(As published in La Provincia)
On Saturday, on the 7 a.m. up train, we departed for Rio Tinto, gladly accepting the gallant invitation of the Huelva Cricket Club to attend the match that was to be held at the mine.
When we arrived with the expeditionaries at the great mining establishment, all the members of the Rio Tinto Cricket Club were waiting at the station; they received with true gallantry—for courtesy does not diminish bravery—those who were later to contend with them for the prize of the match.
Presented with a splendid luncheon, and as the hour of the contest approached, the players went to dress; at one o’clock sharp, the signal having been given by the field umpires, the match began with Mr. Roberts of the Rio Tinto Club bowling the ball and Mr. Symes of the Huelva Club receiving it with the bat for the space of an hour and a half, being acclaimed by the cheers of the spectators.
The cricket match did not conclude until seven o’clock, with the following gentlemen taking part: Messrs. Roberts, Morrison, Nash, Alcock, Reynolds, Shelbourne, Gibbon, Harris, Murray, Stewart, and Donachy, of Rio Tinto, and Messrs. Heather, Speirs, Quiney, Symes, Kerse, Nicholson, García, Wakelin, Ross, Peacock, and Greenaway, of Huelva.
The latter was the victor by 34 runs, his fellow members being most highly congratulated.
The defeated party, giving proof of their inexhaustible courtesy, presented their guests with a well-served banquet; and as the first corks of the champagne were heard to pop after the consumption of countless bottles of San Cristóbal, Almuradiel, and Bordeaux, the most expansive joy reigned, making it impossible to distinguish victors from vanquished. Toasts of thanks were offered by the two captains of both clubs, Messrs. Roberts and Heather, and by Mr. Quiney. Following the banquet, Mr. Dowling delighted the audience, displaying his skill in sleight of hand, which he performs as perfectly as the finest prestidigitator.
Comic songs and patriotic hymns were sung, and the same Mr. Dowling provided pleasant surprises with his ventriloquist’s voice.
The festivities having concluded, we returned to Huelva, and it is our pleasure to express our gratitude to the Rio Tinto Club and to our friends from Huelva for the many signs of consideration and attention we received from all.
In the cricket match, which proves to be a most entertaining and healthful game, there are highly skilled players on both sides, with Messrs. Heather, Symes, and García standing out for Huelva, and Messrs. Roberts, Gibbon, and Morrison for Rio Tinto.
