Pitch Perfect

Forget the Chappells, Marshs, Waughs and Lees. The Barnes family were the original cricketing family. The patriarch, Jacob Barnes (1840–1930) the father of Rockley cricket, was a fearsome batter and successful wicket-keeper and he certainly earned this silver tea and coffee service. The service, including an inscribed tray, was presented to Barnes to commemorate his […]

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Bowling Over Their Critics

Although they may not know it, the Australian Women’s Cricket team owes a debt of gratitude to those who once played with this ball, Mereah Austen (1882–1982), and to J.S. O’Hara (1853–1933). Mereah for showing a sceptical public that girls could play cricket at a high level and O’Hara for his enthusiastic support for ‘The […]

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