Charles Toppin

TOPPIN, MR. CHARLES, born at Penrith, Cumberland, on August 9, 1864, died at Great Malvern on June 8. He was in the Sedbergh Eleven for six years, 1878 to 1883 inclusive, being captain his last season. Playing first for his University in 1885, Toppin helped Cambridge to win by seven wickets, his bowling in the first innings, when he dismissed seven men at a cost of 51 runs, giving Cambridge an advantage that was never lost. He was on the losing side in the next two years, Key and W. Rashleigh getting hundreds for Oxford in 1886, and Lord George Scott, the last choice, hitting up 100 and scoring 66 when Oxford wanted 148 to win in 1887. For St. John's College v. Emmanuel College in May, 1884, he played an innings of 232. Subsequently he took part in county cricket for Cumberland and Worcestershire, and in 1885 and 1886 appeared for the Gentleman against the Players at the Oval. A fast right-hand bowler, Toppin owned his success mainly to keeping on the wicket, and, when finding a length, his straight bowling required a lot of stopping. When playing for Cumberland, the county of his birth, he took 16 wickets for 48 runs in a match against Northumberland at Carlisle in July, 1885, and three years later for the M.C.C. he took 14 Radnorshire wickets, his analysis in the first innings being remarkable--eight for 18. He was a sure catch at slip, and a smart fieldsman at cover-point or in the long field. In 1899 he took part in a short tour in Holland. On leaving Cambridge, Mr. Toppin went as a master to Malvern College, where he remained for 42 years. He helped to develop many of the fine cricketer who played for the College, and became famous in more important cricket. Among those who passed through his hands at Malvern were C. J. Burnup, the brothers Day, the Fosters, P. H. Latham, G. H. Simpson-Hayward, W. H. B. Evans, W. S. Bird, F. T. Mann, D. J. Knight N. E. Partridge, G. B. Legge and E. R. T. Holmes.