By Hardy Kenwright
‘To London Times’In a unique show of solidarity and charity rarely associated with the modern field of sport, Heathfield Harman Stephenson brought together the England XI who toured Australia in 1861/2 in a testimonial match in support of the family of the former Times Sports correspondence, journalist Hugh R. Lying.
Last month, as you will recall, this paper recounted the shocking account of the abduction of Mr. Lying from his bed in Stafford Court House, (USA). You can imagine the anguish of Hugh’s dear wife Agnes and their twin daughters as they wait in desperation for any news of the fate of their husband / father.
There are no official means of investigating the whereabouts of poor Mr. Lying as the rebellious Confederate States are not recognised by any Government. Surrey County Cricket Club’s generously played host to the match, played at the Oval, against a ‘Counties all-star’ line-up led by George Wotton.
In a close fought match, England won by two wickets. The final ball being a thunderbolt of a bowl from Captain Stephenson himself. Heathfield and the England team were presented with the ‘Lying, in a Confederates Prison’ Trophy by international singing sensation, Barbara Cerville, who generously took time out from her run at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
£122 7s 8d was raised for Agnes and her campaign to free her abused husband. A petition Agnes has organised demanding action by the Government has reached 27,842 names.
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| The Sporting XI |
The England winning team led by H. H. Stephenson (Surrey), included William Caffyn, WillMortlock, George Griffith, William Mudie, Tom Sewell junior (all Surrey); Roger Iddison, Ned Stephenson (both Yorkshire); Tom Hearne, Charles Lawrence (both Middlesex); George Wells (Sussex); and George Bennett (Kent). Note that Stephenson and Caffyn hadoured America in 1859.
England 342 for 8. Counties All-Stars 339 all out.
Umpires Dickie Bow and Essau Noffin
We understand that full match highlights can be read in the next issue of the Sunday Times.
