GOOGLIES & CHINAMEN
An Occasional Cricketing Journal
Edition 146
February 2015
Extraordinary matters
I usually check the cricket scores during the day when I go to my computer to catch up on emails. Contrary to common opinion I don’t spend all my time in front of Sky watching everything available. And there has been plenty of it lately. Anyway, last week I checked to see how South Africa were getting on against the West Indies in the second ODI. The score summary said that the South Africans had scored 439 for 2 in their fifty overs which suggested that something rather special must have taken place and so I clicked onto the full scorecard. The initial impression was that the first three batsmen (Amla, Rossouw & de Villiers) had all scored centuries. I then scanned the details and noticed that de Villiers had only faced 44 balls and here was the clue because he had actually scored 149. This needed further investigation and so I checked out the match commentary which spilled out the full details of this incredible innings and incredible is not used here as hyperbole.
Many of the big batting feats in recent years have been achieved against the minnows who have reached test status in the cases of Bangla Desh and Zimbabwe and others – Canada, Ireland, Afghanistan, Namibia etc in ODIs. But de Villiers scored his runs against the West Indies, a fully fledged international side who, indeed, had just beaten the South Africans in the T20 series. Their bowling attack of Taylor, Holder, Benn, Russell, Sammy, Samuels and Smith are all recognised bowlers at the international level.
For many years de Villiers has been recognised as an exceptional talent and in the modern cricketing parlance “a fine athlete”. However, I cannot recall him being described as a big hitter. Most of his innings of substance would feature a token six or two with the majority of the runs coming from well judged running between the wickets and a plethora of fours. However, in this innings he failed to score off only three balls and hit sixteen of the remaining forty one for six. This equals the record number of sixes in an ODI innings.
In 1996, when he was just a nipper, Red Mist Afridi scored a hundred against Sri Lanka from 37 balls and this seemed a feat unlikely to be equalled. Indeed it was not until New Year’s Day 2014 that it was beaten by the New Zealander, Corey Anderson, who reached his hundred against the West Indies from thirty six deliveries. But de Villiers went to his hundred from just thirty one deliveries. The margin of this feat is something akin to an athlete running the mile in about 3min 25 sec. Needless to say he also beat the previous fastest fifty reaching this landmark from just sixteen balls.
To bring him down to earth, though, it should be pointed out that he didn’t top score as Amla made 153 not out and Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest hundred in all cricket with his thirty ball effort in the Indian Premier League in 2013.
And then a couple of days later when I was about to go to bed I flicked across the Sky Sports channels and saw Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum batting comfortably in glorious conditions against the Sri Lankans at the beautiful Dunedin ground in South Island, New Zealand. I watched a couple of overs and decided to call it a day. When I checked the scores the following day I expected to find that these two had cashed in and played big innings. However, although the side made 360 for 5 they had at one stage been 93 for 5. This was another scorecard that required a little re-focusing on. Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi had added 267 in just over thirty overs. Elliott had reached a hundred at a little over a run a ball. But the fireworks had come from the Australian Ronchi who hitherto, like de Villiers, was not a renowned big hitter. However, on this occasion he made 170 not out from just 99 balls in an innings that included nine sixes. He reached his hundred from 73 balls but then added the final 70 from just 25 deliveries. I later saw the highlights of this innings. Like de Villiers’ effort it was scored against a recognised international attack, although Mendis got him off to a great start with an over of long hops. It may just have been the local audio equipment or ground acoustics but I have never heard such sweet and loud bat sounds as the ball flew miles over the ropes repeatedly.
Which brings us on to the fourth ODI between South Africa and the West Indies. The West Indies gave themselves a chance when they restricted the Proteas to 262 for 8. The highlight of the homeside’s batting was a maiden international hundred from David Miller batting at five. He usually comes in a place or two lower in the batting order and is restricted to a thrash in the final overs. If he can compile big innings like this he will become one of the big figures in international cricket over the next decade. The new West Indian captain, Jason Holder (who?) was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 53.
The West Indian reply took its usual course with needless dismissals interspersed with ridiculous run outs and soon they had reached 73 for 5. Surely they could not recover from this even though Stein and Philander were rested from the home side’s attack. Samuels and Sammy took it easy and didn’t seem to be scoring quickly enough but sixes do wonders for the scoring rate and the West Indies always hit plenty of these. Batsmen came and went but the sixes kept coming and Andre Russell found himself at the crease with number eleven, Cottrell at 239 for 9. What price the visitors now? Russell had the obvious answer with some more sixes and he saw his side home with balls to spare.
And then I found myself watching the second semi final of the Big Bash. The Perth Scorchers had reached 144 for 7 at the end of the nineteenth over thanks to 50 from Michael Carberry and some big hitting from Coulter-Nile. The final over was bowled by Clint McKay to AJ Tye. In his third over McKay had resorted to bowling almost exclusively slower balls to some effect. In his fourth and the inning’s final over he bowled all slower balls to Tye. They were of similar length and line and Tye swung at and missed all of them by a significant margin. No one could recall seeing a maiden in the final over of a T20 match let alone in a semi final.
When the Melbourne Stars batted Luke Wright (remember him?) and KP joint top scored with 31 each but ironically it was Tye who was to have the last laugh as he took 4 for 18 in his four overs and the Scorchers won by the comfortable margin of 18 runs.
Out & About with the Professor
Which team is going to win the World Cup? Do we care? Well, I have a clear view about the second question, but little idea about the first. We should care, I think, because 50 over cricket is a very respectable contest (although it once was thought not to be so) and seems to be under pressure from the ever increasing demand for shorter and shorter versions of the game. A World Cup is also a great showcase for the game and our sport needs all the exposure it can get. I don’t know if it is proposed to show “highlights” on free-to-view TV – let’s hope so – but if not, cricket will, at least, be in the news, especially so should England do well.
So who is going to win? “Well, if I knew that” as Richie Benaud was once supposed to have said, walking into the ground, “I wouldn’t have bought a ticket”. (A story only slightly marred by the thought that he can’t have had to buy a ticket very often). There has been a very large amount of limited over cricket going on in the last few weeks in various parts of the world and I’m not sure much of it lends many clues to the outcome. Some of it is compulsive watching. It appears that almost any (at least of the major) sides has a batsman (or two or three) who can win the game on his own – not just AB (how do you get a hundred from 28 scoring strokes?) but all the major sides – even England – could win a game because one batsman had a spectacular innings. And spectacular they have been. I find the Big Bash almost unwatchable, not because of the cricket, but because of the ceaseless, puerile prattle from Ponting and Gilchrist and their chums. There are some amazing cricket shots played but the whole thing is talked over by the “commentators” who just, well, talk. Their contracts seem to require them to leave no second silent. They talk across the play and frequently about entirely unrelated things: their friends, who they saw the other day, where they are having dinner tonight. They rarely permit the events on the field to interrupt their discourse – unless a six is hit and then they all just shout inanities: “Wow!”; “That’s outa here!”; “Get a piece of that!”…and on and on. The interviews with the players also take place more or less all the time and again are more or less pointless. The players interviewed while they are actually playing never seem to have anything of worth to say: “We need to keep the runs down and nick a couple out”. Oh really? So that’s what you do. Flintoff was being interviewed as he was batting: “Sorry lads, got to go, Brett Lee’s about to bowl at me”.
Twenty/20 has always been the tabloid end of the game and I can cope with the music and fireworks and dancing girls but this constant ceaseless drivel makes for very hard watching. This latest Murdochisation of cricket has undoubtedly been popular (crowds of 50,000 plus) as has, of course, the Murdochisation of the Press…but not with me.
One impact that T20 cricket has had on the 50 over game is to change teams’ attitudes about a gettable target – particularly towards the end of the overs. If you can get 15 per over for the last five in T20 why not in this? It will also be very interesting to see if teams go for the “steady start – accelerate at the end” tactic or the Jayasuriya approach of “smash it from the start”.
So lots of teams have batters who could win it “on their day”. Which rather takes us, I think, to the bowling. And that of course takes us to the pitches. Are the “curators” going to be preparing dustbowl bunsens? I think not. Spinners often play more of a role in these matches than expected, but my guess is the tracks will favour seam and there will be lots of it. So which team has the best seam/swing bowling? From what I’ve seen on the TV in the last few months I think it is either Australia or South Africa. If I had to plump for one, it would be South Africa…notwithstanding a “choke” or two.
Middlesex Matters
I received the following notes from The Great Jack Morgan
As expected, 34 year old James Franklin is joining Middlesex, his fifth county. He is not an overseas player, he will play on his Irish passport. I suppose he counts as a bowler, but he seems to do better with the bat these days. More surprising was the signing of former professional baseball pitcher Ryan Schurman as the new fielding coach. He left Atlanta Braves to join Perth Heat, but then switched to cricket with Perth Scorchers, where he was spotted by Middlesex coach Richard Scott.
There are ten (current or former) Middlesex players in the nominated World Cup squads? England: E Morgan, S Finn; Scotland: J Davey; Australia: D Warner; South Africa: V Philander, I Tahir; Ireland: A Balbirnie, E Joyce, T Murtagh and P Stirling.
Nick Compton (captain despite the presence of A Cook) is the only Middlesex representative in the MCC team to play Yorkshire in Abu Dhabi starting on 22 March. It is an odd looking team containing five openers and a long tail.
Australian Matters
There have been two stand out performers in the Australian batting line up this winter. The first is Steve Smith who seems a different player completely from the Joker who toured England a few years back. He now scores big every time he visits the crease and has assumed captaincy duties as well. Maybe his success is at least partly due to his having almost given up pretending that he could be a leg spinner.
The other is David Warner who has adapted his pugnacious one day batting style to the test arena and has become one of the most feared openers in the game. Unfortunately, his confidence with the bat has brought out the worst aspects of his character in the field where he has added a physical sledging to the verbal form prevalent down under. King Cricket published the following:
“Ponting’s latest column for Cricinfo features the following assumption, stated as fact:
‘The Australian public love the way he bats, which goes hand in hand with the sort of confrontational approach he sometimes takes in the field.’
Is that so? Aggressive batting and argumentative fielding go hand in hand, do they? Why must the way a person behaves while fielding have a direct link to the way they bat several hours later (or earlier)? Batsmen don’t come much more aggressive than Virender Sehwag, but we can’t really recall him charging from slip to square up to an opposition batsman. Or how about Chris Gayle? Does he lose his rag with the opposition every chance he gets in a bid to psych himself up for batting? No, of course not. He can’t be bothered. Truth is, even his ‘aggressive’ batting is characterised by a placid, nonchalant demeanour.
But it’s different for Warner. He plays with a passion unimaginable to Sehwag, Gayle, De Villiers, Jayasuriya or whoever. He’s special, and to ensure he remains special, Warner is obliged to act like an arsehole. His confrontational approach goes hand in hand with his batting, after all. This is why Warner has to be involved in a road rage incident every time he passes a cyclist while driving; this is why he has to threaten supermarket staff when can’t find his favourite brand of coffee; and this is why he has to kick a plastic cup full of loose change halfway down the street when a tramp has the temerity to laugh at him for tripping on a kerb.”
And ask Joe Root who will tell you that Warner takes physical violence with him to bars and nightclubs. Ponting and Australia need to stop condoning and work out what sort of role models they want.
Seasonal Greetings Matters
I was copied in on a series of exchanges between Old Danes of a certain age. The exchange snowballed and is as follows:
Don Shearwood: Wishing all my Old Danes friends a very Happy Christmas and a Great-to-still-be-alive New Year, may you all thrive and prosper.
Keith Slavin: Over thirty years since we were wearing the shirt in the Old Boys league!
Bill Groombridge: Wish it was only thirty years!
Don Shearwood: Yeah, Keith must've lasted pretty well if he was still playing for the ODs in 1984.
Jim Jewell: Well guys if it was 30 or 40 years ago it was great time to be alive.
Recently found two old plaques for OBFL Winners Div 3 West 1971-72. In
pristine condition that never got to two of the “Squad” If anyone wants to claim
one let me know! I think that conforms 40 years. What chances Brentford for the Premier League? Am I in Dreamland?
Don Shearwood: The Bees are looking good for it, Jim, not good news for me; I had them in my predictions to finish near the bottom! I've just looked at what I think is my oldest trophy, but nowhere near pristine condition, it's looking well tarnished and lucky I remember the year, 1968-69, OBFL Senior Division 2. And Keith Slavin was in that side, along with Andy Milton, Stewart Hook, the late Geoff Wright, Roger Patient, Terry New, Owen Williams, Dave Rayner, Alan James, yours truly and someone I inadvertently omitted from my original greeting, Derek Kingaby. What would that side be worth now?
Derek Kingaby: Seasons greetings to you Don and all the other greats listed who I am proud to be linked with. Not sure we would have adjusted to the tic tac football of today but it would have been fun to have tried the passing game
rather than Route 1 which went along with the long since abandoned 2 3 5 line up!
Bill Groombridge: Not sure that I agree with you about the passing game – aren’t the ball and man supposed to go up in the air at the same time these days? Can't imagine how Mike Cope and Brian Walker would survive - particularly the latter, having been schooled by Ron Harris!
Keith Slavin: What pride the latter two can now feel! A same sentence mention in a reference to the mightiest midget to don a blue shirt! Those really were the
halcyon days of the master of the dirty foul. Just ask Eddie Gray and the technically inferior Norman Hunter
Don Shearwood: Well, not sure that Norman Hunter was "technically inferior" to Ron Harris, but the little Chelsea man always kept Jimmy Greaves in his pocket when the two sides met.
Keith Slavin: Inferior in that Hunter's skills were clear to be seen by the naked eye, Harris's never were. They were subliminal.
Don Shearwood: Subliminal? Chopper Harris' skills? I hope you didn't mean sublime. Subversive, maybe, subhuman, arguably.
Keith Slavin: Sublime too! However, definitely subliminal. For the 1970 cup final replay, Chopper was switched to right back to mark Gray who had given David Webb a hard time in the drawn Wembley final. In the replay (played at Old Trafford, I think), an early tackle (a reducer in today's parlance)’, Gray
collapsed on the turf and nobody saw a thing. Harris strolled away sporting a smile described at the time as 'beatific'. Gray contributed nothing further of significance in the match. Clearly it had a 'subliminal' effect on him. Never subversive! Aimed only at the opponent, never the institution!
Don Shearwood: Keith, if everyone played football the Ron Harris way the joy of the sport and the world of football would be terminally subverted. But, yes, he
certainly took Gray out of the game; he didn't have so much luck with George
Best, though. I do miss these sort of discussions as most of the guys I know at football these days are 30-50 years younger than me, thus are not versed in the myths and legends of the way the game was played when men were men, when shorts (and haircuts) were short, they played on Christmas Day, then Boxing Day, having in many cases travelled many miles after the match on Christmas for the return. And all for £15 a week
Derek Kingaby: I will rely on someone digging out further nuggets of memorabilia some time later this year to kick start another discussion. Failing that perhaps an explanation of why Arsenal are so much better than Spurs (something that I have always known but failed to convince Ken Molloy of) or why Moyes excelled at Everton, failed at Man U and is now succeeding in Spain. Before signing off I thought I would see if any one else suffers my affliction. Can't stop heading the ball or shooting out a leg to keep the ball in play whenever I'm watching the game on TV. If that's not bad enough suffering a recurring nightmare of failing to arrive in time for Kick Off and then being unable to get my boots on in time to join the game, a sort of PTS from when I drove half way round London on my Moped which broke down on the way and I arrived just in time for the final whistle!
Bill Groombridge: Don is the best bet for this type of discussion - many's the night I remember at the Princess Vic - mind you I still don't agree that the world could be taken over by ants! And as for Everton..................!
Don Shearwood: I must say, I'm surprised Lord Hunt and Squire Denton have not participated in this little seasonal frivolity.
Bill Groombridge: Last I heard DJD only had use of the PC at the library. Time is slow in Lincolnshire!
Don Shearwood: Well, surely he has time to go to the library every day?
Ken Molloy: That can be very confusing and time consuming as they have mobile libraries.
Len Waugh: Greetings from Australia. This might seem fanciful, but it is clear to me that my unswerving devotion and loyalty to Chelsea FC for over 60 years, mostly from the other side of the world, has played no small part in its rise to greatness. As I said recently to Abramovich, "Romy," I said, "Certainly, you've been a help to the Blues, no question, with money and that, but without a band of supporters behind you, what would it mean? It would be an empty exercise." Without hesitation, he replied, "You're quite right, Len, as usual. Chelsea supporters are the cream of the Earth and followers like you are the backbone of the club. Without the millions of people like you, it would be an exercise in futility." I was pleased by his generous response.
No doubt like many ODs, I find memories of childhood are recalled with a clarity denied for events of the recent past, a strange phenomenon. The following are drawn from memory and readers who are keen historians of the times might find errors that draw into question my belief in the clarity, but here goes.
My first visit to SB was 1950/51, aged 9/10, but I regularly accompanied my father from 1951/2. When a child, he lived in Liverpool and followed Everton. His family moved to London when he was still young, so he switched to the team with the same strip, and became an ardent Chelsea fan. Naturally, like most sons, I shared his choices. The Chelsea team of that time was Medhurst (g), Bathgate, Hughes, Armstrong, Harris (c) Dickson, Gray, Campbell, Bentley, Billington & not sure about the left-winger, possibly Benny Jones. At the time, Chelsea (Pensioners) was the butt of comedians' jokes. Not sure why - probably because they lost more games than they won and were always in the relegation area. It was a mediocre team and I vividly recall the final game of the 1951/52 season when they needed to beat Bolton by at least four goals to be sure of having a goal average better than Sheffield Wednesday and avoid relegation. Sheffield Wednesday was playing Everton (?) and the progress scores were being shown on the board that Chelsea used to display half-time scores of other 1st Division games. Wednesday got to 6-0, which generated anxiety in the crowd, but Bentley scored the 4th making Chelsea safe and virtually impossible for Wednesday to avoid relegation. I still remember a photo of Bentley doing a headstand on the pitch after the 4th goal and Chelsea remained in the 1st Division by a small percentage. Now, of course, the fairer goal difference applies.
The following season, Chelsea's Manager, Billy Birrell, chose to spend more time with his family' and was replaced by Ted Drake, a member of the legendary Arsenal team of the 1930s, managed by Herbert Chapman. Drake immediately instituted a youth program and made several judicious signings. Over a few months, he signed Peter Sillett, Willemse, Stan Wicks, Saunders, McNicol, Parsons, Blunstone, Stubbs, and Greenwood, among others. Medhurst retired and was replaced in goal by Bill Robertson and, later, Charlie Thomson. First team results improved in 1952-3 and 1953-54, though were not spectacular, but signs of impending good fortune could be seen in the fortunes of Chelsea's reserves and junior teams. They were sweeping everything. The Football Combination (reserves) and Eastern Counties teams were at or near the top, the juniors were thrashing everyone, and this nursery produced future Chelsea and England stars (eg Greaves, Smith, Brabrook and Allen).
Despite these signs, at the beginning of 1954-5 season, I recall few predicting Chelsea would be a force. And they weren't for the first half. The bells started ringing around December 1954. Chelsea were playing Wolves, the current champions and league leader, at Molyneux. Half-time Wolves 3-1; oh, no! I tuned to BBC Sports Report at 5pm that night and listened to the results, fearing the worst. Wolverhampton Wanderers three, Chelsea four! Bliss. McNicol (?) had played a blinder and scored the winner. From that time I don't recall Chelsea losing a game for the remainder of the season. By April, it was sharing the head of the table with Wolves, perfect timing for their return match at Stamford Bridge. It seemed that whichever team won was likely to win the championship. Both teams were anxious and Wolves looked more dangerous. In the 2nd half, I was in the part of the crowd in direct line behind Wolves, winger, Hancock, who, from just inside Chelsea's penalty area, struck a low shot that beat Thomson smacked against the far post, but bounced along the line and was cleared. Phew! A few minutes later, Seamus O'Connell, an England Amateur international, Bishop Auckland player and occasional Chelsea inside forward, who had the uncanny ability to score almost every game, sent in a shot from just outside the Wolves penalty area. The ball was heading straight for the top corner. Goalkeeper Williams was stranded, but Billy Wright, the centre-half, leapt up and punched the ball over the bar. The referee signalled a corner! Screams of horror from the crowd. A vigorous debate ensued in my area about the referee's eyesight, honesty and parentage, and it must be said he fared poorly in all three. Stan Willemse rushed up to the ref, almost dragging him over to consult the linesman. The linesman, thankfully, had seen the infringement and the referee awarded the penalty. Talk about tension. Peter Sillett was Chelsea's penalty taker and although he normally placed them, he had a shot that could burst a net. Captain Roy Bentley told him to just hit it as hard as he could. Sillett started a long run and crashed the ball with full force. Williams dived bravely, but it was past him before he'd moved. The elation that followed was indescribable - topped off by the final whistle. Chelsea then had a points gap and fairly easy final games that effectively guaranteed the title. From near relegation to champions in three years. That was May 1955. I was 14. Three years later, I was preparing to head to Australia, alone - the best decision of my life. Following Chelsea's results was more difficult, particularly when I was living in very small bush towns to which I'd been transferred, often with no TV and newspapers only every two days.
Now communications undreamt of in the 1950s and 1960s mean I can watch EPL games live. On a visit to UK in 1977 I twice watched games at Stamford Bridge, which had not changed substantially. If I visit this year, I'm not sure I could afford to attend a game. In the 1950s, I paid 9d admission fee. But memories are forever. In 1954-55, I attended all Chelsea's home games (check the record), including the friendlies against Hearts and Red Banner, as well as several away games. Like many young fans, I collected programs, and Chelsea's was the best (6d), rivalled only by Arsenal's. In the season, football dominated my life, a Chelsea defeat being very depressing.
Apologies for such a lengthy account of distant days - and for possible errors in dates, names. Keep warm chaps. I've spent some of recent days having early morning swims at Bondi Beach, being fortunate to have two sons who each have an apartment overlooking the iconic stretch of sand. Never mind lads, summer will soon arrive in England, and you can relax on the famous Southend and Brighton beaches. My name will be unfamiliar to most of you. I was in Don Shearwood's year and, for 2 years in his class. He and Frank Fondyke were the football supremos of the class. After leaving SCD in 1957, I have never returned to the school, which I regret not doing in 1977, which was then, I believe, still in Ducane Rd. But if another reunion is held, I shall try to make it.
Keith Slavin: I too am a SCD expatriate . However I decamped as recently as 2006 only as far as France having retired as a teacher. I was at Ducane Road from 55-62 and was therefore a few years behind Don Shearwood. I knew Don very well through years of playing for the Old Danes from 67-78.
Your account of the period in the mid 50s of the history of Chelsea relived a number of memories. We lived 10 mins walk from Stamford Bridge, my father being an avid blues supporter, I was first taken at the tender age of 5 in 1949,nô mémorise remain. However we were in the crowd for the Wolves game in 55 and I was one of the kids behind the goal for that penalty. In a direct line for the bottom corner for Peter Sillett's penalty. In addition we were at the 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday(Parson's two headed goals) that clinched the title and then ,of course, on the pitch.
I have gone to many matches over years but less frequently now. However still try to make at least one visit a year. Having been a member for many years I can buy tickets online and then stay with school friends locally . I hope to go in March. With internet connections I still see nearly all the matches., the win over Newcastle the most recent.
Following family traditions, my son, grandson and granddaughter have come down from Scotland for games. My son runs an Internet forum for supporters, the website is www.theshedend.co.uk or.com. Bit bawdy at times but all enthusiasts. I am registered on the site but contribute rarely. Some years ago, I drove down Ducane Rd the old school is no longer there of course. The site is now flats. The new school is in Hertfordshire and, alike my school friends, feel no real connection with it. We receive emails and there is a site to access old photos. I found one with the school soccer teams. I am still young enough to have memorabilia on the bathroom wall (or is that reserved for geriatrics).
Bill Groombridge: Do geriatrics make it as far as the bathroom?
Derek Kingaby: If I'd supported Chelsea I too would have left the country. I can't conceive of any better personal background than being male, cockney by birth, Arsenal supporter, British, Grammar School educated and to have played my part in the enlightened, liberating 60's! Good to hear from other OD footballers who are still alive if not 'kicking'. For some ludicrous reason I carry a football in the back of my car, evidence of the delusions of approaching old age!
CCC Matters
Following Steve Wright’s notes on the CCC last month I received the following from the Great Jack Morgan
“Interesting that the CCC should be based a few doors away from this house and my not having the slightest idea that they were there! I explored the High St today in a fruitless search for the CCC and 24-26 High St and I have now decided that this address is incorrect and should read 24-26 High St, Hampton Hill (note that their post codes in Hampton Hill are dissimilar to our 2SJ codes here). As I am on jury service at present, I sent Chris up to Hampton Hill to check on 24-26 High St HH and she confirmed that the CCC is indeed located there. You might wish to publish the correct address.”
I trust that Steve is suitably chastised.....
Old Danes Matters
It has been suggested that we hold the next Old Dane Gathering in 2016 and so unless a group of you make strong claims for 2015 I will go along with that.
Meanwhile Mike Jordan asked me to publish this:
“This year our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Office at St Clement Danes School is working with the charity Future First to reach out to former students of the school and create an Alumni Network. If you are a former student, then we would love to hear from you! Alumni can help advise and inspire our students in so many ways, from talking about your journey to where you are now, to acting as a mentor or even becoming a governor. And for alumni, coming back to the school can be a fantastic opportunity to get in touch with old classmates and help give back.
If you are a former student of the school, why not sign up here to be a part of our network? After you’ve joined up, you’ll be sent a few updates throughout the year to keep you up to date with our latest news and we’ll also let you know about any upcoming opportunities to get involved with us!
https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/stclement
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Payne or Mrs Ritchie in the CEIAG office on 01923 284169 if you have queries regarding our new Alumni network through Future First.
St Clement Danes School is now on Facebook. Check out our 150th anniversary events and activities page at www.facebook.com/SCD150Events”
Rangers Matters
I received the following from The Great Jack Morgan
Zarate made his debut off the bench after 76minutes. When was the last time that the Rangers had two players on the pitch whose names began with Z? I I dug out Gordon Macey's “QPR: a Complete Record” and found that there had never been a Rangers player whose name began with Z and although that book was published 20 years ago, it is hard to imagine that there have been more than one Z in the team before now. Unfortunately I no longer get any of the football annuals, so I cannot check, but I have now tried the internet, which only turned up the name of Ned Zelic who had a spell with Rangers in 1995, so I am fairly sure we have never had two Zs in the team before.
Football Matters
I received the following from Jim Revier
“Googlies 145 was probably one of the best editions. Fine articles from Steve Wright and Darshak Metta. The only thing missing were possible January transfer window signings by Kelvin Wests' ladies team. Should there be nothing about this in the next edition I may have to re-subscribe to Perverts Monthly.”
I contacted Kelvin for news but have heard nothing back. I suspect that he is tied up renegotiating Greece’s debt repayments to the EU.
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An Occasional Cricketing Journal
Edition 146
February 2015
Extraordinary matters
I usually check the cricket scores during the day when I go to my computer to catch up on emails. Contrary to common opinion I don’t spend all my time in front of Sky watching everything available. And there has been plenty of it lately. Anyway, last week I checked to see how South Africa were getting on against the West Indies in the second ODI. The score summary said that the South Africans had scored 439 for 2 in their fifty overs which suggested that something rather special must have taken place and so I clicked onto the full scorecard. The initial impression was that the first three batsmen (Amla, Rossouw & de Villiers) had all scored centuries. I then scanned the details and noticed that de Villiers had only faced 44 balls and here was the clue because he had actually scored 149. This needed further investigation and so I checked out the match commentary which spilled out the full details of this incredible innings and incredible is not used here as hyperbole.
Many of the big batting feats in recent years have been achieved against the minnows who have reached test status in the cases of Bangla Desh and Zimbabwe and others – Canada, Ireland, Afghanistan, Namibia etc in ODIs. But de Villiers scored his runs against the West Indies, a fully fledged international side who, indeed, had just beaten the South Africans in the T20 series. Their bowling attack of Taylor, Holder, Benn, Russell, Sammy, Samuels and Smith are all recognised bowlers at the international level.
For many years de Villiers has been recognised as an exceptional talent and in the modern cricketing parlance “a fine athlete”. However, I cannot recall him being described as a big hitter. Most of his innings of substance would feature a token six or two with the majority of the runs coming from well judged running between the wickets and a plethora of fours. However, in this innings he failed to score off only three balls and hit sixteen of the remaining forty one for six. This equals the record number of sixes in an ODI innings.
In 1996, when he was just a nipper, Red Mist Afridi scored a hundred against Sri Lanka from 37 balls and this seemed a feat unlikely to be equalled. Indeed it was not until New Year’s Day 2014 that it was beaten by the New Zealander, Corey Anderson, who reached his hundred against the West Indies from thirty six deliveries. But de Villiers went to his hundred from just thirty one deliveries. The margin of this feat is something akin to an athlete running the mile in about 3min 25 sec. Needless to say he also beat the previous fastest fifty reaching this landmark from just sixteen balls.
To bring him down to earth, though, it should be pointed out that he didn’t top score as Amla made 153 not out and Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest hundred in all cricket with his thirty ball effort in the Indian Premier League in 2013.
And then a couple of days later when I was about to go to bed I flicked across the Sky Sports channels and saw Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum batting comfortably in glorious conditions against the Sri Lankans at the beautiful Dunedin ground in South Island, New Zealand. I watched a couple of overs and decided to call it a day. When I checked the scores the following day I expected to find that these two had cashed in and played big innings. However, although the side made 360 for 5 they had at one stage been 93 for 5. This was another scorecard that required a little re-focusing on. Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi had added 267 in just over thirty overs. Elliott had reached a hundred at a little over a run a ball. But the fireworks had come from the Australian Ronchi who hitherto, like de Villiers, was not a renowned big hitter. However, on this occasion he made 170 not out from just 99 balls in an innings that included nine sixes. He reached his hundred from 73 balls but then added the final 70 from just 25 deliveries. I later saw the highlights of this innings. Like de Villiers’ effort it was scored against a recognised international attack, although Mendis got him off to a great start with an over of long hops. It may just have been the local audio equipment or ground acoustics but I have never heard such sweet and loud bat sounds as the ball flew miles over the ropes repeatedly.
Which brings us on to the fourth ODI between South Africa and the West Indies. The West Indies gave themselves a chance when they restricted the Proteas to 262 for 8. The highlight of the homeside’s batting was a maiden international hundred from David Miller batting at five. He usually comes in a place or two lower in the batting order and is restricted to a thrash in the final overs. If he can compile big innings like this he will become one of the big figures in international cricket over the next decade. The new West Indian captain, Jason Holder (who?) was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 53.
The West Indian reply took its usual course with needless dismissals interspersed with ridiculous run outs and soon they had reached 73 for 5. Surely they could not recover from this even though Stein and Philander were rested from the home side’s attack. Samuels and Sammy took it easy and didn’t seem to be scoring quickly enough but sixes do wonders for the scoring rate and the West Indies always hit plenty of these. Batsmen came and went but the sixes kept coming and Andre Russell found himself at the crease with number eleven, Cottrell at 239 for 9. What price the visitors now? Russell had the obvious answer with some more sixes and he saw his side home with balls to spare.
And then I found myself watching the second semi final of the Big Bash. The Perth Scorchers had reached 144 for 7 at the end of the nineteenth over thanks to 50 from Michael Carberry and some big hitting from Coulter-Nile. The final over was bowled by Clint McKay to AJ Tye. In his third over McKay had resorted to bowling almost exclusively slower balls to some effect. In his fourth and the inning’s final over he bowled all slower balls to Tye. They were of similar length and line and Tye swung at and missed all of them by a significant margin. No one could recall seeing a maiden in the final over of a T20 match let alone in a semi final.
When the Melbourne Stars batted Luke Wright (remember him?) and KP joint top scored with 31 each but ironically it was Tye who was to have the last laugh as he took 4 for 18 in his four overs and the Scorchers won by the comfortable margin of 18 runs.
Out & About with the Professor
Which team is going to win the World Cup? Do we care? Well, I have a clear view about the second question, but little idea about the first. We should care, I think, because 50 over cricket is a very respectable contest (although it once was thought not to be so) and seems to be under pressure from the ever increasing demand for shorter and shorter versions of the game. A World Cup is also a great showcase for the game and our sport needs all the exposure it can get. I don’t know if it is proposed to show “highlights” on free-to-view TV – let’s hope so – but if not, cricket will, at least, be in the news, especially so should England do well.
So who is going to win? “Well, if I knew that” as Richie Benaud was once supposed to have said, walking into the ground, “I wouldn’t have bought a ticket”. (A story only slightly marred by the thought that he can’t have had to buy a ticket very often). There has been a very large amount of limited over cricket going on in the last few weeks in various parts of the world and I’m not sure much of it lends many clues to the outcome. Some of it is compulsive watching. It appears that almost any (at least of the major) sides has a batsman (or two or three) who can win the game on his own – not just AB (how do you get a hundred from 28 scoring strokes?) but all the major sides – even England – could win a game because one batsman had a spectacular innings. And spectacular they have been. I find the Big Bash almost unwatchable, not because of the cricket, but because of the ceaseless, puerile prattle from Ponting and Gilchrist and their chums. There are some amazing cricket shots played but the whole thing is talked over by the “commentators” who just, well, talk. Their contracts seem to require them to leave no second silent. They talk across the play and frequently about entirely unrelated things: their friends, who they saw the other day, where they are having dinner tonight. They rarely permit the events on the field to interrupt their discourse – unless a six is hit and then they all just shout inanities: “Wow!”; “That’s outa here!”; “Get a piece of that!”…and on and on. The interviews with the players also take place more or less all the time and again are more or less pointless. The players interviewed while they are actually playing never seem to have anything of worth to say: “We need to keep the runs down and nick a couple out”. Oh really? So that’s what you do. Flintoff was being interviewed as he was batting: “Sorry lads, got to go, Brett Lee’s about to bowl at me”.
Twenty/20 has always been the tabloid end of the game and I can cope with the music and fireworks and dancing girls but this constant ceaseless drivel makes for very hard watching. This latest Murdochisation of cricket has undoubtedly been popular (crowds of 50,000 plus) as has, of course, the Murdochisation of the Press…but not with me.
One impact that T20 cricket has had on the 50 over game is to change teams’ attitudes about a gettable target – particularly towards the end of the overs. If you can get 15 per over for the last five in T20 why not in this? It will also be very interesting to see if teams go for the “steady start – accelerate at the end” tactic or the Jayasuriya approach of “smash it from the start”.
So lots of teams have batters who could win it “on their day”. Which rather takes us, I think, to the bowling. And that of course takes us to the pitches. Are the “curators” going to be preparing dustbowl bunsens? I think not. Spinners often play more of a role in these matches than expected, but my guess is the tracks will favour seam and there will be lots of it. So which team has the best seam/swing bowling? From what I’ve seen on the TV in the last few months I think it is either Australia or South Africa. If I had to plump for one, it would be South Africa…notwithstanding a “choke” or two.
Middlesex Matters
I received the following notes from The Great Jack Morgan
As expected, 34 year old James Franklin is joining Middlesex, his fifth county. He is not an overseas player, he will play on his Irish passport. I suppose he counts as a bowler, but he seems to do better with the bat these days. More surprising was the signing of former professional baseball pitcher Ryan Schurman as the new fielding coach. He left Atlanta Braves to join Perth Heat, but then switched to cricket with Perth Scorchers, where he was spotted by Middlesex coach Richard Scott.
There are ten (current or former) Middlesex players in the nominated World Cup squads? England: E Morgan, S Finn; Scotland: J Davey; Australia: D Warner; South Africa: V Philander, I Tahir; Ireland: A Balbirnie, E Joyce, T Murtagh and P Stirling.
Nick Compton (captain despite the presence of A Cook) is the only Middlesex representative in the MCC team to play Yorkshire in Abu Dhabi starting on 22 March. It is an odd looking team containing five openers and a long tail.
Australian Matters
There have been two stand out performers in the Australian batting line up this winter. The first is Steve Smith who seems a different player completely from the Joker who toured England a few years back. He now scores big every time he visits the crease and has assumed captaincy duties as well. Maybe his success is at least partly due to his having almost given up pretending that he could be a leg spinner.
The other is David Warner who has adapted his pugnacious one day batting style to the test arena and has become one of the most feared openers in the game. Unfortunately, his confidence with the bat has brought out the worst aspects of his character in the field where he has added a physical sledging to the verbal form prevalent down under. King Cricket published the following:
“Ponting’s latest column for Cricinfo features the following assumption, stated as fact:
‘The Australian public love the way he bats, which goes hand in hand with the sort of confrontational approach he sometimes takes in the field.’
Is that so? Aggressive batting and argumentative fielding go hand in hand, do they? Why must the way a person behaves while fielding have a direct link to the way they bat several hours later (or earlier)? Batsmen don’t come much more aggressive than Virender Sehwag, but we can’t really recall him charging from slip to square up to an opposition batsman. Or how about Chris Gayle? Does he lose his rag with the opposition every chance he gets in a bid to psych himself up for batting? No, of course not. He can’t be bothered. Truth is, even his ‘aggressive’ batting is characterised by a placid, nonchalant demeanour.
But it’s different for Warner. He plays with a passion unimaginable to Sehwag, Gayle, De Villiers, Jayasuriya or whoever. He’s special, and to ensure he remains special, Warner is obliged to act like an arsehole. His confrontational approach goes hand in hand with his batting, after all. This is why Warner has to be involved in a road rage incident every time he passes a cyclist while driving; this is why he has to threaten supermarket staff when can’t find his favourite brand of coffee; and this is why he has to kick a plastic cup full of loose change halfway down the street when a tramp has the temerity to laugh at him for tripping on a kerb.”
And ask Joe Root who will tell you that Warner takes physical violence with him to bars and nightclubs. Ponting and Australia need to stop condoning and work out what sort of role models they want.
Seasonal Greetings Matters
I was copied in on a series of exchanges between Old Danes of a certain age. The exchange snowballed and is as follows:
Don Shearwood: Wishing all my Old Danes friends a very Happy Christmas and a Great-to-still-be-alive New Year, may you all thrive and prosper.
Keith Slavin: Over thirty years since we were wearing the shirt in the Old Boys league!
Bill Groombridge: Wish it was only thirty years!
Don Shearwood: Yeah, Keith must've lasted pretty well if he was still playing for the ODs in 1984.
Jim Jewell: Well guys if it was 30 or 40 years ago it was great time to be alive.
Recently found two old plaques for OBFL Winners Div 3 West 1971-72. In
pristine condition that never got to two of the “Squad” If anyone wants to claim
one let me know! I think that conforms 40 years. What chances Brentford for the Premier League? Am I in Dreamland?
Don Shearwood: The Bees are looking good for it, Jim, not good news for me; I had them in my predictions to finish near the bottom! I've just looked at what I think is my oldest trophy, but nowhere near pristine condition, it's looking well tarnished and lucky I remember the year, 1968-69, OBFL Senior Division 2. And Keith Slavin was in that side, along with Andy Milton, Stewart Hook, the late Geoff Wright, Roger Patient, Terry New, Owen Williams, Dave Rayner, Alan James, yours truly and someone I inadvertently omitted from my original greeting, Derek Kingaby. What would that side be worth now?
Derek Kingaby: Seasons greetings to you Don and all the other greats listed who I am proud to be linked with. Not sure we would have adjusted to the tic tac football of today but it would have been fun to have tried the passing game
rather than Route 1 which went along with the long since abandoned 2 3 5 line up!
Bill Groombridge: Not sure that I agree with you about the passing game – aren’t the ball and man supposed to go up in the air at the same time these days? Can't imagine how Mike Cope and Brian Walker would survive - particularly the latter, having been schooled by Ron Harris!
Keith Slavin: What pride the latter two can now feel! A same sentence mention in a reference to the mightiest midget to don a blue shirt! Those really were the
halcyon days of the master of the dirty foul. Just ask Eddie Gray and the technically inferior Norman Hunter
Don Shearwood: Well, not sure that Norman Hunter was "technically inferior" to Ron Harris, but the little Chelsea man always kept Jimmy Greaves in his pocket when the two sides met.
Keith Slavin: Inferior in that Hunter's skills were clear to be seen by the naked eye, Harris's never were. They were subliminal.
Don Shearwood: Subliminal? Chopper Harris' skills? I hope you didn't mean sublime. Subversive, maybe, subhuman, arguably.
Keith Slavin: Sublime too! However, definitely subliminal. For the 1970 cup final replay, Chopper was switched to right back to mark Gray who had given David Webb a hard time in the drawn Wembley final. In the replay (played at Old Trafford, I think), an early tackle (a reducer in today's parlance)’, Gray
collapsed on the turf and nobody saw a thing. Harris strolled away sporting a smile described at the time as 'beatific'. Gray contributed nothing further of significance in the match. Clearly it had a 'subliminal' effect on him. Never subversive! Aimed only at the opponent, never the institution!
Don Shearwood: Keith, if everyone played football the Ron Harris way the joy of the sport and the world of football would be terminally subverted. But, yes, he
certainly took Gray out of the game; he didn't have so much luck with George
Best, though. I do miss these sort of discussions as most of the guys I know at football these days are 30-50 years younger than me, thus are not versed in the myths and legends of the way the game was played when men were men, when shorts (and haircuts) were short, they played on Christmas Day, then Boxing Day, having in many cases travelled many miles after the match on Christmas for the return. And all for £15 a week
Derek Kingaby: I will rely on someone digging out further nuggets of memorabilia some time later this year to kick start another discussion. Failing that perhaps an explanation of why Arsenal are so much better than Spurs (something that I have always known but failed to convince Ken Molloy of) or why Moyes excelled at Everton, failed at Man U and is now succeeding in Spain. Before signing off I thought I would see if any one else suffers my affliction. Can't stop heading the ball or shooting out a leg to keep the ball in play whenever I'm watching the game on TV. If that's not bad enough suffering a recurring nightmare of failing to arrive in time for Kick Off and then being unable to get my boots on in time to join the game, a sort of PTS from when I drove half way round London on my Moped which broke down on the way and I arrived just in time for the final whistle!
Bill Groombridge: Don is the best bet for this type of discussion - many's the night I remember at the Princess Vic - mind you I still don't agree that the world could be taken over by ants! And as for Everton..................!
Don Shearwood: I must say, I'm surprised Lord Hunt and Squire Denton have not participated in this little seasonal frivolity.
Bill Groombridge: Last I heard DJD only had use of the PC at the library. Time is slow in Lincolnshire!
Don Shearwood: Well, surely he has time to go to the library every day?
Ken Molloy: That can be very confusing and time consuming as they have mobile libraries.
Len Waugh: Greetings from Australia. This might seem fanciful, but it is clear to me that my unswerving devotion and loyalty to Chelsea FC for over 60 years, mostly from the other side of the world, has played no small part in its rise to greatness. As I said recently to Abramovich, "Romy," I said, "Certainly, you've been a help to the Blues, no question, with money and that, but without a band of supporters behind you, what would it mean? It would be an empty exercise." Without hesitation, he replied, "You're quite right, Len, as usual. Chelsea supporters are the cream of the Earth and followers like you are the backbone of the club. Without the millions of people like you, it would be an exercise in futility." I was pleased by his generous response.
No doubt like many ODs, I find memories of childhood are recalled with a clarity denied for events of the recent past, a strange phenomenon. The following are drawn from memory and readers who are keen historians of the times might find errors that draw into question my belief in the clarity, but here goes.
My first visit to SB was 1950/51, aged 9/10, but I regularly accompanied my father from 1951/2. When a child, he lived in Liverpool and followed Everton. His family moved to London when he was still young, so he switched to the team with the same strip, and became an ardent Chelsea fan. Naturally, like most sons, I shared his choices. The Chelsea team of that time was Medhurst (g), Bathgate, Hughes, Armstrong, Harris (c) Dickson, Gray, Campbell, Bentley, Billington & not sure about the left-winger, possibly Benny Jones. At the time, Chelsea (Pensioners) was the butt of comedians' jokes. Not sure why - probably because they lost more games than they won and were always in the relegation area. It was a mediocre team and I vividly recall the final game of the 1951/52 season when they needed to beat Bolton by at least four goals to be sure of having a goal average better than Sheffield Wednesday and avoid relegation. Sheffield Wednesday was playing Everton (?) and the progress scores were being shown on the board that Chelsea used to display half-time scores of other 1st Division games. Wednesday got to 6-0, which generated anxiety in the crowd, but Bentley scored the 4th making Chelsea safe and virtually impossible for Wednesday to avoid relegation. I still remember a photo of Bentley doing a headstand on the pitch after the 4th goal and Chelsea remained in the 1st Division by a small percentage. Now, of course, the fairer goal difference applies.
The following season, Chelsea's Manager, Billy Birrell, chose to spend more time with his family' and was replaced by Ted Drake, a member of the legendary Arsenal team of the 1930s, managed by Herbert Chapman. Drake immediately instituted a youth program and made several judicious signings. Over a few months, he signed Peter Sillett, Willemse, Stan Wicks, Saunders, McNicol, Parsons, Blunstone, Stubbs, and Greenwood, among others. Medhurst retired and was replaced in goal by Bill Robertson and, later, Charlie Thomson. First team results improved in 1952-3 and 1953-54, though were not spectacular, but signs of impending good fortune could be seen in the fortunes of Chelsea's reserves and junior teams. They were sweeping everything. The Football Combination (reserves) and Eastern Counties teams were at or near the top, the juniors were thrashing everyone, and this nursery produced future Chelsea and England stars (eg Greaves, Smith, Brabrook and Allen).
Despite these signs, at the beginning of 1954-5 season, I recall few predicting Chelsea would be a force. And they weren't for the first half. The bells started ringing around December 1954. Chelsea were playing Wolves, the current champions and league leader, at Molyneux. Half-time Wolves 3-1; oh, no! I tuned to BBC Sports Report at 5pm that night and listened to the results, fearing the worst. Wolverhampton Wanderers three, Chelsea four! Bliss. McNicol (?) had played a blinder and scored the winner. From that time I don't recall Chelsea losing a game for the remainder of the season. By April, it was sharing the head of the table with Wolves, perfect timing for their return match at Stamford Bridge. It seemed that whichever team won was likely to win the championship. Both teams were anxious and Wolves looked more dangerous. In the 2nd half, I was in the part of the crowd in direct line behind Wolves, winger, Hancock, who, from just inside Chelsea's penalty area, struck a low shot that beat Thomson smacked against the far post, but bounced along the line and was cleared. Phew! A few minutes later, Seamus O'Connell, an England Amateur international, Bishop Auckland player and occasional Chelsea inside forward, who had the uncanny ability to score almost every game, sent in a shot from just outside the Wolves penalty area. The ball was heading straight for the top corner. Goalkeeper Williams was stranded, but Billy Wright, the centre-half, leapt up and punched the ball over the bar. The referee signalled a corner! Screams of horror from the crowd. A vigorous debate ensued in my area about the referee's eyesight, honesty and parentage, and it must be said he fared poorly in all three. Stan Willemse rushed up to the ref, almost dragging him over to consult the linesman. The linesman, thankfully, had seen the infringement and the referee awarded the penalty. Talk about tension. Peter Sillett was Chelsea's penalty taker and although he normally placed them, he had a shot that could burst a net. Captain Roy Bentley told him to just hit it as hard as he could. Sillett started a long run and crashed the ball with full force. Williams dived bravely, but it was past him before he'd moved. The elation that followed was indescribable - topped off by the final whistle. Chelsea then had a points gap and fairly easy final games that effectively guaranteed the title. From near relegation to champions in three years. That was May 1955. I was 14. Three years later, I was preparing to head to Australia, alone - the best decision of my life. Following Chelsea's results was more difficult, particularly when I was living in very small bush towns to which I'd been transferred, often with no TV and newspapers only every two days.
Now communications undreamt of in the 1950s and 1960s mean I can watch EPL games live. On a visit to UK in 1977 I twice watched games at Stamford Bridge, which had not changed substantially. If I visit this year, I'm not sure I could afford to attend a game. In the 1950s, I paid 9d admission fee. But memories are forever. In 1954-55, I attended all Chelsea's home games (check the record), including the friendlies against Hearts and Red Banner, as well as several away games. Like many young fans, I collected programs, and Chelsea's was the best (6d), rivalled only by Arsenal's. In the season, football dominated my life, a Chelsea defeat being very depressing.
Apologies for such a lengthy account of distant days - and for possible errors in dates, names. Keep warm chaps. I've spent some of recent days having early morning swims at Bondi Beach, being fortunate to have two sons who each have an apartment overlooking the iconic stretch of sand. Never mind lads, summer will soon arrive in England, and you can relax on the famous Southend and Brighton beaches. My name will be unfamiliar to most of you. I was in Don Shearwood's year and, for 2 years in his class. He and Frank Fondyke were the football supremos of the class. After leaving SCD in 1957, I have never returned to the school, which I regret not doing in 1977, which was then, I believe, still in Ducane Rd. But if another reunion is held, I shall try to make it.
Keith Slavin: I too am a SCD expatriate . However I decamped as recently as 2006 only as far as France having retired as a teacher. I was at Ducane Road from 55-62 and was therefore a few years behind Don Shearwood. I knew Don very well through years of playing for the Old Danes from 67-78.
Your account of the period in the mid 50s of the history of Chelsea relived a number of memories. We lived 10 mins walk from Stamford Bridge, my father being an avid blues supporter, I was first taken at the tender age of 5 in 1949,nô mémorise remain. However we were in the crowd for the Wolves game in 55 and I was one of the kids behind the goal for that penalty. In a direct line for the bottom corner for Peter Sillett's penalty. In addition we were at the 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday(Parson's two headed goals) that clinched the title and then ,of course, on the pitch.
I have gone to many matches over years but less frequently now. However still try to make at least one visit a year. Having been a member for many years I can buy tickets online and then stay with school friends locally . I hope to go in March. With internet connections I still see nearly all the matches., the win over Newcastle the most recent.
Following family traditions, my son, grandson and granddaughter have come down from Scotland for games. My son runs an Internet forum for supporters, the website is www.theshedend.co.uk or.com. Bit bawdy at times but all enthusiasts. I am registered on the site but contribute rarely. Some years ago, I drove down Ducane Rd the old school is no longer there of course. The site is now flats. The new school is in Hertfordshire and, alike my school friends, feel no real connection with it. We receive emails and there is a site to access old photos. I found one with the school soccer teams. I am still young enough to have memorabilia on the bathroom wall (or is that reserved for geriatrics).
Bill Groombridge: Do geriatrics make it as far as the bathroom?
Derek Kingaby: If I'd supported Chelsea I too would have left the country. I can't conceive of any better personal background than being male, cockney by birth, Arsenal supporter, British, Grammar School educated and to have played my part in the enlightened, liberating 60's! Good to hear from other OD footballers who are still alive if not 'kicking'. For some ludicrous reason I carry a football in the back of my car, evidence of the delusions of approaching old age!
CCC Matters
Following Steve Wright’s notes on the CCC last month I received the following from the Great Jack Morgan
“Interesting that the CCC should be based a few doors away from this house and my not having the slightest idea that they were there! I explored the High St today in a fruitless search for the CCC and 24-26 High St and I have now decided that this address is incorrect and should read 24-26 High St, Hampton Hill (note that their post codes in Hampton Hill are dissimilar to our 2SJ codes here). As I am on jury service at present, I sent Chris up to Hampton Hill to check on 24-26 High St HH and she confirmed that the CCC is indeed located there. You might wish to publish the correct address.”
I trust that Steve is suitably chastised.....
Old Danes Matters
It has been suggested that we hold the next Old Dane Gathering in 2016 and so unless a group of you make strong claims for 2015 I will go along with that.
Meanwhile Mike Jordan asked me to publish this:
“This year our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Office at St Clement Danes School is working with the charity Future First to reach out to former students of the school and create an Alumni Network. If you are a former student, then we would love to hear from you! Alumni can help advise and inspire our students in so many ways, from talking about your journey to where you are now, to acting as a mentor or even becoming a governor. And for alumni, coming back to the school can be a fantastic opportunity to get in touch with old classmates and help give back.
If you are a former student of the school, why not sign up here to be a part of our network? After you’ve joined up, you’ll be sent a few updates throughout the year to keep you up to date with our latest news and we’ll also let you know about any upcoming opportunities to get involved with us!
https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/stclement
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Payne or Mrs Ritchie in the CEIAG office on 01923 284169 if you have queries regarding our new Alumni network through Future First.
St Clement Danes School is now on Facebook. Check out our 150th anniversary events and activities page at www.facebook.com/SCD150Events”
Rangers Matters
I received the following from The Great Jack Morgan
Zarate made his debut off the bench after 76minutes. When was the last time that the Rangers had two players on the pitch whose names began with Z? I I dug out Gordon Macey's “QPR: a Complete Record” and found that there had never been a Rangers player whose name began with Z and although that book was published 20 years ago, it is hard to imagine that there have been more than one Z in the team before now. Unfortunately I no longer get any of the football annuals, so I cannot check, but I have now tried the internet, which only turned up the name of Ned Zelic who had a spell with Rangers in 1995, so I am fairly sure we have never had two Zs in the team before.
Football Matters
I received the following from Jim Revier
“Googlies 145 was probably one of the best editions. Fine articles from Steve Wright and Darshak Metta. The only thing missing were possible January transfer window signings by Kelvin Wests' ladies team. Should there be nothing about this in the next edition I may have to re-subscribe to Perverts Monthly.”
I contacted Kelvin for news but have heard nothing back. I suspect that he is tied up renegotiating Greece’s debt repayments to the EU.
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