Rev. John Hood

THE REV. JOHN SHAPLAND ELLIOTT COCKBURN HOOD,who died at Catterick, on the 30th August, from the effects of a bicycle accident, was born at Sydney, N. S. W., January 16th, 1844. He was in the Rugby eleven in 1861 and 1862, and appeared for Cambridge against Oxford in 1865 and 1867.

Mr. Hood, whilst at Rugby, was coached by Alfred Diver, of Cambridge, who has always been regarded as one of the finest of cricket teachers. Among his school companions were several who afterwards became well-known in the cricket world, including B. B. Cooper, C. Booth, M. T. Martin, E. Rutter, F. it. Evans, and C. Marshall. Mr. Hood made many good scores, his leg-hitting being very line, though he was some-what lacking in defence. He always excelled in the field, especially at long-leg and cover-point. At times, too, he was useful as a change round-armed bowler, but after leaving Rugby ha did not meet with much success.

In May, 1867, he made 117 for Cambridge University against Southgate (or the Gentlemen of England) at Fenner's, adding, with the Hon. G. S. Lyttelton (99), 206 for the filth wicket, and in May, 1869. going in tenth man, he scored 50 not out for the Gentlemen of England against Oxford University, at Oxford. His best feat, however, was when he helped Mr. C. E. Green to add 110 runs for the last wicket of Cambridge University v. M. C. C. and Ground, at Lord's, in June, 1867. Mr. Green carried out his bat for 60, whilst Mr. Hood made 45 before being run out. Their partnership had a great deal to do with the victory of their side by the narrow margin of 28 runs. After leaving Cambridge, Mr. Hood practically dropped out of first-class matches, but he occasionally appeared for the Free Foresters, for whom he made, in 1865, scores of 71 not out and 36 v. Cambridge University, at Cambridge, in May, 87 v. Dalkeith, at Dalkeith, August 2nd and 3rd, and 56 v. West of Scotland, at Glasgow, August 4th and 5th. For some time he was hon. secretary to the Cambridge University C.C., resigning that position in November, 1867. At the time of his death he was vicar of Kirby Fleetham in Yorkshire.