Earliest Cricket
Cricket probably reached Oxfordshire by the end of the 16th century. Although "not cricket", a 1523 reference to stoolball has been found (see Rowland Bowen's history) re a designated field in Oxfordshire.
Dr Samuel Johnson stated that he played cricket during his time at Oxford University and he was there in 1729 for one year only. This is the earliest date for cricket being played in the county.
One of the earliest references to cricket in Oxfordshire was in the Reading Mercury on Monday 4 October 1779: "On Tues. Oct 5 at Henley, the County of Berks v the County of Oxford, for £25 a side". This is the first time we read of an Oxfordshire county team. Berkshire was rated first-class at the time but this was a minor match.
Read more about this topic: Oxfordshire County Cricket Club
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