- Smokers v Non-Smokers
A Smokers v Non-Smokers
cricket match with first class status was held on two occasions in the late 19th century. The first of these was staged atLord's in 1884, and resulted in a resounding nine-wicket win for the Non-Smokers, due in great part to an innings of 124 fromGeorge Bonnor (the next highest score in the match was 43) and eight wickets forWG Grace . Despite the presence of Spofforth in their side, the Smokers' best performance came fromTed Peate , who claimed 6-30 in the first innings.The second and final Smokers v Non-Smokers match was played in
Australia onMarch 17 -21, 1887 at theEast Melbourne Cricket Ground , a venue which saw only four first-class games in its history. The match was drawn, but was notable for the Non-Smokers' enormous first-innings total of 803.Arthur Shrewsbury made 236, Billy Gunn 150 and William Bruce 131 as the side piled up what at the time was a world record first-class total despite being a man short:Billy Barnes was absent hurt and unable to bat. In reply the Smokers started well and reached 267/2 thanks toEugene Palmer 's 113, but then collapsed to 356 all out withBilly Bates (who had failed with the bat, making just 4) taking 6-73. Following on, the Smokers had struggled to 135/5 when time ran out.William Scotton blocked the last ball of the match and picked it up with the intention of collecting it as a souvenir. The fielders appealed and Scotton was given outhandled the ball .
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