GOOGLIES & CHINAMEN
An Occasional Cricketing Journal
Edition 22
October 2004
Reelin’ in the Years
I cannot recall ever having attended a more convivial event than the South Hampstead Re-Union where those in attendance were so pleased to see each other. On Sunday 5th September as familiar and less recognisable faces appeared at South Hampstead they were surrounded by old colleagues who embraced and greeted them with genuine emotion.
Over sixty vice presidents and old members gathered in perfect weather for a nostalgic and enjoyable gathering. Bob Peach made a witty welcoming speech and Bill Hart and Allen Clain where so moved that they felt obliged to make impromptu replies. It took everyone at least a second look to identify the Legendary Len Stubbs, although Alvin Nienow proved easier to identify than he had in photographs that had been circulating recently.
The octogenarians were well represented with Laurie and Irene Huntley the most senior. Wynne Sharp took it upon herself to be greeter in chief, without knowing who anybody was and Allan Clain belied his years and completed the quartet.
The club has only had three Secretaries in the last forty-five years-Wally Barratt, Roy Dodson and Ken James, and they were all present. During the same period it has had four Treasurers and three of these were present-Colin Newcombe, Fred Perham and Lionel Haywood (Colin Hughes had been unable to attend). There were no less than seven former first team captains in attendance: Allan Clain, Bob Peach, the Legendary Len Stubbs, Ian Jerman, Jim Sharp, Steve Thompson and Bob Baxter.
Some of the younger attendees such as Mike D’Silva and Lionel Haywood are still playing, and, indeed, Brian Fuller and Dipak Parmar played in the match during the afternoon. We were delighted to welcome distinguished guests from other clubs including Geoff Cleaver, Roy Cutler and John Williams.
It was particularly pleasing to see Big Alf Langley in attendance along with his little brother, Mike. Both of them started their playing careers at South Hampstead before moving on to the Bush. The only disappointing feature of the whole day was Ossie Burton’s non-appearance.
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Former first eleven players at the South Hampstead Re-union
Standing: Terry Cordaroy, Allan Clain, Jim Sharp, Alvin Nienow, Bob Denley, Roy Phipps, David Homer Simpson, Allen Bruton, John Bowerman, Steve Thompson and Bill Hart
Seated: Robin Ager, Ian Jerman, Bob Peach and the Legendary Len Stubbs.
Everyone appeared to enjoy the event although Robin Ager’s wife, Carol, thought that Robin took too literally re-creating the feel of the sixties, claiming that he had ignored her all afternoon just as he used to.
What of the match that took place during the afternoon? The opposition was Paddington, who were appropriately captained by Tim Miles, a South Hampstead player from the seventies. The game was played in the modern style, with limited overs and the ball being hit in the air to all parts from start to finish. The home side won in the final over with an enormous six hit over long off clearing the site of the old tea hut. The Paddington support was not as large as it once would have been but it was good to see their President, Denis Jones, and Chairman, Fred Pryke, in attendance as well as the familiar faces from the seventies: Brenda Shepperd, Judy Bunning, Sue Cox and Peggy Chapman.
I asked some of the regular contributors to Googlies to make awards following the event. I suggested to Robin Ager the following for starters:
The Noisiest Bastard Award - Bill Hart
Most obnoxious retained traits over the years - Bill Hart
Robin replied, “I think I get your drift but let’s just give him the "Empty Vessel" Award.
Bob Peach nominated the following:
Most Courageous Attendee Award – The Legendary Len Stubbs who appeared without his toupee and corset
Best Organised Attendee – Helen Nienow who always had a glass in each hand
Worst Organised Attendee – Alvin Nienow who rang the club after he got home enquiring about his missing glasses when he was actually still wearing them
Best Looking Colt – Baby Faced Ager
Unchanging Wardrobe Award – Bill Hart who was wearing the same outfit as he was thirty years ago
Steve Thompson really got stuck in and came up with the following:
The 'Aged most gracefully' Award - shared between Roy Phipps and Wally Barratt.
The 'Aged Most Disgracefully Award' - to, in absentia, Don Wallis.
The 'They look exactly the same as they did 30 years ago' Award - Ray and Maureen Cook.
The 'They look exactly the same as they did 30 years ago' Award - Runner-up - The Bar's Price List Board.
The 'I'm sorry, who are you?' Award - to Ken James, to whom I had to introduce myself!
The 'His jokes don't get any better' Award – to Roy Dodson for his response to 'Can I get you anything, Roy?' Reply ' An eighteen year-old blonde'.
The 'Looking Younger Than They Did 30 Years Ago’ Award – David “Homer” Simpson.
The 'Be Thankful for Small Mercies' Award (Sponsored by Cannons Health Clubs) - to be received by Ian MacIntosh on behalf of the Club after he presented me with my first fixture card (as a Vice President) since 1983, the year I moved to Enfield CC. On this basis my next one will wing its way to me one week before the end of the Club's 150th Celebrations in 2025.
The Award for 'Continuity' - to Harry Rose, who when we met, immediately completed the sentence he was in the midst of when I had to excuse myself to take a phone call 21 years ago.
The 'You said you'd do it’ Award (sponsored by London Transport) - to be presented to the person who forgot to pick up Ossie.
Finally, my Most Emotional Moment came when I went on a 'trip down memory lane' walk around the ground with my wife. On reaching the lowest corner of the ground it became apparent that I had indeed been the very last person to move the lower sightscreen (in October 1982 in the match against Ealing). It clearly hasn't moved since and now makes a wonderful headstone for the beloved Cabin.
As Harry would say, and did so on numerous occasions last Sunday, ' Can you believe it, Stephen?'
Robin Ager said “ A great day, but 2005 may be too soon for another dose of Hart”.
Project Salvation The rules of the championship combined with EEC law have led to some extraordinary comings and goings of players in the championship this season. Middlesex have been at the forefront of this absurd situation with itinerant starlets popping in for the odd game or two and sundry Europeans filling-in when their own resources became too depleted through injury. I suggested to the Great Jack Morgan that we could compile and field a Middlesex Mercenaries XI for 2004 and he duly obliged:
Sven Koenig (SA)
Eoin Morgan (Ireland)
Chad Keegan (SA)
Ed Joyce (Ireland)
Daan van Bunge (Netherlands)
Frederik Klokker (w/k) (Denmark)
Lance Klusener (SA)
Ajit Agarkar (India)
Stuart Clark (Australia)
Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Nantie Hayward (SA).
As we noted in the last edition most of the rest are really Africans as well.
Stumpers Update
The Professor inspired the Great Jack Morgan’s detailed analysis of English wicket keepers in G&C 20. After reading it the Professor commented, “Did you notice that in Jack's comprehensive reply to my note on wicket-keeping he didn't answer the question?”
I felt duty bound to pass this observation on to the great man himself who responded as follows:
I plead guilty, of course, to the Professor’s complaint that I did not answer his question about who is the best keeper in the country. The reason, as I said, is that I cannot really do so. But rather than just give a negative “no, I can’t say” response, I decided to pass on the little knowledge that I do have and to add some thoughts on batting skills as this is clearly so important these days. I think there would be very few people who could give a truly accurate assessment of the country’s keepers. One would need to have seen all the keepers in the country for several days each (to avoid being misled by an exceptional day) this season in order to be up to date with current form and to be able to give a proper response. How many people would be able to do this? Not many, because Read, Foster, Wallace et al all reside in the second division and would not be seen by followers of first division cricket.
I think more pundits would vote for Read than any other keeper, but i) as you know, I am not convinced that he is very good standing up; and ii) I do not think that the pundits will be familiar with his current form (or that of his competitors). Most of the main newspaper reporters (A Fraser, M Selvey, D Pringle, C M-J et al) spend nearly all their time on international duty these days and rarely get to report on county cricket. When they do get to a county game, it is for a cup final or top of division one game. How many times do they venture into division two? The same applies to the terrestrial TV and radio commentators, though Sky do still cover some county cricket don’t they? In short, I agree with the Prof’s comment that there is no unanimity now about who is the best keeper and, even if there is, it is probably not based on sufficiently up to date evidence to be of any value. But perhaps that was always the case anyway? If pressed, I would probably have to say that Steve Rhodes was the best that I have seen this season (and he is forty and has just retired) and that Steve Adshead was the worst.
Antipodeans at South Hampstead – Number 2 Colin Price sent me these notes about his years with the club
My time at South Hampstead covered the four seasons from 1971-1974 in the company of some memorable characters and very good cricketers. Among those, in no particular order, were Bill Hart, Don Wallis, Bob Peach, Terry Cordaroy, Ian Jerman, Allen Bruton, Steve Thompson, Alan Cox, Alf and Mike Langley, Len Stubbs, Ossie Burton, Ron Hooker (occasionally), Mike D'Silva and Jim Sharp.
Apart from endeavouring to perform to the best of my cricketing abilities, the initial intent was to gain an understanding of the differences, if any, in the way club cricket was played in England. In Australia, from your first days in junior school, cricket is always played in a league competition. Results against individual clubs from year to year were not remembered - rather the effect on your position in the competition was what mattered.
I came to South Hampstead by the sheer chance of moving into a flat with a group of Aussies on the corner of Brondesbury Park and Sidmouth Rd and found there was a cricket club next door. As memory serves me, the 1971 season was a trial season for League cricket that was scheduled to commence in earnest in 1972 provided no violent objections were raised in the interim. So for an Aussie who had never known anything but league cricket, it was an adjustment to play what I initially decided were "friendlies" each week. This interpretation was brought into abrupt perspective when we came to play Hornsey at Hornsey quite early in that season. This game had a luncheon as well as a tea interval - Hornsey batted first and whilst we may have taken an early wicket, Hugh Pearman and either Don Newt or Alan Day proceeded to accumulate runs at a rate such that at lunch, they were 1 for in excess of 100. On return to the dressing room, I couldn't believe the consternation and oaths that came forth from our players-Hart and Jerman specifically, but ably supported by Cordaroy and Peach with even our mild mannered keeper of that year, Colin Ellis joining in). This Aussie looked at them with some amazement, if not amusement, thinking "Blimey fellas, it's only a friendly." Having dropped Newt at some time during that session I decided to keep my mouth shut for fear of being caught in the crossfire - which went on for what seemed five minutes, but was probably only one, and after which we adjourned to the luncheon table. This was the first overt indication to me that, notwithstanding it wasn't in a competition, this game was "bloody" important and anything but a "friendly." I returned to the field after lunch with my appreciation of London Club Cricket suitably re-focused.
Away from the cricket field, I read with amusement in one of the previous editions a reference to Dick Simpson and his involvement with the club. As the article indicated, my flatmates and I got to know Dick quite well. It was cricket week 1974 in which Dick had volunteered to take on some groundsman duties each day at the club. At this time, I think Dick was living in Knightsbridge but to perform his cricket week duties properly had elected to sleep in the clubhouse for the week. On hearing this, Steve Hatherall and I said you can't sleep in the dressing rooms each night and offered Dick a bed at our flat. That week then became a couple of weeks, then a month, and then three months. At the risk of maligning his reputation, we honestly thought that Dick was hiding from someone, be it the law or others - this was re-inforced by the colourful nature of Dick's life and acquaintances of which we became more aware the longer he stayed. He always paid his way, however, and indeed was generous to a fault. He always inquired if we needed any money and he kept us entertained with tales of his life and the very itinerant nature of his existence. We never found out the source of his funds but suffice it to say, he didn't have a regular job!
So, one on-field and one off-field memory - there were numerous others which maybe another time I will pass on with care not to embarrass either myself or others too much. It is the people and the humour that are best remembered and I reflect with many a smile on my time spent at South Hampstead which was one of the most enjoyable of cricketing experiences.
Paddington Matters Denis Jones sent me these notes
We played against Cross Arrows at Lords last week. On a day interrupted by rain on several occasions, the 'Arrers' scored 290 for a few declared, and left us 40 overs to chase their score. Dave Bunning, and Anthony Saunders put on 170 for the first wicket in 18 overs, but after their dismissal, we ran out of steam, and settled for a draw at 265 for 8. Dave Bunning scored 110. Having also scored a century in the same fixture in 2001, on the day after Ron, his father, died, Dave obviously appreciates the opportunity to play at 'HQ'. Shades of Andrew Strauss maybe!
I went to our final game of the season yesterday, at Alexandra Park. It was a fine day, and a good game of cricket that we managed to win by 20 runs. Still playing for A.P. was Bill Bryce, aged 74. I recall playing against him quite often. He obviously still enjoys his cricket immensely, and I had a good chat with him, sharing some memories of past Paddington players.
During the day, prompted by the many pictures A.P. have on display in their the Clubhouse, showing their various pavilions throughout the years, we tried to establish when Paddington first played at Alexandra Park. Brenda Shepperd advised that it was 1956, and on being asked how she knew this, stated that it was the year that she and Eric got married. Unfortunately, I was unable to establish how she linked the two events! Taking this exercise a bit further, whilst reference to old fixture cards, if available, would provide the definitive answer, it is quite amazing to consider how long some fixtures, and links between clubs, have existed. After 48 years of going to Alexandra Park there should, perhaps, be some celebration in two years time, but from my own memory, I am reasonably certain that we have been playing at Ealing, Weybridge, Kenton, Abbots Langley, Hoddesdon, and Uxbridge, for longer. Perhaps some festivities should be arranged with these clubs as well!
Just point me in the right direction
On the Saturday before the South Hampstead re-union I went to Hove with the Great Jack Morgan and his cousin, Jim Revier. During the drive down Jack had said how much he had enjoyed Gary Rhoades’ re-telling of the John Tickner story in G&C21. Jim had, of course, been present at the event as a pre-teen scorer. There are so many aspects of the story that amuse. I had not heard the saga previously but my own favourite is that Gary’s dad, Vic, was making his senior cricket debut at the age of 48.
This got us onto other third eleven experiences, the problems of travel arrangements and indeed of finding grounds. After I had bored my passengers with tales of the South Circular they came up with the unlikely story that on one occasion Geoff Cleaver was the only member of the side to actually make it to the opposition’s ground. The Great Jack Morgan remembers, “It was a 3rd XI fixture and must have been in ’63 or ’64 and the place we were looking for was only ten minutes up the Western Avenue and may have been in Oldfield Lane, Greenford. We turned left (south) off the A40 and searched diligently up and down the full length (so we thought) of Oldfield Lane and other neighbouring roads, but kept finding absolutely nothing. We twice returned to the Bush to see if we could get improved directions and set off again with renewed determination, but no greater chance of success because no-one ever gave us the crucial piece of information that Oldfield Lane continued on the north side of the A40 and that, of course, was where the ground was located. And so it came to pass that Geoff Cleaver, traveling direct, was the only Bush player to turn up while the rest of us, having never got remotely close to finding the ground, finally gave up and returned to the club about 5 pm. I wish I could say with certainty that John Allport, the most notorious loser of his way in the history of club cricket, was involved in this debacle, but to be honest, it is just too long ago to be sure. I am certain that Keith Weatherall, John Scilly and Roger Johnson were among the unhappy seekers, but that is the full extent of my memory”.
Geoff was apparently very apologetic about his absent colleagues but neither of my passengers knew how he had got on. Had he attempted to take on the opposition single handed whilst he waited for his tardy teammates to appear? This might just have been possible batting, although it would have had its complications, but surely would be impossible bowling? I meant to ask Geoff about this on the Sunday at South Hampstead but he was deep in reminiscent discussion with other parties. No doubt he was extolling his geographical prowess.
Dream Teams Steve Thompson got so excited by Bill Hart’s Dream Teams of the sixties that he has produced his own for the seventies
1970's South Hampstead XI
TM Cordaroy
J Anderson
LG Stubbs
AB Langley
RW Hooker
RA Peach (Capt)
NPD Ross (Wkt)
S Hatherall
K Hardy
C Dickerson
O Burton
12th I Jerman
13th A Cox
Middlesex County League 70's XI
(ST played against them in a League fixture on at least one occasion)
RF Kingdon Brentham CC
DL Hays (wkt) Finchley CC
D Whatmore Wembley CC and Australia
MW Gatting (Capt) Brondesbury CC, Middlesex and England
R Hayward Brentham CC, Hampshire and Central Districts
D Reeve Brondesbury CC, Warwickshire and England
SM Patil Edmonton CC, Bombay and India
MT Dunn Edmonton CC
JA Snow Edmonton CC, Sussex and England
PF Ray Wembley CC
B Reid Brentham CC
12th Man: GR Black Shepherds Bush CC
My immediate reaction to Steve’s teams was to try to find out how I could at least get a mention in the riders and runners and so I sent him the rules that Bill Hart had set himself for the sixties side. I also pointed out that Bob Peach was past his best and only played rarely in the seventies and that Alf’s greatness was only to be realised after he had transferred to the Bush. I also asked about an umpire and scorer. Steve replied:
I thought about your comments and wonder whether the inclusion of professionals in my seventies teams is a reflection of what happened in club cricket in that era - particularly in the Leagues? As to Peach and Langley your case is strong on both counts but as it was a dream team I felt (a) that a little bit of nepotism was OK and (b) that if I was picking Hooker who similarly did not truly perform in that decade so I could pick Alf. As to umpires, in theory it should of course be Rhys but I am still drawn towards Tubby (we're talking Dream Teams here) since with Bob as captain and an opposition stuffed full of Test players we might need a little bit of, “That's out, mate!” every now and again. No, you're right- Rhys and Audrey.
I felt that I had to have one more go and so replied to Steve: I have been reviewing your dream teams again and have come to the conclusion that the wicket better be dry and dusty or your ancient seamers Peach and Burton are going to have a lot of work to do! Even in that scenario with Hatherall from the Milverton Road end and Hardie from the Sidmouth Road end, where is Dickeson going to fit in? Hooker was hardly bowling and even though he liked to do everything Rossy will not be able to bowl for you if he is keeping wicket. I think that you would find Jerman for Dickeson would give your side better balance. Still it’s your side and you obviously don't care what happens on the field since you have elected not to captain it. Steve replied as follows:
There was much of the Underwood about Dickeson. If the wicket was conducive to spin he would extract it but he could also fulfill a 'first change' role on the kind of surface that Lionel once famously described as 'green, but playable'. Burton thrived on lengthy spells from the Milverton Road end and given the increasing amount of limited over cricket the side would be playing in the seventies the lack of overall pace on the ball would have put pressure on the opposition batsmen to hit through the line rather than use its pace. This was also still the era of 'normal' bats where, unlike today, less technically correct players would not get away with mis-hits off slower bowlers which carry yards over the boundary. What's more none of my five bowlers would take more than three minutes to bowl an over, I suspect the average time would be nearer two and a half, thus ensuring an average over rate well in excess of 20 an hour. I rest my case!
Creative Umpiring
Bill Hart reminded me of the second eleven game played at South Hampstead against Old Meadonians when the father of one of their players was umpiring. The game had reached an exciting climax with South Hampstead requiring three to win with nine wickets down. The ball was struck deep into the outfield and the batsmen completed two runs and looked for a third. The ball was returned to the end where the opposition’s official was standing and an appeal for a run out was lodged even though the triumphant South Hampstead batsman had comfortably made his ground. Undeterred by this the visiting official made this extraordinary statement “That’s out, one short, we win”.
Irritating trends in modern cricket-number 21 The Professor contributes this worthy irritant to our collection
Stalwarts like us, of course, regard drinking as the ideal complement to cricket; the two things go together like Lillee and Thomson, or Sven and the Typing Pool. But that is not what I mean. Last Sunday I toddled off to Headquarters to see my first ever Sunday League match or whatever it’s called these days. This is, I think, my least favourite version of the game currently available since it seems neither one thing nor the other.
Middlesex took three wickets in the first half hour and, on each occasion, drinks were brought on. Not a nice little tray you understand but a set of bright blue bottles that, I assume contained water. The first wicket fell after only 12 minutes so the whole Middlesex side were there gasping for their water after only three overs had been bowled on a fairly dullish day. And so it went on. Not only the three early wickets, but in addition any break in play (fresh gloves for the batsman, a fielding helmet to be brought on, etc) provided the opportunity for a good drink all round. Hutchinson (the 12th man) did more running around than several of the fielders. The whole thing is only 45 overs long and some of the fielders must have had a dozen or so goes at the bottle in that time.
What is it about water anyway? The last time I recall it didn’t taste of anything or smell of anything. So what’s the good of that? Perhaps the gaudy bottles contain something more interesting than water – but I doubt it. I recall the start of this fashion a decade or so ago, when students would arrive at my lectures with a knap-sack and a bottle of water, as if they were about to essay an attempt on the north face of the Eiger, rather than be lulled by a mellifluous explanation of the Permanent Consumption Function. When I asked one student about it, I was told that it was all to do with Air Conditioning and Central Heating. Since the lecture theatre in question had neither, this explanation seemed a bit thin. The intelligence that I had been teaching undergraduates in that room for thirty years and never yet had one expire, was treated as another example of my rather lame, but worthy, attempt to be humorous.
Strange Elevens
This team, compiled by the Great Jack Morgan, will probably demand the fanciest Jazz Hats of all time.
Sir Pelham Warner
Rev Edgar Killick
EW “Jim” Swanton
Sir Timothy O’Brien
Hon Alfred Lyttleton (w/k)
Lord AEHMAP Dalmeny
Lord ARP Dalmeny
Sir George Allen
Hon Timothy Lamb
Lord BC Gordon-Lennox
Lord AF Dunglass (later Lord Home, then renouncing all titles, became plain Sir Alec Douglas-Home).
All you have to do is work out what side could contain these worthies.
Where are they now?
I heard from Eric Stephens recently who tells me that he is now a resident of The Peoples Republic of Skelmanthorpe. He immediately revealed an old grudge against me by recalling a bollocking I apparently gave him for not stopping a quick single taken to him at mid-off, after, he says, I had pushed him too deep. Well I don’t remember it and, come to think of it, what was he doing in the side anyway?
Earlier Editions
I will be pleased to email the earlier editions of Googlies & Chinamen, if you missed or have mislaid them. If you received this edition through a third party, please send me your email address to ensure that you get on the main mailing list for future editions.
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An Occasional Cricketing Journal
Edition 22
October 2004
Reelin’ in the Years
I cannot recall ever having attended a more convivial event than the South Hampstead Re-Union where those in attendance were so pleased to see each other. On Sunday 5th September as familiar and less recognisable faces appeared at South Hampstead they were surrounded by old colleagues who embraced and greeted them with genuine emotion.
Over sixty vice presidents and old members gathered in perfect weather for a nostalgic and enjoyable gathering. Bob Peach made a witty welcoming speech and Bill Hart and Allen Clain where so moved that they felt obliged to make impromptu replies. It took everyone at least a second look to identify the Legendary Len Stubbs, although Alvin Nienow proved easier to identify than he had in photographs that had been circulating recently.
The octogenarians were well represented with Laurie and Irene Huntley the most senior. Wynne Sharp took it upon herself to be greeter in chief, without knowing who anybody was and Allan Clain belied his years and completed the quartet.
The club has only had three Secretaries in the last forty-five years-Wally Barratt, Roy Dodson and Ken James, and they were all present. During the same period it has had four Treasurers and three of these were present-Colin Newcombe, Fred Perham and Lionel Haywood (Colin Hughes had been unable to attend). There were no less than seven former first team captains in attendance: Allan Clain, Bob Peach, the Legendary Len Stubbs, Ian Jerman, Jim Sharp, Steve Thompson and Bob Baxter.
Some of the younger attendees such as Mike D’Silva and Lionel Haywood are still playing, and, indeed, Brian Fuller and Dipak Parmar played in the match during the afternoon. We were delighted to welcome distinguished guests from other clubs including Geoff Cleaver, Roy Cutler and John Williams.
It was particularly pleasing to see Big Alf Langley in attendance along with his little brother, Mike. Both of them started their playing careers at South Hampstead before moving on to the Bush. The only disappointing feature of the whole day was Ossie Burton’s non-appearance.
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Former first eleven players at the South Hampstead Re-union
Standing: Terry Cordaroy, Allan Clain, Jim Sharp, Alvin Nienow, Bob Denley, Roy Phipps, David Homer Simpson, Allen Bruton, John Bowerman, Steve Thompson and Bill Hart
Seated: Robin Ager, Ian Jerman, Bob Peach and the Legendary Len Stubbs.
Everyone appeared to enjoy the event although Robin Ager’s wife, Carol, thought that Robin took too literally re-creating the feel of the sixties, claiming that he had ignored her all afternoon just as he used to.
What of the match that took place during the afternoon? The opposition was Paddington, who were appropriately captained by Tim Miles, a South Hampstead player from the seventies. The game was played in the modern style, with limited overs and the ball being hit in the air to all parts from start to finish. The home side won in the final over with an enormous six hit over long off clearing the site of the old tea hut. The Paddington support was not as large as it once would have been but it was good to see their President, Denis Jones, and Chairman, Fred Pryke, in attendance as well as the familiar faces from the seventies: Brenda Shepperd, Judy Bunning, Sue Cox and Peggy Chapman.
I asked some of the regular contributors to Googlies to make awards following the event. I suggested to Robin Ager the following for starters:
The Noisiest Bastard Award - Bill Hart
Most obnoxious retained traits over the years - Bill Hart
Robin replied, “I think I get your drift but let’s just give him the "Empty Vessel" Award.
Bob Peach nominated the following:
Most Courageous Attendee Award – The Legendary Len Stubbs who appeared without his toupee and corset
Best Organised Attendee – Helen Nienow who always had a glass in each hand
Worst Organised Attendee – Alvin Nienow who rang the club after he got home enquiring about his missing glasses when he was actually still wearing them
Best Looking Colt – Baby Faced Ager
Unchanging Wardrobe Award – Bill Hart who was wearing the same outfit as he was thirty years ago
Steve Thompson really got stuck in and came up with the following:
The 'Aged most gracefully' Award - shared between Roy Phipps and Wally Barratt.
The 'Aged Most Disgracefully Award' - to, in absentia, Don Wallis.
The 'They look exactly the same as they did 30 years ago' Award - Ray and Maureen Cook.
The 'They look exactly the same as they did 30 years ago' Award - Runner-up - The Bar's Price List Board.
The 'I'm sorry, who are you?' Award - to Ken James, to whom I had to introduce myself!
The 'His jokes don't get any better' Award – to Roy Dodson for his response to 'Can I get you anything, Roy?' Reply ' An eighteen year-old blonde'.
The 'Looking Younger Than They Did 30 Years Ago’ Award – David “Homer” Simpson.
The 'Be Thankful for Small Mercies' Award (Sponsored by Cannons Health Clubs) - to be received by Ian MacIntosh on behalf of the Club after he presented me with my first fixture card (as a Vice President) since 1983, the year I moved to Enfield CC. On this basis my next one will wing its way to me one week before the end of the Club's 150th Celebrations in 2025.
The Award for 'Continuity' - to Harry Rose, who when we met, immediately completed the sentence he was in the midst of when I had to excuse myself to take a phone call 21 years ago.
The 'You said you'd do it’ Award (sponsored by London Transport) - to be presented to the person who forgot to pick up Ossie.
Finally, my Most Emotional Moment came when I went on a 'trip down memory lane' walk around the ground with my wife. On reaching the lowest corner of the ground it became apparent that I had indeed been the very last person to move the lower sightscreen (in October 1982 in the match against Ealing). It clearly hasn't moved since and now makes a wonderful headstone for the beloved Cabin.
As Harry would say, and did so on numerous occasions last Sunday, ' Can you believe it, Stephen?'
Robin Ager said “ A great day, but 2005 may be too soon for another dose of Hart”.
Project Salvation The rules of the championship combined with EEC law have led to some extraordinary comings and goings of players in the championship this season. Middlesex have been at the forefront of this absurd situation with itinerant starlets popping in for the odd game or two and sundry Europeans filling-in when their own resources became too depleted through injury. I suggested to the Great Jack Morgan that we could compile and field a Middlesex Mercenaries XI for 2004 and he duly obliged:
Sven Koenig (SA)
Eoin Morgan (Ireland)
Chad Keegan (SA)
Ed Joyce (Ireland)
Daan van Bunge (Netherlands)
Frederik Klokker (w/k) (Denmark)
Lance Klusener (SA)
Ajit Agarkar (India)
Stuart Clark (Australia)
Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Nantie Hayward (SA).
As we noted in the last edition most of the rest are really Africans as well.
Stumpers Update
The Professor inspired the Great Jack Morgan’s detailed analysis of English wicket keepers in G&C 20. After reading it the Professor commented, “Did you notice that in Jack's comprehensive reply to my note on wicket-keeping he didn't answer the question?”
I felt duty bound to pass this observation on to the great man himself who responded as follows:
I plead guilty, of course, to the Professor’s complaint that I did not answer his question about who is the best keeper in the country. The reason, as I said, is that I cannot really do so. But rather than just give a negative “no, I can’t say” response, I decided to pass on the little knowledge that I do have and to add some thoughts on batting skills as this is clearly so important these days. I think there would be very few people who could give a truly accurate assessment of the country’s keepers. One would need to have seen all the keepers in the country for several days each (to avoid being misled by an exceptional day) this season in order to be up to date with current form and to be able to give a proper response. How many people would be able to do this? Not many, because Read, Foster, Wallace et al all reside in the second division and would not be seen by followers of first division cricket.
I think more pundits would vote for Read than any other keeper, but i) as you know, I am not convinced that he is very good standing up; and ii) I do not think that the pundits will be familiar with his current form (or that of his competitors). Most of the main newspaper reporters (A Fraser, M Selvey, D Pringle, C M-J et al) spend nearly all their time on international duty these days and rarely get to report on county cricket. When they do get to a county game, it is for a cup final or top of division one game. How many times do they venture into division two? The same applies to the terrestrial TV and radio commentators, though Sky do still cover some county cricket don’t they? In short, I agree with the Prof’s comment that there is no unanimity now about who is the best keeper and, even if there is, it is probably not based on sufficiently up to date evidence to be of any value. But perhaps that was always the case anyway? If pressed, I would probably have to say that Steve Rhodes was the best that I have seen this season (and he is forty and has just retired) and that Steve Adshead was the worst.
Antipodeans at South Hampstead – Number 2 Colin Price sent me these notes about his years with the club
My time at South Hampstead covered the four seasons from 1971-1974 in the company of some memorable characters and very good cricketers. Among those, in no particular order, were Bill Hart, Don Wallis, Bob Peach, Terry Cordaroy, Ian Jerman, Allen Bruton, Steve Thompson, Alan Cox, Alf and Mike Langley, Len Stubbs, Ossie Burton, Ron Hooker (occasionally), Mike D'Silva and Jim Sharp.
Apart from endeavouring to perform to the best of my cricketing abilities, the initial intent was to gain an understanding of the differences, if any, in the way club cricket was played in England. In Australia, from your first days in junior school, cricket is always played in a league competition. Results against individual clubs from year to year were not remembered - rather the effect on your position in the competition was what mattered.
I came to South Hampstead by the sheer chance of moving into a flat with a group of Aussies on the corner of Brondesbury Park and Sidmouth Rd and found there was a cricket club next door. As memory serves me, the 1971 season was a trial season for League cricket that was scheduled to commence in earnest in 1972 provided no violent objections were raised in the interim. So for an Aussie who had never known anything but league cricket, it was an adjustment to play what I initially decided were "friendlies" each week. This interpretation was brought into abrupt perspective when we came to play Hornsey at Hornsey quite early in that season. This game had a luncheon as well as a tea interval - Hornsey batted first and whilst we may have taken an early wicket, Hugh Pearman and either Don Newt or Alan Day proceeded to accumulate runs at a rate such that at lunch, they were 1 for in excess of 100. On return to the dressing room, I couldn't believe the consternation and oaths that came forth from our players-Hart and Jerman specifically, but ably supported by Cordaroy and Peach with even our mild mannered keeper of that year, Colin Ellis joining in). This Aussie looked at them with some amazement, if not amusement, thinking "Blimey fellas, it's only a friendly." Having dropped Newt at some time during that session I decided to keep my mouth shut for fear of being caught in the crossfire - which went on for what seemed five minutes, but was probably only one, and after which we adjourned to the luncheon table. This was the first overt indication to me that, notwithstanding it wasn't in a competition, this game was "bloody" important and anything but a "friendly." I returned to the field after lunch with my appreciation of London Club Cricket suitably re-focused.
Away from the cricket field, I read with amusement in one of the previous editions a reference to Dick Simpson and his involvement with the club. As the article indicated, my flatmates and I got to know Dick quite well. It was cricket week 1974 in which Dick had volunteered to take on some groundsman duties each day at the club. At this time, I think Dick was living in Knightsbridge but to perform his cricket week duties properly had elected to sleep in the clubhouse for the week. On hearing this, Steve Hatherall and I said you can't sleep in the dressing rooms each night and offered Dick a bed at our flat. That week then became a couple of weeks, then a month, and then three months. At the risk of maligning his reputation, we honestly thought that Dick was hiding from someone, be it the law or others - this was re-inforced by the colourful nature of Dick's life and acquaintances of which we became more aware the longer he stayed. He always paid his way, however, and indeed was generous to a fault. He always inquired if we needed any money and he kept us entertained with tales of his life and the very itinerant nature of his existence. We never found out the source of his funds but suffice it to say, he didn't have a regular job!
So, one on-field and one off-field memory - there were numerous others which maybe another time I will pass on with care not to embarrass either myself or others too much. It is the people and the humour that are best remembered and I reflect with many a smile on my time spent at South Hampstead which was one of the most enjoyable of cricketing experiences.
Paddington Matters Denis Jones sent me these notes
We played against Cross Arrows at Lords last week. On a day interrupted by rain on several occasions, the 'Arrers' scored 290 for a few declared, and left us 40 overs to chase their score. Dave Bunning, and Anthony Saunders put on 170 for the first wicket in 18 overs, but after their dismissal, we ran out of steam, and settled for a draw at 265 for 8. Dave Bunning scored 110. Having also scored a century in the same fixture in 2001, on the day after Ron, his father, died, Dave obviously appreciates the opportunity to play at 'HQ'. Shades of Andrew Strauss maybe!
I went to our final game of the season yesterday, at Alexandra Park. It was a fine day, and a good game of cricket that we managed to win by 20 runs. Still playing for A.P. was Bill Bryce, aged 74. I recall playing against him quite often. He obviously still enjoys his cricket immensely, and I had a good chat with him, sharing some memories of past Paddington players.
During the day, prompted by the many pictures A.P. have on display in their the Clubhouse, showing their various pavilions throughout the years, we tried to establish when Paddington first played at Alexandra Park. Brenda Shepperd advised that it was 1956, and on being asked how she knew this, stated that it was the year that she and Eric got married. Unfortunately, I was unable to establish how she linked the two events! Taking this exercise a bit further, whilst reference to old fixture cards, if available, would provide the definitive answer, it is quite amazing to consider how long some fixtures, and links between clubs, have existed. After 48 years of going to Alexandra Park there should, perhaps, be some celebration in two years time, but from my own memory, I am reasonably certain that we have been playing at Ealing, Weybridge, Kenton, Abbots Langley, Hoddesdon, and Uxbridge, for longer. Perhaps some festivities should be arranged with these clubs as well!
Just point me in the right direction
On the Saturday before the South Hampstead re-union I went to Hove with the Great Jack Morgan and his cousin, Jim Revier. During the drive down Jack had said how much he had enjoyed Gary Rhoades’ re-telling of the John Tickner story in G&C21. Jim had, of course, been present at the event as a pre-teen scorer. There are so many aspects of the story that amuse. I had not heard the saga previously but my own favourite is that Gary’s dad, Vic, was making his senior cricket debut at the age of 48.
This got us onto other third eleven experiences, the problems of travel arrangements and indeed of finding grounds. After I had bored my passengers with tales of the South Circular they came up with the unlikely story that on one occasion Geoff Cleaver was the only member of the side to actually make it to the opposition’s ground. The Great Jack Morgan remembers, “It was a 3rd XI fixture and must have been in ’63 or ’64 and the place we were looking for was only ten minutes up the Western Avenue and may have been in Oldfield Lane, Greenford. We turned left (south) off the A40 and searched diligently up and down the full length (so we thought) of Oldfield Lane and other neighbouring roads, but kept finding absolutely nothing. We twice returned to the Bush to see if we could get improved directions and set off again with renewed determination, but no greater chance of success because no-one ever gave us the crucial piece of information that Oldfield Lane continued on the north side of the A40 and that, of course, was where the ground was located. And so it came to pass that Geoff Cleaver, traveling direct, was the only Bush player to turn up while the rest of us, having never got remotely close to finding the ground, finally gave up and returned to the club about 5 pm. I wish I could say with certainty that John Allport, the most notorious loser of his way in the history of club cricket, was involved in this debacle, but to be honest, it is just too long ago to be sure. I am certain that Keith Weatherall, John Scilly and Roger Johnson were among the unhappy seekers, but that is the full extent of my memory”.
Geoff was apparently very apologetic about his absent colleagues but neither of my passengers knew how he had got on. Had he attempted to take on the opposition single handed whilst he waited for his tardy teammates to appear? This might just have been possible batting, although it would have had its complications, but surely would be impossible bowling? I meant to ask Geoff about this on the Sunday at South Hampstead but he was deep in reminiscent discussion with other parties. No doubt he was extolling his geographical prowess.
Dream Teams Steve Thompson got so excited by Bill Hart’s Dream Teams of the sixties that he has produced his own for the seventies
1970's South Hampstead XI
TM Cordaroy
J Anderson
LG Stubbs
AB Langley
RW Hooker
RA Peach (Capt)
NPD Ross (Wkt)
S Hatherall
K Hardy
C Dickerson
O Burton
12th I Jerman
13th A Cox
Middlesex County League 70's XI
(ST played against them in a League fixture on at least one occasion)
RF Kingdon Brentham CC
DL Hays (wkt) Finchley CC
D Whatmore Wembley CC and Australia
MW Gatting (Capt) Brondesbury CC, Middlesex and England
R Hayward Brentham CC, Hampshire and Central Districts
D Reeve Brondesbury CC, Warwickshire and England
SM Patil Edmonton CC, Bombay and India
MT Dunn Edmonton CC
JA Snow Edmonton CC, Sussex and England
PF Ray Wembley CC
B Reid Brentham CC
12th Man: GR Black Shepherds Bush CC
My immediate reaction to Steve’s teams was to try to find out how I could at least get a mention in the riders and runners and so I sent him the rules that Bill Hart had set himself for the sixties side. I also pointed out that Bob Peach was past his best and only played rarely in the seventies and that Alf’s greatness was only to be realised after he had transferred to the Bush. I also asked about an umpire and scorer. Steve replied:
I thought about your comments and wonder whether the inclusion of professionals in my seventies teams is a reflection of what happened in club cricket in that era - particularly in the Leagues? As to Peach and Langley your case is strong on both counts but as it was a dream team I felt (a) that a little bit of nepotism was OK and (b) that if I was picking Hooker who similarly did not truly perform in that decade so I could pick Alf. As to umpires, in theory it should of course be Rhys but I am still drawn towards Tubby (we're talking Dream Teams here) since with Bob as captain and an opposition stuffed full of Test players we might need a little bit of, “That's out, mate!” every now and again. No, you're right- Rhys and Audrey.
I felt that I had to have one more go and so replied to Steve: I have been reviewing your dream teams again and have come to the conclusion that the wicket better be dry and dusty or your ancient seamers Peach and Burton are going to have a lot of work to do! Even in that scenario with Hatherall from the Milverton Road end and Hardie from the Sidmouth Road end, where is Dickeson going to fit in? Hooker was hardly bowling and even though he liked to do everything Rossy will not be able to bowl for you if he is keeping wicket. I think that you would find Jerman for Dickeson would give your side better balance. Still it’s your side and you obviously don't care what happens on the field since you have elected not to captain it. Steve replied as follows:
There was much of the Underwood about Dickeson. If the wicket was conducive to spin he would extract it but he could also fulfill a 'first change' role on the kind of surface that Lionel once famously described as 'green, but playable'. Burton thrived on lengthy spells from the Milverton Road end and given the increasing amount of limited over cricket the side would be playing in the seventies the lack of overall pace on the ball would have put pressure on the opposition batsmen to hit through the line rather than use its pace. This was also still the era of 'normal' bats where, unlike today, less technically correct players would not get away with mis-hits off slower bowlers which carry yards over the boundary. What's more none of my five bowlers would take more than three minutes to bowl an over, I suspect the average time would be nearer two and a half, thus ensuring an average over rate well in excess of 20 an hour. I rest my case!
Creative Umpiring
Bill Hart reminded me of the second eleven game played at South Hampstead against Old Meadonians when the father of one of their players was umpiring. The game had reached an exciting climax with South Hampstead requiring three to win with nine wickets down. The ball was struck deep into the outfield and the batsmen completed two runs and looked for a third. The ball was returned to the end where the opposition’s official was standing and an appeal for a run out was lodged even though the triumphant South Hampstead batsman had comfortably made his ground. Undeterred by this the visiting official made this extraordinary statement “That’s out, one short, we win”.
Irritating trends in modern cricket-number 21 The Professor contributes this worthy irritant to our collection
Stalwarts like us, of course, regard drinking as the ideal complement to cricket; the two things go together like Lillee and Thomson, or Sven and the Typing Pool. But that is not what I mean. Last Sunday I toddled off to Headquarters to see my first ever Sunday League match or whatever it’s called these days. This is, I think, my least favourite version of the game currently available since it seems neither one thing nor the other.
Middlesex took three wickets in the first half hour and, on each occasion, drinks were brought on. Not a nice little tray you understand but a set of bright blue bottles that, I assume contained water. The first wicket fell after only 12 minutes so the whole Middlesex side were there gasping for their water after only three overs had been bowled on a fairly dullish day. And so it went on. Not only the three early wickets, but in addition any break in play (fresh gloves for the batsman, a fielding helmet to be brought on, etc) provided the opportunity for a good drink all round. Hutchinson (the 12th man) did more running around than several of the fielders. The whole thing is only 45 overs long and some of the fielders must have had a dozen or so goes at the bottle in that time.
What is it about water anyway? The last time I recall it didn’t taste of anything or smell of anything. So what’s the good of that? Perhaps the gaudy bottles contain something more interesting than water – but I doubt it. I recall the start of this fashion a decade or so ago, when students would arrive at my lectures with a knap-sack and a bottle of water, as if they were about to essay an attempt on the north face of the Eiger, rather than be lulled by a mellifluous explanation of the Permanent Consumption Function. When I asked one student about it, I was told that it was all to do with Air Conditioning and Central Heating. Since the lecture theatre in question had neither, this explanation seemed a bit thin. The intelligence that I had been teaching undergraduates in that room for thirty years and never yet had one expire, was treated as another example of my rather lame, but worthy, attempt to be humorous.
Strange Elevens
This team, compiled by the Great Jack Morgan, will probably demand the fanciest Jazz Hats of all time.
Sir Pelham Warner
Rev Edgar Killick
EW “Jim” Swanton
Sir Timothy O’Brien
Hon Alfred Lyttleton (w/k)
Lord AEHMAP Dalmeny
Lord ARP Dalmeny
Sir George Allen
Hon Timothy Lamb
Lord BC Gordon-Lennox
Lord AF Dunglass (later Lord Home, then renouncing all titles, became plain Sir Alec Douglas-Home).
All you have to do is work out what side could contain these worthies.
Where are they now?
I heard from Eric Stephens recently who tells me that he is now a resident of The Peoples Republic of Skelmanthorpe. He immediately revealed an old grudge against me by recalling a bollocking I apparently gave him for not stopping a quick single taken to him at mid-off, after, he says, I had pushed him too deep. Well I don’t remember it and, come to think of it, what was he doing in the side anyway?
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