THE FORTY CLUB 2013 HANDBOOK 2 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook THE FORTY CLUB - OFFICERS

Patron

HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT

Founder President Henry Grierson Charles A Fry

Past Presidents Sir , Sir John Hobbs, Sir George Allen CBE TD, GO Shelmerdine, H Sutcliffe, H Grierson, F Appleyard, Sir Robert Menzies KT CH QC, AER Gilligan, HEH Gabriel FCIB, SC Griffith CBE DFC TD, JRF Temple, His Hon WA Sime CMG MBE QC, EW Swanton CBE, Sir Leonard Hutton, BAJ Johnston CBE MC, Lt Col JR Stephenson CBE, JA Bailey, Sir Oliver Popplewell.

Life Vice President DL Hamilton

Honorary Fellows RG Munn, DG Laudy, MC Barton, Dr FJ Imms, PH Bown, CDE Bazalgette, JF Hyde Blake, JA Williams, CF Openshaw.

Honorary Life Members JR Reid OBE, DK Gaekwad, R Benaud OBE, RB Simpson, MJK Smith OBE, TW Graveney OBE, DB Close CBE, R Illingworth CBE, JT Murray MBE, RT Simpson, Sir MBE, CEB Rice, KK Vervelde, DRW Silk CBE, R Subba Row CBE, MJ Stewart OBE, GHG Doggart OBE, DL Underwood MBE, Lord McLaurin of Knebworth DL, Sir and Group GP Carson.

Chairman of the Club TR Woodcock

Officers Hon Secretary Hon Treasurer Hon Fixtures Secretary Hon Membership Secretary EBC Aitken PL Rebera JRA Widgery Mrs PM Gaywood 01980 610836 0117 986 6055 01304 201191 01474 702106 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Curator of WG Grace’s Grave: HD Smith

Committees and Key Personnel Executive Committee: TR Woodcock (Chair), PW Fawkner-Corbett (Vice Chair), TS Hale, PA Mason, C Neill, DP Owens, JM Roberts, RW Tennant, RAJ Walton, ID Witchell and EBC Aitken. Dinner Committee: ID Witchell (Chair), DJP Cattermole, PL Rebera. Coordinator Cricket Tours Manager Secretary, XL Golfing Society RJH Evans DW Elder AE Seager 01254 852894 01763 852557 01483 283366 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Handbook Editor Club Archivist B Scovell C Openshaw 0208 464 4133 01892 538351 [email protected] [email protected]

3 www.thefortyclub.co.uk FROM THE PRESIDENT

Still in a Healthy State Our President Might Have Despite the Downpours Been a Hollywood Star by Charles Fry by Christopher Martin-Jenkins who has been a Forty Club member since 1989 and because of his committments, he wasn’t able to play a single game

Imagine Charles Fry not as the skilful financier he was but as the Hollywood star he might have been. Surmise that he once played cricket for . That might give you some idea of the grandeur of Sir Charles Aubrey Smith, knighted in 1944, having “played every part except Princess Flavia” in “The Prisoner of Zenda.” Had he not pre-dated Henry Grierson, Sir Aubrey, the most famous Engish actor in Hollywood, would have been an obvious choice as President of the Forty Club.

I was reminded of his unique career last year when circumstances forced One hundred years ago the first Triangular Test tournament between me to spend a lot of time watching television. I was hooked one day England, and was played in England in weather by the film of A.E.W. Mason’s classic tale of military courage, “The Four worse than of 2012. England won the series and was a spectator and Feathers.” The sometime England captain played the part of General financial failure. Well, 2012 was pretty awful as regards weather and we Burroughs with relish and absolutely no subtlety! No doubt there was had to cancel 45% of our fixtures. However, the Club is in a healthy state more guile in his - because of his circular up he was known as as can be seen elsewhere in this Handbook which covers the games ‘round the corner’ Smith - and he was certainly a brave batsman. played in the UK and abroad, where we won the Triangular tournament against the Danes and the Dutch in La Manga. Also the Golf Society is an Charles Aubrey Smith captained , Shaw and Shrewsbury’s England expanding and integral part of the Club with 366 members. team to Australia in 1887/8 and the first England team to play Tests in South Africa. It was in retirement as the Grand Old Man amongst the We are very keen to recruit more young playing members and, as you may large population of British actors in Hollywood that he made his greatest know, we have dropped our age qualification to 35 (and even younger in contribution to cricket. He was the leading light of the Hollywood Cricket special cases). If you know any likely candidates, please let the Secretary Club and David Rayvern Allen’s biography, “Sir Aubrey,” handsomely know. We have a lot of fixtures and we need a lot of players. In the AGM republished by the bookseller J.W. McKenzie in 2005, offers vivid evidence in November we saw the retirement of Barrie Hunter as Chairman. He of the manner in which his grand and kindly leadership revived the club. has made an outstanding contribution to the Club. As those of you who sit on committees will know, they and the organisations they serve are not always free from politics and minor squabbles. The Forty Club is no exception and it is largely due to the ability of Barrie to overcome these in a friendly but firm fashion that the Club continues to function in the way it does.

However, no one man makes up a club and it is only through the huge contributions made by our Secretary Barry Aitken, the Executive Committee and all those involved with the matches (not forgetting Brian Scovell who puts this Handbook together) that we are able to maintain our reputation and standing as a major cricket club. We now have 2,371 members but we only have emails for 1230 of these. I know we are all getting older but I cannot believe that 50% of our members do not have an email address. It helps us enormously to have an email for our members so please send yours, if you haven’t already done so, to [email protected]. I hope you enjoy the Handbook and let’s hope for a hot cricketing summer in 2013.

From our Editor: We are reliably informed that a majority of Charles Fry writes: "Aubrey Smith is in the centre with the stick, our 1,300 members who are said not to be on online ARE online. with Errol Flynn on his right. My father Stephen is second on “Surfing on the net is now the major preoccuption of the over the left. Aubrey started the Hollywood team in Griffith Park and sixties,” we were told. So email Paddy Gaywood, our Membership I was six when this picture was taken in 1946/7." Secretary NOW .... with the details.

4 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook HONORARY SECRETARY’S REPORT 2013

It is always a challenge preparing this report for you in December Ron Hart and Richard Bennett wish to stand down as District knowing that it will not be available Chairmen and the process has begun to try and identify suitable for reading until 3 months hence! candidates to replace them. When originally drafted, had just walked off a The new Treasurer is Peter Rebera, who took over the accounts at Test match ground to rapturous the start of this year, freeing up Tim Woodcock to assume the mantle as applause and a Proteas Guard of Chairman of the Club. Peter is still a very active cricketer for West district. Honour; Michael Vaughn had been “It is tempting to assume that old and well-established voluntary kicked off ‘Strictly’: and the England institutions can just continue to flourish of their own accord. The truth is cricket team was 2 days into its 4th Test in ! Since then that they need as much attention as any aspiring commercial enterprise”. is creating all sorts of excellent headlines, a new No Ball rule has been These wise words were written by our Patron in a letter to outgoing drafted, has just scored an unbeaten 147 in and the Chairman Barrie Hunter. Your Executive Committee has made a number Forty Club has completed a tour to Dubai and Sharjah! of key decisions for the future of the Club and with the engagement of a Sports Marketing company has started to tackle that phrase which was Let me begin with membership. In the end of year statistics which Paddy laid before us a year ago – that the Forty Club is the best kept secret Gaywood so ably produces, the membership stood at 2365, one less than in cricket. The Executive has endorsed the use of the social media like it was a year ago. 82 new members have joined and 9 have re-joined, Facebook and Twitter and although the older members may roll their making a total influx of 91. Resignations and the deceased account for 92. eyes when these words are uttered, younger members are very aware This reduction in membership over the year is the smallest that it has been of them. The Executive is pursuing the design of a new website, to make for 9 years so I am hoping that this is a positive sign. I believe that the it more attractive and user-friendly and to have a membership package greatest compliment any member can do for his Club is to sign up another embedded in it. New Newsletters are already in existence, and Members member or members, and preferably cricketers aged between 35 and 40. can now “shop on line” to buy their XL clothing, both cricket and leisure We all need to spread the word constantly, to increase our footprint, and wear, via the website. I am hoping that the Golfing Society will also to strengthen our membership. embrace this initiative as everything sold will produce income for the Club. Another task is this Handbook for which the Executive seeks a fresher and On the cricket front I have Carl Openshaw to thank for the stats. He more attractive design whilst keeping much of the content unchanged. is dedicated to the task and produces all sorts of wonderful data. The extraordinary wet summer of 2012 ensured that at least one Forty Club All this effort is about raising the Club profile, making the Club visible and record was overtaken: exactly 100 matches were cancelled which is 27 attractive to more new members and as a aiming to secure a healthy more than the previous high of 73 in 2007. Of the 103 matches that did get and vibrant future for your Club. under way 31 were won, 36 lost, 26 drawn and 10 abandoned. Next I would like to extend my thanks to Ian Witchell who organised for 6 more matches were played in La Manga, Spain, in November as part of our enjoyment an excellent dinner in the Long Room at Lords in October. the Triangular Tournament and La Manga Festival. 5 matches were won Many members have contacted me to say how much they enjoyed the and 1 lost, and a new record highest team total in the history of the Club event – and didn’t Ken Medlock do well? – and I believe that Ian deserves was established with a score of 409 for 4 in 45 overs against a reportedly all the plaudits. He has booked the dinner at Lords again next year and I weak Dansk XL. At the other end of the scale 2012 saw two of our lowest hope that you all will be there. ever scores – 41 all out against Norwich School and 42 all out against – whilst Eltham College scored 363 for 4 declared and Before I close I must mention two of our members. First Ron Hart who beat the Club by nearly 200 runs. has for many years been Tours Manager, DC of & East Sussex, on the Executive Committee and the organiser for the Forty Club in the Amongst our key volunteers – and please dwell on those two words for a Triangular Tournament. It has been a fantastic record of voluntary and moment - a number of changes are imminent or have taken place: unselfish service for the Club he loves. I have valued the friendship and his unstinting contribution enormously and I know that the Club will join me in Ron Hart has stepped down as Tours Manager and I can report that shouting out a huge ’thank you’ for everything that he has done for us. Duncan Elder has agreed to take on the role. As we speak, Duncan is working with our commercial partners Gullivers to plan the autumn 2013 Second, we say farewell to Barrie Hunter who, after 6 years in the post, tour. I hear rumours of the plus a short trip to Prague! is standing down as Chairman of the Club. To the accolades uttered by others I would wish to add my personal and sincere words that it has been I am delighted to report that we have two new District Chairmen. Ilija a pleasure and a privilege working with him. He has masterminded and Krunic has taken on the responsibility of North Thames and Ian Henderson conducted numerous essential changes to the way your Club is managed has just agreed to take on the South District. These are key positions and to ensure that its original purposes can be continued under future, and pivotal tasks and we wish both Ilija and Ian well. changing, conditions. No-one has been more committed to the safe and healthy future for this Club. I can also report that Roly Walton, Peter Mason and Colin Neill have all been elected to the Executive Committee. As we say farewell to Barrie, we also warmly welcome Tim Woodcock as our new Club Chairman. As vice chairman for a number of years and My major challenge is to find a new Fixtures Secretary. John Widgery a member for many more, he is steeped in the Forty Club aims and wishes to step down at the end of the 2013 season having, I hope, trained traditions. Phil Fawkner-Corbett is the new Vice Chairman and I am sure a successor in the role. This is a pivotal volunteer appointment in the Club that we will all join in wishing them both success and satisfaction as they and one in which John has produced outstanding results. guide our Club for the next three years.

Barry Aitken 5 www.thefortyclub.co.uk THE CHAIRMAN’S LAST HURRAH

Barrie with Geoffrey Boult, the Head at Giggleswick School

WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

By Barrie Hunter

“Time flies when you are enjoying yourself,” and this has to all the Officers, Executive Members and District Chairmen proved to be true over the past six years when I have been for their time and considerable effort in the management Chairman of the Forty Club. I took office in 2006 following of the Club. My thanks also go to the important Match the retirement of Jack Hyde-Blake and I considered it to Managers, without whom we would never have such a superb be a daunting task to follow his footsteps. Guided by the fixture list. Overall I feel we have a management team to be then Honorary Secretary Peter Bown – who delayed his proud of and it has been an honour and privilege to work retirement to see me in – and together with the strong with you all. support of Tim Woodcock, the Vice Chairman who is now the new Chairman, I soon embraced the role and all it involved. I have tried to visit as many Districts and events as possible, One decisions was to recruit Barry Aitken to succeed Peter, not only to give support but also to show that the officers are and what a superb decision that has proven! His energy and not faceless and we all enjoy the cricket and golf activities. commitment have been outstanding and his ability – not only I have made many friends around the UK and abroad and to process Club business but also to plan and pursue future thank them for their hospitality and the enjoyment given to development – is exemplary. myself and my wife Joan, who has really entered into the spirit of the Club and given me every support in my role as I have been fortunate to serve with our outstanding President Chairman. Finally, I wish the Club every success and I am sure Charles Fry. He attends most of the meetings and has been it is in very safe hands with Tim Woodcock, who has been a hands-on both in raising considerable finance and playing a very special colleague and friend over the years. vital part in making our recent annual dinners so successful. We are very lucky to have him! I would also like to pay tribute May you all continue to enjoy good cricket and golf!

6 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook AD

7 www.thefortyclub.co.uk Hon Treasurer's Report 1 October 2011 - 30 September 2012

save monies and we are beginning to see some benefits. This is very much in the hands of all of us. The savings will be substantial, and coupled with the funds we currently hold we will be able to ensure that we can do the things we need to do in relation to our support for youth cricket whilst also increasing our playing membership – particularly among the younger set eligible to join. We are committed to this approach and plan to continue to do away with a joining fee. The loss of this joining fee and the subsequent need for us to absorb the cost of the necktie we give to each new member must be taken into account, and of course did contribute to our deficit, but in these times I believe it is something we must absorb to enable us to This being my last financial report, it is somewhat continue to recruit members, particularly among disappointing that I have to report a substantial the younger qualifiers. deficit of £7,525. This was almost solely due to the unprecedented weather which caused a record The reduction in the joining costs should however number of matches to be cancelled – 100 in all. The be fair and balanced, as I believe players should effect on the match fee income was drastic: it was appreciate what we have to offer in terms of down by around £5,000, so you can see the effect fixtures, venues and admin support for a very on the finances. In addition it was our turn to host modest annual subscription. Compare our £25 the Triangular Tournament, something we have to almost any other cricket or sports club and to do every three years, which incurred additional we shouldn’t feel embarrassed about pressing expenditure of £2,300. The overall position members to make themselves available at every however remains satisfactory and shows that with opportunity. the reserves we have built up and the additional funds raised through the President’s appeal we The current net assets of the club show a healthy are able to survive such a difficult year and look £46,897 and the bank balances (£50K) remain forward with confidence to the years ahead. healthy but we need to remember that the funds shown include receipts/payments in advance for We have reduced our expenditure from last year. the dinner and tours (net £13K). We continue to exercise control over our day-to- day costs, partly due to fewer meetings being held, I feel confident in recommending the accounts to and hopefully the continued use of technology the club, and whilst doing so I would like to express will see further reductions. The increasing use of my gratitude for the help and support I received emails to communicate has seen the expected from the officers of the club and the members of reduction in outlay. The total costs of the handbook the Executive. Finally whilst as Treasurer I can’t and newsletter remain the largest elements within thank the auditors Chantrey Vellacott, I am very the budget, but as a national organisation this is happy to do so on behalf of the club. not surprising. As I mentioned last year, the need to use modern technology to communicate will Tim Woodcock

Tim has now succeeded Barrie Hunter as chairman and we welcome the new treasurer Peter Rebera of the West District.

8 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook AD

9 www.thefortyclub.co.uk 500th ANNIVERSARY OF GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL

Seated are Richard Evans (with Bill Oddie behind) Barrie Hunter and Tony Fare after the presentation of the XL seat to the school

Bill Oddie, no relation to the author and entertainer of the the dressing rooms. I was lucky (writes out Editor) to get same name, played in the Forty Club's inaugural match to know him as a journalist. He was best known for taking at Giggleswick in 1962 and took part in most of the 32 part in that epic fifth stand of 163 at Lord's against matches which were completed as an Old Giggleswickian. the Australians in 1953 when he scored 109 in almost six He was present at what should have been the 50th hours with , who also played for the Forty anniversary on July 5 and said "There's no better looking Club, scoring 71 but he had many other glorious moments ground in the country than this one. It's a delight to come with and Leicestershire and also taking part here." Sadly, the match was flooded out, adding to the in the 1950 World Cup soccer team as a midfield player. growing list of casualties to the weather. Now 76, Bill still He wasn't a normal Tyke - he was unassuming and quiet runs his own bakery company in Burnley. The next day, spoken. the more famous Mr Oddie celebrated his 71st year. "I met him once but I didn't have a chance to chat," said our Three other England Test players represented XL at Bill. Giggleswick. The loqacious Peter Parfitt, another left hander, scored 39* and took 1-12 when we were beaten In 1968 the game in May was abandoned because of hail by five in 1973, Frank Lowson, a Yorkshire opener, and snow. Willie Watson, one of the last international scored 9 in the drawn fixture in 1974 and sportsmen to represent his country at football and cricket, (Lancashire) scored 36* when we won by 106 runs in was 48 at the time and was 21 , out of 29-3, when 2005. There must still be a strong case now for our the players scurried back to the warmth of the coal fires in members to headhunt professionals players and get them

10 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook OLD GIGGLESWICKIANS

Richard Whiteley (1943-2005) the TV presenter and journalist

Russell Harty (1934-1988) the TV chat show host

Joseph Mycock (1914-2004) former England Rugby captain

Gary Wolstenholme MBE golfer

in XL games, and revive one of Henry Grierson's main aims.

XL won 7 games against the school, lost 14, drew 11 and 17, a third, were rained off. The 50th fixture was never going to start. The BBQ was cancelled and instead lunch, a good wholesome one, was served in the dining room. In the 52nd fixture, if it is not rained off in 2013, the school will probably be favourite to win because they now have a top coach in former Yorkshire cricketer and coach Kevin Sharp. He scored 9,962 runs, average 30.84 in his 18 years with Yorkshire and Griqualand West in South Africa.

BBC's Russell Harty taught English and drama at the school and was a successful TV presenter and interviewer whose most used phrase was "Were you, or were you not.....?" He Kevin Sharpe, the school coach was famous for being slapped in the face by Grace Jones, and former Yorkshire star the singer, while interviewing her on his programme. He died of hepatitis and is buried at the churchyard near the school.

11 www.thefortyclub.co.uk FORTY CLUB NEWS ROUND

Yohan Blake with Pakistan journalist Qamar Ahmed at the Media Centre at Lord's

SITTING NEXT TO THE WORLD'S SECOND FASTEST SPRINTER

By The Editor

Our President Charles Fry sat next to Yohan Blake, the If he was believed, he may well be the first cricketer to bowl at Jamaican sprinter, at Lord's on the opening day of last year's 90 mph and face 90 mph deliveries from a bowling machine! Third Investec Test against South Africa. MCC asked 22 year old Blake to ring the bell in the pavilion to start the match and Asked if he could beat Usain Bolt again, he said "Sure, Blake said "It was a great honour to do it." He became the next time out in Switzerland." He didn't think he was first non professional cricketer to perform the ceremony. handicapped being of medium height and weighing only 76kgs against Bolt's six feet five inches and 93 kgs. "I get off "I was very impressed with him," said Charles."He was the blocks quicker than him," he said. absolutely thrilled to be at Lord's. He told me he is a fast bowler at the Kingston CC and plays every Sunday. His Blake managed to avoid the MCC rule about wearing ties manager said there was talk about him playing in the Big with the collar buttoned up in the pavilion. "I complimented Bash tournament in but with him earning 150,000 him on his very smart suit and asked if it was a present and dollars from every race I don't think it will happen. I asked him he said 'no, it's very expensive and I had to buy it myself,'" 'how fast do you bowl?' and he said '90 mph.'" said Charles. "But he was wearing a watch which he said cost more than £5,000, a gift from a Swiss company. He In an interview with Ian Ward, Sky's presenter, Blake said "I showed me his gold medal and I was surprised to see that it started out as a cricketer before I took up running. I have a didn't mention his name and his events on it. It could have bowling machine and I love facing the ball at 90 mph. I'd love been given to anyone and the gold is only six carat. Very to play against ." Clearly Yohan liked to brag. poor I thought."

12 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook walking and ordered their players to do it, the atmosphere out in the middle would change dramatically, as Simon Doull told us in last year’s Handbook.

Born on Christmas Day, Cook is the first England skipper to play against XL on six occasions in as many years for his school, Bedford School. He was a boarder there between 1998-2003. Despite setting a school record of 4,396 runs at an average of 87.90, he never scored a fifty against us and with such good training in his younger days, he has plenty of time to pass Strauss’s record of 100 Test appearances. At the time of his appointment he played in 75 Tests and should beat Strauss’s tally of 50 Tests as skipper.....without sweat. Yes, he doesn’t sweat even in extreme heat.

Nasser Hussain, one of his captains, said recently of as a chorister him “he is well on the way to becoming England’s greatest batsman” possibly overlooking all time greats like , Walter Hammond, , and others. ALASTAIR COOK SETS But there, XL played a part in his upbringing and our playing members should pass that information to potential applicants THE RIGHT EXAMPLE by showing them this year’s Handbook. That’s the best recruiting advert we could possibly have and it costs nothing. Congratulations to Alastair Cook for leading England to a triumphant 2-1 victory in India and setting a new England Test record of scoring hundreds, 23, after succeeding another gent in . But Alastair also did something which Sir , the man who with , launched the MCC Spirit of Cricket idea, would have been proud of - accepting the ’s decision. Twice he was the victim of two bad umpiring decisions in the final Test at and each time he left the wicket without causing a rumpus. Just an imperceptible shake of the head.

The Indian Board refused to use DRS and their chairman said “we think it should be left to the umpire and the players should accept their decisions.” Contrast that to the behaviour of the Indian players on the fourth day. , whose father Ian is a member of the Forty Club, stood his ground when Mahendra Dhoni appealed for a catch behind when he was on 43. When the umpire said not out, Dhoni Joe Root and and four of his colleagues all berated Trott who had to back off. Rod Tucker, the Australian umpire, had to reprimand the Indian but , the fair minded ICC Referee, declined Adrian Gale has informed us that Joe Root, known as "Barry," to take any disciplinary action. was down to play in the XL Northern Schools v XL Southern Schools a few years ago but had to withdraw to play for the Yorkshire Academy side. A protege of who There were at least ten umpiring bloomers in the series with also came from Shefffield, Joe won a scholarship at Worksop six against India and four against England. Trott, College and scored more than 2,000 runs there with an who learned his cricket in South Africa, was under severe average of 50 plus. Though he batted six on his Test debut in pressure to walk. These days there are very few professionals Nagpur, scoring 73 and 20,* he is a prolific opener and unlike who would give away his wicket. The indicated Geoff Boycott, he can hit sixes when required. Nick Compton, there was a noise but it isn’t foolproof which is why the Indian a rare walker like his grandfather, will face a stiff challenge administrators are resisting DRS against the wishes of Dhoni from Joe when start. and his players. If all the international captains agreed on

13 www.thefortyclub.co.uk XL's "WALKER OF THE YEAR" shows his battle scars

David Steele, England's heroic right hander who blocked for his country in 1975 to earn a pork chop for every run from a local butcher, was not renowned for "walking." This is David Steele, one of our members, who does it all the time. "I can't see the point of staying and making a fuss," he said. "If you know you're out, you go and it makes it easier for everyone concerned."

A BIG LET DOWN AT OXSHOTT

It was disappointing that our match against Maori- Oxshott CC two days later was cancelled because neither team was able to raise an eleven. Some of our members might have ED MILIBAND JOINS wanted a tour of the houses of the Chelsea footballers who THE BOYCOTT FAN CLUB live in Britain's richest town. Until the 1850s, the hamlet had a population of 200 and their livings came from forestry, William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, was one of the best farming and keeping pigs. But after the railway was built speakers at our annual dinners in 1999 and he told our members in 1885, it expanded rapidly and the Crown Commissioners “I am a great fan of Geoff Boycott.” Now Ed Miliband, the Labour ruled that only mansions should be built and many of leader, has joined the admirers of Boycott. Geoffrey told his them are now owned by John Terry and his colleagues. ghostwriter “He is a fan of mine. He knew his stuff. He said he Terry's residence is having an £8m extension fitted and it is was there when I made my 100th 100 in the Headingley Test in impossible to view it because it is surrounded by an eight 1977. He also said he saw my last first class at Lord’s in feet high wooden fence. 1986 and knew I was dismissed by .”

Your editor was sitting in the main press box at the Test against South Africa at the Kia Oval on July 21 and noticed Miliband MCC ROUTED BY NORTH WEST sitting in the outdoor part of the press area alongside and . As the person who helped design the MCC are rarely beaten by nine wickets but last August the press facilities and made the speech on the opening day of the Forty Club thrashed a NW-based side by that margin with press box in 2005, I told a colleague on my right “Someone Keith Roscoe, 4-8 and Barry Hamilton 4-45, bowling them out should ask Ed if he has the proper press accreditation!” A few for 138. John Bibby and Chris Turner both scored unbeaten minutes later, he put this question on Twitter and within minutes, half centuries. One of the players of the victorious side said more than a dozen messages appeared on Twitter, all critical. "their was awful." David Otway, MCC match manager, Miliband soon departed for lunch. gave his players a lengthy dressing down afterwards.

14 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook SCYLD LAMENTS DROPPED CATCHES Scyld Berry twirling at Prior Park College Scyld Berry, our veteran, much respected Daily/Sunday Telegraph cricket correspondent, still makes the news. In our match at CC he took three wickets and said "and I had four catches missed off me and one of them was Will Tavare, nephew of Chris!" XL fell six runs short of BCC's 189-8 with Rich Gatton scoring 78. Phil Smith said "a wonderful day and shone."

There are 112 grounds around the world which has staged Test matches and his favourites are in Calcutta, Oval, currently being revamped, , Queen's Park Oval, and St. George's Park, . Ed: What about Newlands, Cape Town?

NOT QUITE THE OLYMPIAN SPIRIT A distinguished elderly XL member at a leading ground was about to lift a jug with half an inch of milk remaining to put into his tea when a XL player said without a smile "players before spectators" as he seized the jug and poured all the milk into his cup. Not long after, the milk snatcher was dismissed for a low score.

DESIGN YOUR OWN BAT

Mike Blatherwick, our EM prolific batsman from Mike Perkins Nottinghamshire, has launched a bat making company B3 Cricket which specialises in making custom made bats which MIKE PERKINS PASSES 5,000 WICKETS are finished by hand. "You Many congratulations to Mike Perkins our slow left arm bowler can design your perfect bat who first joined the Club in 1976 and is still going strong. "I had online, select the timber, to wait until August 19 before it happened," he said. "I had 12 weight, colour of stickers/ matches cancelled. I was playing at Wellesbourne CC near grip and then view in 3D, Stratford - nice little club - and I gave it a bit of air and this see www.b3cricket.com," Mike Blatherwick young fellow missed it and was clean . We were both he said. "There are special with his daughter surprised I can tell you. I'm now off to Venice for a singing discounts for XL members, engagement." A remarkable man indeed! schools and leagues."

15 www.thefortyclub.co.uk ONE OF BORIS’S GAMES PLAYERS

Tony Fare spent one of the most memorable periods of his What about your sleeping arrangements? "Ah well, I'd life when he volunteered as a Games Player during the 2012 never slept in a tent and it took three nights before I got Olympics. Here he is carrying one of the myriad Olympics to sleep properly! I was with the Dutch fans on a sports torches. He said "It was a wonderful experience. I was working field near Walthamstow and it had plenty of amenities and at a place where the athletes arrived and I saw Usain Bolt, Yohan access to fastfood vehicles. We were given a free meal Blake and others but didn't have a chance to talk to them. Bolt at the stadium which was fine." Was there a mention of was very friendly, always waving and saying something. "I stayed cricket? "No a word. I didn't even see the KP innings on in a tent and it took three days before I got a good sleep. The TV." It is easy to forget but the man who kicked off the spirit and the comradeship was amazing. I'll never forget it."Tony Olympic dream was a cricket man, former Prime Minister Fare, the NW chairman, was a Game Maker, one of the 75,000 John Major. He introduced the National Lottery which vounteers at the Olympics. He said "It was fantastic, something raised much of the money. I'll never forget. The colours, the vibrancy, the smiling people, many of whom I met from all parts of the world, everything." The resurgence of sportsmanship and fairplay has lifted the nation: do you think that will continue? "Only until the What about Usain Bolt? "I saw him frequently because I was Premier League kicks off in a week's time. They''ll be diving on the section where the athletes travelled from the coaches to around, abusing each other and arguing with the referee. the Stadium. I didn't actually speak to him but he was always Football should follow rugby league. They use a referral friendly, waving to everyone. Very impressive man. He and the system. If the referee fails to spot an infringement they Jamaican runners came on buses at first like everyone else but look through the television evidence afterwards and the Bolt and Yohan Blake had a chaffeur driven car to take them for offender gets a red card. I can't see FIFA agreeing to that." their 200ms final."

16 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook ALEX DAVIES GRADUATES TO LANCASHIRE CCC FROM XL

LANCASHIRE COLT WEANED ON XL’S BOWLING

This is Alex Davies, Lancashire's 18 year old wicket keeper, two catches and has now been signed by the county as a who has a lot to smile about. For a start, he averaged professional. Alex also played in the England U19 squad in 151.5 in his three games for the Queen Elizabeth Grammar the . Born at Darwen, he is also a nifty School at Blackburn against the Forty Club - 126* in 2010, bowler. Tony Fare, the NW chairman, said "In the 2010 78 when XL won on the last ball in 2011 and last year when match report, I remember writing that he was one to watch he was by Steve Daly off Mark Clayton’s bowling for the future. As a 16 year old he had a fantastic technique for 99 before the match was abandoned. He made his and many people who saw his 126 commented that they first class debut at Liverpool in the final match last season hadn't seen such talent in one so young for a very long when Lancashire was relegated but he was praised for time." Could be another .

17 www.thefortyclub.co.uk WIDGERY’S CROSS

Last winter John Widgery found himself on Dartmoor Moor, at the highest point, having his picture taken at Widgery’s Cross. Not his but William Widgery's, the world famous self taught landscape artist born in 1826 who died in 1893. His work still sells for thousands of pounds. The granite cross was built in 1887 to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria and was designed by William and it is 452ms over sea level.

"It was a magnificent day," said John. "I was able to see down to the sea in both directions. I usually go to Dartmoor with some XL colleagues, Barry Aitken, Barrie Hunter, Tim Woodcock and others at that time of the year and not being a good golfer, I fancied taking a walk. I met a couple who took the picture. I've tried to discover whether William is related to me but I don't think he was.

"But there is a Lord Chief Justice named Widgery, born in (1911-1983) and by coincidence when he was working as a solicitor, he conducted my father's case in 1948 when the Government nationalised the electric businesses and he won the case. My father was an engineer and designer, like me."

John went to Dover School and played against his old school for XL on many occasions. David Hamilton invited John to join the Club in 1997 at the age of 39 and he was a consistent opening batsman before giving up playing in 2008 and taking up umpiring. He is now a Level 1 umpire. John is still playing hockey, representing England in Over 60s matches. He took over from Peter Sibley as our fixtures secretary in 2005 and will be retiring at the end of the season.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed it," he said. "But it is hard work getting confirmations for more than 200 matches. Most of the schools love entertaining us and long may it continue. I wish my successor well if there is one. There won’t be too many volunteers,

18 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook THE BEST FORTY CLUB PLAYER PERFORMANCES FOR 2012

DATE NAME DISTRICT MATCH ACHIEVEMENT

5th Oct 2012 F Khan The Forty Club Triangular Tournament vs SGS 5 for 37

3rd Oct 2012 Jerry Hinds The Forty Club Triangular Tournament vs Dansk XL 195

9th Sept 2012 Kevin Ferrie SC Glenvdelvene CC 5 for 19

5th Sept 2012 S Clulow EM Inter-District Trophy Final 102*

5th Sept 2012 P Jenkins WE Inter-District Trophy 3rd place play-off 120

4th Sept 2012 M Rice WM Inter-District Trophy semi-final 5 for 57

24th Aug 2012 J Worrall CP Bluemantles CC 102*

14th Aug 2012 Martin Goff SX Three Bridges CC 109

12th Aug 2012 Matt Quantrill CP Sissinghurst CC 101*

8th Aug 2012 John Cameron SC Glasgow Academicals U19s 5 for 19

30th July 2012 Simon Bingham EM Collingham CC Youth XI 114

24th July 2012 Craig Coffey EM Bassetlaw CC U17’s 139*

20th July 2012 David Humphreys EC Matching Green CC 109

27th June 2012 Jack Davies EM Denstone College 5 for 29

25th June 2012 Duncan Elder EC Kimbolton School 105*

22nd June 2012 Nigel Keess CP St Dunstan’s School 5 for 71

28th June 2012 Brian Brogden WE Wells Cathedral School 5 for 71

18th June 2012 Andy Yorke SO Leighton Park School 5 for 19

18th June 2012 Phil Catterall SO Leighton Park School 118

10th June 2012 Kevin Hill CP Sussex Over 50s 100

7th June 2012 J Cameron SC Strathallen School 6 for 89

30th May 2012 Danny Welbourne NW Bury Grammar School 5 for 31

30th May 2012 Peter Killelea NW Bury Grammar School 107*

19 www.thefortyclub.co.uk JIM SMALLBONE’S HAT TRICK OF “DEATHS”

This is smiling Jim Smallbone, one of our members who "died" on three occasions on a cricket field in Middleton, Hampshire last June. Most years one or two, or sometimes more, cricketers die in a cricket match in the and like Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton footballer, Jim survived because someone with medical training was on the spot.

Sixty four year old Jim signed up with the Forty Club in 1997 and has been a regular in matches in the South but was playing for the Hampshire Over 60s in the Spitfire CC Championship against Sussex when he collapsed. "I'd just gone in to bat and hadn't faced a ball," he said. "I didn't feel any pain but suddenly I passed out. The next thing I remembered was being in Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth five hours later.

"Apparently the paramedics took an hour before I was taken off in an ambulance. They reckoned I "died" three times and each time I was revived. I was amazingly lucky to have someone like Mick Tindall, whom I didn't know, who knew what to do."

Luck was on his side because Mick was a late stand in for another Mick, Mick March, the Sussex wicket keeper. Mr Tindall, his saviour, was a member of the Community First Response team in Partridge Green, who said "I was standing right next to him when he went into cardiac arrest. The bowler was about to start in his run up when Jim backed away and fell to the floor. I took off the gloves and went straight over to help him."

An air ambulance from Kent was summoned as well as an ambulance but Jim said "They told me I was in a stable condition enough to travel by road so the air ambulance wasn't needed." Another of our members, Hugh Milner, the Sussex side's manager, said "When Jim collapsed, Mick knew exactly what Jim and bike. to do. He tried to feel his pulse and when he couldn't find it, he started chest compressions and eventually brought it back. The doctors and paramedics told him if he hadn't done that forty five in 2013. Jim would have died. It just shows show it was almost divine intervention that it happened. I have told Mick I want him in the Ron Hart played more than 600 matches after he had a triple team for every game I play!" artery heart operation at the Harley Street Clinic in 1999 and he resumed playing cricket just three months later. Jim had three arteries cleared but the MRI scan later revealed that he had arrhythmias which brought on a cardiac arrest. "I'm Go for it, Jim! now fitted with a debribillator," said Jim. "And I feel fine.. Tony Blair had one and he's all right. I can't drive for six months but Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton midfielder I want to continue playing cricket, and also carry out my job as footballer, "died" for seventy eight an engineer in the food industry. I'll have to take a lighter job minutes after he collapsed at the though. Tottenham v Bolton FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane on March 17 last year. "I'm seventeen stone and have lost 5kgs but I'm on a diet and Fortunately a cardiologist sitting in the have to lose more. I do a lot of cycling and I'll get back in the crowd came on to the field and helped saddle soon. It's unbelievable that so many people contacted me but it took some time before he was taken to the and wished me well. Thank you everyone!" Chest Hospital. Two days later his heart was beating without medication and he was discharged from hospital A slow left arm bowler and batsman, Jim has played for a month later. He was fitted the same defibillator (ICD) as Petersfield CC for forty four years and he is aiming to make it Jim. Sadly, he has now retired from professional football.

20 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook XL - BOOK LAUNCHES

KEN MEDLOCK PUBLISHES HIS FIRST MORE EXPOSURE AUTOBIOGRAPHY AT THE AGE OF 97 ABOUT THE FORTY CLUB

Our editor’s autobiography “Thank You Hermann Goering” One of our oldest and most energetic members, Ken - The Life of a Sports Writer” which came out in 2011 Medlock OBE, JP, DL, is seen with friends at the launch of his has just come out in paperback, much lighter than the autobiography last summer called "A Good Innings." It is a hardback which weighed 998 grams. His 26th book entitled very apt title because Ken is still batting on, metaphorically, as "Our Beloved Cricket - from the village green to Lord's" a Vice President of Lancashire CCC and in other roles. Behind published by Fonthill of Stroud - is published on April 24 him is Tom Henry, his ghost writer and to his right is Richard and a lot of the 84,000 words are about amusing incidents Evans. Ken, who lives with his wife Edna in West Kirby, in Forty Club matches here and around the world. Cheshire, joined the Club in 1963.

21 www.thefortyclub.co.uk THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET COWDREY LECTURE 2012

"I HAVE BEEN AN ADVOCATE OF 'WALKING'" SAID

observation, claiming that Ricky Ponting was one of Many of our members, including our President Charles the first international captains to speak up in favour of Fry, attended the 12th Cowdrey Lecture at Lord's which 'walking' but the other captains didn't agree so the idea is still the best of its type in world cricket and Tony was dropped. Greig didn't let anyone down. He castigated India for not playing fair on DRS, showing indifference to Test He said "When you talk about the spirit of cricket, you cricket, being pre-occupied with money and blocking are talking about not just the game but a way to live your many of ICC's reforms. "To compound the problems," he life, embracing the traditions of the game and sharing said, "India has not only sold part of the game to private your experiences with friends and cricket lovers alike interests (IPL) but some of her administrators are seen to and caring for people less fortunate than us. It is not have a conflict of interest, which makes it more difficult just about adhering to the laws of the game. It is about for it to enter in the spirit of the game." Not too many in something far more enduring, adopting a set of values the hall would disagree. Sitting in front of him was Ted that can elevate you above the humdrum. It unites the Dexter, his first skipper at Sussex, and he was nodding his various people in countries such as India, and head. the countries of the West Indies but it also brings light into the lives of hundreds of millions of people in these During the Q and A conducted by , Greig countries as well as in Pakistan and . In surprised many in the full-house audience by insisting particular, the spirit of cricket is also about putting the that when he first came to England in 1966 he 'walked.' game's interests before yours or your country's interests." He said "A lot of players of that era, particularly , 'walked' because they thought if they nicked it Greig explained why, having been born in Queenstown, and stayed at the wicket it would cause a lot of bad South Africa of Scottish parents, how he finished up feeling. But when I made my Test debut against the being England captain. "Several Sussex cricketers coached Aussies in 1972, we knew they didn't walk and we said me at my school Queens College and my Dad said to we wouldn't either." He came out with another startling me 'South Africa isn't the place to start your career with

22 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook THE TRUTH ABOUT Courtesy of MCC “ENGLISHMEN”

At the Colombo Test last April, asked Tony Greig about his nationality. "What are you?" he asked him. "I'm a South African, born and bred," said Tony. " is a South African as well, also Jonathan Trott, and , , , they're all South Africans born and bred. As for them playing for England, that's a different matter!"

Anthony WillIam Greig 6 Oct 1946 to 29 Dec 2012 RIP

Our Editor spoke to Greigy (everyone called him that) later that evening at Lord's and except for a cold, he looked fit and typically cheerful. Fun and games at Lord’s with , Mark Despite being an epileptic and a smoker, he Nicholson, Tony Greig and . must have been shocked three months later to learn that he had cancer in the lung. He said "I've had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one. Vivian and I are going to put the boxing still in force' so I had a trial at Sussex and that's how is started." gloves on and fight this like we've never fought anything before." Their fight had barely begun There was one word he never used - "grovel." Often misquoted, his actual before he was struck down by a fatal heart words before the West Indies tour of England in 1976, were "You must attack at St. Vincent's Hospital, four remember these guys, if they get on top, are magnificent cricketers but days after Christmas Day. if they're down, they grovel, and I intend to make them grovel." After took 14 wickets in the final Test at to clinch a He had one of the biggest hearts, in every 3-0 win in the series, he pretended to crawl on his hands and knees in respect. He showed immense bravery against front of the West Indians as a form of penitance and the crowd responded the lethal bowling of Lillee and Thomson and to with acclaimation. take on cricket's Establishment and help win the emancipation of professional cricketers in 1978 when he was called a traitor and received death threats after his "grovel" comment needed the The day after, Greig attended the unveiling of the Bomber Command utmost courage. As a TV commentator for 33 Memorial at Hyde Park. He said "My Dad flew 54 missions as a navigator years he was never frightened to speak his mind. and survived and he died in 1990. He was a great guy and I proudly Yes, he was a big, bold, charismatic man who wore his medals on my chest." Sandy Greig, born in Bathgate, West will never be forgotten. Lothian, became an editor of a local newspaper in Cape Province, was an accomplished rugby player, a good class cricketer, ran an insurance A few days after his cancer was announced business and was a squadron leader by the age of 21 in 101 squadron in a close friend, , New Zealand's England. He was awarded the DSO and the DFC. greatest batsman, announced that he too had cancer. Martin delivered the Cowdrey Lecture at His horrific experiences navigating bombers over German cities night Lord's in 2007 and he had a cold on the night. after night led to him becoming an alcoholic in later life but with the help And he was a smoker. of his wife Joyce and his family, he overcame it. "My mother is still going strong at 93," said Greig.

23 www.thefortyclub.co.uk MUGGED BY A TINY SECOND YEAR 15 YEAR OLD

He models himself on

Ron Hart's side were 27-1 at Lancing College last year when him and his wife to send him to a public school. He wants fifteen year old Mason Crane came on to bowl. The tiny to be a professional cricketer. Since Warney came on the young boy marked out his run and called up four close in scene, lots of boys took up legspin in this country but not so fielders. Willie Boone was striking the ball well until then. many are doing it now. We lose a lot of them in State schools "The first ball I faced from him pitched outside leg and turned because they don't have qualified coaches to bring them on. more than a foot and bowled me," he said. It was an almost Warney moment, reminiscent of the which Shane "Mason was on Sussex's youth set up for four years but they Warne bowled at Old Trafford in 1987. let him go. I recommended him to go to Hampshire and now he is in their U15s team and doing very well. He had a In less than an hour, XL were bowled out for 42 with Mason fantastic time at the Bunbury Festival. Height doesn't matter having incredible figures of 9.2-4-8-11. Ron said "he turned it for spinners but they need to gain strength and I'm working square, both ways. I've never seen anything like it." Raj Maru, with him on strengthening exercises. Also, he needs to have the Lancing coach who played for Middlesex and Hampshire, more variation in pace. I worked with for some said "His hero, as you would expect, is Shane and I'm working years at Hampshire and he's brilliant at it." A slow left arm with him on showing slides, frame by frame, of Warne's action bowler aged 21 whose best asset is his control, Briggs became as a reminder to him. He bowls a googly and has several the first cricketer from the Isle of Wight to represent England variations which I'm not going to disclose for obvious reasons. in an ODI last year.

"He is very bright, confident and determined and he's a single He was the 59th England international cricketer who child. His father isn't a cricketer and it's been a sacrifice for graduated from the Bunbury Festival. Mason was one of

24 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook what are they looking at?

Looking to see if Her Majesty the Queen was parachuting into Writhington Academy? Checking to see if the rain clouds were on their way? Waiting to see the Red Arrows fly overhead? No, the home skipper Ryan Gullock, was about to lose the to Peter Rebera.

Phil Smith, the energetic new chairman of the West District, welcomed the Academy into the Forty Club circle and with major contributions from three new members, Nick Beedell, 74, Ian Thomas, 39, and Ellis Wilmott, 2-29, XL won comfortably by 110 runs at on the ground of Bath CC. It was one of the few dry days of the summer.

several leg break and googly mystery bowlers and Sir David English, who has run the Festival for twenty six years, said "I've got high hopes of one of them breaking through to the international scene."

Mason is now playing Premier League cricket for Worthing CC's first team and in his debut he took 4-30, including a hat trick. In his first three matches he took twelve wickets. His father Nick said "I never played cricket and I'm mystified how he took it up. He's a natural. His 8-11 wasn't his best analysis. His best is 7-2 at Lancing."

Mike Vimpany, one of our members, has faced Mason on several occasions and he said "I haven't been able to stop his killer ball yet. It bounced and turned far too much. He's a lovely lad and enjoys a bit of banter on the field."

Scott Borthwick of Durham has played for England as a legspinner but so far, an English-born version of Warne has yet to emerge. It is unwise to saddle Master Crane with too high expectations but with his obvious assets and singlemindedness, he has Fanny Rush's portrait of Shane the chance make a name for himself. He could even be a Tich Freeman, the five feet Warne, commissioned by MCC two inch Kent bowler who between 1914-36, took a phenomenal number of 3,776 (www.fannyrush.com) wickets at 18.42 and only Wilf Rhodes took more first class wickets in the .

25 www.thefortyclub.co.uk ‘DINGUS’ BOWLS AT A LIVELY CLIP

Not many of our members, if any, have been written about though I may be projecting." Three pages later he wrote "In in an award-winning cricket book but last year it happened response to the crisis, Bacup brought back Dingus. He hurtled with Andrew Spencer who made his debut as a match to the wicket, puffing with strain and clean bowled two manager for NW at a new fixture against Bury Grammar batsmen in a single over." School. Andrew, who plays for Bacup in the East Lancashire League, was watching the final stages of XL innings of 231-5 Your Editor asked Andrew "where did that nickname Dingus when your editor mentioned he was reading Harry Pearson's come from?" "He got it wrong," said Andrew. "Sven-Goran "Slipness in Settle" which won 's Book Eriksson was manager of England at the time and some of Award in 2009 and was also voted the MCC Book of the Year. the lads called me 'Svendingers' or something at the time." The new MM certainly bowled at a lively clip in the Bury GS Andrew said "I am in that book but I've not read it." On page match, restricting the school's openers to just 18 runs in the 128 Pearson, a fifty two year Quaker-educated humorist who opening 10 overs of a 40 over game, in with Dave writes a weekly column in , wrote on a Bacup Ormerod. The school's quicker bowlers were faster than XL's v Ramsbottom match saying "the bowler from the school but they sprayed the ball around too much. Said Andrew end was Spencer, nicknamed 'Dingus' or something." Short, "and their opening batsmen should have gone for quick stocky and balding, he bowled at a lively clip with a vigorous singles and rotated the strike and that was the main reason action. My impression is of him red-cheeked with effort, they eventually lost by 86 runs."

Andrew Spencer congratulated by our Cricket Co-Ordinator Richard Evans

26 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook Tom Parton of Ramsbottom CC shows off his shiner

In the previous year Bury GS beat GS of Michael way to the nearby river Irwell some time ago and were never Atherton fame but their hopes of beating our veterans seen again." With so many experienced League players in soon disappeared almost from the first ball. Alex Brekin, XL's team, the boys must have learned a lot from them and their brisk left arm over the wicket opening next year they should provide a stronger challenge. bowler, was struck for four off the first ball by Danny Welbourne of Morecambe CC and Founded in 1625, the School is a fee two balls later he was again hit for another paying one and one parent apparently . Late in the day after Bacup's has eight children there, all costing up to Peter Killelea scored a highly meritorious £10,000 a head. There are 700 boys in one 107, Brekin produced a much quicker part of the school and 700 girls in another. delivery via a footmark and the ball leaped So far the girls have yet to start cricket. up and crashed through the gloves of Victoria Wood, the comedienne, went there keeper Tom Parton and landed on his left and on a nearby hill overlooking the school cheek. They are tough in that part of the is the monument honouring the locally born world and with no blood in sight, Parton Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850), the reforming was reluctant to come off. Eventually Prime Minister who started the police force in he went off to hospital to have an X England. Next to the ground is the Kingdom ray which showed no fractures and Hall of Jehovahs' Witnesses. Whether that two days later played for his club influenced the players of both sides is doubtful Ramsbottom in a T20 and scored 11 in a but not a word was uttered out of place and stand of 50 for the club's professional match was played in the very best spirit. and took three excellent stumpings. Well satisfied about his win, Andrew looked up on Amazon. Welbourne followed his 56 by taking 5-31 in fading light. co.uk to check the cost of Pearson's very amusing book and There were no sightscreens at either end and Lee Purdy, the found it was £1.46p. "That's all right then," he said, "I'll have school sports coach, said "Some people pushed them all the to buy it now."

27 www.thefortyclub.co.uk WHY DON’T YOU RECRUIT A NEW RECRUIT, YOU CURRENT MEMBERS?

New member John Barton of Dulwich proudly displays his application form

This picture (above) shows John Barton from Dulwich clutching they are making considerable progress in cricket despite the odds. his membership application form to join the Forty Club. It was a In 2006 the Government granted the school the sum of £32.3m to momentous occasion at Langley School in with our rebuild the school and the work was scheduled to be completed membership increasing by just one last season, stopping the slow early this year. Unfortunately the cricket ground had to go, decline. replaced with a sports hall, and now they hire the Old Dunstonians ground next door and the Met Police ground at Hayes. That welcome change around needs your help. If half our playing membership recruited a new member the figure would go back Said the Head "now our cricket team is winning cups but it is not to the 3,000 mark so get cracking. Sell the idea to the cricketers everything about winning, but taking part and enjoying the game." you know and get them to follow John's example. We are forging XL played a mixed development side because the first team had a good relationships with more and more headmasters and one of Cup match at Cranbrook and the boys, some as young as thirteen, them is Rob Northcott, the Head of Langley Park School. He is held on to draw against vastly experienced cricketers. The pitches without doubt one of XL's keenest supporters. at the ODs ground are notoriously slow in pace and Ron Hart used Glynn Gunning ( 16 overs) and David Steele (17) to bowl their At lunch last year he spoke passionately about the benefits of the tossed up off breaks for most of the time and one boy said "We Grierson philosphy. "Sport is so important to life," he said. "You don't see that type of bowling and it's good experience. Most can still play cricket in the 50s, the 60s and the 70s because when times we're up against quicker bowlers." Helmets were worn but you finish your career, there is a danger that the brain seizes up. hardly needed. It's wonderful that the old and the young come together on the playing field. It's a fabulous world." Norman Jones, our umpire, Glynn topscored with 49 against his 13 year old son Finnan who piped up "In the 80s as well!" in turn, topscored for the boys with a patient 38. One lad, Jack McGruan aged 13, is six feet two inches tall and bowled his left Langley Park is one of the few state schools that plays hockey and arm pace with great verve. Scores: XL 200-6, Langley Park 155-7 (Steele 4-55).

28 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook WHY DON’T YOU RECRUIT A NEW RECRUIT, YOU CURRENT MEMBERS?

Former Old Boys

Derek Underwood, Kent and England

Robert Key, Kent and England

Harold Bride, wireless operator on the Titanic

Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, slow bowler who once took a hat trick, all catches on the boundary

Director of Sport, Ben Jones, speaking during lunch with the Head on his right

29 www.thefortyclub.co.uk LAST KNOCKINGS AT FOLKESTONE’S GROUND

John Bates, our website editor, watches the rain sheeting Later in the year the bulldozers moved in and the famous down at the condemned stand at Folkestone where Les old stand will be replaced by a wooden cased one, part of Ames, who was educated at Harvey Grammar School, Don a £6.9m redevelopment of the site paid for by Roger de Bradman, , Colin Cowdrey and other great Haan, the former owner of Saga who lives in the town. It cricketers excelled. The last county game Kent played at will be one of the best sporting complexes of its type in the Cheriton Road was in 1991 and the local side has used it UK, adjacent to the Folkestone FC ground under the North since 1905. Harvey GS, founded in 1674 by the father of Dr. Downs. William Harvey (b. 1578) who discovered the circulation of the blood, have been using it and XL's visit last year was Joe Payne, 17, who plays for Folkestone's first team, soon rained off when XL were 35-1. speeded up Willie Boone's circulation when he hit him on

John Bates looks at the rain which ended the match after only an hour

30 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook LAST KNOCKINGS AT FOLKESTONE’S GROUND

his unprotected thigh on three occasions and left him rubbing the areas. "The first one was just above the knee," said Willie. "He's quick and I don't wear thigh normally against medium pacers. Should have brought one." Willie spent some time on the next day applying liniment on his 62nd birthday. Paul Castle, the cricket coach, said "We've got some talent in the side but unfortuately we only played six matches because of the weather."

The day before, , England's number two offspinner, deputised for the injured Graham Swann in the final ODI against Australia at Old Trafford and dismissed their Australian openers to clinch a 3-0 series win and John Godden, the chairman of Folkestone CC, pointed to some action pictures of Tredwell on the wall and said "He started his career here and came up through the ranks. We are very proud of him."

The early end of the proceedings left time for some of our members to look around one of England's least visited parts, like the harbour which Roger bought for £11m and the memorial to those who died at the Somme. Mark Wallinger's "Folkstones" is a small square filled with 19,240 stones, taken from the beach, one stone for each man who died on opening day of the battle. It overlooks the sea and the sign is so tiny, just A4 size, it is hard to spot it behind a seat. Shameful!

There is also a plaque for Walter Tull, 29, the first black footballer to play League football. Willie Boone and his cleanest of his three dogs He played for Tottenham and Northampton. with the school's fast bowler Joe Payne. The Lt Tull survived the battles of the Somme other one has run off and Ypres but died in Pas-de-Calais near WW1 in 1918. There is a memorial dedicated to him in the National Football Museum in Manchester.

To end a stormy but rewarding day, we The most famous Joe Payne was the centre forward who scored popped into the Victorian-built Grand ten goals for Luton in a League match in 1936 and his record has John Bates looks at the rain which Hotel for a drink, the place where ended the match after only an hour King Edward the VII used to entertain never been beaten. He died in 1975 at the age of 61. Young Joe his mistress Alice Keppel, great- hadn't heard of him, understandably. granddaughter of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

31 www.thefortyclub.co.uk OUR GREYHAIRS BEAT THE BLONDES AT BRIGHTON

Ron Hart with coach Alexia Walker and skipper

It was billed as Brighton College Ladies Xl v Forty Club lst Xl Anyone who has watched the England womens' team but it could have billed at Brighton Blondes against the Forty knows that their is sometimes better than the Club Greyhairs. On one of the first hot days of the"summer," men's team, particularly in over the stumps. Ron Hart brought one of his better sides to face the school The day the match took place at Kemp Town, Brighton, which is known as one of the hotbeds of English womens' , the England captain, lamented to cricket. Ten of their side were blondes. Pictures on the walls Mihir Bose in the "Evening Standard," "I would be lying of the pavilion were proudly displayed of Claire Connor if I said I am not gutted that we are not involved in the OBE (who was at the College between 1989-1994), Holly Olympics. Cricket at the Olympics would have raised the Colvin (2003-8), Sarah Taylor (2002-7) and others including profile of women's cricket." But with money coming from England's wicketkeeper/batsman Matt Prior (1995-2000) who the ECB womens' cricket is improving enormously. eighteen months ago opened one of the school's buildings and Sammy Woods (1867-1931), one of two Australians to Georgia and Tammy Beaumount, who has played against play both for his native country and England. the Forty Club several times, are both in the Engand squad. Tammy averaged 194.8 in the Bucs Championship Leading out the Ladies was Georgia Adams, 19 year old and is close to making a permanent place in the senior daughter of , the England and Sussex batsman womens' side. and now Director of Cricket at Surrey. When she was by Willie Boone for 10 she came in looking like her Beautifully prepared, the pitch was slow and low and Dad when he was dismissed early in an innings, not over Georgia's team had only one quick bowler, 18 year pleased about her recklessness. "I've hardly played this old Isobel (Izzy) Noakes. Our umpire Norman Jones season," she said. "It's been a dreadful summer." She bowled said "she bowled a very good outswinger and looks a her off breaks with accuracy and flight (0-30 in 8 overs) candidate to become an England bowler." During breaks, and her fielding was exceptional. Her players also fielded the groundstaff used a hoover type piece of equipment fearlessly, following her lead. to take off any extraneous bits. Izzy took only one wicket

32 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook OUR GREYHAIRS BEAT THE BLONDES AT BRIGHTON

A healthy and generous lunch was laid on and after his finishing his main course, Willie Boone was asked by a team mate "You've left nine potatoes Willie! What's wrong?" Willie said "They don't taste of anything. Terrible. I know, that's one of my businesses." Gales of laughs swept through the building.

Pictures of England women's international Claire Connor and England wicket keeper Matt Prior in the pavilion

(1-27) but her economy rate of 3.38 was the best against XL's experienced top four who all made runs in a 40-over total of 213-2. Both Willie and Matthew Quantrill retired on 50 from FORMER OLD 55 deliveries and Jon Thornton made his 50 from 76 balls. Neil Tegg was bowled by a grubber by Lucy D'Orsaneo for 29. All BRIGHTONIANS four showed how to the first run fast, a lesson which some of the ladies might follow in future. George Sanders, the actor

The ground is unique with terraced houses and flats above Admiral Sir Herbert Heath, Rear Admiral at the looking down on it. The boundaries were immense - as big as Battle of Jutland in 1916 those of the Oval before the OCS Stand was built - and none of XL's batsman scored a six. A notice said "Exams in Progress." Major General Sir Herbert Stewart, mortally The subject was Mandarin. The Sunday Times voted the wounded in the relieve of Khartoum College The Best Independent School in 2011-2 in terms of improvement in the past five years. Mike Gatting opened the Lord Alexander of Weedon, the QC who pavilion in 2008 but for some reason they left out the changing starred in the case rooms. The players have to go over to the other side of the Hopper Levett (1908-1995) England and Kent ground to change. cricketer

Alexia Walker, the coach, said "we're missing one of our best Matthew Prior batters and also a bowler but it wasn't a good performance. We're in our cricket week and things will improve."

33 www.thefortyclub.co.uk FISHING FOR DUKE’S BALLS IN DEEPEST HERTFORDSHIRE

Paul Dawson (in white polo shirt), Matcham’s skipper, with XL Match Manager Andrew Short with Augustus John’s house on the left

It was one the murkiest, darkest days of the non-summer on children coming along to practice on the all weather net and July 20 and intermittently the black clouds released a torrent we play all levels up to 18. We believe in having youngsters of bruising rain on what the locals call "the biggest village who have IT knowledge and seventy five year olds who can green in England." When our match manager Andrew Short lend their experience. We're all in it together, helping each arrived he thought it would be impossible to start. Not just other." on the pitch but all around the With no more rain during lunch, massive ground water came the captains agreed to stage a over the soles of your shoes. declaration game. The Met Office But Paul Dawson, the Matcham informed us that the sun would Green first team skipper, was eventually appear. They were not keen to get going. "We've had wholly correct. It did, for just a few all our games rained off so far in seconds. There are 28 Grade Listed the cricket week and if there is houses around the Green of 13.8 acres any chance, we want to get out and one of them was owned by the there," he said. Welsh-born painter, draughtsman and etcher Augustus John in the Paul in the white polo shirt was 1950s. Between 1943-5 an aerodrome on the left next to Andrew. The was built nearby and US fliers flew two two captains agreed to 600 missions over Europe and 198 delay a decision until most of the aircrewmen were missing, 29 killed teams consumed a tasty fish and and 67 wounded. Instead, the pub chip lunch at The Chequers, the is like a small museum recording the only business in sight. There are story of this piece of history. On a no shops in the village and most framed letter, Major James McCarly of the 635 inhabitants seem to wrote "As one knows in 1945 the Augustus John be members of the cricket club. citizens of England were not blessed Said Paul "We have seventy with an over abundance of nourishing

34 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook food. Those damned powdered eggs and There are two large and deep ponds on either powdered milk!" side of the wicket and Dave planted a six in each of them. "There was a third pond here Cricket was first played in the 1800s and the but it was filled in," said Paul. Our skipper cricket club was started in 1860. The cramped, declared on 204-7 and Paul's partner baked, wooden pavilion was soon to be demolished among other things, two Victoria cakes and and a new one, costing £110,000 will be ready two chocolate ones which Brian Johnston in 2013, helped by a donation of £50,000 from would have loved. the Olympic Legacy. "It will have a balcony with the roof extended to keep the rain off when Tea was still lingering on when the stair people are sitting or standing outside," said Paul rods of rain flooded the ground again and who works in accountancy. it was agreed to repair to The Chequers. Our Editor was about to give Paul a copy of Matcham's opening bowler Jason Green, who "Thank You Hermann Goering - The Life of a bowled around 75 mph and swung the ball, Sports Writer" from the boot of his car and removed XL's top order and had impressive discovered that he had locked in his keys. figures of 4-17 but he couldn't get the better of The RAC said it would take up to three hours cigar-smoking Dave Humphreys who scored to come along. Stuck out in a huge green, his 49th , 109, in his 49th year. Dave, the only vehicle left, and the light was fading who now sports a goatee beard, always brings rapidly, it was rather daunting. Fortunately "Bumble," his black terrier, to his many cricket the man arrived after 90 minutes only to matches and his innings was halted when he discover that his vehicle was too heavy to go couldn't see him. A search party was sent on the green. He put on his waders and after out and someone found it lurking in the great an anxious half of an hour of tinkering around, artist's garden. the boot lock was released.

Tom Cartwright begins fishing for the ball

35 www.thefortyclub.co.uk RE-TREADS IN 528 RUN THRILLER

In 2000 XL bowlers were hit for 402-4 runs at the elegant Our match may have been one sided but the crowd revelled ground of Sidmouth, a club record and the fixture was in the entertainment. The home side were contesting the dropped. Last year West chairman Phil Smith asked for a deciding match of the 2012 County League next day re-match and Sidmouth agreed. On a beautiful, calm day, at close rivals Exmouth and were saving their first teamers. XL found themselves in a roughly similar position - hit for Several good players from various parts were invited to fill 314-7 in 38.4 overs. They managed just one maiden over, the gaps. A Free Forester, Tim Bolton, opened and batted bowled by Graham Poulton and the tally of 10 sixes seemed through the innings for 102* and a Denstone Wanderers on the light side to the neutrals. star made 76. Mark Jenkins, XL's skipper, also brought loud applause from all round the ground for making two Several visitors suntanning themselves in the 55 deck sparkling catches. chairs had to take cover and one, a Yorkshireman in his forties, tried to catch a six, missed and the ball crashed Mark was dismissed in the first over but Graham Poulton on to the top of the deck chair where his lady friend got took up the challenge with some bold strokes until up just in time to avoid injury. "Who are the players in Sidmouth unleashed their latest weapon - a the field?" asked the man. Told it was a veterans' team, he League express fast bowler off a thirty yard run. After he responded with typical Yorkshire frankness saying "They shattered the stumps he was replaced. Leicester's Tony look like re-treads to me!" Pridmore staged a brave counter attack and soon after he reached his fifty, seven fighter aircraft roared noisily over Three more sixes bounced off the wall which formed part on their way back to base. He was out for 98. Bad luck! of the fort built around the 1790s as a defence against a possible invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. Another XL made a creditable 214, losing by 100 runs. Cricketers spectator said "I've seen balls bounce off the road on to love playing in Sidmouth, which is the start of the Jurassic the beach and I want to see that today!" But it didn't Heritage site, but seemingly, not our bowlers but Phil happen this time. Two more landed against the high fence wants the fixture to continue. Keith Roscoe and his mates next to the croquet ground and fortunately none were might be tempted to come along perhaps to help out next directed towards the town's most prestigious properties, year? One of our members, returning on the train back to the magnificent terrace of town houses built by a Polish Waterloo, had to be evacuated from his compartment after architect between 1790-6. Cricket was first played at the engine struck a pigeon, smashing a window. A new Fortfield in 1823 when Gentlemen of Devon met the engine was called up and there was no sign of the dead, Gentlemen of . but tough, pigeon.

XL keeper Kevin Smith appeals on the sea side

36 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook A DAY TO ENJOY IN THE WEALD OF KENT

Gavin Scovell acknowledges his 50

On the closing day of the 30th Olympiad a declaration match Sissinghurst is famous for its National Trust 15th-16th century between the Forty Club and Sissinghurst CC encompassed buildings and slimline tower with its 78 steps and was many of the virtues of the 17 days of magnificent sport last restored by Sir Harold Nicholson, the MP and writer and his August - sportsmanship, showing respect, congratulating the wife and fellow author Vita Sackville-West in the Thirties and opponents and expressing joy. The standard of play wasn't some tourists on the day dropped in to see the village cricket quite up to the standard of Usain Bolt and Mo Farah but game as well. Other visitors were flying ants who arrived one everyone tried as hard as they could. of the few days of the year when the temperature topped 80F. We managed to beat them away with newspapers. Among the many fine shots there were plenty of wides and dropped catches and the result depended on the very last Several sixes bounced off the pavilion but none of the passing ball. Sissinghurst needed four runs and with Ron Hart, XL's vehicles were hit. Each was greeted with sound of a hooter. skipper, putting everyone on the boundary, he was the man Martin Goff, a teacher at King's College, Chester, drove from who stopped the four and managed to get the ball back to his home to the ground and was for 45 in XL's innings the keeper, leaving the batting side one run short - 246-7 and a third wicket stand between Matthew Quantrill, 101, against XL's 247-3. Match drawn, honours even with everyone retired and Gavin Scovell, 54,* seemed to have put the home celebrating with smiles and handshakes. side out of contention.

Sue Reid of BBC's Breakfast programme said next morning But after an extremely lavish and varied tea at the other, "The Premier League starts this Saturday and I've just told my smaller pavilion, Sissinghurst managed to get back into the sons that the matches wouldn't be as good as the womens’ game with Mike Burgess, a 62 year old farmer playing the key football final (the USA beat Japan 2-1) and it won't be played part, scoring a very fast 81. "I've scored around 120 centuries in the same spirit." There was a deafening message from but I can't do it now," he said. He succeeded in running 5 the Olympics, that you don't need to trample on opponents threes before Gavin trapped him lbw. and take dives to be competitive. There is a sporting, and pleasurable one, to do it. Village cricket is still thriving and long may it continue.

37 www.thefortyclub.co.uk DRIVEN OFF BY FORKED LIGHTNING

This is not a new Olympic event - diving into huge puddles on conceded 4 an over. Tony's figures were 2-44 and Jaap flooded cricket grounds. And it is not one of our members 1-33. Loughton's younger players were baffled by their doing it. The boy concerned was 16 year old Alex Nicholl deceptive flight. Jaap often spends much of the summer who plays for one of Loughton CC's junior sides. After playing but last year, having seen so many being bowled out for 188, a performance described by one matches called off, he went back to Holland. With a better of the seniors as "woeful," and XL reaching 57-1 in 9 overs, a forecast late in July, he returned, only to see the floods downpour of biblical proportions accompanied with forked return. lightning descended and ended the game. Another highlight was Jamie's ferocious pull off a quick Both batsmen Dave Humphreys and Colin Anderson were bowler for four to square leg, reminiscent of some of both wearing helmets and the umpires were concerned about the shots Kevin Pietersen played in his innings of 149 at their helmets being struck. Ted Dexter and Headingley. With the black clouds gathering, he edged to had their umbrellas hit by lightning while being out in the the keeper who snatched the ball up and appealed. Jamie middle of Lord's during rain breaks in Test matches. Back in held his ground and one of the Loughton players - obviously the safety of the thatched pavilion, another senior was heard a true Corinthian - shouted from the pavilion "it didn't to say of the athletic display of aquatics that followed "diving carry!" There was a delay while the umpires conferred and into that would have been Saturday's next playing pitch and they agreed with the man off the field. Later the keeper was now it has been fouled up!" replaced by someone else. There was probably a moral to the story - cheats don't prosper! The abbreviated match produced some outstanding moments. The first came from XL's skipper Tony Macdonald- Jamie is a black cab driver and he said "I'd like to play more Barker who stunned the Loughton youngsters by taking games for the Club but I don't have a lot of time free with wickets off the first and fourth delivery in the 27th over. "The my job." His friend Dave recalled the account when he hit first one was a rank long hop," said Tony. "But Jamie Hill, a massive six which went through a window of the modern a new member, dived forward at deep square leg to hold a flats overlooking the ground last year. "The owner was very good catch." Jamie, who once captained Chingford's very upset," he said. "Apparently it nearly missed a very first team, was signed up by Dave who is one of our best expensive glass table." recruiters. Said Jamie "But I also dropped a sitter later!" Loughton's most famous son was James Cubitt (1836-1912) Off Tony's extremely high flighted fourth delivery, a batsman the Victorian church architect who built a lot of stylish smashed the ball straight at Duncan Elder at deep mid off houses and three schools in the town. There is a plaque who held on to a scorching shot. In tandem commemorating him on a house next to the cricket ground with another veteran, Jaap Vogelaar, bowling slightly and if he had lived to see the current flats he wouldn't have quicker, XL's spin twins bowled 18 overs between them and been too impressed!

38 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook DRIVEN OFF BY FORKED LIGHTNING

Alex Nicholl aqua diving on the Loughton square (apologies for the quality of the picture but it was taken in a flash flood!)

Colin Anderson and David Humphreys (hiding his bat under his shirt) on their way to safety in the pavilion

39 www.thefortyclub.co.uk SPORTSMANSHIP FINALLY WINS THE DAY

This is Nick Jelley on the left, the East Midlands captain with a broad smile, after picking up the cup, not our one (see picture caption below) from a beaming Barrie Hunter, the recently retired chairman of the Forty Club. His side had just overwhelmed Wales by eight wickets at Wolverhampton Cricket Club and he was feeling the joy of an Olympian receiving a gold medal. And the sun was out too.

Wind the clock back by a day and Nick was in a much different mood. He is reckoned to be an amiable, amusing man but when he was given out caught by short leg for a in the East v West Midlands derby on the previous day he erupted. "Never hit it," he shouted angrily after the Birmingham League umpire raised the finger. The ball struck the top of his thigh pad and Roger Wickson, the WM skipper, said "it took the cover off it!"

Nick stood his ground and the tension caught up with him. Eventually he departed, mouthing a few choice words. When he stormed back to the pavilion, he said "We're supposed to have neutral umpires but this one lives a mile away!" Barrie Hunter hands over the trophy to Nick Jelley, except that it was a The score at the time was 148-6 and with Wolverhampton U15s cricket cup. Our much bigger ID silver plate was the EM's top batsmen Tony Pridmore and inadventently left behind. It was handed over to Nick at the dinner in October. Mike Blatherwick both out for 4, they needed a big stand and it never came.

Soon after, EM chairman Peter Mason had a quiet word with he bowled beautifully on a helpful pitch. He held the Nick and advised him to apologise to the hapless umpire. ball across the seam and concentrated on getting extra At the end of the innings, with Rob Pack adding a breezy 41 bounce, troubling most of WM's top batsman. His figures in EM's 215-8, he did. And goodwill was restored with the of 1-29 didn't do him justice. WM started out with a skippers shaking hands at the end of the game with smiles. gallop, racing to 43 in 7 overs but once the first wicket fell Obviously no-one likes a spat on the field but the way the they struggled. Tamworth's Stuart Reeve revived their matter was conducted afterwards brought credit to the Club hopes and once he was lbw for 64 the innings subsided and its members. If only topclass cricket could follow this to 151. example: the ICC wouldn't need their expensive hearings to hand out punishments. KP might have saved all that trouble Rachel Heyhoe-Flint who lives neaby, was booked to by apologising much sooner than he did. speak at the dinner that evening but had to withdraw and a WCC member David Lycett did a fine job as a stand in. Nick's side won that match by 63 runs and was by far the The second match was evenly contested on a far worse best of the four matches played. Peter Howard played an pitch until the Welsh 7th wicket pair Adrian Webber, 53* anchor role for his 58 and Marvin Rice had outstanding and Jon Corden, 20* took the match beyond West's 153. figures of 5-57 for WM. Jason Gorman was EM's key figure. Adrian, a former policeman who retired at the age of 52, After earlier hammering a full toss to mid wicket for 41, struck 3 huge sixes to excite the audience.

40 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook TRIANGULAR TOURNAMENT 2012 AT LA MANGA

JERRY HINDS, THE FORTY CLUB'S ASTONISHING PACEMAKER

When one of Ron Hart's detachments assembled at with their lives to take notice of disabled people but the Gatwick on September 30 an EasyJet official announced Paralympics changed all that." there were sixteen "special needs" cases, just over 10% of the 145 passengers who were travelling to Murcia in South The sports complex at La Manga started more than thirty Spain. Barrie Hunter, on his final overseas tour of duty as years ago, taking rich golfers and persuading them to chairman and his wife Joan, were on the list and he said take up time share properties and also buy apartments. "with people living longer you have to expect that. I reckon Football, cricket, tennis and other sports mushroomed but that around 80 of our members have titanium replacement it has been dogged by financial problems and has only just joints. I'm due to have a knee replacement soon." come out of receivership. Carnival UK, the cruise company, sold it to a consortium in Barcelona. The ICC want to use Having had one "new" knee and two hip replacements, I the cricket facilities to make an European base for its was one who jumped on to one of the many buggies which growing number of Associate members, countries like Italy, oddly weren't designed to accommodate a stiff leg. During France, Cyprus, Malta and others. They are putting up the highly impressive security checks, there were plenty 250,000 US dollars providing that the consortium match of buzzing noises as titanium was detected. A kindly that figure which is doubtful. The two artificial pitches are checker said "without titanium, you'd all be in wheehchairs wearing out and the money is badly needed to pay for a now. In the past many people were too busy in getting on grass square.

David Humphreys about to be named Man of the Tournament

41 www.thefortyclub.co.uk Exeter's David Moore has been groundsman for the last five come from the sub Continent and David said "they work years and he said "The Derek Underwood pitches are pretty in restaurants and some of them don't pay their subs!" In worn and they won't last too long." Derek is one of our a temperature of 27 C, swarms of midges reminded us members and a former President of the MCC. Our players that hardly any of us had taken insect repellent. Swallows soon realised that the slow, flighted bowlers, bowling were patrolling in the cloudless skies and after seeing XL's accurately, were more effective than quicker bowlers. Three openers amassing 7 runs in as many overs, they winged off days earlier, the area was flooded with part of a motorway to their African winter quarters. Clive Huggins, recently being swept away, killing 11 people. having added a Ferrari to his car fleet, took 48 balls to score 10 before he voluntarily retired to let his colleague A buzzard was hovering over Pitch 1 and ignoring advice Jerry Hinds take up his baton, a three pounder bat from to field first, Ron decided to bat on a still yet to be dry Gray-Nicholls with most of the weight in the bottom. In surface. Opponents AEC of Spain didn't have a Spaniard in only 18 deliveries, Jerry struck 6 x 6s and 2 x 4s in his their ranks. The national side only has 2 and all the others explosive 51.

Is this the best Forty Club Xl in the history of the Triangular Tournament? Rob Nelson, Peter Rebera, Ilija Krunic, David Humphreys, Graham Parker, Jon Thornton (back),Jerry Hinds (with a consolation tinny after failing to be voted Best Batsman), Andrew Barton, skipper Ian Robinson, Freddie Khan, Neil Canham

42 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook Jon Thornton of Dulwich proved to be our most consistent On one night out we noticed that Kenny Dalglish was sitting batsman and he has a very unusual technique, almost like a nearby with his wife at the Via praying mantis, and he provided the ballast for XL's 227-4 Romana and one member said "not now Kenny, I'm busy." (45 overs). When he was 90, with the final over about He was joking. A dozen or so to start, scorer Colin Tennant pointed out to AEC skipper UK golfers insisted on having George Wambeeke, a Sri Lankan living locally, that he had their pictures with the former Liverpool manager. Kenny completed his 9 overs. Umpire Barry Aitken disagreed. The loved it. He is one of the La umpires marched over to the scorers' area and it took some Manga sporting ambassadors. time to establish that Colin was right. Whether the delay Another was Seve Ballesteros and Seve would have been unnerved him but Jon finished on 92 not out. Our CEO said bursting with pride knowing later "I take full responsibility for my mistake." AEC's ex-pats that Europe had just snatched Kenny Dalglish the Ryder Cup from the grasp performed nobly against steady bowling but was never in a of the Americans. position to win and were dismissed for 202.

Peter Clark had a chequered day, missing three stumpings and taking three. A throw from Jerry bounced unexpectedly and hit him on his helmet, leading to overthrows. Peter is probably XL's titanium record holder with both knees and hips replaced. In the other match on Pitch 2, SGS with 252- 8, beat Dansk, 209-6, in an uneventful affair.

Though many of our 28 players were patched up and slow in movement, there were other younger ones who were in very good shape. On Day 3, Jerry set a host of records against a mediocre Dansk Xl. The day before his balding head was uncovered but this time he was wearing a to protect his pate. That may well have helped him to smash 16 x 6s and 16 x 4s in a career best 195 in a third wicket stand of 240 with David Humpreys, 82, who always wears a helmet. David often had to lift his lid to let the sweat run off. It was annihilation. Two Danish teachers combined to stop Jerry passing Glynn Gunning's club record of 200.* Peter Mortensen dived forward on the long on boundary and managed to hold on to the ball close to the line. Freddie Khan, at the other end, said to the umpire "I'd like to see the TV evidence!" The umpire smiled, and Jerry walked off. The triumphant bowler, Steffen Meibom, 2-64, was mobbed by his colleagues.

Jerry works for Clive Huggins' property business and Clive said "He's the hardest hitting batsman we've ever had in the club and I ought to get 10% of his runs for signing him up." In his years with the Avorians CC in Surrey, Jerry played with several Aussie Test players including current skipper Michael Clarke and . "Mike is a lovely guy," he said. The outclassed Danes stuck it out to 158, losing by 251 runs, a club record. How they needed their Carlsbergs! On the other pitch, an SGS second team made only 119 and lost to an XL second team by five wickets.

On October 5 a few of our first team stars woke late for their Cup Final against SGS, possibly because they had a rollocking night at the harbour. Soon after Ian Robinson

43 www.thefortyclub.co.uk won the toss his side had virtually regained the Alex Morild so players and guests are looking forward to a repeat in La Trophy for the 11th time out of 41 Finals with Peter Rebera, Manga in 2016. This year's will take place in Copenhagen 26, and Jon Thornton, 40, putting on 60 for the first wicket. to celebrate the Dansk centenary. It will give the Dutch a There was no sign of titanium in our athletes whose average chance to avenge their defeat by the English last year and age was around fifty. David Humphreys shrugged off the possibly repeat their victory in the Battle of Medway in 1667. loss of Jerry, caught on the boundary for 8, and breezed on to 73 off 82 balls until he too holed out. Illy Krunic, 29*, did a Trott, picking the many gaps in SGS's spread out field A TRIBUTE TO RON HART in XL's 244-7. The Dutch, proudly wearing their orange shirts, thought they had a chance. Never! Illy, 1-32, and Our esteemed tours manager has taken our tours Ron Nelson, 2-14 rattled them in their unchanged 9 over for almost twenty years, almost single handed. And spells and they never recovered from seeing three stunning this might be his last. Gullivers Sport Travels are set catches by Freddie Khan, skipper Ian and Jerry. They went to take over this year. Ron appeared in six matches in extreme heat and scored 65 runs, was dismissed down by 105 runs. Neil Canham, 5-37, missed the chance of twice and bowled some of his pie throws. He was a hat trick on his 50th birthday. Ian said "I've been on these defiant to the last ball. On behalf of everyone we tours for ten years and this was the best side we've put out." salute him. As General Douglas MacArthur once said "old soldiers never fade away." Ron laid on two magnificent team dinners in the Asia Room high overlooking the Mediterranean and the 150 or

44 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook EASTERN COUNTIES OUTDO PIETERSEN AND BELL IN THE UAE

Supplemented by members from several other districts, advised decision to take Phil Deakin (4-14) off. The Emirates we enjoyed another successful tour to Dubai in February XL entertained us royally to dinner and invited to take part 2012. Things didn't start well while watching the Third in a future Quadranglar Tournament with the Dutch and the Test between England and Pakistan at Dubai Sports City. Danes. Pietersen was bowled through the gate and Bell was out to a shot an XL number 11 would have been ashamed of but Pat We sustained our only heavy defeat at the refurbished Patel impressed everyone by bringing two wives with him. Sharjah Stadium to Mashreeq Bank before dropped catches Most of us can't manage one! cost us the match against the Sindhi Association in an exciting run chase after Warne (54) and Phil Deakin (41) That evening we enjoyed a hastily arrranged, dimly floodlit had set Sindhi a challenging target of 146 in 25 overs. Off game against Darjeeling CC in Zaabeel Park, narrowly losing field activities included horse racing at Meydan and a wide by 16 runs. In future matches there batsmen please note range of watering holes. There is incidentally no truth in the that the bowling is always from one end and it does not rumour that our Executive, in order to encourage younger mean that the batsmen should both end up at the same end. members to take part in future tours, had flown in ladies from the Ukraine and the Philippines to adorn the hotel bar. We had two close defeats to Sharjah Cricket Academy at Alas the chivalry of our unmarried members towards these Al Dhaid in the desert on a lovely ground surrounded by lonely ladies left much to be desired so that by the end of palm trees. Soon a second grass ground will be added to the tour they had deserted the smokey bar. the facility. We beat Skyline College comfortably thanks to the batting of Clarke and Gadsby and the bowling of One older member performed gallantly off the field, scoring Wilde, Rice and Hartley. We then had a win and a defeat an average of 2.85 ladies chatted up per night. And veteran at the magnificent back-to-back Global Cricket Academy spinner Mike Perkins edged two closer to his 5000th victim. Ovals in Dubai Sports City, the venue for England's warm up Thanks again to Hasan and Ali Jafri for arranging another matches. We beat Dubai Cricket Council's Xl by 77 runs but excellent and good value tour to the UAE and also to Rob then lost to the Emirates Forty Club by 36 runs due to my ill Nelson for his hard work.

Statistics:

Most runs Will Windeatt 143

Best batting average Marvin Rice 60

Most wickets Jon Hartley 10

Best Phil Deakin 15.50

Best economy Graham Wild 4.3 per over

45 www.thefortyclub.co.uk FORTY CLUB DINNER 2012

A LAUGH A MINUTE AT THE LONG ROOM

Nick Jelley skipper of EM, receiving the right Herbert Hunter Trophy from Mike Griffith, not the one presented to him at Wolverhampton

One of the best ways to judge the merit of a speech is to visit would have been enthralled. Mike Griffith, the 68 count the laughs. In last year's dinner in the Long Room year old son of Billy, the much loved assistant secretary, at Lord's Peter Baxter, for thirty four years as producer of secretary and President of MCC between 1952-80, delivered the , spoke for twenty four minutes and a beautifully delivered a six minute oration saying all the totted up 58 laughs, some of the heartiest we have heard at right things about the Forty Club and its standards. He cricket's mecca. He even came up with four crackers about has done more behind the scenes for cricket than almost Her Majesty the Queen. If our Patron, Prince Philip, had anyone in the English game. He has served on eight been present he would probably have led the merriment. different committees at Lords, including chairing the Cricket Instead he sent his usual message wishing the two hundred Committee and overseeing the Laws and Spirit of the game. diners a good dinner in reply to Barry Aitken's customary notification of the place and date. Ken Medlock, aged 97 but still chugging happily along, also spoke about his career. Later he signed copies of his Once he attracted an audience of just over 1,000 at heavyweight book "A Good Innings" in the Library. He must our dinner at the Hilton Hotel but these days, when the be the oldest cricket fan in the world who has just brought Chancellor of the Exchequer was earlier in the day found out a book three short of his century. sitting in a first class seat in a Virgin train with a standard ticket and surcharged £160, times are hard but 200 diners Hamish Pearson, the vice captain of Prior Park College, on a wet Friday paying £99 a head, it was an excellent Bath, made a mature speech after he was presented the turn out. The Long Room was packed and it was like being The Forty Club Trophy (The Henry Grierson Cup) by Peter in of Henry Grierson, with style and panache all Baxter. All 11 districts voted for their best school and five, around. Colfe's (with Graham Clinton, cricket master and Matthew Stiddard, captain who is on the books of Kent), Richmond Charles Fry proved an outstanding President with his School (Jonathan Kellett, cricket master and Bob Carr, sharp humour, his detailed analysis of the season that was captain), Bolton School (Andrew Compton, cricket master almost washed away and his brief illuminated talk about and Callum Kay, captain) and Ardingly (Nick Tester, cricket MCC's collection of cricketing paintings. Anyone on a first master and Matt Bidlake, captain) were present.

46 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook Hamish, vice captain of Prior College speaking about our XL match:

It is a great privilege to be here this evening Rebera's century a couple of years ago, John in the Long Room at Lords where so many Lindley's important contributions with both bat famous cricketers have stood before. It gives me and ball and of course Peter Searle's exemplary enormous pleasure to accept the Forty captaincy. All of which serve to help our game. Club Trophy, a most prestigous award, on behalf of my school Prior Park College. Sadly last years This match is very important in reminding us lst XI captain Peter Borton is unable to be here to of the true skills required for this sport. With accept the award as he is currently coaching and so much talk of T20 cricket recently, the longer playing cricket in Namibia on his gap year. Cricket format of the game is often overshadowed. is such an important part of our school life, and However, I believe that the longer declaration we have been encouraged from an early age to games demand greater patience and self- respect and implement the values and spirit of the motivation and really prove one's passion game, those being sportsmanship and fair play; for the game. The remarkable feature of this both importantly encapsulated in this award. match is the fact that young and not so young compete on a level playing field, where age is We had a reasonably successful season last immaterial. I would like to take this opportunity year and we finished on a high with our match to thank our coaching staff for all their hard against the Club, a match that all my friends and work and support on and off the field. In I greatly relish. I have been fortunate enough particular Mr Capon, our Director of Sport to play against the Club for the past three years and our coaches Mr Knights, Mr Bond and Mr and have found it a very enjoyable fixture with Staunton. As a school and as a team we are very considerable kindness and patience shown, even grateful for the award and we look forward to when I am being stumped by a very agile Richard welcoming you back next season, when I know Gatton. Other notable performances were Peter we will have another great contest.

Steve Capon, cricket master of Prior Park College and captain Hamish Pearson with Peter Baxter.

47 www.thefortyclub.co.uk THE DAY WHEN TOM MAYNARD WAS RUN OUT FOR 9

Tom Maynard's sad and lamented death at the age of 23 has brought back poignant memories of one of our members, Andy Steele, running him out three short of a hundred at Millfield School in 2005. Paul Ashton, who skippered the Forty Club side, said "it was a typical piece of Forty Club fielding. Tom clipped the ball very hard to square leg and Andy, not being able to get down to it, stuck out a foot, the ball bounced up into his right hand and he threw the wicket down to Tom's surprise. He was three yards out. Andy must have been in his mid fifties.

"Our keeper dropped him early in his innings. Tom kept wicket at the time and I thought he was only an average keeper but he was a very talented batsman. I remember one shot he played, a straight drive past mid on and it went like a rocket. I didn't really have a chat with him but I got the impression that he was a character. Someone who wanted to do it his way. When I heard the news about his death I was shocked. It was awful. My son played with him in the same side and they were good friends.

"We won that match. Richard Ellison, who has brought on a large number of topclass cricketers at Millfield, usually mixes his teams and half the development side plays alongside first teamers." Richard had a brief Test career but one record he achieved was to bowl 61 overs without a wicket in India in 1984.

Around sixty first class cricketers have graduated from Millfield, including two others who met tragic deaths, Ben Hollioake a victim of a fatal car crash at the age of 24, and who committed suicide in 2011. Maynard died from being electrified between Wimbledon Park and Southfield District Line after he abandoned his Mercedes car at 4.15 am after running off when police spotted him driving erratically. His body was discovered at 5 am near the track.

At the inquest on February 26 the jury returned a verdict of accidental death and Dr Fiona Wilcox, the coroner, urged sports regulators to use hair samples for drug testing.

48 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook OBITUARIES OF MEMBERS 2012

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN-JENKINS, MBE - CRICKET'S BEST FRIEND AND PR

CMJ holding the Herbert Hunter Trophy at the 2011 XL dinner with Tony Fare, our NW chairman

CMJ, otherwise known as The Major, was still propagating Cowdrey Lecture at Lord's, the first from a media man, and the game he loved right up until he died early on January 1, spoke up for the right values, Forty Club values, particularly 2013 at the age of 67, the same number of games he played "walking." for MCC. His final despatch for "The Times" was lamenting the death of Tony Greig, who died three days earlier from Last year he interviewed me on Test Match Special which the same scourge, cancer. A few weeks earlier I asked him if is listened to by up to 250,000 cricket lovers and he started he could write a piece for this edition of the Handbook. He by saying "A very famous cricket club, the Forty Club, was such a generous man, totally besotted with cricket and are having their 75th anniversary and it is an appropriate love for his beautifiul wife Judy and his three children, that moment because Ian Bell left the field at the tea interval he responded by return. He was cricket's great giver. He and was given run out and was called back. The Forty ended it saying "Don't alter it!" Club plays the game the right way and it was started by a marvellous chap by the name of Henry Grierson. He Jim Swanton, who first put him on his way to a journalistic persuaded a lot of famous cricketers to play for it and put career in 1967 when he appointed him assistant editor of the right message over to young players in schools." He The Cricketer, always said that if a comma was left out finished up the interview saying "I hope this great club will of any of his articles or anything changed, he would be continue the good work." straight on to the sports editor and he always did. In one of my last conversations with CMJ he said he couldn't use his Well over six feet and abnormally thin, he was an upright, right arm and it was "tricky, but I'm ploughing on." He had straight batted batsman, an accurate offspinner and a very seven operations on his arm before his illness was finally passable fielder. One of his last games was for the CWC diagnosed but he wasn't complaining. at New Milton in honour of his late friend Ian Wooldridge when he was sixty. He let a ball through his legs at short He joined the Forty Club in 1988 and though he played cover and said "Fiddlesticks." He never swore or insulted for Marlborough School, Cambridge University, Surrey 11s, anyone. He was a true Corinthian. Peter Oborne, a political Cranleigh, Albury, Horsham, I Zingari, The Arabs, MCC , Paul columnist in the "Daily Telegraph," said he was an amateur. Getty and the Cricket Writers' Club he never played for the Nothing of the sort: he was a great professional. Club but spoke amusingly and passionately at three of our dinners. A Christian, an Anglican, he preached the right One of the funniest occasions concerning CMJ was when sermon on those occasions and also when he delivered the some of us - cricket writers and the broadcasters - were

49 www.thefortyclub.co.uk staying at the posh Devonshire Arms near Bolton Abbey, When he was MCC President he was caught up in the owned by the Duchess of Devonshire during a Headingley controversy about building five towers of flats at the Test where once 's daughter married the Nursery End and it caused him a lot of anguish before the son of Rachel Welch. As the only teetotaller, I was asked matter was abandoned. It was estimated that he spent to give lifts and CMJ was keen to travel in my new Honda a third of his forty odd years at the top of his profession Legend. Unfortunately my late wife Audrey - another working all over the world and that concerned him. Like cancer victim, at Yuletide in 2000 - had just bought an many cricket media men, he missed a lot of seeing his art deco, steel framed chair and it was in the back of the children grow up. But his relationship with his son Robin car. We were reluctant to put it in our hotel bedroom and who played highclass cricket for Sussex was in the same Audrey said "Chris, why don't we put it in your car?" CMJ class of Micky and . Latterly, Judy joined him looked aghast but finally agreed. It was a tight fit and when on some of his tours. we tried to take it out the next morning the windscreen suddenly shattered into hundreds of little pieces of glass. One wonders why he only received the MBE, the lowest "Fingelbum," he exclaimed. When he rang his insurers he award in the Honours Lists. He should have been knighted was told it would take three days to get a new windscreen. years ago. He was really upset, understandably, but Audrey made a joke of it and everyone joined in the laughter..... including CMJ. CMJ’s APPEARANCES AS A SPEAKER AT THE FORTY CLUB DINNER

When he was at Marlborough School, he wrote to Brian 1988 Cliff Morgan OBE Johnston and asked him how he could become a cricket broadcaster. Johnners, a former President of the Forty CBE Club, one of the nicest men I've ever met, wrote back and Christopher Martin-Jenkins it started a lifetime friendship. With mentors like Swanton and Johnston, he couldn't really fail. CMJ joined the BBC John Snagge OBE in 1970, the year he married Judy, and three years later he succeeded Johnners as the BBC's cricket correspondent. He was the straight man in Test Match Special and soon won 1999 Christopher Martin-Jenkins the admiration of listeners who loved to hear intelligent, expert interpretations on what was happening out in the middle. He continued on TMS while he was editor of Rev Dom Anthony Sutch The Cricketer (1981-91) and resumed as the BBC cricket Mike Cowan correspondent between 1985-91.

The Daily Telegraph and The Times both carried pictures of him on their front pages the day after he died, probably 2011 Christopher Martin-Jenkins MBE the first time a sports writer/broadcaster has been featured Philip Hodson so prominently. Between 1991-99 he was the Telegraph's Swanton and between 1999-2000 he was the Woodcock Chris Hollins of the Times. For cricket to have produced three great journalists of this class is extraordinary. No other sport in this country has yet to equal that remarkably high standard. Peter Baxter was CMJ's boss for many years at TMS and this is what he said of him: "His death was not Besides corresponding and helping out with many aspiring unexpected. I think he was determined to stay around sports writers and commentators, giving wonderful for Christmas and that was it. He was a consummate speeches laced with hilarious mimicry, writing articles professional in three fields, as a broadcaster, as a for all sorts of newspapers and magazines, giving lectures cricket correspondent for two great newspapers and and being President of the MCC (2010-1), he also wrote author of countless books and when you throw in that he held the post as President of MCC recently, even or edited more than twenty books. The most exhaustive Plum Warner wouldn't have bettered that. And Plum was his monumental "The Complete Who's Who of the played cricket for England. What he achieved was Test Cricketers" in 1980 and updated in 1996. He wrote incredible." knowledgably and interestingly about every Test cricketer who has played the game. At one time he lost half the He had this reputation of being scatty and I think he manuscript but doggedly set out to redo it. enjoyed it. Some of his stories about him came from him, not so much from others."

50 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook JACK HYAMS: THE MAN WHO PLAYED MORE MATCHES AND SCORED MORE RUNS THAN ANY OTHER CRICKETER

When John Berry Hobbs retired in 1934 after achieving In the next sixty six years, Hyams surpassed The Master's a record 61,760 first class runs and scoring 197 centuries, total of runs and when he reached 121,000 runs for John (Jack) Hyams from Hammersmith scored his first several dozen clubs around Britain he was still batting hundred at the age of fifteen and was presented with a on at the age of ninety. He scored 175 centuries, the last J.B.Hobbs bat. On the same day, , another of when he was in his late sixties. He was Life President of his heroes, scored 304 against England at Headingley. The Barmy Army who take hundreds of their members to

Jack playing in 1953

51 www.thefortyclub.co.uk Test matches abroad but his wife Mabs said "He didn't like Once when he played for West Bromwich Dartmouth, he watching . He called it crease occupation. He faced the bowling of , one of the fastest West preferred one day cricket." Indian bowlers. "I didn't see the first one," he said. "He had pace like fire. He was the quickest I ever faced." In There are no reliable records of amateur cricketers' one match on tour, he found himself sharing a room with performances but only Jack attained these astonishing another West Indian fast bowler, taller than Hall. "I learned figures. His grandson David said "he played almost every that he was playing for the other side," said Jack. "So I day in the summer and he went on countless tours abroad said to him 'when I come in, give me a chance to get off in the winter. He had a pet store shop and he didn't need the mark.' He grunted but when the fellow came racing in, to be there too much. His whole life was about cricket." he bowled a ferocious which flew over my head and also the head of the keeper for four byes. I said to him The stocky Hyams played in ten matches in 2010 for 'what about my one to get off the mark?' He said 'that was Billericay Veterans and the Nomads CC before he suffered it!'" a major stroke and survived almost a year before he died on May 2 aged 92. In WW11 he was an RAF aircraft gunner On a tour of South Africa of the Forty Club he was upset helping to protect North Atlantic convoys and in his squad about the team's fielding. "We've dropped ten catches of seventeen airmen, he was the only survivor. "I struck and that's like giving them another innings," he said. Next lucky," he said. "Somebody up there must have liked me." day he wanted proper fielding practice before the match started next to Newlands ground in Cape Town. A batsman A team mate of The Stoics, a wandering side, recalled hit the ball high into the air and Jack suddenly realised an occasion when they arrived to take on Ingham CC he was looking into the sun and failed to pick up the line in and found themselves one short. He said of the ball. The ball landed on a thumb and it swelled up "someone mentioned Jack and a colleague told us that he alarmingly. Another player looked at the injury and said was playing golf in North London. We rang the golf club "you can't play with that Jack, I'll call up another player to and managed to get Jack to the phone. Jack said 'okay, it's take your place." "Oh no," said Jack, "I'll be all right." And more than a hundred miles but I'll be there for lunch. Save he went on to make a reasonable total. some food for me.' Jack arrived, had his lunch and batted for 20 minutes for l. He stayed on to midnight regaling One of his boasts was not wearing a helmet when batting. us with risque stories. After that he drove home and "I got out of the way," he said. "Well, later on I did but presumably he had another game next day. He was only earlier I'd hook the short stuff." His highest total was 199 eighty three at the time!" scored in 1944. On his 90th birthday a local TV company wanted him to be interviewed and he donned his gear He played for dozens of clubs including Cockfosters, and went out to play a few deliveries bowled underarm by Finchley, Mill Hill, Cross Arrows, West Bromwich Dartmouth, his wife aged 85, a former tennis player. The garden was the Forty Club, Club Cricket Conference, Bunburys, covered in snow. "That'll be a first, trying to get a hundred Nomads, Cricket World Xl, Bertie Joel's Xl, Cheshunt on snow," he said. "I've just bought an expensive new bat Thursday, Magdale, Ibiza and the MCC. He was an MCC and I've been netting throughout the winter ready for next Senior Coach and an ACU&S umpire. He also took 1,300 season." Sadly, he never made it. wickets with his medium paced bowling.

Jack's Record for the Forty Club

He played 37 matches between 1975 and 1991 and scored 1057 runs with 2 x 100s and 7 x 50s. He scored 116 on his debut against and made 99 in a year later and 100* in 1978. On the tour of SA in 1991, at the age of 71, he scored 2 x 50s in four innings. Two years earlier he took 7-45 v Carmel College bowling brisk medium pace. (From our statistician Carl Openshaw).

52 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook SIMON MASSEY - A TRULY REMARKABLE MAN OF CRICKET

Simon was the elder son of Graham Massey, one of our Match Managers, and he coached hundreds of young cricketers in his short life which lasted just fifty years and hundreds turned up at his funeral in Aldershot on January, 2012. He had been fit until eighteen months earlier when he started having headaches. On Christmas Eve he was taken to St. George's Hospital, Wimbledon, and he told his mother Margery "I'll be back in a couple of days" but he died two days later from a brain tumour. "It was such a shock," said Margery.

A quick bowler and a hard hitting batsman, Simon started his cricketing career as a boy at Fleet CC and went on to play for MCC, the Forty Club, Berkshire, the Hampshire second team where he was used as an offspinner, Finchampstead, New Milton and also for Manly CC in Sydney where he lived in Australia for twenty years and later became a coach for the Tasmanian Cricket Association. In 1997 he started as a winter coach at the Oval and four years later he became a full time coach at the Ken Barrington Cricket School. In 1998 he was appointed the cricket coach at Westminister School and combined both jobs.

His idol was Tony Greig and played with him in Australia and he also Simon Massey met . He was a self taught artist and did cartoons for Wisden Cricketer, wrote plays, commentated on cricket for Rapidline, Cricinfo and Lashings CC and was an entertaining public speaker. His grandfather served in the Flying Corps in the First World War and that fired his enthusiasm for collecting stories from wartime survivors. One of his proudest moments was arranging for Henry Allingham, the then oldest survivor, to be taken to the Oval on the 100th anniversary of the day when he watched W.G. Grace playing.

Three months before he died he married Sue, his partner for twenty three years. Danny Buckland, one of his friends, said "A rare sporting talent and even rarer spirit."

BRIAN LEWIS A timber merchant who wore size 14 footwear, Mr Lewis joined XL in 1987 and added some pace to our sides with his medium . He also kept goal for Liverpool Ramblers AFC an captained Formby Golf Club in 2005. He was 67.

JORGEN MORILD Jorgen was the GOM of Danish cricket and he made 114 appearances with Denmark, scoring 1885 runs, average 19 and one century between l964-86. It was said of him "that he didn't put himself on because he was too kind!" He played regularly in the UK with XL, whom he joined in 1984, and he died at the age of 87. Sometimes he was mistaken for Michael Jorgen Morild Caine, or even XL's Eric Austin.

53 www.thefortyclub.co.uk MEMBERS’ OBITUARY

We deeply regret to record the death of the following members during the past year

ABBOTT, D.B 1969 G.F. JARRETT, TD, MA 1963

ADAMS, D.S. 1983 LAWLESS, B.C. 1980

ALBURY, A.J. 1988 LEWIS, B.C. 1987

AUSTEN, C.A.R. 1971 MARTIN-JENKINS, C.D.A. 1988

BANG, H.C. 1992 MASSEY, S. 2006

Canon P.D.S BLAKE, MA, 1967 MORILD, J 1984

BOULT, P.W.S. TD 1960 NAYLOR, P.A. 1974

BREARLEY, R.D.F. 1963 OLIVER, G.R.W. 1975

CLARKE, M.C. 1982 OSCROFT, P.W. 1975

COX, M.C.F. 1978 PERKINS, A.F 1975

COXON, A.J. 1971 PHILPOTT, G.G. 1983

DENNING, A.N. 1964 RENDALL, D.P. 1989

DOUCH, F.J. 1978 SINGER, S. 2001

HOCKLEY, A.J. TAYLOR, F. 1983

HOOPER, N.B. 1973 WALSH, T.G. 1981

HOOPER, N.B. 1973 WILLIAMS, M.C. 1991

HYAMS, J 1965 WOOD, R.J. 1964

54 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook DISTRICT CHAIRMENS’ REPORTS 2012

EAST MIDLANDs

Peter Mason

Peter Mason (centre with dark trousers) helps pushing a wayward sightscreen facing the wrong way at Wolverhampton CC

We used 64 players during the season with 22 playing 3 in response having restricted Wales to what appeared to matches or more. Of that number, 22 seniors and 8 juniors be a reasonable score thanks to tight bowling from Mark were guest players and though the juniors have to wait I Stanyer, Percy Hurst and Pete Howard. Midway through am sure the senniors will join in due course. Our topscorer the afternoon when asked by the chairman how I thought was newcomer Simon Bingham closely followed by David it was going, the reply of 'never in doubt' was not entirely Dakin and Pete Howard was the leading wicket taker. Full convincing! I was sure we had enough strength in depth details of each match is available on our website http:// and fortunately that was proved to be right. xlclubemidlands.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp. One click is all it takes and you will be able to relive the moments Our plan to build up our player base was only partially of toil and humour! The highlight was undoubtedly winning successful owing to the weather causing many matches to the ID Tournament and all praise must be accorded to Nick be cancelled. However, we recruited 8 new players and next Jelley for managing to get 11 players on the pitch in the four year will be even stronger. We have some of the toughest matches, particularly in the final when 5 new players were school fixtures in the country and we must continue to required following success in the semi the day before. ensure that we give them a match to make sure we get invited to return. Already we have a number of new MMs If it is to retain its standing as one of our premier events, the for 2013 after just a season playing for the club and they format needs to be reviewed to enable our better players will be encouraged to use their local contacts to expand to perform, rather than just those who are available. Many our membership. Fiinally I thank all the MMs, umpires and of our new members find it difficult to take two days extra scorers for their support. By spreading the load so that holiday or leave of absence in a working week. The final each manager only has one game to look after it really came to life in the second innings when Sam Cludow, 103,* helps to attract new players to our wonderful club. Long and Chris Keneally, 47,* opened up. We made a shaky start may it continue.

55 www.thefortyclub.co.uk EASTERN COUNTIES NORTH EAST

Robert Smith Tony Sheppard

We endured a thoroughly miserable season and with so many The year was dominated by cancellations due to rain and games rained off it was hardly worth organising sides. It defeats. South Craven fell to the weather and Ashville was was the worst mid-year (“summer” would be a misnomer) in rained off as a draw before losing at Pocklington, Hymers, living memory. We got on briefly to a muddy field at Norwich Doncaster & Woodhouse Grange though we did draw at School on May 17 only to be bowled out for 41. Not as bad Selby. A near success came at Richmond School in a timed a score as it seems since we took five School wickets before game which swayed both ways. With the School six down, retiring to the Adam and Eve at 4.30. We competed better they recovered to knock off the runs off in a 7th wicket but lost at Haileybury, were slaughtered at Forest School amid stand of 60 to pass our 165. Such was the fun, spirit and the usual comical fielding but then enjoyed a good win over hospitality engendered that we awarded our District Trophy King’s School Ely and two winning draws at Wisbech and to them and their PE master and school captain travelled Kimbolton Schools. with me to Lord's for the XL dinner and we were all wowed. Rain led to Yorks Senior schools and the Festival in Chester Highlights of the season were an enjoyable and close - being non starters but the season was rescued by victory needless to say rearranged - ID game v EM at Langstons CC, over EM, the ID champions with one ball remaining. victories over Southill Park and the Stoics, a century by Dave Chasing 245, "Sir" Geoffrey Barker and Stuart Hudson put Humphreys at Matching Green before the rain came down, on 140 and Steve Mitchell hit a belligerent 44 leaving Geoff several thrilling cameo innings by Matt Catley and five days of 99 not out. sunny, friendly cricket in October.... where we had to go to La Manga for that (in the excellently organised TT). We are now Many thanks to our MMs who got teams for all our matches looking forward to more sunshine in February on our third and also our scorers and umpires. We are steadily building tour to Dubai. Will we ever see an old fashioned, hot, sunny up our player base and aim to repeat last year's fish and day and a true, hard wicket in England? I wonder! chip meal in the winter.

A brilliant picture of Ian Chambers missing a hook shot in Scotland

56 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook WEST MIDLANDS

Roger Wickson

I am sure most of our DC colleagues will echo the same Bromsgrove School hosted a School Olympics on our usual sentiment that 2012 will go down as one of the worst date and the cricket Xl, unable to start a single game at season for games being cancelled, due to rain, on that stage of the season, replaced our declaration game record. Our first two games against Warwick School and with a T20. They toiled to 100-5 on a very wet pitch and Shrewsbury School were cancelled and our season only outfield and D. Chaundry, 50* took WM to their third started on May 22 with a 7 wicket win at Bloxham School, victory by 6 wickets. Unfortunately our first loss came at last year's Henry Grierson Trophy winners. The School King Henry VIII when WM toiled to 123 on another wet put up little resistance against some fine bowling and pitch. The School eased past our total with 5 wickets in collapsed to 97 with Jon Hartley, 4-12, being the pick of hand and Capt. S. Abbey scored 51. Our final two school the bowlers. Nick Briggs, 75*, completely dominated our matches fell victim to the incessant rain once again and to innings. Andy Robertson, a new member, and Stuart cap it all, our last game against WM Police was cancelled Reeve scored 143* and 86* in WM's 274-1 at Old Swinford due to financial cutbacks. Hospital School. Despite a valiant effort from E. Taylor, 47, and E. Atkins 37, the School were all out for 151. The game The positives were signing 7 new players and the average at King Edward V1 School was a low scoring affair after age of our players being just under 46. My thanks go again heavy overnight rain and the School had to make every to Veronica Murphy, who scored every game for me and effort to prepare a pitch. R. Roberts, 71, topscored in KES's John Bradley, who umpired every game, and all the other 153-5 and Andy Robertson 57* steered WM to a draw. umpires who stood for us. My thanks must go to all the schools and in particular, for the wonderful hospitality provided. Roll on a very hot and dry 2013 please!

Not Warwick Castle, but Dover’s

57 www.thefortyclub.co.uk WEST

Phil Smith

What a great cricket ground to play at...... Sidmouth Cricket Club

What a fantastic season! I think us down ‘ere in the West We had a great year, reaching the ID Final and Prior Park College Country got a bit more cricket in than most by all accounts. from Bath winning The Forty Club Trophy. The ID competition Including the District games, we played 15 matches, winning is nice and the finals are an opportunity to have a good couple 7, losing 5 and drawing 3. Of course we had the obligatory 12 of days away but the bread and butter of what we do is school cancelled or abandoned. We used as many players as a variety cricket. We are fortunate to be invited to play on some wonderful of Heinz beans and introduced several new members. However, grounds and it’s not a jolly so we need to always raise our game we still depend on olders ones not only to field teams but to year on year. It’s not just schools though. Playing against clubs compete. I’m sure it should be the other way round but our help spread the word of who we are and what we do as we need leading scorer is a mere nipper, Tim Smith, who scored 179 runs to replenish our membership each season and it is up to us to and our senior bowlers are indeed senior. The evergreen John invite new blood to help take the Club forward. There aren’t as Lindley bowled more overs and took 10 wickets at 15.3 and our many opportunities these days for cricketers coming to the end offspinner Brian Brogden took 16 at 14.3. Congratulations Brian of their careers as there once was. There is, quite rightly, more for being selected by England Over 60s and taking 3-11 against emphasis on youth and with the decline in Sunday cricket, there Australia in a 91 run win. are fewer opportunities. I didn’t even know XL existed and I played against them twice! We need to put the message over. This has been my first year in office and the help and support I received from all sections in the Club has been amazing. It’s not We are hoping to revive two outstanding fixtures in 2013 - until you get on the other side you realise all the hard work that sharing the game at Cheltenham College with WM, a magnificent goes on all year round to make the operation work. It’s tireless place to play, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital School in Bristol after and a huge thank you to my MMs and particularly Phil Fawkner- some good spadework by Scyld Berry. We already have some Corbett, Tim Smith, Peter Rebera and Andy Ashfold. I played new MMs chomping at the bit to get hold of some established my club cricket for Bath CC and one of the things I learned from fixtures and make their mark on games. Finally, I wish all that is that not only is it important how things look from the members a happy hibernation and look forward to meeting many outside, it’s the people inside a club who are vital to its success. more great people through this wonderul game in 2013.

58 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook SOUTH

Barry Aitken

It was a season of mixed fortunes and it was not just the the balance after our desultory performance last year, was a weather that brought forth the challenges! Paul Whittle, the very pleasing result and all thanks to Neil Blackey for getting incumbent DC, stepped down early on and with no volunteers out a decent side which won by 5 wickets. Dauntsey's School forthcoming the Club Secretary, who lives in the district, put a reinforced side to the sword, the Stonor fixture brought stepped into the breach. Eleven fixtures were scheduled but the another defeat and a final match against Shirley CC, a touring weather put paid to six. Our District team were royally looked side from Birmingham, produced another defeat but as it was after by members of Great Tew CC in Oxfordshire in our first played at the beautiful Wimborne CC ground on a lovely, hot foray into the field when, after a good start with the first four day and with a great tea, it didn't feel so bad. batsmen making runs, we were all out for 190 and EM passed the total for the loss on only one wicket. EM went on to win the We are due a new chairman and lots of hope is being pinned to tournament so we were clearly beaten by a good side! his being able to revive XL cricket in the south: if not, it will go the way of our ash trees! There is much at stake here, not least The Leighton Park School match was a high point and a the participation and enjoyment of our cricketing members but personal triumph for Graham Massey. Not only did he get a side the key to survival will be a small, vibrant, enthusiastic managing out but they won, beating the School for the first time for many team, good communications, new younger members..... and years. Paul Catterall's 118 and Andy Yorke's 5-19 from 4.3 overs then a few wins under the belt. We have some of the best were pivotal in this historic win. We also beat the Brigands CC schools fixtures in the south of England and the desire to keep at Broadhalfpenny Down which, since the fixture had been in them and play them, and play them well, could not be stronger.

IAN HENDERSON

Former BBC sports journalist signs up as DC of South.

Ian Henderson is not only one of the fittest members of the Club but he has probably more experience as a cricket man than most and Barry Aitken has now signed him up to take over in the South. It is a terrific coup for the Club, like Arsenal signing a £50m striker!

Ian worked as a sports reporter for Radio Solent for 18 years before working for BBC South TV and is currently freelancing. Like your Editor, he is a Caulkhead - the Isle of Wight term for someone born there - and lives in Romsey. "I'm a great enthusiast," he said. "I'm 66 and still do half marathons and play five a side football. I was chairman at Hursley CC for many years and did most of the jobs at the club over the years and now run the 4th team. It was a proud moment when we played twice in the National Village tournament at Lord's, the second time when we won it.

"I was a Forty Club member some years ago and lapsed but last year I rejoined after playing in some enjoyable matches against the club. I can't see myself packing up. I'll probaby be carried off the field and taken straight to the mortuary! I open the batting and still do. I don't like facing these lob bowlers!

"I have several good players lined up to join the Club. I showed my copy of the Handbook to one of them who was very impressed. I think the Handbook is excellent, the best of its type." Ian playing a cut shot Welcome aboard Ian!

59 www.thefortyclub.co.uk KENT & EAST SUSSEX

Ron Hart

We had little claim to fame for the past season although we managed to win more games than we lost. Following on from the club winter tour to New Zealand which featured a stay in windy , we soon accustomed to the wet, wind and rain here losing 14 games. We recorded three wins including a first against the girls Xl at Brighton College and six draws. Crushing defeats at Lancing College and Eltham College were harsh reminders that we must field competitive teams against the stronger schools otherwise we are in danger of losing them. In consultation with the MMs, we will try and ensure better This is Duncan Elder, the PE teacher who lives in the village balanced sides in future. Progress has been made on recruiting of Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire who has succeeded younger players and that will help. Ron. He joined XL in 2011 after playing good cricket in a number of clubs in North London and enjoyed XL's tour in Early exit from the ID Trophy was a disappointment but it New Zealand last year. He also took the Herts Over 50s side highlights the improvement in the strength of the other District to and Sri Lanka. He has his own company (www. sides. It should provide a good selling point when seeking dwesportstours.co.uk) and is in talks with Gulliver's, the to recruit the 35 year olds. To our MMs and our umpires and Club's new travel agents about helping to arrange affordable scorers, not not forgetting our website manager John Bates, our tours for our members. He is asking members for their appreciation to you for your time and commitment. Let us hope views and he can be contacted on 01763 852557, 07765 next season is blessed with good cricket and sunshine. 256217 [email protected]. We wish him well.

A restrained celebration as another wicket falls at Sibton CC

60 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook Colin Neill presents John Cameron with his cap for his 100th appearance scotland

Colin Neill

Last year was not a great one weatherwise but our members NW for all their efforts. For the first time the Jingles Trophy gave great support. We managed to play in 16, win 9, draw 2 was cancelled and six fixtures in August were washed away. and lose 5 and in only 4 the sun came out. The remaining 17 Later in the month we won three games and lost one. We were lost to the weather. The challenge has been continuity had an influx of candidates around the 40 mark and this and we didn’t play two matches on the bounce. The incessant supported our decision to play into September. They are our rain meant many guys only played one or two fixtures. future and I hope they enjoyed the experience enough to play Against schools, we won 3, drew 2 and lost 3. Of the 3 defeats regularly this year. all were close and either side could have won up to the last ball. NW member Nigel Doyle, a piano tuner with a big Seventy players turned out with only 26 playing more than contract in Glasgow, made his debut at Glasgow Academy one game. Kevin Ferrie bagged 13 wickets and the evergreen and delivered a great performance taking 6-59. John Jim Inglis took 9. In the last two games three potential Cameron took 6-89 at Strathallan in 22 overs and captured 20 members, Ian Chambers, 64* and Kevin Ferrie, 61* at Crathie wickets at 14.2 with two 5 wicket hauls. Only Rob Thornton and 5-19 at Glendelvine and John Owen, 76* at Glendelvine, with 84 and 5-22 v Edinburgh Academy and Steve Lockhart, all scored fifties. This influx is needed if we are to succeed in scored the runs that were commonplace in previous years. the future. The loss of 7 fixtures through rain in April, May and June meant that continuity was lost and many players who had I came back from two major hip operations to take part in two been regulars in the past were not available. matches at the end of the season and achieved the milestone of 150 appearances. I was also delighted to award caps to The washout of the Northern Festival at Chester was another John Cameron, Bruce Girvan and Iain Redmond for reaching disappointment. We lost in the final in a bowl out but had a 100. Let’s hope 2013 brings better weather! great time with the other three districts and many thanks to

61 www.thefortyclub.co.uk WALES

Peter Owens

No doubt we were the same as other Districts, or even is important. We continued our keenly contested match worse, in that the weather was the dominant factor with 13 between East and West Wales for the Glyn John/Terry of our scheduled matches being cancelled. This left five Thomas Trophy. As in the inaugural game last season, this matches and we won 3, lost 1 and drew 1. We had teams one proved to be a close match with John Corden hitting 4 ready but no matches to play in. In last year’s report I said off the last ball enabling East to retain the trophy. Terry’s we would bounce back in the ID competition with renewed widow Ann presented it to Keith James. New recruits enthusiasm. Having reached the semi finals through a toss have included Lee Parry, Philip Roche, Andrew Herbert, of a coin, I confidently said that. We won a good encounter Martin Wiltshire, Robert Jones and Gordon Voke. Thank with the West - with notable contributions from Adrian you gentlemen and I trust you will have many enjoyable Webber 53* and Paul Keneally 3-17 - and having scored years with us. Thanks to the players who made themselves an admirable 237-9 (Wyn Lloyd 83 and John Corden 56) available and this greatly assisted our MMs and via the IT in the final we were beaten by EM by 8 wickets after two system, Phil Haines has ably managed a smooth operation very enjoyable days. Thanks to all the squad for their during the season. As usual Phil, Keith James and new DC performance and attitude on and off the field. captain Chris Hudson have given me great support off the field. Also, big thank you to our MMs for their hard work. As in previous seasons, we have continued to have a good The other unsung heroes are our umpires, scorers and tea updated District website, great technical communication ladies: without their support we would not have such an whereby everyone is kept up to date, consistent recruitment enjoyable time. of new members and the other factor is that we have a very happy District with a great group of people which Diolch yn fawr!

The Welsh Team

62 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook NORTH THAMES

Ilija Krunic

They seek it here, they seek it there, those young(ish) cricketers seek it everywhere! Is it in heaven, is it in hell, that damned elusive North Thames District! We're back - cricketers of NT persuasion, time to brush off the cobwebs from your XL club caps and sweaters and throw yourself heart (pacemaker?) and soul into representing your favourite District once more. We have been away too long, time to get back on the saddle and show the youngsters how to play this glorious game of ours in the right spirit with even a hint of noblesse oblige while correctly displaying the forward defensive (our best stroke) ad nauseum in a desperate attempt to scrape a draw!

I can already feel 11 Districts quaking, quivering and even quacking at our return. We are a large areas with quantity and quality, I hope, so let's make sure we we hit the ground running (after a gentle stretch of course) and grab that Inter District by the horns and not let go. So don't be shy to step forward if you wish to play a friendly, a competitive match, or both. I am really looking forward to meeting the many NT players, umpires and scorers and making new friends. Here is to a wonderful summer with long, warm happy days.

Lastly, if you'll just allow me the chance to day dream I can just see that trophy gleaming in my trophy cabinet!

63 www.thefortyclub.co.uk SURREY / WEST SUSSEX

Richard Bennett

Inevitably a report of the summer of 2012 will dwell more on 226-6 off 42 overs and thanks to Jeremy Hinds 86 and Gavin the weather than the cricket for of the 18 matches proposed Scovell 70 we won by 7 wickets in 12 fewer overs. The other for the season, 9 were cancelled without a ball being bowled batsmen to score well in the season were Goff (109 v 3 and another was abandoned before lunch after just a few Bridges) and Vander 83 & Thornton 81 v Dorking. overs. Of the matches played, 3 draws (against Ardingly, Dorking and 3 Bridges), 3 losses (Lancing, Cuckfield and I am grateful to the match managers, players, umpires Reed’s School), and just 1 win (against Walton on Thames) and scorers who have made a very difficult season run are the bare statistics but, as ever, statistics hardly reveal as smoothly as possible: without the never ending good the whole story. At Ardingly we were hanging on for a draw humour exhibited throughout the year, it would have been but against Dorking and 3 Bridges we had batted first, set even more depressing to be a cricketer! Finally my thanks reasonable totals and the games were finally balanced when to Jill Bracken and everyone at 3 Bridges for hosting the stumps were drawn. pre-season get-together, Allan Newman for organising the District golf day, Roly Walton for continuing to manage the At Cuckfield and Reed’s we again batted first and set Inter District team and to Adrian Gale for running the District reasonable totals which the opposition just reached in the dinner. Without such willing helpers, the district would be allotted overs and both were well balanced matches. Lancing the poorer. For 2013 we have to hope that the sun shines, however was a different story. The school scored 253-2 off the players make themselves available and each member 42 overs and the XL reply was an embarrassing 42! Our sole tries to recruit at least one young cricketer to keep to pool of victory was at Walton on Thames with the home side scoring talent topped up!

A resplendent tree dominates the action in the New Zealand tour.

64 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook north west Broken bat stops play

Tony Fare I' m sure most Districts were badly affected by our so called summer weather but it was really the big news of ours. Washed out were 4 school games without a ball bowled, two of those new fixtures at Thomas Whitham College, Burnley and Cowley College at St. Helens. One, at Queen Elizabeth GS, was abandoned in the second innings whilst the one against Lancashire League U17 suffered a similar fate. There was no play when we hosted the two day ID Northern Festival which was decided by a bowl out and our end of season golfing extravaganza in September sank into a very soggy bunker. Thanks to Hugh Doyle, Steve Kelly and Richard Edwards for their hard working only to see it ruined.

The year started so brightly in February at our Spring Lunch at Worsley CC where the speaker was local XL legend Ken Medlock who spoke about his autobiography and Terry Lord was named Player of 2011 for his heroices with both bat and ball. The cricket that did take place however was enjoyable and we had some success, most notably at a new fixture at Bury GS where a fine debut of 107* from Peter Killelea capped a 85 run win. We managed a win on a glorious summer's day - oh the irony - at Keswick CC where 50s from Danny Welbourne and Eddie McLoughlin set up a fine display of slow bowling from Nigel Doyle who bamboozled the young Cumbrians into a scoring standstill. If you have never seen cricket at Keswick with its glowring backdrop of Skiddaw you have totally missed a delightful experience. We are so lucky to have such a fixture.

Another fixture we have in a National Park is our shared fixture with NE District at Giggleswick in the Yorkshire Dales. The field this year was like a lake and there was no chance of play but both teams gathered to celebrate 500 years of educational excellence at the school and the 50th anniversary of fixtures with XL. We suffered a heavy defeat at Bolton GS who had one of their outstanding seasons. Their overall display of cricketing skills and their exceptional behaviour earned our nomination for the Forty Club Trophy.

The highlight was our commanding 9 wicket win over MCC at Rawtenstall CC. Barry Hamilton and Keith Roscoe with four wickets apiece restricted MCC to a mediocre total which Chris Turner, 59 and Jimmy Bibby, 56, passed with ease. A few thanks in what was a difficult year for me, namely to Richard Hope, John Sharples, Keith Roscoe, Richard Evans and our indomitable umpire David Hirst. Also to our MMs who do a fantastic job and finally to the DCs of Scotland, W. Midlands and NE for sending a team a long way in dreadful conditions A resplendent tree dominates to watch rain fall for two days at the Northern Festival at Paul Keneally’s nice straight bat but sad the action in the New Zealand tour. Chester. At least we had a good night on the Monday lads! about the handle in New Zealand.

65 www.thefortyclub.co.uk THE FORTY CLUB GOLFING SOCIETY (Founded 1956)

Founder Henry Grierson Captain 2012-2013 Vice-Captain 2012-2013 Alistair Defriez Michael Estorick Hon. Secretary and Treasurer Hon. Fixture Secretary Hon. Membership Secretary Max Seager Stuart Bowden David Lancaster 01483 283366 01483 285176 023 9245 5893 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Hon.Life Members Dennis Freedman, Duncan Ritchie, Max Seager and Peter Wilson.

Committee John Gordon, Rob Pike,David Hargreaves and Richard Welch.

REPORT Stuart Bowden, XL GS Fixtures Secretary Membership The membership totals 375. During the year we have gained 14 new members, 38 have resigned and 4 It is hard to believe that the XLGS season is about to kick have sadly died. The number of resignations has been mainly off with our traditional start against The Hazards GS at The caused by a review of the Membership by the Forty Club Berkshire GC. Then, all the way through to November, we Membership Secretary and thus a cull of those Golf Members have matches on some of the finest golf courses in the south who have not maintained their Cricket Membership. Member- of England, including the famous 3 “W’s” (Woking, Wor- ship is open to all Members of The Forty Club and forms can plesdon & West Hill), Ashridge, West Sussex, Frilford Heath, be found on the website. Liphook, Royal Ashdown, Swinley Forest and many others. Our annual trip to Scotland (April 23 -26) includes those Matches The results in 2012 were very encouraging and bet- Highland gems of Royal Dornoch and Boat of Garten. We also ter than 2011! Of the total of 39 matches, we won 14, halved 2, make pilgrimages to play at Royal Porthcawl (against fellow lost 20, and 3 were cancelled. golfing cricketers from the Free Foresters, Incogniti & MCC) and Royal County Down in Northern . Matches are also Fixtures No great change in the fixtures during 2012 but played every year on other famous links courses at Royal St there are some for 2013. The Welsh Tour has sadly gone due George’s, Rye, Littlestone, Royal Cinque Ports and for the first in the main to a lack of reciprocity. We have added a match time this year at Hayling Island. This is a truly top-class fixture against Hayling Island and we are going to Royal County list for anyone who plays golf. Each match has its own Match Down for the biannual match against the Windcheaters. Manager, as published in our fixture booklet and available on the Forty Club website, and it is up to you to contact him if Accounts The bank balance is £2448 compared with £2086 you would like to play in a particular match. at the start of the year and we should continue to produce a reasonable surplus this year. This year we would like to extend an invitation to our Spring and Autumn Meetings (April 4 and October 3 at The Berkshire Captain and Committee Due to Michael Estorick being off GC) to all Forty Club Members, even if you are not a member games for the majority of the year of his Captaincy it has been of the Golfing Society. Please contact Jonathan Hickling agreed that he should have another go in 2014 with Alistair ([email protected]) if you would like to take part. We Defriez being the Captain for 2013. Michael Combes, Richard are always looking for new XLGS members so if you enjoy Freedman, Denis Johnson, John Kerr, Andy Pollock and playing golf we encourage you to join us, even if you are not a Alistair McKay-Forbes have left the Committee. We warmly member of a golf club. welcome Richard Welch and David Hargreaves to the Com- mittee. The Secretary is relinquishing the responsibilities of On behalf of the XLGS membership I wish our cricketing Membership Secretary and David Lancaster has kindly agreed brethren a belated Happy New Year and an enjoyable cricket to take these on. Finally, please pay special attention to the season. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Captain’s Letter included with the fixture list. a golf course during 2013.

Lastly many thanks as always to all Match Managers who do Stuart Bowden. most of the donkey work. ([email protected])

Max Seager

66 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook TWO SCENES FROM NEW ZEALAND 2012

67 www.thefortyclub.co.uk This is the scene at Carradale in Scotland when our match was cancelled. "Ground flooded," reported Colin Neill. This very expressive picture was voted as the best submitted to our Editor last year. Colin, who took it, has taken more good pictures than anyone for the Club - so well done!

Peter Mason, chairman of East Midlands, twittered "Surely a couple of towels will soak that up?"

The front cover picture was taken by the Editor at Gigglesworth School on July 5 to celebrate the school's 500 years and also the fifty anniversary of the first Forty Club match. The night before a fierce storm broke over North Yorkshire and not only certain parts of the school was flooded but the cricket ground. When the match should have started we lined up some of the players and dignitaries including Richard Evans, our Cricket Co-Ordinator (far right) and Tony Fare, chairman of North West District, next to him, not to shelter from the rain, but the blazing sun.

Even several hours of hot sunshine wouldn't have dried the ground and the players and guests went off to a splendid lunch. Earlier Barrie Hunter, our retiring chairman, presented a seat to Geoffrey Boult, the Head, to commemorate the 50th anniversary. Only 32 out of the fifty scheduled matches have been played which indicated that North Yorkshire will never win Britain's sunshine record.

2012 was the wettest summer in the history of the Club with 100 matches being cancelled, almost half of the 203 fixtures. The previous worse summer was 2007 with 73 cancellations. These two pictures show eloquently the story of the season - "sorry, no play today." 68 The Forty Club 2013 Handbook