13/07/2026
The second hurl at St Columb, as reported in the Cornish Guardian on March 1, 1956, proved to be a notably brief affair, ultimately resulting in a victory for the Countrymen over the Townsmen. The proceedings were marked by the participation of Mr. Jack Robertson, the Middlesex and England cricketer, who was invited to "throw up" the silver ball to begin the match.
Mr. Robertson expressed that he considered it a great honour to be asked to officiate, particularly as a newcomer to the county. In a lighthearted comment, he joked that he was thankful such expensive balls were not used in the sport of cricket, remarking that the game would quickly face bankruptcy if clubs were required to pay between £20 and £30 for every new ball.
The logistics of the event followed a precise schedule, with the ball being "called up" by Mr. Tony Hawkey in Market Square at 4:15 p.m., followed by the official start of the game at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Hawkey, a young Townsman who had previously successfully "goaled" the ball on Shrove Tuesday, was also responsible for extending the invitation to Mr. Robertson to preside over the final hurl of the event.
(Cornish Guardian, Thursday 01 March 1956, page 3)
