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 twenty five years’ service as captain of the Rockley Cricket Club. He also served as President of the club from 1891, was made a Life Member in 1895, and served as Patron from 1910 until his death.

Cricket was certainly in the blood of the Barnes family. Jacob’s brother Henry (c.1855–1928) won a trophy for the second best batting average in 1891 with Jacob’s three sons also collecting numerous trophies. Earl (1876–1976) and Rockley (1870–1955) in particular were instrumental in making Rockley one of the best country cricket teams in the state in the late nineteenth century. As evidence of the strength of their cricket prowess Earl won a ‘beautiful bat’ for best overall performance along with two other trophies in 1897 and Rockley was awarded for the best bowling averages. Performances which they maintained across the years.

However, cricketing prowess was not limited to the male side of the family. Three of Jacob’s daughters Hilda (1875–1950), Mildred (1881–1959) and Amy (1885–1976) played for Triangle Flat. Mildred (Millie) continued playing with the Rockley team and displayed impressive bowling skills in ‘The Rockley Game.’

Jacob’s cricketing skills, which he reputedly honed playing against Ben Hall and Johnny Vane, and his support for the game impacted beyond his immediate family. It helped strengthen the Rockley community and in supporting girls’ cricket broke down barriers. Definitely worth a refreshing cup of tea.