Initial matches
In 1869, a couple of matches were played in Trinidad by British Guiana. One of these was won by 27 runs by British Guiana and another was won by 5 wickets by Trinidad. In 1871, British Guiana was defeated by Barbados by 8 wickets. In 1876, British Guiana was defeated by Trinidad by an innings and 28 runs. In 1882, British Guiana scored 168 runs against Trinidad. Out of these 123 runs were scored by Edward Wright and this is regarded as the first century in major West Indian cricket matches. Trinidad was defeated in this match by an innings and 6 runs. In 1883, Barbados was victorious against British Guiana by 6 wickets. In 1886, the West Indies team toured abroad for the first time and played six matches in the United States and six matches in Canada. In 1887-88, the Gentlemen of USA made a return tour to the West Indies. In 1887, British Guiana was victorious against Barbados in two matches – once by 6 wickets and once by 108 runs.
Inter-Colonial Tournament
In the West Indies, the first Inter-Colonial tournament took place in Barbados in the 1891-92 season. The teams in this tournament were Trinidad, British Guiana and Barbados. From 1st September 1891 to 10th September 1891, the matches were played at the Wanderers Ground. In the group matches, Barbados defeated Trinidad, British Guiana defeated Trinidad and Barbados defeated British Guiana. In the final match, Barbados defeated British Guiana by an innings and 55 runs. Barbados won this championship in 1893-94, 1897-98 and 1899-1900. British Guiana was victorious in 1895-96. In this Inter-Colonial tournament, only amateurs were permitted to play. Due to this rule, the leading black cricketers could not participate as they were professionals.
RS Lucas’ XI cricket team tour
A team of amateurs from England played 16 matches in the West Indies from January to April 1895. First class matches were played against Barbados, All Trinidad, Demerara, All Jamaica and Jamaica Born sides. Other matches were played against United Services, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Queen’s Park C.C., West Jamaica and North Jamaica. In the touring team, only Mr. R. Slade Lucas (the captain) and Bromley-Davenport had the experience of playing first-class cricket in England. As a result, the standard of the matches on this tour was lesser than the first class cricket in England.
AA Priestley’s XI cricket team tour
From January to March 1897, 13 amateurs from England, inclusive of Mr. A.A. Priestley as captain, toured the West Indies. First class matches were played against Barbados, All West Indies, Trinidad and All Jamaica. Other matches were played against St. Vincent, Antigua, St. Kitts, United Services, Queen’s Park, Black River C.C. and North Side. The All West Indies team was comprised of players from Barbados, British Guiana and Trinidad.
Lord Hawke’s XI cricket team tour
Under the captaincy of Lord Hawke, 12 amateurs from England played matches in the West Indies from January to April 1897. Overall, 14 matches were played out of which those against Trinidad, Barbados and British Guiana were regarded as first class. Other matches were played against Queen’s Park C.C., St. George’s C.C., Grenada, St. Vincent, Antigua, St. Kitts and Lucia.