Searching for cricket gold

7:10am Friday 22nd August 2008

HISTORIANS are trying to discover what happened to the gold medals won by a team of Devon cricketers at the 1900 Paris Olympics.

Devon County Wanderers, who were representing Great Britain, can still claim to be the reigning champions because their final victory against France 108 years ago is the last time the sport featured at the Games.

In the two-day, rain-affected match, the GB XII scored 117 and 145-5 while their opponents hit 78 and 26, losing by 158 runs.

Now staff at Devon County Council’s Westcountry Studies Library are appealing for any documents, photos or memorabilia relating to the game.

Cllr Sheila Hobden, executive member for culture, said: “The big mystery is – were the Devon County Wanderers presented with gold medals?

“If so, what has happened to them? Perhaps one is lying unnoticed in a Devon attic or maybe someone has old photos or family records to give us some clues.”

Anyone with information can call 01392-384216 or e-mail west|country.studies@devon.gov.uk Local historian Keith Gregson has traced the story of the match and lives of the players in his book A Great Day for England, available in Devon libraries.

Many players attended Blun-dell’s School, Tiverton, while John Symes, of Crediton, and William Cuming, of Bradninch, were in the side.