It was one of the four tournaments in which the eighteen first-class counties compete each season.

The other games played were all between the first-class counties and university sides.

He was the first cricketer to receive a county cap from three different first-class counties.

But there was no question of any of the first-class counties being relegated for poor results.

Somerset did not play any other first-class counties and dropped out of the Championship until 1891.

Hampshire ceased to be a first-class county after years of difficult circumstances and poor results.

The 10 other games, all with first-class counties, were drawn.

Matches were played against 16 of the 17 first-class counties, with five won and four lost.

Perhaps, when the draw is made next season, the first-class counties will not be as lucky.

The Edwardian years were the club's "most successful period" and a 1903 report described the team as "the equal of any first-class county".