Oxford University v Scotland 9, 10 & 11 June 1913 by Cricket Scotland

Ground:	The University Parks, Oxford
Scorecard:	Oxford University v Scotland
Event:	Scotland in England 1949

DateLine: 30th January 2013

Day 1:
In cold, cheerless weather yesterday the University commenced the last of their home matches against Scotland, whom they were meeting for the first time. They were not strongly represented, and Wilkinson a Brasenose cricketer who had been scoring well in College cricket, featured in the side for the first time.

Batting first, the University made a good start, although Knott was got rid of rather cheaply. A good stand by Boswell and Colman, however, produced 74 for the third wicket, and at the luncheon interval the telegraph board showed 21 for three wickets. But on resuming, with the immediate dismissal of Boswell, who had once more played sound cricket for 55, albeit he gave a chance in the slips when 40, a remarkable change came over the game, thanks to the prowess of Benskin, who, having got Williamson caught at third man, clean bowled Forrester and Shaw with two following balls.

One or two of the tail made useful contributions, and the innings eventually closed for 214, Benskin being credited with five wickets for 77. Tait and Sorrie opened Scotland's innings, and the former was getting runs in nice style and at a good pace until he made a very bad attempt to hit Melle and was bowled.

Three wickets fell for 66, but Kerr, who displayed great watchfulness, offered a stubborn opposition, which was relieved every now and again with some effective strokes. On being joined by Cullen, the Oxford attack received another check, and when play ceased the total stood at 139, so that, with half their wickets in hand, Scotland are 75 behind the University total.

Day 2:
The final stage of this match at Oxford yesterday was productive of interesting cricket, and when stumps were drawn, Scotland with two wickets in hand required 45 to win.

On the game being resumed, the visitors had a good chance of securing the advantage, as with five wickets in hand they were only 75 behind the University total, but the remaining batsmen proved incapable of coping with the deliveries of Melle, who dismissed the last three with successive balls, and the innings closed for 178.

With an advantage of 36, Oxford gave a very indifferent display on going in a second time, none of the batsmen displaying confidence in opposing the bowling of the left hander, Sievwright, who deriving considerable assistance from the strong wind that blew across the ground, nearly always had them in difficulties.

Twenty five made in nice style by Colman, proved the top score on the side, and the innings closed for 150. Sievwright, who bowled well, took six wickets for 55 runs.

Scotland had to get 187 runs to win, and at one time there seemed little doubt about obtaining them. Tait made an excellent start, and playing faultless cricket stayed until the total had reached 98 for 3, then he was tempted to strike out at one of Fraser's slows, and paid the penalty. After his retirement Oxford carried all before them for a time, but Orr and Balfour-Melville made a useful stand, and were together when play ceased with the total at 142 for eight wickets.

Day 3:
The Dark Blues won their last home match yesterday, when the defeated Scotland by 34 runs, the visitors last two wickets only adding 10 runs. Both the victims fell to Melle, who was unable to bowl in the later stages of the game on Tuesday. Altogether he took seven wickets for 70 runs.