The Meadow at Chapel Hill Cross

The Meadow at Chapel Hill Cross takes readers back to the opening of the first cricket ground in Torquay and the match against the All England Eleven. The author dreams of being asked to umpire the match and takes the reader into a world of cunning under-arm bowlers and round-arm pacemen. Neither umpires nor the worlds leading professionals are allowed into the members pavilion, so the author must glimpse through the doorways and spend his time sharing jugs of ale with those who attracted thousands to watch.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2022
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Have you ever pondered the intriguing experience of officiating a match where bowlers adorned top hats, while gentlemen considered wearing pads and gloves beneath their esteemed dignity? The Meadow at Chapel Hill Cross transports you back to the inaugural opening of the first "proper" cricket ground in Torquay, coinciding with a historic match against the renowned All England Eleven. In this captivating dream, the author finds himself invited to umpire this remarkable event, taking the reader on a journey into a world of cunning under-arm bowlers and round-arm pacemen who hurl "tosses" at the batsman's head. Throughout the narrative, you have the privilege of eavesdropping on the conversations of some of the greatest cricketers in the sport's history, including the legendary Old Clarke, George Parr, and the side-splitting Billy Buttress.

However, a unique twist arises as neither umpires nor the world's leading professionals are granted access to the sanctity of the members pavilion. Instead, the author must peer through the doorways and spend his time engaging in camaraderie with those who drew thousands of spectators to witness the game, yet were deemed unworthy of a gentleman's company. Welcome to a world of cricket where sheep graze on the grass, the groundsman stamps the turf, the fielders chase "booth balls," and the concept of boundaries remains purely hypothetical. This captivating realm will captivate your imagination, leaving an indelible mark on your journey through the sport's rich tapestry.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803131757