Winter 2013 The Newsletter of Stourbridge & District Society Founded 1972

Raking over Chairman’s View

he Ashes has a history of presenting he newly-elected Chairman of T the best and the worst examples of T the Council of Cricket Socie- . The current series has the ties, Barry Rickson got our October hallmarks of repeating examples of be- meeting off to a great start. His talk haviour at both ends of the spectrum. was titled ‘Century on Test Debut’. The Brisbane Test kicked off the Barry’s vast knowledge of series in dramatic style with displays of some of the achievements of the unbridled passion, bordering on hate, great legends of cricket and his ‘look clearly shown – mainly from the hosts. back’ at golden summers, allowed us The home crowd let England all-rounder, to imagine the impact such men Stuart Broad know their views about would have had on this great game ’walking’. They should be reminded that of ours. one former Aussie skipper only walked The questions that flowed when his Lawry broke down. from our members confirmed that Broad responded in the best way by the audience was well-read on the taking six for 81 plus two more in their history of cricket. second innings. However, Mitchell John- lack Country sportsmen, from I could not help but wonder son went one better with a blistering nine- B both cricket and football days several things for instance, where, performance and chipped in with of yore, turned up at Stourbridge CC, after one of his long iconic innings scores of 64 and 39*. in early November, for the launch of would W.G. have placed himself in Debutant George Bailey saw fit to Terry Church’s book (shown above). the field? Not far off the square I rile James Anderson who gave back as The book is an invaluable source of reference for anyone inter- would imagine. Would Hadley Ver- good as he got, which resulted in Aussie ity ever have done fine leg to third skipper Michael Clarke saying Anderson ested in the grass roots heritage of the two games in the area. man? Who would have been at could expect a ‘ broken f…..g arm’. This Book sales were so success- cover point, diving full length and resulted in Clarke losing 25% of his ful, that a reprint has already been returning the ball with a hammer- match fee. Only one word can describe ordered! Copies of the book may be like throw to stop the second run! Warner’s humiliation of Trott - appalling. obtained at cricket society meetings. It would be wonderful, if it Who is to blame for this sorry im Jones is researching informa- were possible, to look back on film mess? Unquestionably, the authorities T tion for the much-awaited biog- at some of these cricket matches must take the major share for arranging raphy of Don Kenyon. played on uncovered . The back-to-back tours, with just three months Tim invites members to con- game was played so differently then. between. There was no time for old sores tact him, at meetings, with any anec- This would not detract of to heal and fuelled the need to settle old dotes and information not already in course from the individual or team scores. the public domain. performances, but would highlight The umpires need to take much nthony Collis is researching the how good these household names of firmer control. But they must be empow- A lives of the Foster family and the past were and how they met the ered to do so. spear-heading the campaign to re- accepted requirements of that Cricket could do worse than should store the family graves for comple- Golden Age. take a leaf out of football’s and rugby’s tion to mark the centenary of R.E. Their records and achieve- respective rule books. If players faced the Foster’s death in May 2014. A crystal whisky glass bear- ments would have been quite out- prospect of being cited, sin-binned, sent standing in any era and form what is off and the expectation of being banned ing the image of ‘Tip’ Foster has been produced by Stourbridge Glass now part of cricket history. for one match and possibly the series, Engravers, with all profits going to I am looking forward to my maybe their captains would get the mes- the Graves Renovation project. trip to Australia and shall regale sage. One amazing and sad fact to members with news and views from Finally, who is to say the media are emerge from his research is that down-under when I return. Finally, I not behind the shenanigans - TV ratings there are now no male progeny to wish all members: have to be maintained and papers sold - continue the Foster name. Merry Christmas and a peaceful and but not at this cost. prosperous New Year!

The opinions expressed in Boundary View are not necessarily those of Stourbridge Cricket Society

Dave Nicklin (President) Committee Members: Mike Tomkins (Chairman); Craig Smith (Secretary); Ken Workman (Treasurer); Terry Church (Programme Secretary) A MEMBER REMEMBERS

By Richard Greaves voice, raising his bowling arm above his colleagues and even personifying them aving had great pleasure over head, ’When I do this, it’s me slow-un’. with epithets such as ‘old faithful’ one some thirty years in playing our When fielding in the deep it is such player was known to only allow the H wonderful summer game, it is accepted practice to walk in with the number eleven to use his bat as ‘he was amazing how many characters have left bowler so one is prepared for any further unlikely to damage it’. Unlike yours their mark on the memory. activity should the ball be propelled in truly who being rather green bought a Club cricket at all levels attracts your general direction. The bowler also brand new Gray Nicholls for the princely individuals of all shapes, sizes, and abil- sets a field so as to maximise his chances sum of £16 (this shows how long ago ity so it little wonder that a certain come- of getting a batsman caught - especially this was) - and after carefully knocking dic value reveals itself in the conduct of a spin bowler. One player having com- in for quite some time, proudly sported the game and the people who play it. pleted his bowling stint was dispatched my acquisition in the dressing room. The Here are a few snicks that spring to to the long-on boundary by the off spin- number three asked if he could borrow it mind from personal experience. ner taking the next over. and not being required until the fall of His concentration must have be- the sixth wicket I agreed. When he re- A certain middle order batsman gun to wane as the skipper was con- turned to the pavilion my brand new bat was so confident in his own ability that stantly having to remind him to ‘walk was in a sorry state as he had bludg- he laid a bet with his workmates that he in’. Eventually, having been tied down eoned 138 to all parts of the ground. He would pay them £1 for every duck if by some accurate deliveries, the batsman did offer to buy the bat but I hadn’t the they would pay him 1p. for every run he decided he needed to try and remove the heart to part with it after that – his luck scored. He rubbed his hands in expecta- shackles so lofted a drive in the general might just rub off! tion at the start of the season only to call direction of long-off. The bowler ex- Finally, talking about clean bats, off the bet about six weeks later after horted the fielder to catch it, only to hear one player I remember had one such five ducks and a score in single figures! a reply of ‘yes, boss’ right behind him as implement – for this was the best way of The Laws of the game state that a the unfortunate player had obeyed the describing it – which was in need of player acting as a runner must be simi- instruction to ‘walk in’ but had not real- some TLC. The skipper told him it larly attired as the injured player-gloves, ised the need to walk back again before looked as though it was kept in the ‘coal- pads, etc. One rather corpulent player in the next delivery. hole’. It was dirty, split across its toe need of such, was amazed to see his run- Most players regard keeping their with a tatty rubber on the handle. The ner emerge from the pavilion with not kit clean and tidy as the norm. Some words were taken to heart. The next only the normal accoutrements but with have been known to keep kit just for use week the player proudly displayed his a rather large cushion stuffed up the in away fixtures being desirous of creat- handiwork. The face was pristine, the front of his sweater! ing a good impression, especially when rubber replaced and the toe glued and Bowlers always try to relay sur- visiting a new club. (It has been said that bound. It now looked like a proper blade reptitious signals to a wicket keeper to all players sporting the same headgear in until one examined the splice. Attached convey the type of delivery they are in- club colours is worth 20-30 runs.) Hence to the bat where the makers mark would tending to bowl. These are best done it was never any surprise when a clean normally be found was a Dewar’s Scotch before the batsman has taken guard as plastic shopping bag was carefully ex- label. On enquiry, the unabashed owner otherwise it would negate any intended tracted from the kit bag containing the declared that as we all had a Gray surprise at a later stage of his spell. One ‘going away trousers’. Nicholls or a Gunn and Moore or other unfortunate quickie was about to bowl Bats are always looked upon as such makes - he was the proud owner of the first over when he paused at the start especially personal equipment; their a ‘DRUNKEN FERNLEY’! of his run and hailed the keeper at full owners religiously guarding their use by

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS QUIZ The number in brackets is the respective day. Answers on back page!

1 (25) Which Test captain was born on 8 (01) Who scored a hundred on his Christmas Day? first-class debut and, on this day, a dou- 2 (26) On Boxing Day 1946, the sec- ble-century in his final first-class match? ond instance of a fielder completing a 9 (02) Name the South African player hat-trick in a first-class match occurred. who figured in two tenth wicket partner- In which country did the match take ships – the second on this day – each of place? which exceeded 100 runs – a feat unique See Question 4 3 (27) Name the wicket-keeper, who in first-class cricket. His son also played died on this day. In 1965, he played at Test level. seven consecutive first-class matches 10 (03) On this day at Melbourne in without conceding a single bye. 1925, Hobbs and Sutcliffe became the 4 (28) Born on this day in 1910, he first players to do what? was generally acclaimed to be the worst 11 (05) In a Test match which ended on spell of 11 overs in a Test match on this Test cricketer of all time. Who was he? this day, I was the first person to be day? 5 (29) Who, on this day, was the first given out ‘handled the ball’. Who was I? 7 (31) I played in the first two Tests batsman ever to be dismissed by the first 12 (06) Born on this day in 1959, he ever played. On this day, I played for the ball in a Test Match? played for Worcestershire and became a country of my birth and later, I switched great all-rounder. Who was he? 6 (30) Name the England bowler who sides again. Who was I? had figures of five for 6 in his opening Where’s Terry? “We met for lunch at La Bras- spirit in abundance. Players survivors, Steve Ellis, Derek

serie in Kidderminster. such as Eric Edwards and the Waterfield and Allan Webster all Heath CC was We sat down at 1 o’clock and late Jeff Perkins consistently were unable to attend. Mem- founded in 1964 over four hours later, the res- produced outstanding per- bers travelled from as far W and disbanded in taurant manager agreed we formances and both could afield as Macclesfield, Shef- the late 1980s. could claim an extra half-hour have played at a higher level, field and Swansea to attend Former captain Bob before we dispersed, vowing but preferred to stay loyal to the get-together.” ‘Dickie’ Drake organised a to meet up again in the not too the lads at Wall Heath CC. Terry Church is well- reunion in February 2009. distant future. “Sadly, not all players known today to Stourbridge Terry Church was a prominent “Dickie reminded us could attend. Bill Bagley, Cricket Society members, but member in the team and re- that although we were not the Tony Fasey, Mike Lilley and can you spot him in the above called the reunion 25 years best team of the day, we were Jeff Perkins were represented team photo taken in 1975? after the club’s formation. competitive and had team by their widows. Three other See details on the back page!

MISSED A RECENT MEETING?

arry Rickson opened the His Test debut in evin Sharp spoke, to 85 was hit for four consecutive 6s B 2013/14 season with an 1938/39 was at , K members in November, by Matthew Maynard. “I was excellent talk about England where he failed by seven runs about his 14-year first-class gutted when his fifth shot fell batsmen who had scored a to be the first man to score two career with his native York- 2-ft inside the ropes!” century on Test debut. tons on debut. He scored 93 & shire. Sharp took twelve first- Surprisingly few of 106 and in the other 4 Tests The left-handed bats- class wickets in his career and those men were destined to be scored 58; 38; 9 & 45; 4 & man has a fond memories of promptly named each victim. great cricketers—WG Grace, 120. The last pair being in the New Road, where he made Kevin regaled members with Ranjitsinhji and May stood out . 260* for Young England v. amusing tales about Boycott, among lesser mortals such as He was awarded his Young West Indies. Sharp was Gough and Trueman. Foster, Warner, George Gunn, blue at Cambridge and scored the third youngest player, after On a more serious note, Valentine, Gibb, Griffith, Mil- a century on debut for York- Close and Padgett, when he Kevin recalled the first time he ton, Hampshire, Hayes and shire—the first amateur to do made his debut for Yorkshire met Joe Root, who at 13, was Crawley. Time prevented so. In the 1950s, he turned out vs. Northants at Scarborough full of belief in his own ability. Brian from addressing recent for Essex, living in a caravan. He played 218 first- “I gave him the full net work- debutants such as Thorpe, He became an and class matches, scored almost out, and he dealt with each ball Strauss, Cook, and Trott— stood in several Tests. 10,000 runs and hit 14 hun- perfectly; I knew immediately each one a great batsman. Gibb ended his days as dreds. he’d open for Yorkshire.” Of those mentioned, a bus driver and was so re- He was proud of his Sharp rated Hadlee as possibly Paul Gibb (1913- served that none of his work- usefulness, to the team, as a the best all-round player and 1977) was the saddest. He was mates knew anything of his ‘declaration bowler’. The skip- Vivian Richards and Holding a loner, seemingly destined to performances in cricket, until pers agreed Glamorgan would as the best batsmen and bowler live on life’s periphery. they noticed his obituary. ‘get’ 75 runs in 3 overs; Sharp respectively, he played against. WHO’S COMING TO STOURBRIDGE IN 2013/14

All meetings start at 7.30pm (unless stated otherwise) – Programme subject to change If in doubt, for example, due to severe weather, phone 01384 292170

December 12 Tony Borrington played 122 first-class matches for Derbyshire. He scored 70 on debut v Essex in 1971 and scored three centuries (HS 137 vs. Yorkshire in 1978) in his career aggregate of 4,230 runs (av. 23.63). After retiring in 1981, Tony took up teaching and progressed to headmaster. His son, Paul also plays for Derbyshire. We are very grateful to Tony Borrington for stepping in as a replacement for Andy Collier, who is unable to attend.

January 16 David Leatherdale was appointed Chief Executive of Worcestershire CCC in 2010. Yorkshire-born, David made his debut for Worcestershire in 1988. He went on to score 10,017 runs (av. 32.73) which included 14 centuries. David became the county’s Commercial Director in 2005 and also deputised for Mark Newton who he succeeded as CEO.

February 20 Ian Davidson has held the position of Commercial Manger at Leicestershire CCC for the past 2 years, facing the challenges of a provincial non-Test match cricket ground. He will cover aspects surrounding relationship between the counties and the ECB. He will also suggest ways that county clubs can sustain themselves as businesses in the modern sporting economy.

March 20 Jack Birkenshaw MBE has been a loyal servant of the game with his native Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Worcestershire in various capacities as player, umpire and coach. His career spanned 1958-1981. He played 5 Tests (all abroad) in the early 1970s and stood in two Tests in 1986 and 1988. He was awarded an MBE in 2011.

April 10* Bob Carter & Derek Pearson represent an end of season double act! Their separate careers covered the period form 1954 to 1972, but only in 1961 did they play together. Derek took 210 wkts (26.38) in his career with 6/70 against Leices- tershire in 1959 as his best performance. Like Derek, Bob also bowled right arm fast-medium and his best bowling return was almost identical 6/71, against Yorkshire in 1971. Neither man threatened to break any records!

* Please remember Bob & Derek’s appearance will follow the AGM

Other local Cricket Societies programmes

Cricket Society - Midlands Branch Worcestershire Cricket Society (Edgbaston, 8pm) (Graeme Hick Pavilion, 7.30pm) 21 Jan Kevin Sharp 14 Jan Malcolm Ashton 25 Feb Peter Walker 11 Feb Peter Wynne-Thomas 18 Mar John Barclay 11 Mar Jon Abrahams An admission charge is payable by guests at each meeting

New Members Quick Singles Members’ News

We welcome the following ‘I congratulate you on an excellent ongratulations to Rob Wood people who have joined the Newsletter’ - John Huband who was recently presented C Society. ‘Good to see Stourbridge in active with the lifetime achievement acco-

mode’ - Murray Hedgecock lade at the Worcestershire Cricket Norman Beaman (Kingswinford) Board's Bill Jones Memorial Volun- Gary Collins (Pedmore) Where’s Terry? teer Awards. Cedric Grove (Kingswinford) Wall Heath CC (1975) team photo: Rob spent twenty five years Leigh Weston (Kingswinford) Standing: John Jordan, Bill Bagley, nurturing burgeoning young talent at Jack Green, Dennis Bentley, Gordon Victoria Carpets and then Kidder- Rowley, Bob Hughes. Seated: Brian minster Victoria CC before putting Old Trafford Trip Shepherd, Dickie Drake, Barry Hick- down his coaching manual last year. man (Capt.), Bernard Clapton, Terry Terry Church reports: Many of those who started Church. under his wing have gone on to play All seats on the coach have now good quality senior cricket at KVCC, been booked. However, members 12 days of Christmas - Answers Worcestershire and other clubs, with are reminded that seats must be 1) Alistair Cook 2) South Africa paid for at the January meeting, if 3) KV Andrew 4) Vijaya Viziana- his most famous student probably not before. gram 5) AC MacLaren 6) SF Barnes being Surrey wicketkeeper Steven Davies. There are now several names on 7) WR Midwinter 8) AC MacLaren Rob has been a member of the the waiting list and, after the meet- (again!) 9) Len Tuckett 10) First pair ing, they will be offered places for to bat through a complete day’s play Stourbridge CS for more than twenty any unpaid bookings. 11) WR Endean 12) Kapil Dev years.

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Preferably all articles should be typed and emailed to the address below The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse the publication of any material submitted without further reason.

The Stourbridge & District Cricket Society is a member of the Council of Cricket Societies www.sdcs.councilcricketsociety.com