Extract from Wiliam McCanlis' diary, 1866

William McCanlis' career at Kent started in1862 and he played until 1877. He became coach of the Tonbridge nursery and was respected for his ability to recognise young talent, such as Frank Woolley and Colin Blythe. In his diary he records his own statistics from the 1876 season and remarks on W. G. Grace's amazing innings.

"the most remarkable performances during the season were the two consecutive innings for the Oval played by W G Grace."