6 JULY 1929, Page 31

A VILLAGE MATCH AND AFTER. By M. D. Lyon. (Nash

and Grayson. 3s. fid.).—This story purports to be the narrative of an amateur cricketer who goes with a friend to a country house-party in Suffolk. There is a village match in which the host, Sir William Trent, three of his sons, the local parson, the head gardener, and the cowman are among the " Home " fifteen. Connoisseurs of the game will revel in the account of this rustic match as given by the famous Cambridge and Somerset player. In one sense Mr. Lyon is unmerciful ; but in another sense, his description, being so thoroughly alive to the humours and humanity of the contest, reflects the best spirit of sportsmanship. The game is inter- rupted by the news that Sir William's fourth son has been kidnapped, together with the horse which he had proposed running at the "Derby" on the following day. The story from this point develops into a burlesque detective yarn, with an intermingled love comedy. It is the broadest of broad farce, but will prove very good fun to readers who do not demand sublety with their humour. The climax is a neat and genuine surprise.