January 10 - 16, 2016: Issue 246

Early Cricket in Pittwater: A small Insight Into the Noble Game from 1880's on

             

  Above: Section of Mona Vale's village Park showing the Cricket Pitch - from Panorama of Mona Vale, New South Wales, ca. 1930 [/ EB Studios National Library of Australia PIC P865/125 circa between 1917 and 1946] section made larger to show detail.

While researching and delving through old records to compile a small historical insight into  Pittwater's Reserves , some delightful information that caused a giggle, regarding cricket pitch use and/or maintenance in Pittwater, was found to add to the Mona Vale's Village Greens - a Map of the Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised, page:

From Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings: 

42. Mona Vale Cricket Club, 29/10/34, requesting (a) that materials be sent out for the repairing of the Mona Vale Park fence; (b) that six tiles be supplied to replace broken tiles on the roof of the lavatories; (c) inquiring whether Mr. A. Hodgins of Bungan Street, Mona Vale, may use the park for the grazing of his horses from Monday to Friday each week during the cricket season. Council's decisions:- (a) that material be sent out immediately; (b) they be informed that Mr. G. Sheppard was furnished with the six tiles trio months ago; (c) that the proposal be not approved.

This small item, along with another just as small insight run in an earlier History page, was read as a sign to delve a little deeper - 'tis the season too after all, even if Summer drenching skies deem it opportune to make the pitch far too green and the outfields sodden.

The earlier evidence of Pittwater's embracing of societal highs was proceeded by wishing cricketers to be able to get here by road rather than track:

A Meeting of the residents of Pittwater was held on Saturday evening at the Bolton Hotel, for the purpose of urging the Government to-make the road from the Lagoon to Newport. Mr. Crawford, who was voted to the chair, explained tho object of the meeting, and drew attention to tho state of the road, which in some parts was almost impassable. He stated that he was convinced it was only necessary to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister for Works to get the work done. After several speeches had been made, the following gentlemen were appointed to form a deputation to wait upon the Minister:-Messrs. Mc Koowa, Dr. Tibbitta, J. Riley, B. James, and F. Smith. NEWS OF THE DAY. (1883, March 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13531240

The track the wonderful weaving way to Newport remained for a little longer though - many would still remember dirt sanded roads here into the early 1980's. This did not deter cricket in Pittwater, with the Boltons (also spelt Boulton in early records )mentioned again and what sounds like a paddock for a ground:

CRICKET.

A team from the newly formed Mossman's Bay Club journeyed to Newport on Saturday, to play the Newport C.C. The ground is about 300 yards from the ocean beach, and with very little trouble could be made into a splendid ground. Matting was laid upon it, but the long grass prevented it from setting evenly, and this made the ball cut many capers. Mr. Forester captained Newport, and Mr. Jackson the Mossman's Bay team. Newport won the toss, and went in to bat, but through the excellent bowling of Jackson and Oatley weredisposed of for 21, Jackson securing six wickets for 9 runs, and Oatley three for 11. Mossman's Bay replied with 115 (Jackson 62 and Clarke 25), W. Boulton and J. Boulton being the most successful bowlers. In their second attempt the Newport fared very little better as they were all disposed of for 34 (J. Boulton 14 not out), Oatley and Clarke bowling throughout this innings, the former securing seven wickets and thelatter three, Mossman's Bay thus won by an innings and 60 runs.  CRICKET. (1892, May 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13843733

Another report of the same match which claims a completely different score - but defeat for the Newport Cricket Club nonetheless, and another spelling for one of the bowler's surnames:

Cricket.

A team from the 'Mossman's Bay club visited Newport on Saturday, and played a match with the Newport cricket club. The party consisted of the Messrs. Jackshon, who captained the team, and Comrie, H. Smith, Oatley, Taylor, Cannon, Teder, Harnett, Hodgson, Clarke, and Shearer. After a very pleasant drive via Manly and Narrabeen, the party reached Newport at 11.30. The match was commenced at 12.30, and ended in a very decided victory for the visitors by an innings and 60 runs. Jackshon with good cricket put on 62 runs, and was materially assisted in the bowling by Oatley.

The final match for the Bode Cricket Cup was begun on Saturday by the Wollongong and Mount Keira teams. The results Were s Mount Keira, first innings,111 ; Wollongong, one wicket for 11. Antill, a new man, got the top score for Keira, 46. Considerable interest is taken in the match. The Burraga and Judds Club tried conclusions on the former's wicket last Saturday, and the local men won on the first innings by 73 runs. Judds scored 57,and four wickets for 26 runs ; Burraga, 130 runs. For the latter L. Poidevin played a good innings for 73 not out. At a meeting of the members of the Glammis Cricket Club the matter of averages was discussed. It was found. that Thomas Harper hod secured the best batting average, and T. Humphries came next, iFor bowling M. Lenehan and Owen M'Guigan were awarded the first and second trophies. Mr. T. Kenewell will receive a trophy for tho best all-round fielding. The semi-final matches for the Kerr Cup- and Union medals between Waverley Gladstone and Clyde, and Redfern Cambridge and Belmore, respectively, which were to have been played on the Agricultural Ground on Saturday were not continued, the ground having been given over for footballers' use. Cricket. (1892, May 14). Australian Town and Country Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71237875 

The Boulton family were builders of community in Pittwater as much as builders of wharves, proprietors at Newport Hotel - an association that may unravel a little more of another local legend regarding then residents dealing with what was termed an 'undesirable element' coming into the area getting drunk aboard the many steamers that brought 'excursionists', vessels which provided a tipple enroute, and making a nuisance of themselves. Reports hotel owner and Bayview house owner (just around the corner then on Crystal Bay)  hired famed boxers and bouncers to deal with louts which may have spun into a larger story from this report of why not to linger in the hedgerows of early Pittwater:

BASHING BOULTON BOYS
The Terrible Trio Trounce Arthur Smith, -
NED SAYS HE WAS NABBED BY THE NAPE OF THE NECKBY SMITH
And a Revolver Shaved Under His Smeller.
According to the evidence given before Mr. love, at the Manly Police Court, on Friday last, there was fight and fun galore at Newport on the 2nd of this month. As a result of the merry making Arthur Smith, a builder and contractor, proceeded against three brothers, who might have passed for triplets in a crowd, named Richard Boulton, Edward Boulton, and James Boulton. One of the terrible “triplets”, 'Ted, thought he would return the compliment, so fired in a blister to Arthur of the Smith tribe for assault.
Mr. Atkinson legally fought the three Boultons, or rather Mr. Trevor Jones, as that gentleman agreed to bear the bashing Boulton burden, for a consideration, of course. Arthur Smith, a builder and contractor, boarding with a Mr. Douglas at Newport said on the 2nd of this mouth, after tea, he walked to the main road, along a cutting, and saw a short man standing at the end. He got on to the bank of the cutting, and when he (Smith) got along that far he looked over and saw the man crawling towards the house he had just left. He watched for a while, then got on to the bank, and stood behind a tree, and continued to watch the man, who was crawling on his stomach towards the house. On reaching what was apparently his goal, the man peered in the door, so he {Smith) went over, grabbed him by the nape of the neck and the wrist, and said to him, 'What the h--- are you doing here, CREEPING ABOUT PEOPLE'S HOUSES?'
The man said, 'Oh, I did not mean any harm. Do let me go. I did no harm. I just came up for a walk.' 
He let him go, and gave him a push, and he ran for his life towards the hotel. He went to his office, but subsequently returned, and on the way saw the three Boultons talking together. He stopped and hurried towards his home, when the three brothers rushed across, and one, of them knocked him down. He received another blow which knocked one of his teeth out. He ran away, but was knocked down, and while down Richard kicked him in the ribs, put his knees into his stomach and caught him by the throat, saying, 'I will settle you.' 
Presently he felt blood running down his neck, so roared out 'Murder' at the top of his voice three or four times. Someone came with a lantern, and a man named Leonard Jones picked him up. He asked who the three men were, and someone told him they were the Boultons. He consulted a doctor, who attended him, and since then he had not been able to do any manual labor.
In answer to Mr. Jones witness said he only knew the Boultons slightly. He would swear he was not lying on the bank. On the first occasion he would swear he was not wearing an overcoat; of that he was positive. 
Boulton was ON HIS BELLY ON THE GROUND when he grabbed him by the nape of the neck and picked him up. He was not walking away at the time. He did tell Barrett, the storekeeper, that he followed him up as far as the well. When he, was standing 'at the corner of Queen-street and Queen's-parade he saw Boulton coming down with the other men, his brothers, so he ran down to Douglas' house, but they caught him before he reached the house, and he then retreated on to the roadway. After they dished it out to him he ran like blases, and would have got away only his coat was too heavy. He had never had a revolver, and never told anyone that he had one. He did not tell Boulton he would put some lead into him if he did not get away. Mr. Douglas was a friend of his, but he had not communicated any of his troubles to him. 
Constable Henry Jones said on the 3rd of this month, from something he was told, he went to Newport; and said to Edward Boulton, 'Do you know anything about the assault that took place here last night?' He 'said, 'Yes. After dark last night I went to the wharf to get some feed. A man named Smith stopped me, and pointed a revolver at me. I ran away, but came back with my two brothers to look for him. We found him, and Tim punched him one. He ran away, but Dick caught and threw him down on the road, and we held him down to see who he was.' Asked if he looked to see if he had a revolver, he said, 'No.' Later he saw Richard, and asked him what he knew about the alleged assault, and he told the same story as his brother. Walter Batty said on the evening in question he saw Smith about 8 o'clock on the main road. He HEARD A CRY OF 'MURDER!' a couple of times, so snatched a lantern and went down, calling to a young fellow
JAMES BOULTON. RICHARD BOULTON

named Jones to follow him. He saw Smith on the ground with the three Boulton's holding him. When Smith got up he showed signs of wear and tear, his face being damaged and clothes disarranged; In answer to Mr. Jones, Batty said, as he was going towards where he heard the cries, he heard Smith call out, 'Take yer knee off my neck and I'll explain.' Leonard Jones, a carpenter, said he heard a cry of murder twice in succession, and on going along the road he saw Smith lying on the ground; Dick Boulton had him by the throat, and another of the Boultons was sitting or kneeling on him. He helped Smith to stand, and noticed that he was bleeding from the neck and ear. He saw no marks or signs of an assault on Edward.
Samuel Douglas, contractor, of Newport, said on 'the evening of the alleged assault Smith, went out about 7 o'clock, and returned about an hour later.' He went out again, and returned with his ear and neck bleeding and covered in mud. As a matter of fact, he was a mass of moving mud and 'blud.' He had no revolver... 
Edward Boulton, a carter living at Newport, said about 8 o'clock on the night in question he had been to the wharf and returned through the cutting. ' He climbed onto the bank to obey a call, when Smith GRABBED HIM BY THE NAPE OF THE NECK, swung him round, and shoving a revolver under his smeller said, ''There has been a lot of burglaries about here lately, He(Witness) ' said, ‘I never robbed nobody.' with a dangerous-looking light in his lamps, Smith said,' 'If' you don't go I will sink this lump of lead into you'-'— -he looked as though he meant it, too. Thinking discretion the better part of valor, he (Teddy),got a hustle on, .and went and, “laid  Information” to his brothers, who came down with him to search for the 'willun' who had scared him. He was standing near the wharf talking to his brothers, and pointing out the spot where he had been 'bailed up’, when sharp-eyed Dick, one of his brothers, said:
'There is the man lying on the grass now, and, looking over.' Teddy notice a man lying full length on the bank of the cutting. Dick  hopped on to the bank, and was immediately rushed by the man — Smith— who was fumbling in his overcoat pocket, as though about to draw out a revolver. Seeing this, Jim hopped forward, and with a beautiful right to the jaw sent Smith sprawling. He got up and ran away, but was caught by sharp-eyed, fleet-fooled Dick, who gently placed him on the ground and held him there, Jim helping by holding *his 'Dutch pegs.' He (Teddy) cross-examined, or rather, asked him, the question: 'You're the man wot covered me with the revolver, ain't yer?' At this stage Mr. Batty came along, and said, 'Good God, it's Mr. Smith.’ so the three let him up. In answer to Mr. Atkinson, Teddy said he was -not watching Mr. Douglas' house. He did not search Smith's pocket for the revolver, because he thought he might get into trouble. When Smith was down he could not see his face for Dick, so did not know if he was bleeding. He never lost his pipe. Why, here it was (Teddy yanked out a cherrywood pipe, and let it fall to the floor with a clatter.) Richard Boulton said on the night in question his brother told him something, as a result of which he went down with Ted and saw Smith lying on the grass. He said 'There is a man there, ' and immediately
ARTHUR SMITH. EDWARD BOULTON.
Smith bobbed his head down and lay flat on the ground. He jumped up on the bank, and Smith hopped, up and made as though to pull out a revolver, but Jim bounced forward and with a lovely punch sent him to Mother Earth. . He got up, and went to run away, but was tripped up after running a short distance, and they held him down until Mr. Batty came. Ted did not touch the man at all. in answer to Mr. , Atkinson, witness said the man not search Smith for the revolver when he was down. The revolver did frighten him, and it would frighten him (Mr. Atkinson), too. James Boulton, carpenter, said on the night in question, as a result of something his brother Ted told him, he with his brother Dick went down to the wharf. He then corroborated , his brother's story.
In answer to Mr. Atkinson, Jimmy said he followed the man to find out who he was and what he was, but not to hand out hiding to him.
Mr. Love decided to convict, and Teddy was fined £2, while Jim and Dick were each ordered to spar up five golden googies. In addition, the terrible trio— that the bashing Boulton boys — were each ordered to pay 7s court costs, £1 1s professional costs, and £2 3s 4d witnesses' costs. The case Teddy Boulton v. Arthur Smith for assault was dismissed. BASHING BOULTON BOYS. (1913, May 18). Truth(Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168732750 

Back to the cricket! - The Northern beaches has had a strong cricket support base from early times, the Manly Warringah District Cricket Club was founded in 1878 and remains the second oldest existing district cricket club in New South Wales. Grounds being kept at Newport, the Village Green pitch at Mona Vale being used, possibly alongside or just after the early entertainments that occurred in the Recreation Grounds of the Rock Lily, make evident paddocks can be for play as much as growing food and feeding animals.

MANLY PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. The annual picnic in connection with Manly Presbyterian Sunday school was held on Wednesday, at Mona Vale, Pittwater The party were conveyed to the ground in four drags supplied by M Houreux of Rock Lily Cricket baseball and other games were engaged in until dinner time and in the afternoon races were run by the different classes for prizes supplied by the teachers and friends the arrangements were under the management of Mr A G Kebblewhite, president, who was assisted by Mrs Milne and Mrs Kebblewhite and Miss Morley, Davidson, ..., and Lawson, teachers  MANLY PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. (1895, November 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14024193


The grounds opposite Rock Lily Hotel - circa 1901-1907 

The earliest newspaper report of cricket in Sydney appears in 1804 in the colony days, dubbing the players 'amateurs':

The late intense weather has been very favorable to the amateurs of Cricket, who have scarcely LOST a day for the last month. The  frequent immoderate heats might have been considered inimical to the amusement, but were productive of very opposite consequences as the state of the atmosphere might always regulate the portion of exercise necessary to the ends this laborious diversion was originally intended to answer. SYDNEY. (1804, January 8). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625962 

By 1839 they are pursuing the 'manly game of cricket':
Cricket Match. - 
This manly game between the Australian and Victoria Cricket Clubs came off yesterday afternoon on the Race Course. The result is as follows. The lateness of the hour we received the particulars prevent us entering into detail. The ground
was crowded with spectators : -
AUSTRALIANS - 1st Innings.
Davis, run out --- 4
Clarkson, b. by Macvitie --- 8
Rowley, b. by Young --- 5
Martin, b. by ditto --- 2
Dickins, run out --- 6
Still, b. by Raymond --- 20
Watson, leg by Wicker --- 0
Burn, c. by Fitzpatrick --- 10
Lillas, b. by Young --- 10
Kinnear, b. by ditto --- 1    
Riley, b. by Macvitie --- 2
Byes --- 4
Wide Balls --- 1
Total --- 73
VICTORIA CLUB - 1st Innings  
Fitzpatrick, bowled by Rowley --- 4
Connell ditto ditto --- 1
Young, caught by Rowley --- 6
Macvitie, bowled by Clarkson --- 0
Wood, bowled by Rowley --- 0
Macintosh, ditto ditto --- 0
Hamley, caught by Rowley --- 0
Raymond, not out --- 0
Nicholson, bowled by Rowley --- 0
Robinson ditto ditto --- 0    
Gurner, bowled by Clarkson --- 0
Byes --- 2
Total --- 13
Second Innings.
Nicholson, bowled by Rowley --- 8
Hamley, ditto ditto --- 1
Gurner, run out --- 0
Robinson, not out --- 0
Wood, run out --- 1
Young, caught by Burns --- 21
Fitzpatrick, ditto by Lillas --- 0
Connell, run out --- 1
Macvitie, ditto ditto --- 5
Macintosh, ditto ditto --- 1
Raymond, caught by Kinnear --- 4      
Byes --- 1    
Wide Ball --- 1      
Total --- 44
A by match came off after the first, between the same members of the two Clubs each balling one innings ; after some good balling on the part of the Victorias, and some good fielding on part of the Australians, the match was decided as follows, viz : - the Victoria scoring in one innings 36, and the Australians 88 - being a majority of 52. Harmony and good feeling prevailed between the respective parties.SWINDLING ON A PRINCELY SCALE. (1839, October 24). The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), p. 2. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36863634 

Which brings us to cricket allegedly played in Manly! and mention of some local lads who clearly don't take themselves, or the game, too seriously. This article appeared in all regional newspapers of the time:

NEW GAME OF CRICKET.
We take the following from the "Daily Telegraph," which should prove of the deepest interest to our local sports, as well as others:—
Recently a number of gentlemen met to consider the best means to bring about a revival in the public interest in big cricket. They made some suggestions, which were not, however, of a far-reaching nature. Without going to the Marylebone Club for sanction, a number of Sydney commercial travellers have unwarrantably reversed some of the most vital laws of the game, and, under the new code, they brought off a match at Manly recently. The "Australian Traveller " thus reports the match:—

Manly Resident Travellers v Any Other Old Travellers.
The game was played under a new code of rules, a few of which will give an idea of what those keen sportsmen who framed them? have done for cricket. Here they are :
Rule 1: As many a side as like to play, but not more than 22 are to field at once.
Rule 2: The umpire to give a man ' out' when appealed to, no matter what the circumstances (or the consequences) are.
Rule 3 : Clean bowled is ' not out'—it is an unfortunate accident which might happen to anyone.
Rule 4: No batsman can be 'caught out.' The fielder who deliberately makes a catch to be ordered off the field for ' flashness.'
Rule 5: If a batsman, upon going in, draws isosceles triangles and curvy things-on his crease, or takes his exact bearings ‘by the sun’, he is 'out' for ' acute flashness.'
Rule 6: Walking up the pitch, patting down imaginary unevennesses in the turf with the bat, is 'out' for  ‘aggravated flashness.'
Rule 7: A batsman cannot be 'out’ any way before he scores; if he is unable to hit a ball, the bowler is to bowl wides to him, such wides to count as runs scored by him.
Rule 8: A batsman who makes a stroke and misses the ball is out if the umpire thinks he should have hit it.
Rule 9: A batsman who hits a good ball is out, as more than likely, if he had missed it it would have bowled him.
Rule 10: If the umpire does not approve of a batsman's style, he is out.
Rule 11 : No notice whatever need be taken of the umpire's decision.
Old grandstand at Manly Oval from 1911 which was opened on 9 April 1910 by Mayor James Bonner
(The game was a very spirited one, and the final score—each side making 206—show how evenly matched the teams were.' A notable feature was the fast bowling of Billy Tytherleigh. Such a pace was this bowler getting on that the ball sometimes travelled the full length of the pitch. Consequently Frank Garrett, 'the hope of his, side,' went in with five pads on, his chest and back, and both arms, as well as both, legs, being protected. Frank made some very tasty mowing strokes, and his footwork was much admired. Charley Gilkes, the 'Googly' bowler, was in great form, and; sent down some very brainy balls. Owing, however, to an unfortunate misunderstanding with the umpire, he did not get as many wickets as he wanted. Each side was fortunate in its captain—Archie Thom and Billy Tytherleigh—who displayed rare tact and generalship. Anyone who wanted to bowl could do so ; all fielders where they liked, and went into bat as they liked. In their leadership, these gentlemen showed to a marked extent the results of their youthful training in the tented field—we understand they both held commissions in the Boy Scouts early in the match.
Roger Beattie deliberately made a catch, but was let off with a caution from the umpire, as it was a first offence, and because he was wearing a very pretty cricketing hat, and looked well on the field. Sid Cohen, a little later, dropped a very easy catch, amidst great applause. He is an extremely brilliant cricketer. 
Major Holdhoff was in the uniform of the first eleven Pittwater Mounted Cricketers, and went through some graceful evolutions with the bat. Arthur M'Ginley kept wickets for the Manlyites and the ball never went past his gloves—if the batsmen hit it Tom Rowlands made a useful five, and a nice little speech for the umpire (for which he was given 'out'). Included in his score was one four. Mat Green was given out for hitting two fours' in succession, but his explanation that one was a 'miss cue' was accepted by Umpire Charlie Byrne.
Following are the scores of the match referred to above :—
Other Travellers, 
Small, retired, too flash 22; Gregory, retired, flasher 18"Davis, hitting at a no-ball 20' Tytherleigh, kicking ball back to bowler 15, Holdhoff, run out—of breath... 10
Prendergast, retired exhausted...- 10; Stokes, hitting two fours in succession 24. Kartzmann, on general principles 25 Fryer, hitting ball, umpire not looking 15 Bowers, flashness 10 Mason, talking to wicketkeeper ......... 20 Page, umpire feeling the heat 2 Shrives, flash stroke 9 Freeman, umpire getting thirsty 12 Truemon, not out (clean bowled twice) 9
Byes 8
Total ...... 206
Manly Travellers.
Rodgers, flashness 4 Brown, cheeking umpire 4Vollbreoht, hitting too hard 12 Gilkes, retired exhausted , 18 Corti,  ‘D' flashness..................... 16 Garrett, attempting flash strobe 21 Rowlands, making speech to umpire ... 5 Beattie, singing' Yip-I-Addy' at wicket 14 Thom, flashness, smoking at wicket 14 A McGinley, running between wickets 18 Gillespie, flashness 7 Cowan, hitting with wrong side of bat 18 Rurke, hitting over the fence 23 Cohen, flash stroke 8 McGinley, attempted flashness 5 Holcolm, not out yet 4 Williamson, retired 1 Broadbent, arguing with umpire 18
Bye l
Totals. 206[We might recommend the above new rules to the promoters of the Old Buffers' Annual Cricket Match which takes place at St. Marys in a few months' time]. NEW GAME OF CRICKET. (1911, March 11). Nepean Times(Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101304827 

Meanwhile, back a way by Mona Vale, who clearly made good use of the flat public lands alongside the ocean placed at their disposal:

CRICKET. Balmain Junior, 30 and 90 (J. Ferrier 39, Cooke11 not out, Cheetham 10) defeated Mona Vale, 20 and 36, by 64 runs, at Manly. For the winners, White (5), H. Ferrier (5), Richmond (3), and Creek (7) did the bowling. CRICKET. (1906, April 17). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114320397

Or this wonderful item from Warringah Shire Council early Minutes of Meetings recording a former use for one of the Narrabeen Lagoon's islands:
40. Narrabeen Cricket Club 20/1/19requesting permission to use one of the islands in Narrabeen lake as a  cricket ground Resolved that permission be granted. 
Ahh, the sound of 'plop!' as the ball hit for 6 reaches the waters.

And at Newport...:
SHIPPING CRICKET.
Messrs. Kirton & Earnshaw, Ltd., and Lane & Dawson, Ltd., held their annual sports meeting at Farrell's Beach, Newport, on Monday last, the chief attraction of which was a cricket match between the staffs of the two firms, won by the former by 8 wickets.
Mr. R. K. Waley, of Messrs. Kirton &Earnshaw, Ltd., was the highest scorer, compiling' 59 runs. His innings was a very bright one, and was made up of almost entirely boundary hits. Lane. & Dawson, however, turned the tables at other branches of sport, and were successful in running relay race and also defeated their opponents at golf and 'shooting the breakers.' 
The staffs spent the weekend at the respective homesteads of Messrs. Lane and Waley, the sports being contested on the grounds, of 'Wahgunyah,' the residence of Mr. O. G. S. Lane. Messrs J Kirton & Earnshaw, Ltd., provided a very nice luncheon on the day of the sports, and, altogether, a very pleasant time was spent. SHIPPING CRICKET. (1922, December 14). Daily Commercial News and Shipping List (Sydney, NSW : 1891 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159694085 

Farrell's Beach and Bushrangers Hill, Newport, Courtesy Mitchell Library - State Library of NSW.

Not a local in sight! 
Before we see a few, a few insights into the Lane Family - who certainly deserve far more:

MR. O. G. S. LANE.
Mr. Oswald George Stoneman Lane, who was well known in the commercial life of Sydney, died on Monday, at the age of 59 years.
Born at Newcastle, Mr. Lane was the son of the late Mr. John Stoneman Lane, a ship chandler, who established his business in Sydney in 1836. He was educated at the Fort-street School, and at an early age joined  W. Scott Fell and Co. as a partner. After some years he founded the business of Lane and Dawson, coal exporters and freighters. The firm is now known as Lane and Dawson, Ltd., and at the time of his death Mr. Lane was governing director. Mr. Lane was also chairman of directors of South Pacific Collieries, Ltd.
The funeral took place at the South Head Cemetery.
In addition to the relatives among those present were Messrs. Arthur Earnshaw, Frank Ireland, B.N. Black, R. K. Waley, M. R. N. Pattrick, W. B. Scott Fell, J. W. Scott Fell, William Arnott, Fred Porter, J. Daley, Cecil Natham, Leon List, Donald Smith, Donald Smith, jun., Walter S. Sims, E. C. Cooper, S. Blau, W. R. Armstrong, Redmond Barry, John E. Gaxieu, Fred. F. Cowdroy, A. E. Twigg, Stanley Twigg, J. P. Crowe, A. E. Morris, J. A. Shaw, Walter Bradley, D. Gove, Gregory Madden, John Thane, and D. Green. MR. O. G. S. LANE. (1931, June 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16788206 
MR. J. S. LANE.
The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr. John Stoneman Lane, who for many years was a familiar figure in shipping circles. The late Mr. Lane was reputed to be the oldest shipchandler in New South Wales. In the early days he had a warehouse at Circular Quay. He then lived in what is known now as Reiby-lane, off Pitt-street, which at that time, was a residential quarter, and he was taught by his father, Captain Lane, to swim in the Tank Stream, near where Gibbs, Bright, and Co.'s office is now situated, and he played cricket as a boy where the Royal Exchange stands today. In those days Circular Quay was merely a timber yard, and the wool clippers loaded on the eastern side from planks, as wharfs were unknown. He owned the schooners Zephyr and John S. Lane in conjunction with his brother, also the steamers Jenny Lind and Cygnet and the whaler brig Phyllis. The Cgynet ran to Manly as a ferry boat in opposition to the Manly Ferry Company, shares in which at that time could be bought at 1/ each, but with a liability of 30/. Mr. Lane is survived by three sons and four daughters—Messrs. O. G. S. Lane(Lane and Dawson, Ltd.), F. C. V. Lane(Smith and Lane), and H. G. Lane, Mrs. Muriel Youngs, Mrs. Percy Sheridan, Mrs. Peter M'William, and Mrs. Nicol.
The funeral took place at South Head Cemetery yesterday, when the Rev. Cherry officiated. The chief mourners were Messrs. O.G. S. Lane, F. C. V. Lane, and H. G. Lane(sons), Mr. Percy Sheridan (son-in-law), and Mr. G. P. Sheridan (grandson). There were also among those present Commander Lambton, Captain Yates (Victoria Barracks),Messrs. Alex. Smith (representing Smith and Lane), Walter Armstrong (representing Lane and Dawson), J. Harris, Ivan Nelson (representing Nelson and Robertson), Alvey Porter(representing Porter and Sons, A. Earnshaw(representing Kirton and Earnshaw), Matthew Fox, R. J. J. S. Lord, R. K. Woley, Lance Dawson, E. Williams, A. Bowden, E. Patrick, and A. C. Laman. Mr. J. S. LANE. (1923, March 8). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16058210 
MRS. J. S. LANE.
Mrs. J. S. Lane, wife of Mr. John Stoneman Lane, one of the earliest shipowners and shipchandlers of Sydney and Newcastle died early yesterday morning at 151 Victoria-street North, Darlinghurst, after a long Illness. Mrs. Lane has left three sons and four daughters, viz., Mr, O.G.S. Lane, of Messrs, Lane and    Dawson, Ltd.; Mr. F.C.V. Lane, of Messrs.  Smith and Lane; Mr. H. Gordon Lane, Mrs. Peter McWilllam, of Edgecliff; Mrs. Percy Sheridan, of North Sydney; Mrs. Tom Niccol, of Woollahra; and Mrs. Youngs, of Darlinghurst. MRS. J. S. LANE. (1923, January 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16030805 

Mr. O. G. S. LANE'S 16-20 h.p. MARTINI. WHICH WON THE BIG CAR HILL-CLIMBING COMPETITION.
The block is from a photograph taken by the 'Referee's' special photographer, and shows the passengers carried during the actual competition. Mr. O. G. S. LANE'S 16-20 h.p. MARTINI. (1905, August 9).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120499696

Cricket at Newport and Mona Vale began to become part of reported matches and with records indicating removing six trees in 1919 to improve the ground, permission being granted to use a grader to improve the pitch in 1922 and above hopeful seeming to think grazing horses may be good for ground maintenance in between matches.

These places, apart from catering to local clubs, continued to attract visitors, now that they could get here and there were public facilities that could hire:

CRICKET MATCH.
Next Sunday the Ford and Fiat Clubs  will : meet at . cricket at Mona Vale. Cars will assemble at the Spit Bridge, Mosman, at 9.15 a.m.CRICKET MATCH. (1925, November 8). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10 Section: Social and Magazine Section. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128161061 

In Mona Vale this request, as per early Council Meeting Minutes:
17/11/1919: 19. A. W. Watts, inquiring whether the Council wishes to dispose of Ambulance Shed at Mona Vale  Resolved, - That the Council do not want to dispose of it

Became this:
8. Mona Vale Golf Club. 9/3/28. Requesting permission to make use of the old ambulance shed at Mona Vale, and to remove it to their links.8a. Same. 16/3/28. Submitting Mona Vale Golf for erection of Golf House on Black Swamp.- Resolved (Crs. Hitchcock, Hope) - That the Cricket  Club having failed to make use of the ambulance shed, it be granted to the Golf Club to remove and alter to suit their purposes Resolved (Crs. Atkins,.Hope) ... That the request for permission to erect a Golf House be referred to the Works Committee. 

During the 1930's Pittwater and Palm Beach people were hosts to the touring English Women's Cricket Team:
Today the English team will be entertained at a picnic at Palm Beach by the United Associations, and to-morrow they will play at Wollongong. The Women's Cricket Association has arranged for them to be taken by car to Wollongong and back, to give them the opportunity of seeing some of the South Coast. They will play against Wollongong and District in the afternoon, and will be entertained at dinner afterwards by the Mayor. They will leave for Sydney as early as possible, as they are to fly to Newcastle on Wednesday morning for a match there before proceeding to Brisbane at night. Jottings on Sport. CRICKET. (1934, December 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17114836 


Above:  Billy tea being served to the English women's cricket team at the surf-bathing picnic, Palm Beach, Sydney, December 1935.  Women's Cricket Association tour of Australia, 1934-1935 Courtesy National Library of Australia;  nla.pic-vn3257378. Left to right: Richards, unidentified tea-server, Valentine, Hide, Liebert.

Below: Surf-bathing picnic at Palm Beach, Sydney, English and Australian cricket team, December 1935 Part of Women's Cricket Association tour of Australia, 1934-1935 [picture] Left to right: Mrs Waldron (Australian), Betty Archdale, M. Peden (Australian), Mrs Littlejohn (Australian), Valentine, Lady Walder, Liebert, Hide, Green, Spear. nla.pic-vn3257347


The Newport and Mona Vale Cricket Teams will form future more in depth History pages. Today cricket is thriving in Pittwater still, with junior teams known as the Mona Vale Dots, Sharks or simply Mona Vale and teams on the roster of the Peninsula cricket club roster bringing the crack of willow into the Summer cicada dinned air at sports grounds.

Rains done for now and bright blue skies are back  - enjoy your cricket everyone - it's the best sport on the green grounds for this season!

 

Junior Cricket Season 2014/15 at Hitchcock Park, Avalon - picture by A J Guesdon, 25.10.2014. 

 Early Cricket in Pittwater: A small Insight Into the Noble Game from 1880's on - threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon, 2016.