clubs, with the Belmont, Young America and Philadelphia Cricket Clubs cooperating, made it possible for American players to contend on even terms with English, Canadian and Australian opponents. Naturally, this condition led to visits by foreign teams on tour and to trips abroad-to Canada and England-by groups composed for the most part of native American players.

One of these journeys took the Philadelphians to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to play all-Halifax and the British Garrison stationed there at the time. Such was the warm hospitality of their "Bluenose" hosts that a trophy, reminiscent of the occasion, was carried back to the City of Brotherly Love. Later, this trophy was utilized when the "Halifax Cup" competition was organized. Presently, we hear of Philadelphia teams fairly bearding the lion in his den, invading England and meeting county clubs on even terms and with honor.

With the advent of World War I, a complete change slowly but surely enveloped this brightest era for cricket on this side of the Atlantic. Old reliables came to the end of their careers and there were none to take their places. The grip on popular favor gradually lessened until now the interest still maintained is but a shadow of former enthusiasm.

The story has been vividly recalled and authentically recorded by Dr. John A Lester, captain of two of the touring American elevens, in "A Century of Philadelphia Cricket," published in 1951 by the University of Pennsylvania Press. Great names like J. Barton King, kingpin of them all; George S. Patterson, Arthur M. Wood, F. Hermann Bohlen, Percy H. Clark, W. P. O'Neill, J. Henry Scattergood, William R. Wister, H. McGiverin, George W. Pepper, the Scott brothers and "four Newhalls" are given full credit for their accomplishments. This volume is dedicated to the memory of the Newhalls, "who established cricket in Philadelphia."

In 1899, Prince K. S. Ranjitsinhji made a memorable visit to the United States, bringing with him such famous amateurs as A. C. MacLaren, A. E. Stoddard, G. I. Jessop, B. J. T. Bosanquet and S. M. J. Woods. The Indian Prince, one of the great batsmen of all time, introduced an unorthodox but effective style of batting. His fearlessness, in the face of all manner of bowling, was equaled only by the later Don Bradman.