9. A Memorable Innings from Evelyn Marmaduke Leveson-Gower

Here is chapter & verse of the magnificently named EMG (of the Titsey Estate Leveson-Gowers) heroics from the Croydon Chronicle 5 August 1893. It was also reported in The Field.

Mr EL Gower sustained serious injuries to his face, owing to a ball striking him, and he was compelled to retire.However, hearing that the game was going against Oxted on Thursday he pluckily went to the wickets and by his efforts practically won the match.

In trying to place one of Wigram's fast balls to the on, the ball came off his bat and struck him with terrific force between the eyes. Mr Gower was observed to spin round once or twice and fall heavily to the ground. The hit was a terrific one and for a time some of the players had serious misgivings as to the result. However, Dr Furber, the secretary of the Club, was soon on the spot, and having examined the injury, ordered young Mr Gower home at once, where his injury was attended to.

[Oxted 2nd innings] ..loud applause from pavilion and tents when the 100 went up..when Snelling went in "Be careful Tommy, take heed what you do, Don't run so fast, steady's the word for you."....just at this moment the injured player of the previous day, Mr EL Gower, was observed on the ground with his head enveloped in bandages...it was deemed impossible for Mr EL Gower to play, but the latter ordered his bandages to be taken off and decided to make an effort to avert defeat. As he left the pavilion it was realised that, bruised and battered as he was, he had determined to try to save his side, a big shout went up.

Mr Gower succeeded in making the score even by a drive for two. This he followed up by a smart cut for three and this won the match. The cheer that went up as he returned to the pavilion, pale, and evidently very ill, could have been heard at Limpsfield. A better exhibition of pluck I have rarely seen. 'Tommy' Snelling was also treated to an ovation. [ends]

EMG LG made 15*, Snelling 4* and Oxted won this 12 a-side match by one wicket. There were five Leveson Gowers in the Oxted team. Full scorecard available!

Here is a link to the full story, narrated from our heroic batsman's Grave at the church of St James' on Titsey Hill, the private Chapel of Titsey Estate & burial place of much of the Leveson-Gower family) [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_siES8PiN5c]