CRICKET was a very popular game in the district in late Victorian times. Thornbury was fortunate in being able to call on the talents of the famous Grace family. Details from just two of Thornbury's matches will serve to illustrate the formidable powers of the Grace brothers.

In a match played at Thornbury against Clifton on May 21, 1874, the Grace family once more showed their amazing prowess at the game. Thornbury batted first, EM Grace opening with WG Grace and the visitors would have been delighted to have sent back EM Grace, bowled for only 2, with the score on 10, but this was to be their only success for a very long time. GF Grace was next out, bowled for 123 when the score stood at 298! WG Grace was caught with his score on 259. Thornbury's innings closed at 427 for 4 wickets. In reply the visitors were all out for 112, the wickets being taken by GF Grace (1), WG Grace (6) and EM Grace (3). In another home match, this time against Knole Park, played on May 3, 1875, the Grace brothers were once again instrumental in their side winning.

The visitors batted first and were all out for 115 in their first innings. This time we do have bowling figures, which make interesting reading. GF Grace took 2 for 31 from 75 balls bowled; WG Grace took 4 for 60 from 95 balls and EM Grace took 4 for 19 from 25 balls.

In their reply, Thornbury scored 321 all out, WG making 110, GF Grace 46 and EM Grace 43 not out. In their second innings, Knole Park scored 50 for the loss of 6 wickets before the game was ended. This time WG took 2 for 26 from 40 balls and EM 4 for 17 from 40 balls.

Only two years after this second triumph, in 1877, these three Grace brothers were included in the Gloucestershire side which played England at The Oval in London. Gloucestershire won by five wickets!