He hit a ball into the "wild rhubarb" and whilst his opponents.

Searched for the Ball

he had crossed and re-crossed the crease eleven times. All Souls' generally provided a capital game and in one of them Kay who was beginning to make his mark as a fast right arm bowler, secured seven wickets for thirteen runs, and was not dismissed himself until he had recorded twenty. His six wickets against St. Matthew's second were obtained at a cost of seven runs, he dismissed four Draycott Street Wesleyans for two runs, and in the return engagement with St. Matthew's half a dozen victims cost him thirteen runs. Application was made to join the junior division of the League in 1894, and the club was finally included in Section E. It was in one of these games that Kay achieved his best bowling performance against St. Bartholomew's who were turned out for a dozen runs, five of which were scored off him for eight wickets. Then followed a list of phenomenal performances, six Bolton Combination wickets falling to him for as many runs, whilst five Holy Trinity wickets cost him only nine runs. In the tie of 27 each with Blackburn Road Cong. he made three smart catches, the last in the long field bringing the innings to a close with honours easy. His smart work had a lot to do with the promotion of the club to Section D in which sphere of operation he again distinguished himself, five Blackburn Road Cong. wickets costing him only eight runs. Further promotion found the club in Section B where many memorable struggles were fought out with Trinity Wesleyans. The latter once replied to Bradshaw's 80 with 60 for four wickets, when Kay was put on, and dissolving a long and productive partnership he secured four wickets cheaply and won the match. He helped himself to an innings of 27 not out against Park St. Wesleyans; but it was about this time that Kay began to feel the strain of fast bowling, and finding at practice that he could make the ball break, he took to slow bowling, and for a time was just as successful as he had been when a "speed artiste". With a delivery that broke from the off he was always a dangerous opponent, especially on a slow pitch and the first season the club spent in Section A enabled him to

Demonstrate His Ability.

Six Heaton batsmen fell to his insidious slows for eleven runs; he went in last when seven runs were required to beat Trinity Wesleyans, and made five of them; dismissed five and six Wesleyans for 22 runs each time, and sent back seven of St. Mark's for 25. From time to time he gave evidence that he was no mean exponent with the willow, compiling 32 against Farnworth Social Circle and 43 against Halliwell Rd. Wesleyans. The last effort enabled his side to boast 69 runs as the result of half an hours play. His captain - R. Entwistle - being his partner. He scored 37 out of 72 put on during his stay at the wickets against Gilnow Park, who were well beaten. Having worked themselves through the Junior Division, the League executive invited them to step higher three seasons ago, and they duly made their appearance in the Senior Division. They found out very speedily that the fight for points in their new sphere was very keen, and that their position would not be exactly a bed of roses. It was not surprising that though they accomplished one or two smart performances, they were out-manoeuvred by their more experienced opponents. Last season however, there was a manifest improvement in the play of the team, Farnworth were beaten chiefly by a capital innings by Kay who went in at the fall of the sixth wicket when 43 runs were required to win. These were hit off, Kay contributing a score towards them. His best effort was that accomplished against Tonge last season. The "Derby Day" had drawn a big crowd, and when rain came on and stopped play, Bradshaw had scored 114 for the loss of five wickets, Kay still unbeaten with 37 to his credit when hostilities ceased. Had Jupiter Pluvius delayed a few minutes more before before making his unwelcome interference our subject would have reached his fifty - an honour which he desired to gain. Kay has done very little bowling in senior cricket, though he has taken three Tonge wickets for a couple of runs. What his team wanted was a slow bowler. On the slow wickets predominating this season a bowler of that description would have been of inestimable value. Then again a good

Wicket-keeper was Required.

and if these weak spots could be filled Captain Kay is convinced that better results would be forthcoming. He recognises that the team is about the youngest in the senior section, all the players with the exception of vice-captain George Scott, being younger than himself; but with a few years' more experience the combination will be a formidable one. He has a very high opinion of the abilities of the younger members of the eleven.

John Derbyshire, Will Roscoe, Ernest Whittle and George Kay - a younger brother. They have had, however, more then their share of misfortune. Three weeks ago John Derbyshire, the fast bowler, injured his arm and has since been unable to play. His services would have been useful on the hard wickets served up of late. Then again Garside, who was as nice a professional as could be met with, had been unwell during the greater portion of the season, and this had prevented him from showing his best form. He was not, however, much better and his return to form a week ago was particularly welcome. This is Kay's first season as captain though he has on several occasions previously been invited to serve in this capacity. With the players he experiences no difficulty, and the only objectionable task is in having to face the spectators after the teams series of disasters. Here applies the old proverb never to kick a man - or shall we say a team - when it's down.

Kay has also played football occasionally as a goalkeeper with scratch teams, whilst priding himself upon being one of the eight selected in a billiard tournament on behalf of Bradshaw Conservative Club, after making a break of 64. But cricket has always been his game, and there is plenty of scope for him to add still further to a career which has always been meritorious if not dazzling in brilliance. In a connection with the club of close upon fourteen years, Kay has missed only a couple of matches, once being compelled to stand down through sickness and on another occasion through bereavement."