Great piece, well written and very entertaining. I couldn’t agree more about some of the types associated with rugby and cricket, although here in the West Country both are a bit more rooted in the working classes, heaven forbid. Indeed, there is class conflict within cricket itself in my village, where a few years ago the village team were told they could no longer use the pitch and (mansion-sized) pavilion at the local public school, a privilege they had enjoyed for decades. No reason, just the new bursar clearing out the stables. One of the consequences was that they were taken in by the village sports ground, where a wicket was duly prepared. Fair enough, you might think, except that the ground could no longer then be used for the annual Village Day, where thousands were raised for local charities. So thanks, Downside School!
