The overdoing of athletics at schools is a favourite topic in these years, but on the whole _Punch_ acquiesced in the new and formidable organization of pastimes of all sorts that went on in the 'seventies and 'eighties. He saw nothing but wholesome rivalry in contests with the Dominions. The early visits of the Australian cricket teams are dealt with at great length. In 1878, the year of Spofforth's "demoniacal" exploits, we read how, The Australians came down like a wolf on the fold, The Mary'bone cracks for a trifle were bowled; Our Grace before dinner was very soon done, And our Grace after dinner did not get a run. Criticism was not wanting, but it was not directed against the visitors. At the close of the season _Punch_ gives wholesome advice to English cricketers to repair their bad taste, bad management and bad play, and the advice is not without its point in 1921. _Punch_ had already adapted Byron for his purpose; now he turned to Campbell:-- The Cricketers of England! They yet may have their turn, When pique, and fuss, and funk depart And good pluck and luck return. Meanwhile, ye smart Australian lads, Our parting cup shall flow To the fame of your name, Who have laid our wickets low; Who have bowled great Grace, and scored from Shaw, And laid all our wickets low! [Sidenote: _Dr. W. G. Grace_] In the valedictory lines a week later _Punch_ wishes the Australians godspeed on their homeward journey, with special mention of Spofforth, Gregory, Bannerman, Blackham and Boyle. They returned in 1880, and the match at the Oval inspired the usual Lion and Kangaroo cut. W. G. Grace made 152 and Murdoch 153, but England won. _Punch_ celebrates the heroic contest in the manner of Macaulay. "W. G." was now one of _Punch's_ special heroes. He had even in 1878 bracketed him with Mr. Gladstone in "The Two W. G.'s" (based on "The Two Obadiahs," a popular song of the hour), and in July, 1880, the verses on "Grace: an Ode à la mode," are a good picture of W. G. in his large mastery of the grand style:-- [Illustration: "THE LEVIATHAN BAT" _Or Many-Centuried Marvel of the Modern (Cricket) World, in his high-soaring, top-scoring, Summer-day Flight. (Dr. William Gilbert Grace.)_ As Champion him the whole World hails, Lords! How he smites and thumps! It takes a week to reach the Bails When he's before the Stumps. "_Chevy Chase_" (_revised_). ] Praxiteles should have sculped thee, not that thou Art slim, soft-moulded, sleek-limbed, epicene, Nay, faith, but swart, square-shouldered, stalwart, keen, With bellying shirt back-blown and beaded brow, Brawny bat-gripping hands, and crisp-curled beard As black as Vulcan's own. [Illustration: CRICKETANA: YOUNG LADIES _v._ BOYS FAIR BATTER (ætat. 18): "Now, just look here, Algy Jones--none of your Patronage! You _dare_ to Bowl to me with your Left Hand again, and I'll Box your Ears!"]