Tuer, The follies & fashions of our grandfathers (1807)

SINGLE-STICK PLAYING.

A MATCH of Single-stick playing, between Davis and Harding, two Hampshire men, and Goddard and Phillips, from Wiltshire, took place on Tuesday the 3d instant, at Swallowfield, Berks, for 25gs. a side, amidst as great a concourse of people as usually assemble on such (pp. 81.) such occasions. Davis and Goddard first mounted the stage, and after plenty of diversion and science on both sides, Davis was the first loser. —Phillips and Harding, who were considered first-rates at this exercise, next came on, and the contest was easily won by Harding.

The two conquerors then played for the decision of the match, and the honour of the two counties.

Goddard had suffered a good deal in his basket arm with Davis, and he lost the match by being unable to keep up his guard. The prize was consequently taken to Hampshire by Harding.