1737 English cricket season

The 1737 cricket season was the 140th in England since the earliest known definite reference to cricket in January 1597 (i.e., Old Style – 1598 New Style). Details have survived of seven important matches. Frederick, Prince of Wales, seems to have been the sport's main patron this year while Kent, who twice defeated a combined London & Surrey team, seem to have been the strongest county.

The following matches are classified as important:

Scores are known: Kent 99 & 70-7 declared; Surrey 31 & 98. There was crowd trouble at the match. One report says: "the Mob outrageously threw Dirt, Dung, etc. on Account of the people's entering within the Line". A week later, a man called John Smith died from complications of a wound caused when he was hit by one of the stones being thrown. Another report says that "the Press (i.e., crowd pressure) was so great" that a woman suffered a broken leg "by the Crowd bearing upon her". The Prince of Wales, sponsoring London & Surrey, gave her ten guineas compensation. Kent were sponsored by Lord John Philip Sackville.

Kent "maintained their honour, and beat their adversaries at one hands". The match was completed in a day. Cricket Scores records the fixture but has a non-specific and incorrect date in June.

Reported by the General Evening Post on Tuesday, 26 July.

The match was organised by Frederick, Prince of Wales (Surrey) and the 3rd Duke of Marlborough (London) for £500 a side. It was announced by the General Evening Post on Thursday, 21 July, but no report of the game has been found.

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