🧢 Captain's Log

Sun 27 Sep 1953 🧢 Marriedv Linton Park CC · HomeformWD

Sunday last, the twenty-seventh of September, saw the Linton Park eleven travel as visitors, and winning the toss I did not hesitate to send us in — the pitch looked a true one, and I have rarely regretted taking first knock on such a morning.

It must be said the innings did not run quite to plan, for we found the whole side back in the pavilion before we should have liked. William Buck was the mainstay of the effort, carrying his bat for a most creditable 26 not out while wickets fell about him, and it was an innings of real substance amid an otherwise middling display. Tony Tipples and I were less fortunate, both walking back for nought — my own contribution, I freely confess, the sorriest sort of duck, and the less said of it the better.

Buck's knock, I might add, was no isolated flash, for it leaves him at the head of the club's Married run charts for the season on the strength of those same 26 runs, a fine effort well worth setting down for the record.

Neither side, in the end, could force home an advantage, and honours were shared in a draw that pleased no one greatly and offended no one either. A fair result, I thought, against opponents who played the game throughout in the right spirit, and there are certainly worse ways to pass a Sunday afternoon than in so even and honourable a contest.

Sun 20 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv HC Hayle Place CC · HomeformWDWWW

The Linton Park versus Hayle Place fixture on Sunday 20 September 1953:

I won the toss and had no hesitation in asking my side to bat, the pitch looking a fair one to build an innings upon. And build we did, to 185 for 6 in our 48 overs, the innings owing much to Tony Levick, who middled the ball beautifully for an unbeaten 63, and to Stan Wratten, whose well-made 51 gave the innings its backbone through the middle overs. Between them they set a total that promised our bowlers something substantial to defend.

And defend it they did, in the most emphatic fashion. Hayle Place never truly settled, losing E Watson, G Ashby and L Brunger without a run on the board between them, and from there the innings had a beleaguered look about it. Tony Snell was the chief tormentor, bowling with wonderful control for figures of 3 for 8 from nine maidens, hardly a bad ball among them, while Alan Wilkes chipped in with 3 for 27 and Michael Morton with 2 for 3. The visitors' innings closed for a modest 58 in 30 overs. I had my own small adventures behind the stumps, ten byes slipping past me on a day when the ball did not always behave, though it mattered little against such a score.

Two matters for the club's records deserve mention: Alan Wilkes brought up his fiftieth career wicket, and my own innings carried me past the Reverend F A Leveson-Gower on the all-time run-scorers' list, while Wilkes's exertions saw him move above H G Smith among the wicket-takers. A handsome win by 127 runs, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's cricket in the best traditions of the club.

Sat 19 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformLWDWW

John Thirkell here at the crease of the pen once more, and glad to report a famous Saturday against Bearsted CC.

The toss went against us and Bearsted elected to bat, which on reflection they may have come to regret. Our attack made short work of them, dismissing the visitors for a modest 72 in 27.3 overs, A Snook's 25 being the only substantial resistance the innings could offer. Once the middle order gave way — 57 for 3 becoming 61 for 6 in the twinkling of an eye — there was no holding us, David Sayer, Gordon Hawkins and Mick Gibson all despatched back to the pavilion without so much as troubling the scorers. Alan Wilkes bowled quite beautifully to finish with 8 for 39, a spell the like of which is not seen every season, while Gerald Wright gave nothing away for the taking, his seven maidens speaking for themselves, and closed with 2 for 25.

Set so modest a target, we might have expected an easy passage, but cricket has its own sense of humour and duly obliged with a wobble of our own, subsiding from 72 for 4 to 76 for 7 before the finish. Tom Osborn played the innings of the day, 25 well-made runs, and I was glad to lend what support I could with 21 of my own. Richard Harris, Alan Wilkes and Gerald Wright each made the sorrowful walk without troubling the scorers, but the runs were already banked. Worth noting too that Osborn's knock carried him past Gordon Fenner into seventeenth place among the club's run-getters, and Wright's two wickets lifted him past H Freed into seventeenth on the bowling list.

A scrappy finish, perhaps, but a win all the same, and one earned honestly in the field. We shook hands with Bearsted well pleased with our afternoon's work.

Sun 13 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv MT Medway Towns · HomeformWLWDW

I captained the side against Medway Towns on Sunday the 13th of September 1953, and though the coin refused me its favour and we were sent into the field, the day repaid us handsomely in the end.

Medway Towns made steady progress to 173 for 7 from their 43.1 overs, with G. Lukehurst compiling a watchful 49 and K. Walker unbeaten on 48, R. Harris chipping in with 30. Stan Wratten was in fine fettle with the ball, taking 2 for 3 to trouble their top order sorely, and W. Cleaves departed without troubling the scorers at all. Gordon Fenner and John Ames lent capable support with two wickets apiece, while Alan Wilkes bowled with great economy, three maidens among his figures, and gave nothing away lightly.

Our reply was a thing to warm the heart. I was fortunate enough to find some form and carried my bat to 51 not out, and it would be churlish not to own a quiet satisfaction in leading from the front in that fashion. Tom Osborn played handsomely for 46 and William Buck for 35, and together we saw the side home to 176 for 4 in only 31.3 overs, a fine home for a Sunday afternoon. William Blight had a trying time behind the stumps, nine byes slipping past him, but such things happen to the best of wicketkeepers on an awkward pitch.

There was cause for quiet celebration beyond the result: Tom Osborn's innings carried him past the Reverend F. A. Leveson-Gower into eighteenth place among the club's run-scorers, and Alan Wilkes's wicket lifted him above W. H. Fryer into twenty-third on the bowling list. A six-wicket win, and a thoroughly good day for the club.

Sat 12 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv YC Yalding CC · HomeformLWLWD

The toss went against us, and the Yalding captain, winning it, chose to bat first — a decision he must have rued before the afternoon was out. Alan Wilkes bowled quite beautifully, spinning the ball through their order to finish with six wickets for thirty-three, and found a willing partner in Michael Morton, whose six maidens and four wickets for a mere eleven runs kept the batsmen honest at the other end. Between them they had Yalding all out for fifty-eight in twenty-six overs, F Hooker and H Davidson among those who departed without troubling the scorer, and it was as fine a display of combined bowling as we have seen at Linton Park this season.

Set so modest a target, we went about our business with a cheerful confidence. William Buck played the innings of the day, forty-four runs struck with real authority, and Basil Sears gave him excellent support with thirty of his own. I was happy to see us home, adding twenty-one not out as we reached one hundred and thirty-five for the loss of only three wickets from twenty-four overs. Bob Arnold, it must be said, had a trying time of it behind the stumps, twelve byes going begging, but such things happen to the best of wicketkeepers on an off day, and nobody thought the less of him for it.

A word, too, for Alan Wilkes, whose haul carried him past Robert Muir and into twenty-fourth place among the club's all-time wicket-takers — a fine landmark, warmly applauded in the pavilion. A seven-wicket victory, and two points thoroughly earned against a sporting Yalding side who took their reverse in the best traditions of the game.

Sun 06 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv GK Gillingham CC, Kent · HomeformDLWLW

The toss went against us, and Gillingham CC, up from Kent, made no bones about their intentions once put in. They set about building a total with the sort of patience that makes a captain's afternoon feel long: 210 for 9 from their forty-three overs and one ball, with G Veroest unbeaten on 32 and useful support from A Tansley with 29 and O Barden with 25. It was Alan Wilkes who gave the innings its shape from our end, bowling with real discipline for five wickets for 57 runs and four maidens besides — a spell that will live long in the memory of anyone who stood in the field that day. Stan Wratten and Tony Snell chipped in with a wicket apiece to keep the visitors honest.

Our reply never quite settled into its stride, closing on 129 for 8 from thirty-six overs. William Buck played the anchor's part handsomely for 43, and Stan Wratten's 27 gave the innings some backbone. I was glad to contribute 20 myself, though the middle order rather lost its way, with Richard Harris and Gordon Fenner both undone without troubling the scorers. Poor Tony Levick had a trying time behind the stumps, seventeen byes slipping past him on what was evidently a lively surface.

So honours were shared, a draw when neither side could quite force the issue — no bad result against a well-drilled Gillingham eleven, and a fair reflection of an afternoon's cricket played very much in the right spirit.

Sat 05 Sep 1953 🧢 1st XIv YC Yalding CC · AwayformDDLWL

The road took us to Yalding on Saturday last, a pleasant enough journey for a fixture I have always been glad to keep in the card. The coin fell our way, and judging the wicket fit for batting, I had no hesitation in putting us in.

Our innings realised 157 all out in 36.4 overs, a total built soundly rather than spectacularly. Michael Morton led the way with a well-made 30, ably supported by D Simmons with 27 and Alan Wilkes, unbeaten on 22 at the close. I must own to a blot upon my own card, falling without troubling the scorers, a distinction shared with J Barclay. The tail did not entirely wag, but the total held its shape.

If our batting was workmanlike, our bowling that afternoon was a thing to savour. Yalding's reply crumbled to 56 all out in a mere 19.4 overs, with Lewis and Latter both back in the pavilion before either had opened his account. Gerald Wright bowled quite beautifully, his figures of 6 for 31, including three maidens, altogether too searching for the home batsmen, and Alan Wilkes lent fine support with 3 for 21. Wright's six wickets carry him past Tony Snell into eighteenth place upon the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a distinction thoroughly deserved. In the season's own reckoning he now leads the 1st XI wicket charts with 31, while Basil Sears sits fifth among the run-makers with 264.

A victory by 101 runs, gained in the best traditions of the club, and a merry enough ride home it made.

Sat 29 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv HC Hunton Wanderers CC · AwayformLDDLW

Saturday last took us to Hunton Wanderers CC, and the toss went against us from the very first, so that instead of setting the pace we found ourselves following it all afternoon. Wanderers, put in to bat, made themselves very much at home, with A Pilcher compiling a fine half-century of 65 and Reg Oldfield giving him staunch company for 47. Our attack was not without its answer, however, and R Murray departed for nought. Alan Wilkes bowled tirelessly to finish with 4 for 68, well backed by J Barclay's 3 for 48 and a single wicket to Gerald Wright.

Our reply, I am bound to record, was a sorry affair. The wicket seemed to turn traitor the moment we took guard, and we were all out for a mere 31 in 16.4 overs. N Simmons and Bob Arnold joined me in the sad fraternity of the duck that day, and I own my own blob on the card without excuse or embroidery — three ducks in one innings is a poor advertisement for the willow. Eleven byes besides told of a testing afternoon behind the stumps for William Blight, though no man alive keeps wicket cleanly on such an unfriendly pitch.

There was, at least, one bright thread in the ledger. Gerald Wright's solitary wicket carried him past W H Fryer and up to twenty-second on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a small and welcome landmark on an otherwise chastening day. We went down by 140 runs, thoroughly and fairly beaten, and can only doff our caps to Hunton Wanderers and trot back to the nets the wiser for it.

Sat 22 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv CA Charles Arkcoll · HomeformWLDDL

We lost the toss on Saturday and were sent in the field, which on a fine August afternoon is no great hardship to a side that fancies its bowling. Charles Arkcoll built steadily to 139 for 9 in their 41.5 overs, Stan Wratten playing the anchor's part with 38, and John Ames and Gordon Fenner lending sound support with 24 and 21 apiece. Alan Wilkes bowled quite beautifully, five maidens among his overs and figures of 7 for 60 that will stand long in the book, and I was glad enough to have taken a wicket myself for 28, with Gerald Wright chipping in for one more. Humphrey Morris and Ray Beale both departed without troubling the scorers, and it was as tidy a piece of bowling as we have managed all season.

Set 140 to win, we made rather harder work of it than the target deserved, being bowled out ourselves for 158 in 39 overs, though we got there and that is the main of it. William Blight batted with real substance for 42, and Richard Harris played a fine straight innings of 31 that carries him past Maurice Fenner into twelfth place on the club's list of run-getters, a handsome landmark handsomely earned. Poor J Barclay was undone for a duck, but the middle order held firm, and I was pleased to add 17 of my own along the way, my earlier wicket having lifted me past Ernest Cruttenden into eighth on the all-time list of wicket-takers.

A tight, honest contest throughout, and full credit to Charles Arkcoll for making us work for every run. We got over the line, as the saying goes, and the pavilion tea tasted all the better for it.

Sun 16 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv MA Mote A · HomeformDWLDD

Here is the report.

We lost the toss on the Sunday and were sent in to field, which on a fine August afternoon is no great hardship, though it made for a long day in the deep. Mote gave a good account of themselves, running up 236 for 6 from their sixty-one overs, I. Milsted playing the anchor's part with a well-made unbeaten fifty of 51, and D. Parker and C. Harman lending sturdy support with 44 and 42 apiece. I was fortunate enough to take 2 for 26 with the ball, and found good company in Gordon Fenner, whose figures of 2 for 40 included six maidens that told against the batsmen's patience, and John Ames, who chipped in with 1 for 32.

Our reply never quite found its feet. Tony Levick played a fine and lonely half-century of 62, well backed by L. Harvey with 28 and William Blight with 20, but the innings folded for 147 in 51.4 overs, and John Ames, L. Skinner and I must all confess to a golden nothing apiece — a captain, above all, ought to lead from the front with the bat, and on this occasion I led only by example of what not to do. Two and twenty byes rather told their own tale of a testing afternoon behind the stumps for Tony Levick.

There was cheer amid the gloom, for John Ames reached the landmark of fifty career wickets, and my own two on the day carried me past Don Hartridge into ninth place on the club's all-time list. We went down by 89 runs, but in the best traditions of the club we shall dust ourselves down, return to the nets, and look forward to the next.

Sat 15 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv CA Charles Arkcoll · HomeformDDWLD

Saturday last saw the eleven at home to Charles Arkcoll, and a pleasanter afternoon's cricket the ground has not lately witnessed. Losing the toss, we were asked to field first and settled to our task in fine spirit. The visitors built steadily to 161 for 6 from their thirty-nine overs, the innings carried chiefly by Stan Wratten, whose well-made fifty of 54 was a lesson in correct batting, ably supported by Edgar Humphreys with 36. Gerald Wright led our attack with real purpose to finish with 2 for 47, while I was glad to chip in with 2 for 49, and J Barclay bowled with admirable economy, his 1 for 22 including four maidens that did much to keep the score within bounds.

Our reply never quite found its rhythm against a side bowling and fielding with discipline, and we closed on 108 for 6 from thirty-two overs. Bob Arnold top-scored with a plucky 29, well supported by D Simmons with 23 and William Blight with 22, while I added a useful 15 down the order. Arnold had rather a trying afternoon behind the stumps, thirteen byes slipping past him, though his batting more than made amends, and it was pleasing to note that his innings carried him past E Humphreys into twenty-fifth place among the club's all-time run-scorers, just as Wright's bowling lifted him past Robert Muir into twenty-third on the wicket-takers' list.

Honours were shared in the end, neither side able to force the issue, and a draw of this friendly, hard-fought character is no bad thing for either eleven.

Sun 09 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformWDDWL

I won the toss on a fine Sunday and, with scarcely a moment's deliberation, sent us in against Anchorians CC. William Buck gave us the platform we needed, an admirable 85 that formed the backbone of the innings, and found willing company in Richard Harris, whose 32 lifted him past F S W Cornwallis and into thirteenth place among the club's all-time run-scorers, and in Stan Wratten, who added a useful 30. All told we were dismissed for 206 in 50.1 overs, a total I felt gave us something to bowl at.

And bowl at it we did. Anchorians replied with 166 for 7 from their forty-four overs, Derek Ufton top-scoring with a watchful 47, well supported by A Hart with 41 and D Wren with 25, while M Baynes and Alan Dixon were sent back without troubling the scorers. The day belonged unmistakably to John Ames, whose 6 for 65, including five maidens, was a spell richly deserved and carried him past H Freed to sixteenth on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, with Michael Morton lending honest support at the other end. Poor Tony Levick had a trying afternoon behind the stumps, eleven byes slipping past him on a pitch that gave the keeper no favours.

Neither side could force matters in the end, and honours were shared. William Buck continues to lead our 1953 run-getters with 729 to his name, and John Ames sits second among the season's wicket-takers with 27, a fitting reflection of a fine team performance and a match played in thoroughly good spirit.

Sat 08 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformDWDDW

We lost the toss on Saturday and Headcorn CC, our guests for the afternoon, elected to bat, leaving us first use of the new ball. They set about their task with good sense, and though we chipped away steadily, sending back J. Farrant and G. Gore without troubling the scorers, the Murrells saw to it that runs came at a healthy clip. L. Murrell played the innings of the day, a well-made ninety, with brother C. Murrell contributing thirty-nine and R. Pares twenty-four in support. Gerald Wright toiled manfully for three for seventy-three, and found good company in P. Tew's two for seventeen and Bert Buckoke's two for twenty-one, but Headcorn closed on two hundred and eight for eight from their forty-three overs, a total that always looked a shade beyond us.

So it proved. Our reply never found its feet, and for all William Buck's plucky twenty-nine, wickets fell about him with dispiriting regularity, Basil Sears, D. Simmons and P. Tew all departing without scoring. I did what I could with nineteen, but the innings closed at seventy-nine in eight and twenty overs, poor Bob Arnold having an afternoon to forget behind the stumps with a dozen byes slipping through.

Yet the day was not without its cheer, for William Buck brought up two thousand runs in the club's colours, my own small innings carried me past George Champion to the top of our all-time run-scorers, and Buckoke's two wickets lifted him past Bill Hall in the bowling lists — proof, if any were needed, that even a heavy defeat can leave a club richer. Beaten by one hundred and twenty-nine runs, we shall be the better for it next week.

Mon 03 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv LX Lord Cornwallis XI · HomeformDDWDD

On the third of August, with Lord Cornwallis XI come to visit us, the coin fell against me and their captain chose to take first strike upon it. We took the field in fair heart, and though R. Webb made a handsome 46 and F. Cornwallis gave him good company with 31, the innings never quite settled, for Gordon Fenner turned his arm over to devastating effect and finished with five for 34, unplayable on the day. Gerald Wright bowled with real thrift, two maidens among his three for 39, and Tony Snell chipped in with one for 22. P. Marsham and B. Synce departed without so much as a run to their names, and the visitors were all out for 149 from their 42 overs, a total we felt we might chase down with application.

Our reply had its anxious passages. I must confess to a personal blot on the card, for I went for a golden duck myself, and a captain who cannot lead by example with the bat must content himself with leading by other means. Happily the eleven did not want for backbone elsewhere. Maurice Fenner played a sound 34, in the course of which he passed F S W Cornwallis into twelfth place among the club's run-scorers, and Tony Tipples anchored the innings magnificently, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 51. It was a close-run thing at 150 for nine from 39.3 overs, but we crept home by a single wicket. Tony Snell's solitary wicket in the earlier innings, meanwhile, had lifted him past John Ames into seventeenth on the club's wicket-taking list, a quiet distinction on a day of sterner ones. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a match that did credit to both sides.

Sun 02 Aug 1953 🧢 1st XIv BW Birchington Wanderers · HomeformDDDWD

The coin fell kindly for us on Sunday, and I had no hesitation in sending us in first against Birchington Wanderers, the wicket looking fit enough to reward good batting. We were all out for 151 from forty-six overs, William Buck playing the innings of the day with a fine half-century of 58, well supported by Richard Harris, whose 23 was a tidy and useful knock. Poor J Barclay was less fortunate, undone for a duck, though such things happen to the best of us and were borne, as ever, with good humour in the pavilion. It was pleasing to note afterwards that Harris's runs had carried him past Ernest Cruttenden and into fifteenth place among the club's all-time run-scorers, a small but satisfying entry in the ledger.

Birchington replied with 120 for 7 from their thirty-nine overs, B Hards giving us a proper fight with a splendid 51, and G Broughton unbeaten on 25 keeping the innings together. B Blundell went without troubling the scorers. Our bowlers held firm throughout, John Ames leading the way with 3 for 34 and thereby passing R W Mitchell into nineteenth on the club's all-time wicket-takers, Tony Tipples chipping in with 2 for 19, and I was glad to take 2 for 49 myself, five maidens among them, which I hope kept the runs in check even if the figures were not the tidiest of the day.

Honours were shared in the end, a fair result from a match played in thoroughly good spirit, and one that leaves William Buck and myself, with 605 runs and 23 wickets respectively, still setting the pace in this year's competition.

Sun 26 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv FC Folkestone CC · AwayformWDDDW

John Thirkell here, with the log of a sultry Sunday's cricket at Folkestone.

The toss went against us, and Folkestone elected to bat, which on a fine July wicket was no bad choice on their part. They set about their innings with real purpose, and Gordon Heyer played a handsome knock of 86, well supported by W Barrett with a well-made fifty of 70 and Ernie Thunder's useful 39, the home side closing on 240 for 5 from their 49.2 overs. Gordon Fenner bowled with admirable control to finish with 2 for 55 and three maidens into the bargain, while Bill Hall and John Ames chipped in with a wicket apiece, the latter earning his rewards the hard way at 1 for 85.

Set 240 to draw level, we made a fair fist of the chase without ever quite closing the gap. Stan Wratten was the mainstay of the innings with a fine half-century of 54, and William Buck's 43 and John Ames's 36 gave the innings real backbone. Tony Levick and Bill Hall were both undone without troubling the scorers, but the middle order held firm enough, and I was glad to add my own 17 to the total as we finished on 183 for 7 from 52 overs.

A word too for Bill Hall, whose solitary wicket carried him past Bert Buckoke into twelfth place on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a quiet milestone amid the afternoon's larger business.

Honours were shared in the end, neither eleven able to force the issue, and we came away from Folkestone with the game drawn and our good humour thoroughly intact.

Sat 25 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv Town Malling CC · HomeformWWDDD

Losing the toss on Saturday and finding ourselves asked to field, I own we took the news with the customary philosophy of the amateur cricketer and set about our business in the sunshine. Town Malling batted soundly enough without ever quite mastering us, closing at 140 all out in 41.3 overs. J. Chambers led their innings with a watchful 39, well supported by W. Bailes with 34, while at the other end B. Simpson and R. Chambers both departed without troubling the scorers. The day, though, belonged to Gerald Wright, whose 5 for 52, built on five parsimonious maidens, was a spell of real quality and thoroughly deserved its reward. Robert Muir chipped in handsomely with 3 for 26, and J. Barclay took one for four, so that between them our bowlers gave little away.

Requiring 141 to win, we went about the chase with good sense rather than haste, reaching our target for the loss of three wickets in 39 overs. William Buck played the anchor's part beautifully for a fine half-century of 54, and found capable company in Basil Sears, who made 40, and Michael Morton, whose 25 rounded out a satisfying afternoon with the bat. Fourteen byes gave poor Bob Arnold behind the stumps a testing time of it, though he will doubtless shrug it off. It was pleasing, too, to note that Robert Muir's three wickets carried him past E. C. Streatfield to twenty-third on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a fitting footnote to a fine performance. We ran out winners by seven wickets, and Town Malling, for all their industry, left the field having met an eleven playing very much in the best traditions of the club.

Sun 19 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv JL John Larkings · HomeformDWWDD

I'll set down the captain's account of this match.

Sunday last saw us welcome John Larkings to our ground, and though the coin gave us no comfort — Larkings winning the toss and electing to bat — we took the field in good heart and with the ball in our hands.

It proved a long haul on a good batting day, our opponents building steadily to 286 for 8 from their fifty-two overs, with D. Goodliffe and G. Howard each posting a fine fifty of 58 apiece and T. Saville not far behind with 50 of his own. I confess to a measure of quiet satisfaction with my own two wickets for 20, and Gordon Fenner toiled manfully for his two, while Stan Wratten chipped in with one for 29 to keep the innings within some sort of bounds.

Our reply never quite gathered the momentum required, closing on 172 for 9 from our fifty-nine overs. Tony Levick played the innings of the day, a well-made fifty of 56, and found good support from William Blight with 29 and Stan Wratten with 22, though the middle order rather let itself down, with Tom Osborn, Gordon Fenner and Frank Wright all making the sorrowful walk back for nought. Twenty-three byes told their own tale of a testing afternoon behind the stumps for William Blight.

There was, at least, cause for private celebration, for Stan Wratten's solitary wicket carried him past Ernest Cruttenden into seventh place on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a landmark not lightly won.

In the end honours were shared, neither eleven able to force the issue, and a draw against sporting opponents is no bad way to spend a Sunday.

Sat 11 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv T Tovil · AwayformWDWWD

I captained the eleven down to Tovil on the eleventh of July, a fine day for cricket, and lost the toss into the bargain, so it was our lot to take the field first while our hosts settled in to bat.

They made a solid fist of it, running up 207 for 6 from their fifty overs, with Burness the chief architect of the innings at 46, well supported by Hawkes with 39 and White with 31. It fell to Robert Muir to do the damage, and do it he did, returning 3 for 73 with two tidy maidens thrown in for good measure, while Barclay chipped in with 2 for 65 and Bob Arnold picked up a wicket for 16. Poor Skinner had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, twenty byes going begging, though such things happen to the best of keepers on an unfamiliar ground.

Our reply was a steadier affair. William Buck played the innings of the day, carrying his bat to 58 not out in a display of real substance, and found a willing ally in Tew, who made a useful 22. I was pleased to contribute my own small share with the bat. The rest of the order could not quite force home the advantage, and we closed on 139 for 7 from our forty-two overs, still shy of their total when stumps were drawn.

So honours were shared, a draw that satisfied neither side's ambitions but did no discredit to either, and we motored home well content with a hard, sporting contest played in the best traditions of the game.

Sun 05 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv J J.Charlton's · HomeformLWDWW

The toss went against us on a fine Sunday, and J. Charlton's, invited to bat, set about their innings with good purpose. They compiled 190 all out from their fifty-three overs, N. Bristow the chief architect with a well-made 58, well supported by P. Hope and N. Tiley, both good for 30 apiece. Stan Wratten was in his finest form with the ball, taking three for sixteen to lead our attack, while Robert Muir and Gerald Wright chipped in usefully, and Taylor bowled with great economy, sending down three maidens to keep the scoring in check.

We came to the crease knowing a sporting total awaited us, and I was fortunate enough to find my form early, carrying my bat through to 93 not out and leading the innings from the front. It was a pleasure to have such willing company at the other end, Stan Wratten following his good bowling with an unbeaten 35, and William Buck playing a plucky knock of 20 that not only swelled our total but carried him past Taylor into fourth place on the club's all-time list of run-scorers, a fine landmark reached in good style. We closed on 189 for 3 from our forty-one overs, agonisingly short of the target but never in danger of defeat.

It was a day of quiet milestones besides, for Stan Wratten's three wickets saw him move past Don Hartridge into eighth on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, while William Buck continues to lead our 1953 run charts with 378 to his name, and Tony Snell sits third among the season's wicket-takers with sixteen. In the end honours were shared, neither side able to force the issue, and a draw against so competitive a Charlton's side felt very much like a match won in spirit if not upon the card.

Sat 04 Jul 1953 🧢 1st XIv CA Charles Arkcoll · AwayformLLWDW

We travelled to Charles Arkcoll on Saturday last, the fourth of July, and I lost the toss, so it fell to us to take the field first and see what fortune the Arkcoll wicket would yield. It proved a decent one for batting, and Stan Wratten made the most of it, carrying his innings through to 59 not out in a fine and patient half-century, well supported by Edgar Humphreys with a useful 23. Poor Humphrey Morris was sent back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers, and but for a stand or two the innings might have folded rather sooner than its close of 155 for 7 from 46 overs. The credit for keeping them in check belongs chiefly to John Taylor, whose 4 for 50 did the real damage, with Michael Morton bowling with great discipline for 3 for 38, three of his overs maidens.

We set about the target with good cheer, and Fiennes Cornwallis led the way handsomely with 57, a fine half-century. I was glad to play my part with 53 of my own, and William Buck chipped in a valuable 13, enough, I am told, to carry him past John Taylor and into fourth place among the club's run-getters of all time, a pleasing note for the mantelpiece. Bob Arnold had a trying afternoon behind the stumps, ten byes slipping through, and he, G. Neighbour and Michael Morton each walked back for nought. But the tail wagged gamely, and we reached home 179 for 8 with two wickets to spare, a fine and sporting win, and a happy road home for the eleven.

Sun 28 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv S Selstead · HomeformWLLWD

Selstead came to Linton Park on a fine Sunday, the 28th of June, and won the toss without difficulty, choosing to have first use of the wicket. It fell to us, then, to labour in the field a while, and labour we did, for the visitors were not shifted until 130 stood against their name after 51.1 overs. B. Fletcher played the substantial innings of the day with 36, well supported by D. Eaton's 22, though C. Godden went for nought at our hands. It was Bill Hall who did the eleven proudest service with the ball, taking four for 40, and John Ames was not far behind with four for 46, his seven maidens a model of patience and control. Gordon Fenner chipped in with one for 16, and between the three of them Selstead's total was kept to modest proportions.

Our reply was a shade more anxious than the figures might suggest, 131 for 7 from 42 overs telling of a chase not entirely free of alarm. William Buck batted with fine composure for an unbeaten 48, and I was glad to lend him support with 35 of my own, though Gordon Fenner's contribution with the bat, alas, was a duck to match his bowling triumph. Tony Levick had a busy afternoon behind the stumps, eight byes going begging, yet none of it mattered in the end. A word, too, for William Buck, whose 48 lifted him past my own name into fourth place among the club's run-getters, a distinction thoroughly deserved. We came home three wickets to the good, a sporting contest played in the best traditions of the game, and Selstead left us, I think, with nothing but goodwill on both sides.

Sat 27 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformWWLLW

The lads gathered on the pitch on Saturday 27 June to receive Bearsted CC, and I confess I felt no doubt at the toss — winning the call, I put us in to bat without a moment's hesitation, the wicket looking a fair one for runs.

And runs there were in plenty. William Buck played the innings of the day, a superb unbeaten hundred of 111 that carried our total along in the grandest style, while Peter Weedon lent him fine support with a well-made fifty of 52 not out. Richard Harris chipped in with a useful 21, and in doing so passed the Reverend F A Leveson-Gower to move into seventeenth place on the club's all-time run-scorers list, a distinction he thoroughly deserves. Poor R Fermor was less fortunate, departing for a golden duck, but the innings closed at a handsome 227 for 6 from our 49 overs, and we repaired to the pavilion well satisfied with our afternoon's work.

Bearsted made a spirited reply, N Tiley leading the way with a fine half-century of 66, well supported by A Snook's 25 and H Wood's unbeaten 22. Michael Morton bowled magnificently to claim five for 77, a thoroughly deserved five-for, while I managed to have a hand in matters myself with figures of 1 for 52. L Skinner had a busy afternoon behind the stumps, though eleven byes crept past. Bearsted closed on 188 for 7, and honours were shared — a draw that did credit to both sides, and in the best traditions of the game.

Sun 21 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv HB Hambros Bank · HomeformWWWLL

21 June 1953, Hambros Bank at home. I asked our visitors to bat first, and it proved no bad decision on the day, though it took the whole of the afternoon's toil to bring them back to earth. S Kimmins gave us a fine lesson in the top order, a half-century of real quality, and R Richardson was not to be outdone with a well-made fifty of his own, C Hambro chipping in with 20 more. But our attack would not be denied. John Ames bowled beautifully for his 4-33, Gordon Fenner matched him wicket for wicket with 4-41, and Stan Wratten, tidy and unhurried, took 2-38 with two maidens besides. P Mann, G Taylor and K Emery departed without troubling the scorers, and Hambros Bank were all out for 179 from 48.3 overs — a total that flattered to deceive.

Then it was our turn, and Tony Levick played the innings of the day, 94 of real substance and just short of his century, the sort of knock that has the pavilion on its feet. Richard Harris gave him good company with 27, I was glad to add 25 myself, and between us we saw the total home at 225 all out. Harris's runs, I noted afterwards, carried him past Tom Osborn on the club's all-time list, and my four wickets did likewise past E C Streatfield — small milestones, but the kind that warm an old cricketer's heart.

A fine win, sportingly contested, and Hambros Bank left us, I hope, with as much pleasure in the game as we took ourselves.

Sat 20 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · HomeformDWWWL

Saturday last saw Aylesford Paper Mills CC as our visitors, and I lost the toss for my trouble, watching their captain elect to bat first without a flicker of hesitation. It proved no bad decision on his part. G Webb played the anchor's part beautifully for his 61, and Colin Watson matched him stroke for stroke with a fine fifty of his own, while J Overy chipped in a useful 20 to carry the innings to 201 for 9 from their fifty-two overs. Our attack was not without its say in the matter, however. Gerald Wright bowled with real venom and control to finish with 6 for 59, a five-for thoroughly earned and the talk of the pavilion afterwards. I managed 2 for 57 myself, G Tew picked up one, and John Taylor bowled as tight a line as one could wish, sending down five maidens for his trouble. R Walker and J Lee both departed without troubling the scorer, which was some compensation for the runs conceded elsewhere.

Our reply never quite found its rhythm. Bob Arnold top-scored with a plucky 30, but wickets fell about him with some regularity and we were all out for 90 in the thirtieth over, well short of the target. Poor Arnold had an unhappy afternoon behind the stumps too, thirteen byes slipping through to swell the visitors' total.

A defeat by 111 runs, then, and no disguising it. But Wright's bowling was a joy to watch, and there is enough spirit in this side to know we shall come again next week the stronger for it.

Sun 14 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv OC Old Colfeians CC · HomeformDDWWW

Sunday last brought Old Colfeians CC to our ground, and winning the toss I had no hesitation in asking the eleven to bat first, the pitch looking a fair one for making runs. It cannot be said we entirely justified my confidence, for we were all out for 135 in fifty-six overs, though Richard Harris played the innings of the day, a well-made fifty carrying him to 68 and giving the innings such backbone as it possessed. Less happily, both Gordon Fenner and J Barclay were dismissed without troubling the scorer, and made that lonely walk back to the pavilion which no batsman relishes.

In the field we toiled honestly without quite finding the breakthrough the day demanded. Old Colfeians replied with 138 for 3 in forty-eight overs and three balls, R Shand playing a fine unbeaten fifty of 84 to see them home, well supported by J Marritt with 25 and F Weller, 23 not out. John Ames bowled with the best control of any of our attack, taking 1 for 16, while Robert Muir was miserly in the extreme, conceding but 17 runs for his wicket and sending down three maidens that gave the batsmen no comfort at all.

There was, at least, cause for a quiet smile in the pavilion afterwards, for Ames's solitary wicket carried him past S Christopherson and up to twenty-third on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, while Harris continues to lead our run-getters for the season with 237 to his name. We were beaten by seven wickets, and fairly so, but the Colfeians batted with such assurance that defeat carried no sting beyond the ordinary, and we returned to the nets already looking forward to squaring accounts.

Sun 07 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv SS 1st Innings Old Shooterhillians · HomeformLDDWW

Sunday last brought us Old Shooterhillians to Linton Park, and a fine day's cricket it proved for the eleven. Winning the toss and choosing to field, we set about our visitors with real purpose, and it was not long before their innings began to crumble. P Riley batted soundly for his 20 and top-scored for the side, but around him wickets tumbled at the other end — Walter, Cantwell and McDonald all departing without troubling the scorers. Alan Wilkes bowled quite beautifully to take five for nineteen, a spell as economical as it was destructive, with Tony Snell nagging away for two for sixteen off his four maidens and Gordon Fenner chipping in with one. Fifty-two all out inside twenty-eight overs left us a good deal of daylight in hand.

In reply we made ourselves comfortable rather than hurried, William Buck playing the anchor's part for a well-made 41, with John Taylor giving him fine support with 33 of his own. I was glad to contribute a little myself among the runs that carried us to 152 for 8, though poor Richard Harris will not thank me for mentioning his duck. John Ames's twelve was a tidy landmark too, easing him past E Humphreys on the club's all-time run list.

We finished the job by an innings and 23 runs, a margin that flattered nobody but pleased everybody, and Old Shooterhillians took their beating in thoroughly good spirit. A most satisfactory afternoon's work for the club.

Sat 06 Jun 1953 🧢 1st XIv Town Malling CC · AwayformDLDDW

We travelled down to Town Malling on a fine Saturday morning, the sixth of June, and I lost the toss for my trouble, watching our opponents elect to bat first on what looked a decent strip. It proved no bad toss to lose, however, for the eleven settled to its work in the field and had Town Malling all out for 128 in forty-three and four overs, with Lewis and R. Chambers both back in the pavilion without so much as troubling the scorers. Only D. Wooden, with a well-compiled 48, gave the innings any real substance.

The bowling was shared about most handsomely. Alan Wilkes had pick of the attack with 3 for 27, and I was glad to lend a hand myself with 3 for 31, while Michael Morton chipped in with 3 for 44. J. Barclay bowled two tidy maidens and gave nothing away lightly.

Our reply was a nervier affair, 135 for 9 from forty-one overs, but Richard Harris played a fine captain's innings of his own, a chanceless 54 that carried us home, well supported by Gordon Bugge's brisk 24 — an innings, incidentally, that lifted Harris past C. Murdoch into nineteenth place among the club's all-time run-scorers, a distinction not lightly won.

We scrambled home by a single wicket, two points thoroughly earned against a sporting side, and a happy afternoon's cricket in the best traditions of the club.

Sun 31 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformLDLDD

A sporting Sunday, 31 May 1953, with West Farleigh CC our visitors.

The coin ran against me, and West Farleigh chose first use of the wicket, but our bowling made poor sport of their ambitions. Gordon Fenner was in irresistible form, his six for fifteen a spell to remember, and worthy of the note that it carries him past Frank Taylor to the very top of the club's all-time wicket-takers — a distinction earned, not merely arrived at. He had willing lieutenants in Alan Wilkes, who took three, and Tony Snell, whose one wicket and six maidens told of a most miserly afternoon's work. Reg Fermor, P. Day and George Reffell all departed without troubling the scorer, and the visitors were dismissed for a modest 84 in thirty overs and one ball.

Our reply asked more of us than the arithmetic suggested it should. Fiennes Cornwallis led the way with a well-made 32, and found good company in Basil Sears, 25, and Bob Arnold, whose 22 came at some cost to his composure behind the stumps, if the eight byes against his name are any guide. I contributed what I could to a season already running kindly for me, though it was the tail's steady application, and no little help from twenty-five extras, that carried us home nine wickets down in the thirty-sixth over.

A single wicket in it at the close, and honours enough for both sides, but the two points were ours, and thoroughly earned. West Farleigh left the field, I think, with nothing to be ashamed of, and we repaired to the pavilion well satisfied with a hard-fought afternoon's cricket.

Sat 30 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv OC Old Williamsonians CC · HomeformWLDLD

Beneath a fair May sky we welcomed Old Williamsonians CC to Linton Park, and the coin, for once, favoured me. I sent the visitors into the field, a decision that promised much and delivered rather less, for we were bowled out for 114 from thirty-six overs, Basil Sears and I both contributing what the scorebook unkindly records as golden ducks. Still, a total is a total, and there was hope enough in the pavilion that our bowlers might make it count.

And make it count they very nearly did. Michael Morton led the attack in fine style, claiming three for 31, with J Barclay chipping in two for 11 and Gerald Wright bowling with real discipline, one for 23 and four maidens to his name. Between us we accounted for Myers, Brooks and Keynes without any of them so much as troubling the scorers, and I was glad to see my own solitary wicket land, which I'm told carries me past Dennis Smith to tenth on the club's all-time list, a modest milestone but not one to be sniffed at. Yet the Old Williamsonians' Phillips stood firm for 44 not out, well supported by Bowring's 28 and Trower's 20, and poor Bob Arnold had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, ten byes going begging.

They finished on 114 for eight, level pegging with us to the last, and so honours were shared. A draw, but an honest one, fought hard by both sides in the best traditions of the game.

Mon 25 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv M Marden · HomeformDWLDL

Monday last we welcomed Marden to the ground, and the toss went against us, so it fell to Tony Snell and his fellow bowlers to labour first upon a placid wicket. Marden batted with real purpose, and one F. Day settled in for a magnificent century, 103 in all, well supported by Agar with 38 and Tipples with 36, carrying the visitors to 210 for 5 from their fifty-eight overs and more. Snell bowled with admirable patience, four maidens among his figures of 2 for 80, and found good company in J. Barclay, whose 1 for 8 was a model of economy, and John Ames, who took 1 for 29 and in doing so passed Tom Peach Snr into twenty-fourth place among the club's all-time wicket-takers, a quiet distinction worth the noting.

Our reply, begun in earnest hope of the runs, brought me the good fortune of 67, past my fifty and a most satisfying afternoon's work, with Michael Morton playing a fine supporting innings of 53, himself past his half-century, and Gordon Fenner chipping in a valuable 30 that carried him past the Reverend F. A. Leveson-Gower into sixteenth on the club's list of run-scorers. We closed on 204 for 8 from forty-eight overs, honours even and neither side able to force the issue.

A draw, then, but a thoroughly good one, played in the best traditions of the game, and Marden left us, as ever, the sportiest of opponents.

Sun 24 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv HH Halfway House · HomeformLDWLD

Halfway House came to us on a fine Sunday, the twenty-fourth of May, and winning the toss I saw no reason to do anything but bat, the wicket looking a friendly one for the men to make a start upon.

We were all out for 108 in a shade over thirty-one overs, which will not go down as a memorable total, though John Ames played the innings of the day with a well-made 25 that held the middle order together. William Buck and Gerald Wright were both undone without troubling the scorers, a blot on the card that took some of the shine from an otherwise workmanlike knock. I contributed 19 myself, and was glad enough to have had a hand in the total, if not the decisive one.

In the field we asked a good deal of the bowlers, and Tony Snell led the attack nobly with 2 for 45, well backed by Robert Muir and J Barclay, each claiming a wicket apiece, while Denis Fowle went cheaply for us. But Halfway House batted with sound judgement, Jack Whibley making a fine 40 and finding stout company in Robin Bush, unbeaten on 30, and A Whibley with 29, and they got home by four wickets with two overs unused.

Not our day, then, but a sporting contest played in the right spirit throughout. I was pleased to mark my hundredth appearance in Linton colours in such good company, and to see Richard Harris move up to twenty-first on the club's all-time run-scorers list with his 15. We shall dust ourselves down, back to the nets, and look forward to the next fixture with undimmed enthusiasm.

Sat 23 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv Gore Court CC · HomeformDLDWL

The toss went against us, and Gore Court chose to have first knock, so out we trooped into the field on what promised to be a fair Saturday's cricket. They set about their innings with a will, and though we chipped away steadily enough, I Halder proved the mainstay of their effort with a well-made 44, finding a willing partner in Peter Holmes, whose 21 helped forge a fifth-wicket stand worth 58 and rather took the shine off our afternoon. For my own part I was fortunate enough to claim two wickets for 25, and I was glad of the support from Robert Muir and J Barclay, who took one apiece, while Michael Morton bowled with real discipline, six overs going by without conceding a run. Gore Court closed on 139 for 7 from their allotted 46 overs, a total that left us a proper afternoon's work.

Our reply never quite settled into its stride, though Arthur Cradduck played the innings of the day with a sound 25 that held things together while wickets fell around him. Poor Gerald Wright endured that loneliest of walks for a duck, and twelve byes crept past Tony Levick to remind us all that this game humbles everyone in turn. We closed on 127 for 9 from our 40 overs, the tail wagging gamely but not quite enough to see us home.

So honours were shared, and a draw it was, which on the day's play seemed a fair reflection of two sides well matched. Gore Court are always sporting opponents, and we look forward to renewing acquaintance with them before the season is out.

Sun 17 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv MA Mote A · AwayformDDLDW

The coin fell against us on the Sunday, and Mote A, with the choice of innings gladly taken, made us field first beneath a sky that promised more than it gave. They batted with real assurance, H. Hawkins compiling a well-made unbeaten sixty-six that anchored the innings from start to close, while J. Waters passed his fifty with equal composure and C. Harmer chipped in a useful thirty-one. Between them they carried their side to 195 for 8 from 57.4 overs, a total that owed much to some watchful batting and a shade too little venom from our attack, though John Ames toiled manfully for four wickets at a cost of 84, and Bill Hall, tidy and economical with two wickets and a pair of maidens to his name, kept the runs in check when others could not. Robert Muir picked up one for the solitary run.

Our reply, I am sorry to relate, never found its feet. Eighteen overs and four balls saw us bowled out for a modest 67, the innings undone by three ducks, for Stan Wratten, John Ames and J. Barclay all departed without troubling the scorers, and further embarrassed by fourteen byes that spoke plainly of a testing afternoon for Tony Levick behind the stumps. I did what I could with a plucky twenty-four, the top score of the innings, though it was scant consolation as we subsided to defeat by 128 runs.

There was, for all that, a crumb of quiet satisfaction in the pavilion afterwards, for my twenty-four had carried me past Stan Wratten into second place among the club's all-time run-scorers, and Bill Hall's two wickets lifted him past the Reverend Thomas Burra into thirteenth on the all-time list of wicket-takers. A chastening day in the field, then, but one not without its small honours, and we shall look to sharper things next week.

Sat 16 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv Gore Court CC · AwayformWDDLD

Saturday last saw us away to Gore Court, and a losing toss that sent us into the field first — no hardship on a fine day, and the eleven took to it with a will. Gore Court battled to 121 all out in 41.3 overs, R R Ledger playing the anchor's part with a sound 40, well supported by K Wellard's 22 and Peter Holmes's 20, though the innings crumbled from a promising 116 for 7 to all out under a determined squeeze. I found my length early and finished with 5 for 22, with Richard Hooker and Brian Allsworth both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorer, while Bill Hall bowled with real discipline for 3 for 31, three of his overs unscored from, and J Barclay chipped in with 1 for 42.

Set 122 to win, we made harder work of it than the target perhaps deserved, losing our first wicket for just 3, but a fine 57-run stand for the second steadied the ship handsomely. Basil Sears was the architect of victory, batting right through for a splendid 78 not out, well past his fifty, and finding capable company in Gordon Bugge's unbeaten 31. I was glad to add 30 of my own along the way. The tail wagged merrily for a final 73 runs, for all that Michael Morton and J Barclay departed without scoring, and we closed on 160 for 6 to take the match by four wickets.

A thoroughly deserved two points, and a sporting contest throughout — Gore Court will have taken little pleasure in the finish, but plenty in the manner of it, and so, in truth, did we.

Sun 10 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv FC Folkestone CC · HomeformWWDDL

Sunday last brought Folkestone CC to Linton Park in fine spirit, and the coin fell against us, so that we were asked to take first use of the ball rather than choose our own fortune. It proved no bad thing, for our bowling gave a good account of itself even as the visitors settled to their task. Cecil Blacklocks played the more watchful innings of the day for 39, well supported by R Brook's 36 and an unbeaten 36 from Ernie Thunder, and between them they carried Folkestone to 164 for 5 in their 43 overs. Yet it was not all plain sailing for the visitors, for we sent Bim Goodsell back without troubling the scorers, and Tony Snell bowled with real venom and discipline throughout, his 4 maidens speaking as loudly as his figures, to finish with 5 for 51.

Set that target, we began our reply in workmanlike fashion, though John Ames fell early for a duck, a small blot upon an otherwise sound scorecard. Thereafter William Buck played a innings of real substance, unbeaten on 53 at the close, and found a willing ally in J Barclay, whose 26 helped steady matters, the pair steering us to 131 for 8 from our 41 overs by the finish.

There was cause for quiet satisfaction beyond the day's play, for Buck's half-century carried him past Frank Taylor into fifth place among the club's all-time run-scorers, while Snell's five wickets lifted him past E C Streatfield into twenty-first on the club's bowling roll, and each now leads our 1953 First XI charts in his own department.

Neither side could force the issue, and honours were shared in a draw that did credit to both elevens, Folkestone proving cheerful and generous opponents throughout.

Sat 09 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformWWWDD

I called correctly at the toss on Saturday and had no hesitation in asking Bearsted to field first, the wicket looking fit for runs and the sun kind upon us. Richard Harris played the innings of the day, striking a fine 58 that carried him past his half-century and anchored our total, while William Buck gave sturdy support with 46 and Basil Sears chipped in a useful 29. Poor Michael Morton, so often our mainstay, went without troubling the scorers, but the eleven closed on a respectable 158 for 6 from our forty-one overs, and I was glad enough of the platform it gave us.

Bearsted replied in fine style, v. Pound leading their charge with a handsome 79, well backed by a. Snook's 23 and G. Hawkins's unbeaten 20. Michael Morton, denied with the bat, made handsome amends with the ball, bowling with real discipline for 3 for 37 and five maidens, and accounting for E. White for a duck along the way. Bert Buckoke and J. Barclay chipped in a wicket apiece, but Bearsted's middle order proved equal to the task, reaching 162 for 5 in thirty-three and a bit overs to take the match by five wickets.

A day of small consolations amid the reverse: Richard Harris's innings lifted him past E. Humphreys and into twenty-second place among the club's run-scorers, no mean feat, and he sits second in our season's charts with Morton leading the wickets. Bearsted played the better cricket and deserved their victory, but there was no lack of heart in our effort, and we shall be back at the nets before the week is out, sharper for the lesson.

Sun 03 May 1953 🧢 1st XIv HC Hunton Wanderers CC · HomeformDWWWD

Hunton Wanderers CC came to us on the third of May, and having lost the toss I led the eleven into the field, no bad thing on a fine afternoon with runs plainly in the pitch. Their innings settled into a watchful accumulation, A Pilcher compiling a well-made fifty of 53 before he was parted from the crease, with J Ludden helping the total along with a useful 39 and R Venner finishing unbeaten on 25. Tony Snell was easily the pick of our bowling, prising out two for 30, and had willing support from J Barclay, who also claimed a couple, and Stan Wratten with one. John Taylor bowled with great patience and economy, sending down four maidens that kept the scoring, if not entirely honest, at least respectable. They closed on 169 for 7 from their 46 overs.

In reply we made a fair fist of the chase. John Larking played the innings of the day, striding well past his fifty to 88 before he was out, and found a sound ally in Tom Osborn, whose 29 was worth rather more than the figure suggests. I contributed 18 down the order, though John Ames and Stan Wratten will both, I fancy, prefer to forget this particular outing with the bat. We closed on 163 for 7 from 36 overs, honours even, and a draw that pleased neither side enough to grumble about, nor displeased either enough to spoil a thoroughly sporting afternoon.