Smokers v Non-Smokers

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A Smokers v Non-Smokers cricket match with first class status was held on two occasions in the late 19th century. The first of these was staged at Lord's in 1884, and resulted in a resounding nine-wicket win for the Non-Smokers, due in great part to an innings of 124 from George Bonnor (the next highest score in the match was 43) and eight wickets for WG Grace. Despite the presence of Spofforth in their side, the Smokers' best performance came from Ted Peate, who claimed 6-30 in the first innings.

The second and final Smokers v Non-Smokers match was played in Australia on March 17-21, 1887 at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue which saw only four first-class games in its history. The match was drawn, but was notable for the Non-Smokers' enormous first-innings total of 803. Arthur Shrewsbury made 236, Billy Gunn 150 and William Bruce 131 as the side piled up what at the time was a world record first-class total despite being a man short: Billy Barnes was absent hurt and unable to bat. In reply the Smokers started well and reached 267/2 thanks to Eugene Palmer's 113, but then collapsed to 356 all out with Billy Bates (who had failed with the bat, making just 4) taking 6-73. Following on, the Smokers had struggled to 135/5 when time ran out. William Scotton blocked the last ball of the match and picked it up with the intention of collecting it as a souvenir. The fielders appealed and Scotton was given out handled the ball.