Pre-1811 - 1860 'THE OPENING OVERS'
1861 - 1913
1914 - 1918 FIRST WORLD WAR
1919 - 1938
1939 - 1945 SECOND WORLD WAR
1946 - 1960
1961 - 1980
1981 - 1990
1991 - 2000
2001 - 2010
INTRO
THE CRICKET CLUB – help record an historic chronicle
STRATFIELD TURGIS is a village steeped in history, with records dating back to the Doomsday Book. It contains a wealth of historic and listed buildings - from quaint thatched cottages to churches and large houses.
The parish of Stratfield Turgis derives from the Turgis family, who held the manor of the de Ports and St. Johns from as early as 1270 and comprises the hamlets of Spanish Green and Turgis Green, together with Stratfield Turgis itself and surrounding, outlying farms. It is part of the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area.
The village has close connections with the descendants of the Duke of Wellington, whose seat is at neighbouring Stratfield Saye. On the banks of the River Loddon is a fishery which dates back to the sixteenth or seventeenth century.
Stratfield Turgis and Hartley Wespall Cricket Club is but a microcosm of the huge worldwide sporting cricket fraternity - a sport that has sprung from humble origins in the 17th century.
These origins are very much shrouded in mystery - even the club’s emblem bearing 1811 as the founding date lacks hard substantiation. This is no different from cricket history in general - in that, while plenty of references can be found to early cricketing events, they are very often anecdotal.
If only the much-maligned computer had been active in those early days. Imagine all those scorecards and cricketing titbits from two and three centuries ago being instantly ready for cut and paste into accounts such as this - making trips to Winchester Records Office and other outposts largely unnecessary
A positive however, is that we do now live in an IT age - whereby additions and revisions to chronicles can be made with ease. This history is an attempt to piece together available facts and notes regarding the cricket club and should be read as a mobile and flexible account. It is written as far as possible in chronological, diary-like order and is well able to accommodate the huge missing masses of information covering many decades - which we hope will flood in.
So, the message is …to all those readers turning out a grandparents' loft, through to emptiers of musty cricket kitbags (ugggh) - The club would be delighted to hear your input.
This information could be: related events in the neighbourhood, memories and records of games past, individual performances, pictures - in fact, all the topics that enable cricketers to talk long into the night.
*Acknowledgment is due to the Stratfield Parish Meeting for providing cricket-related extracts from its minutes
pre:1811 - 1860 'THE OPENING OVERS'
Much had happened in the cricket world previous to 1811.
1700 - Bats were curved rather like hockey sticks and were straightened only on the advent of new bowling actions.
1709 - First recorded game between two counties (Kent and Surrey)
1744 - Stumps became 22 inches in height and only 6 inches in width
1774 - A new bat width of 4¼ inches was laid down after an England player attempted to use a bat wider than the stumps. (Not seriously challenged until in 1979 Dennis Lillee attempted to use an aluminium bat in Perth)
1776 - A third stump added
1787 - Marylebone Cricket Club formed
1796 - Hambledon Cricket Club dissolved
Turgis Green Recreation Ground was a tithe award in the early 1800s
1811 - First recorded women's cricket match Hampshire v Surrey, a year which marked the start of nearly two centuries of cricket at Turgis Green.
We can conjure up visions of young village men and boys, returning early from the Peninsular Wars in Spain and Portugal, exchanging their smoothbore muskets for the sculptured piece of willow, which in those days passed as a cricket bat. Thoughts were turned to rival events at Broadhalfpenny Down (Hambledon) - in what were then distant parts of Hampshire.
1814 - Lords’ ground was moved by Thomas Lord, to its present position in St Johns Wood.
1815 - Napoleon began his second innings - 'volunteers' were off again to events culminating at Waterloo
1817 - Duke of Wellington acquired Stratfield Saye House in Berkshire in 1817
1841 - Duke of Wellington commanded every barracks should have a cricket ground
1860 - Popping crease was set at 46inches from the target, replacing the previous 45½ inches (the length of an English Agincourt arrow)
1861 - 1913
1863 - Hampshire County Cricket Club founded
1864 - Wisden's Almanac first published and over-arm bowling made legal
1866 - The Recreation Ground was subject of an enclosure award. At the time the parish was set up there were trustees for the recreation ground charitable trust (it seems to have been wound up in 1930) and two overseers appointed and paid by the Parish Meeting managed the ground. They accepted tenders for the feed of the recreation ground, by which it is supposed they mean cattle grazed on it with access to the pond. Later on only sheep were allowed. Rates and taxes were paid on it. (See entry under 1972)
1880 - First home international Test match v Australia at the Oval
1884 - First Test Match at Lords
1889 - Four-ball over lengthened to 5-ball
1896 – Parish Meeting (26th September) - Unanimously resolved that Messrs North and Nurden be empowered to erect a stile on the Recreation Ground, repair the fences, paint the new gates with two coats of paint and to purchase four forms for the Ground.
1898 – Parish Meeting (12th December) - Unanimously resolved to plant oak, chestnut and lime on the recreation ground
1900 - Five-ball over lengthened to six-balls.
In the Paris Olympics cricket was included for the only time. England won and remain current Olympic champions
1903 - The Rev. Edge writes ‘It rained continuously from 10am on June 13 until midnight on June 15. Three inches of rain recorded ‘. Certainly no play that weekend!
1904 - Earth tremor reportedly ‘shook’ Turgis Green
1905 – Parish Meeting (28th March) - Proposed (Mr Taylor and Mr Nurden) that RR Isaac (Chairman) should see Messrs Smith and Manser to get some information on what a shed 20ft long and 12 foot wide would cost.
1907 – PM (21st March) - The plan drawn by Mr Harris for the new pavilion was approved by the meeting. It was put to the meeting by J Taylor, seconded H Curtis that Mr Harris’s tender should be accepted to put up the Pavilion according to the plan specified including cost of preparing the plan for £29.10s.
1908 – Parish Meeting (31st March) - Mr Taylor proposed and Mr Nurden seconded that the pavilion be insured in the sum of £50.
1910 – Parish Meeting (1st April) - Proposed Pearman, Nurden ‘that wire netting should be put round the eaves of the pavilion all present agreed that it should be done.’
(The pavilion was evidently thatched, hence the wire netting to keep out birds)
1912- Parish Meeting (28th March) - Mr Nurden and Mr Phillips to ‘ask Smith to look at repairs at the pavilion, also gate post at entrance to Recreation Ground, also rails adjoining the same’
1914 - 1918 (inc First World War)
1914 Surrey won a shortened County cricket championship
1915 – Parish Meeting (26th March) - £5 -7s-6d received from Mr Pearman as rent of Recreation Ground less 7/10 rates and 2/10 taxes. The balance £ 4-16-10d also allowed 2/6 fire insurance which leaves a balance for the year of £4-14-4d
Death of Dr W.G. Grace aged 92
1917 – Parish Meeting (30th March) - Mr Nurden to be left to see to repairs and painting of the pavilion
1919 - 1938
1920 – Parish Meeting (25th March) - A new gatepost was ordered and the pavilion thatched and the ground rolled.
1921 – Parish Meeting (29th March) - The ground chained harrowed and rolled
1923 – Parish Meeting (28th March) - It was decided to procure 3 loads of gravel for the main entrance of the Recreation Ground
1924 – Parish Meeting (April) - Rates 9/4d taxes 7/10d Gravel and cartage £1- 1/10d
Receipts for feed £3.0.0
Balance handed to treasurer £1-1-0
The rector was asked to write to the secretary of the Board of Agriculture to ask what they could spend the money on. It was decided that three more seats be provided for the Recreation Ground
1925 – Paris Meeting (30th March) - The little entrance gate (next to the Red Lion) was in need of repair and also the pavilion needed some little attention for the woodwork. It was decide to ask Mr Faircloth to do what was necessary.
1926 – Parish Meeting (26th March) Expenditure:
Repairs for pavilion 15/-
Fire insurance 5/6d
Entrance gate: The large gate opposite Wheelers Farm was past repair. It was resolved to ask Mr North if the Estate would provide a new one at cost price. If so, Mr Faircloth Jr. be asked to hang it. If the Estate could not fall in with the proposal, resolved to obtain tenders from Mr Faircloth, Mr Greig and Mr Mansor.
The pavilion: the question of thatching the pavilion was left over for the present on the score of expense.
1926 – Parish Meeting (6th Sept) - A special Parish Meeting was held in the Institute. The Rector was in the Chair
Present: TM Goring, JD Pearman, F Phillips, J Payne and J Dance on behalf of the Cricket Club. Mr Goring proposed that the tender for the re-roofing of the pavilion sent in by Mr Allen for £12-10s be accepted. Carried unanimously. £7-0-0 was voted from the funds of the Parish towards the cost. Mr Dance on behalf of the Cricket club offered £4-0-0 and it was resolved to get up a “whist drive” or “concert” to raise funds for the balance, this, the Cricket Club agreed to do.
1928 – Parish Meeting (26th March) - It was decided to make a grant of £1-0-0 towards providing paint for the outside decoration of the pavilion, it being understood that the work was to be carried out by the members of the cricket club. There was to be 2 undercoats, 1 finishing coat, the old paint to be scraped off
1930 – Parish Meeting (31st March) - Pavilion: Proposed that the pavilion be kept open during the months when summer time is in operation.
Seats: Proposed that 4 seats be left out on the Recreation Ground and that battens be made to make them more secure.
Sunday games: Resolved that no charabanc parties be allowed to use the Recreation Ground for games on a Sunday.
1930 – Parish Meeting (1st May) - The question of the swings was brought up and it was proposed ‘that the swings be erected 100 yards from the Red Lion.’ (known locally as ‘The Cat’ now Jekyll & Hyde).
Opening in summer months of pavilion: It was determined that 3 members of the Parish Meeting and 3 representatives of the Cricket Club with the addition of the Chairman should draw up rules for the use of the pavilion and refer back to the AGM.
1931 – Parish Meeting (12th Nov) - ‘That improvements to the sanitary arrangements outside the pavilion should be made’. The question of fixed seats and a see-saw for the children was left to the Annual Meeting.
1932 – Parish Meeting (29th March) - It was resolved that the ‘Recreation Ground should be kept open as a recreation ground, that the feed should be for sheep only and that the field should be harrowed and rolled’.
Tenders to be invited for improving the position of the urinal behind the pavilion and for guttering round the roof of the pavilion (No longer thatched if they are putting up guttering – SC)
MCC undertook its notorious 'bodyline' Tour to Australia (Harold Larwood)
1933 – Parish Meeting (29th March) - Proposed that entrance to the urinal be improved by fixing a screen. Proposed that outside of pavilion be re-painted, door repaired and both sets of entrance gates be painted white and repaired where necessary. Proposed that the painting inside the pavilion be carried up as far as the roof. Mr Goring to be asked to harrow and roll the ground like last year.
Proposed that the cricket pitch be reserved for cricket and children not allowed to use it except under supervision.
1934 – Parish Meeting (20th March) - Funds did not permit painting of pavilion and seats.
It was questioned if children could be excluded from the cricket pitch.
Got estimates for painting and repair of pavilion and seats.
Mr Goring promised to harrow and roll the ground.
1935 – Parish Meeting (29th March) - Chair: Rev Abdy
Present: D Kimber, WJ Higgs, A Turvey and Miss A Page-Roberts
The Clerk of the Rural District Council thought that the Parish Meeting could safeguard the cricket pitch by making any regulations that would prevent wilful damage.
It was decided to get tenders for raising the pavilion at least one foot off the ground and repairing the wood floor.
1936 – Parish Meeting (4th March) - Estimates for raising the pavilion exceeded funds so the matter has been deferred. It was proposed by Higgs, Taylor that the pavilion be raised on a permanent concrete foundation with a concrete floor. Estimates to be sought.
After a long discussion the following resolution was passed: That the pavilion be kept locked throughout the year except when in use by the Cricket club, but that if anyone wished to use it, that person could apply at Turgis Stores (where the garage now is- SC) for the key and he or she would be responsible for again locking up the pavilion and returning the key.
Inadequate sanitation was referred to the Medical Officer of Health.
1937 – Parish Meeting (19th March) - £6-0-0 was voted towards the salary of a groundsman for keeping the ground rolled and mown during the coming summer. Carried with one dissention
Read Sidney Pitman's account of local village cricket
1938 – Parish Meeting - Proposed 2 fixed forms be placed under the trees on the Recreation Ground and also that 2 refuse baskets be provided.
£4-0-0 voted to Cricket Club towards mowing the grass and keeping the ground in order.
Administration of the Village Institute: Agreed that one rep from the Cricket Club, the WI and the MU should be elected to form a committee together with Messrs Higgs, Turvey and Kircher. The Rector is the chairman.
1939 - 1945 (inc Second World War)
1939 – Parish Meeting (24th March) - Rev JG Abdy re-elected as chairman
Present WG Higgs, Mr Arthur Turvey, Mr G Satterley
Repairs to guttering on pavilion, painting the front of the pavilion, to creosoting the swings and to have the ground well rolled before the cricket season.
The chairman was instructed to talk to the local policeman and see if he could put a stop to wilful damage being done by lads to property on the recreation ground.
ARP wardens appointed.
The telephone exchange of Turgis Green was opened at the end of January 1939 and served 50 subscribers - previously the telephone service operated from the grocer's shop at Sherfield-on-Loddon.
1940 - Parish Meeting (29th March) - Rev Abdy re-elected.
Present Mr Higgs, Mr Turvey. No-one else present due to war conditions.
Decided that chairs and seats belonging to Cricket club should be put into the pavilion in September and brought out again in May.
Also determined that if application was made for part of the Recreation Ground to be turned into allotments the Chairman should write to the Ministry of Agriculture to find out if this was allowable.
1941 - Parish Meeting - £4-0-0 voted for upkeep of Recreation Ground. If repairs are needed to the Cricket club’s automotive mower they should be met out of funds in hand as cricket club not likely to function for the duration of the war.
1942 - Parish Meeting (27th March) - Present: Rev Grundy, Mr Higgs, Mr Pitman, Mr Payne, Colonel and Mrs Williams, Mr Turvey, Mr Taylor, Mr Gamble and Lieutenant Buston on behalf of the gun site.
Mr C Taylor voted as chairman.
Proposed Higgs and Pitman that the men from the Wellington gun site should have every facility given to them to play on the Recreation Ground and use the pavilion, and that the cricket accessories be a joint obligation between the Cricket Club and the gun site.
1943 - The Oval converted to a POW camp
1946 - 1960
1946 – Parish Meeting - £4-0-0 was given to the cricket club for the ground. The state of the pavilion was discussed and it was decided to buy paint for the outside, the painting to be done by volunteers.
1947 – Parish Meeting - Decided to do repairs to the pavilion especially the roof and also renew door and lock if possible
1948 – Parish Meeting - Mr Taylor took chair. Decided to carry on with repairs to the pavilion.
2 men are willing to re-nail the galvanised iron on the roof and do the painting not done the previous year for £8.0.0, paint to be supplied.
1951 – Parish Meeting - £4-0-0 was given to the cricket club for mowing.
1952 – Parish Meeting - Pavilion needed repairing. The Cricket Club stated that they hoped to build 2 dressing rooms on to the end of pavilion during the coming year. The Meeting agreed to this.
1955 – Parish Meeting - It was decided not to give four pounds to the Cricket Club as further pavilion repairs would be needed next year.
1956 – Parish Meeting - £4-0-0 to the Cricket Club for mowing.
1961 - 1980
1961
Hampshire won the County Cricket Championship.
Australia v West Indies Test Match (Second day) had 90,800 spectators.
1962
England beat Pakistan 4 – 0 and Tom Graveney topped the County batting averages with 2269 runs at 54.03.
Last Gentlemen v Players fixture played at Scarborough
1963
PM Present: Mr A Turvey, Mr M Turvey, Mr R Syckelmoore and Mr G Gamble
Great regret in recording the death of Cyril Taylor who was for many years Chairman of the Parish Meeting and a trustee of the Recreation Ground. Also captain of the Cricket Club for a long period.
Four pounds given to the Cricket Club for mowing and two pounds to Mr Turvey for cutting the hedge.
Our 1963 Fixture Card included games v the First elevens of Basingstoke, Hurst, Bracknell and Newbury
PDF
Our 1963 fixture card lists some illustrious vice-presidents
Limited overs cricket introduced and West Indies won Test series 3 – 1.
Gentleman v Players abolished (No longer distinction between amateurs and professionals).
Richie Benaud played his last Test match.
1964
Geoff Boycott raced to a maiden century (in 5 minutes short of 4 hours v Australia).
Freddie Trueman became the first bowler to take 300 wickets in Test cricket.
1965
PM (April) Present: Mrs Gresham-Cooke, Mrs Taylor, Messrs A and M Turvey and G Gamble
Eight pounds for paint for pavilion. Work to be carried out by Mr Turvey and the Cricket Club. Mr Turvey to cut the hedge.
The Commons Registration Act in 1965 (click on hat)
Last tour of England by South Africa before apartheid ban
The death of Peter - the Lords cat - was listed in Wisden
1966
PM Present: Mrs Gresham-Cooke, Mrs Taylor, Mr A Turvey, Mr G Gamble
Booklets given out were given out about registration of commons. There was a discussion if the Recreation Ground was a common. It was decided to register it if eligible.
West Indies win Test series 3 –1
The first County Championship game to be played on a Sunday. No admission fee could be charged, but the crowd was charged for scorecards
Geoff Hurst (1966 World Cup winner) played his one and only game for Essex. (Scoring 0 no and a duck)
1967
PM Commons Registration Act: It was decided to go ahead and register the Recreation Ground.
Spring Bank Holiday fixture was v RAOC Officers Club (away)
Wednesday August 2 We hosted visitors from Broadstairs in Kent - Bobbing CC
August Bank Holiday Monday - the club played CAD Bramley (away)
On September we played an interesting game v Haymakers from Herefordshire
Derek Underwood tops county averages with 136 wickets at 12.39.
1968
AGM (7th November) elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smyth
Mrs G Smyth
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Secretary and Joint Treasurer: M Turvey
M Turvey
Joint Treasurer: M Dance
: M Dance
Match Secretary: M Geater
: M Geater
Club Captain: B Pangbourne
B Pangbourne
Vice-Captains: P Mison and D Lailey
: P Mison and D Lailey
Ground Manager: A Turvey
A Turvey
Umpires: J Gains and M Geater
: J Gains and M Geater
Committee: C Fuller, M Foster, J Perrott, M Perrott, D Sylvester, B Wills, J Davis, A Turvey
: C Fuller, M Foster, J Perrott, M Perrott, D Sylvester, B Wills, J Davis, A Turvey
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc plus G Daly and A Skinner
: Re-elected plusG Daly and A Skinner
The AGM resolved to investigate the purchase of a mechanical roller and to investigate indoor
cricket facilities at Richard Aldworth School.
The Secretary was to be provided with a telephone – (felt to be a necessity).
Work parties were to be formed, for work especially on the sight screens
Selection of Basil D’Oliveira led to cancellation of South African tour (Apartheid).
Gary Sobers hit 6 consecutive sixes off the unfortunate Glamorgan spinner, Malcolm Nash.
Yorkshire won its third successive Championship
1969
AGM (6th November) elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smyth
Mrs G Smyth
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Secretary and Joint Treasurer: M Turvey
M Turvey
Joint Treasurer: M Dance
M Dance
Match Secretary: M Geater
M Geater
Saturday Captain: Bob Smith
Bob Smith
Vice-Captains: P Mison and D Lailey
: P Mison and D Lailey
Sunday Captain: N Dance
N Dance
Ground Managers: A Turvey and C Fuller
: A Turvey and C Fuller
Umpires: J Gains and D Geater
: J Gains and D Geater
Committee: C Fuller, A Turvey, S Raynor, D Sylvester, J Davis
: C Fuller, A Turvey, S Raynor, D Sylvester, J Davis
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc, plus I Cowper-Smith with the exception of C R Eglington.
: Re-elected , plus I Cowper-Smith with the exception of C R Eglington.
A reasonably healthy balance sheet was reported, although the mechanical roller ‘made a big hole in the accounts’. ? Who was driving at the time?
Next committee meeting was scheduled for 5th January 1970 at The Fox, Rotherwick
Inaugural John Player Sunday League competition
1970
AGM (19th November) elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smythe
Mrs G Smythe
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Joint Secretaries: M Turvey and R Walters
: M Turvey and R Walters
Joint Treasurers: M Turvey and R Walters
: M Turvey and R Walters
Match Secretary: M Geater
: M Geater
Club Captain: N Dance
N Dance
Vice-Captains: P Mison and J Davis
: P Mison and J Davis
Ground Managers: Shared club members
: Shared club members
Umpires: J Gains, G Daly and D Geater
: J Gains, G Daly and D Geater
Committee: C Fuller, D Syckelmore, D Lailey, D Sylvester, R Smith
: C Fuller, D Syckelmore, D Lailey, D Sylvester, R Smith
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc
Agreed to purchase wire for the square surround and to arrange a ‘painting work party’ in the Spring.
The mowers were identified as needing overhauling. Subscriptions were stated to be 'ridiculously low'.
South Africa cancelled tour of England - and commenced a 22-year ban from international sport
Pakistan v England in Karachi abandondoned due to rioting
1971
AGM (20th January 1972) elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smythe
Mrs G Smythe
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Secretary: M Turvey
: M Turvey
Treasurer: J Davis
: J Davis
Match Secretary: M Geater
: M Geater
Club Captain: N Dance
N Dance
Vice-Captains: P Mison and J Davis
: P Mison and J Davis
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Committee: C Fuller, R Smith, D Syckelmore, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis, Mrs B Reoke
: C Fuller, R Smith, D Syckelmore, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis, Mrs B Reoke
Umpire: J Gains
: J Gains
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc.
: Re-elected
Treasurer reported a ‘fairly sound position’. Agreed that annual subscriptions should be raised from 50p to £1.
Mrs Gresham-Cooke attending the meeting as a representative for Parish Meeting, was asked re: the possibility of a new pavilion on the ground. She commented on the lack of playing members from the village.
Teas were again to be at The Cricketers.
First one-day international at Melbourne. - Australia v England
1972
AGM (14th November) elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smythe
Mrs G Smythe
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Secretary: J Berry
J Berry
Treasurer: J Davis
J Davis
Match Secretary: G Dyer
G Dyer
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Umpire: J Gains
J Gains
Ground Manager: C Fuller
C Fuller
Committee: C Fuller, R Smith, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis, Mrs C Turvey
: C Fuller, R Smith, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis, Mrs C Turvey
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc, plus Mr Moate and R Price.
: Re-elected , plus Mr Moate and R Price.
Mrs Gresham-Cooke attended the meeting as a representative for Parish Meeting and requested that dumped soil be removed from around trees.
A ‘Christmas Fayre’ held at Sherfield Village Hall raised £82.
Match fee set at 25p and annual subscription at £1.
A special meeting was then held to discuss groundshare with Tylehurst St George CC (J Gains in the chair). Unanimously decided to approve groundshare. President of TSGCC agreed to consult his members on: Upkeep of the ground/maintenance costs/general ground expenditure. A written agreement would entail 2 years’ notice from either side to terminate the agreement.
Four members of each side to attend further discussions: From STHWCC these would be:
C Fuller, J Berry, G Dyer, J Davis, Chairman to be R Tidsbury.
A Christmas Fayre was booked for Sherfield Village Hall (Saturday 17th December).
Benson and Hedges cup introduced.
1973
AGM (18th October) held at The Cricketers elected officers:
President: Mrs G Smythe
Mrs G Smythe
Chairman: J Gains
J Gains
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Treasurer: J Davies
: J Davies
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Match & Fixture Secretary: G Dyer
: G Dyer
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Vice-Captain: P Harriss
: P Harriss
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Umpire: J Gains
: J Gains
Committee: J Deal, R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, M Fuller, Mrs K Davis
: J Deal, R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, M Fuller, Mrs K Davis
Vice Presidents: Re-elected with exception of C Bartlett, M Hedger, R Radmore,and A Manser.
: Re-elected with exception of C Bartlett, M Hedger, R Radmore,and A Manser.
Newly elected were: Jim Weaver and Ted Burnett (TSGCC), M Fletcher and Lord Richard Wellesley.
Tylehurst St George CC groundshare was renewed until 1975.
A new mower was purchased costing £77.
A dance held in March at Rotherwick Village Hall had made a net profit of £80 and the Derby draw yielded £58.
Match fee raised to 40p. Annual subscription held at £1.
In the Hampshire League (North Regional Division) the club finished halfway, playing
24/winning 10/drawing 4/losing 8/abandoned 2.
Captain Geoff Dyer topped the batting with 709 runs at 35.45 - including a century (108no). Mickey Sumpter had 503 runs at an average of 27.94. These two shared an opening partnership of 125 v Dogmersfield.
Derek Hopkins heading the bowling averages taking 26 wickets at 10.76, while Jim Berry had the top haul of 41 wickets (200+ overs bowled).
Tony Lewis leads England winter tour of Pakistan.
Umpire Dickie Bird's first Test match
1974
AGM (18th October) held at The Pavilion elected officers:
President: R C Smith
R C Smith
Chairman: J Pollock
J Pollock
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Honorary Team Secretary: R Strudley
R Strudley
Treasurer: J Davis
: J Davis
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Match & Fixture Secretary: G Dyer
: G Dyer
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Vice-Captain: J Davis
: J Davis
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Umpire: Jim Stacey
: Jim Stacey
Committee: C Fuller, J Deal R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis
C Fuller, J Deal R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, Mrs P Fuller, Mrs K Davis
Vice Presidents: All re-elected with the exception of R Tidsbury who had left the area
: All re-elected with the exception of R Tidsbury who had left the area
The club’s President (Mrs Smythe) had died during the year.
Meeting agreed to purchase a tankard to commemorate the services of Joe Gains and to elect him as a life vice-president.
Reported that electricity had been installed into the pavilion and that a ‘spiker’ and other items of ground equipment had been acquired.
Club reached the semi-final of the all-Hampshire cricket quiz.
A dance was held on 15th March.
Indoor practice in conjunction with TSGCC had been arranged in Reading.
In North Hampshire League (Division 1) our side finished sixth of 16 teams,
winning 8/losing 5/drawing 2. J Davis, Mike Sumpter and Geoff Dyer topped the club’s batting with averages of 28.00, 27.50 and 22.81 respectively. Geoff headed up the bowling table (21 wickets at 8.43), supported by Roger Tinson (30 wickets at 9.10).
PM Cricket Club asked for outfield to be cut and rabbits controlled.
India and Pakistan toured England.
Gary Sobers made his last Test appearance in Port of Spain v England
1975
AGM (10th October) held at The Pavilion elected officers:
President: R C Smith
R C Smith
Chairman: G H Nicholls
G H Nicholls
Secretary: J Berry
J Berry
Team Secretary: R Strudley
R Strudley
Treasurer: M Jenvey
M Jenvey
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Match & Fixture Secretary: S Dyer
: S Dyer
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Vice-Captain: S Critchell
: S Critchell
Ground Manager: C Fuller
C Fuller
Umpire: Left vacant
Committee: M Fuller, R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, A Tinson
: M Fuller, R Price, R Gill, R Tinson, A Tinson
Vice Presidents: Existing plus P Hamman.
: Existing plus P Hamman.
Jim Pollock had been posted overseas and was succeeded as chairman by G Nicholls.
J Davis had emigrated and had been succeeded as Treasurer by P Hamman.
A vice-president Mr Walters had died during the year.
Match fees reduced to 20p.
Improvement grants and extensive fund raising allowed planning for improvements to the pavilion.
The groundshare agreement with Tylehurst St George CC was extended for 1976.
T. Prickett topped both batting (467 runs at 33.21) and bowling (41 wickets at 10.26) averages in a season which saw the club finish 9th of 18 teams in North Hampshire League Div 1.
PM Technical Services of Basingstoke District Council to be asked to continue to cut grass in outfield. Mr Syckelmoore would cut the hedge again – to be paid 2 pounds.
Leisure and Recreation at Basingstoke DC to be asked about improving the pavilion and changing rooms.
Headingley test wicket dug up by ‘Free George Davis’ protestors.
First cricket world cup sponsored by Prudential held in England and won by West Indies.
Colin Cowdrey's last Test appearance v Australia in Melbourne
Jack Balderstone played for Leicestershire v Derbyshire and for Doncaster Rovers v Brentford on the same day
1976
AGM (22nd October) held at The Pavilion elected officers:
President: R. C. Smith
R. C. Smith
Chairman: R Strudley
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Team Secretary: R Strudley
R Strudley
Treasurer: M Jenvey
M Jenvey
Assistant Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Match & Fixture Secretary: S Dyer
S Dyer
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Vice-Captain: D Syckelmore
: D Syckelmore
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Umpire:
:
Committee: Mrs P Fuller, S Critchell, R Price, R Gill, A Tinson
Mrs P Fuller, S Critchell, R Price, R Gill, A Tinson
Vice Presidents: Existing re-elected en bloc plus Alan Kirk, Seccombe, Seccombe
: Existing re-elected plus Alan Kirk, Seccombe, Seccombe
G H Nicholls had resigned as Chairman during the year.
Bob Skinner (vice president) had died – he was one of our longest serving and most active members.
Completion of the pavilion improvement scheme was announced.
Annual subscription set at £2 and match fees at 20p.
Committee was instructed to investigate purchase of an implement shed.
The Club joined the National Cricket Association, and applied to join both the Berkshire League and the Three Counties League (Keeping options open).
Club ties were manufactured and sold at £1.50.
Finishing 12th in the League - relegation was avoided and Geoff Dyer was of the opinion that a Second X1 would improve playing strength. Geoff hit 683 runs at an average of 37.94.
B Nicholson headed the bowling with 21 wickets at 10.80. Terry Pearson bowled over 221 overs returning 41 wickets at 13.50.
In the Berkshire Indoor League the club finished joint second.
PM Chairman Mr R Price reported on the re-building of the cricket pavilion. Mr Anderson offered to advertise in the broadsheet for more local cricketers.
Andy Roberts and Michael Holding bombarded England’s test batsmen.
Denis Amiss was the first player to wear a protective helmet in Test match v West Indies
1977
An extraordinary General Meeting was held at the Pavilion on 19th April 1977. The meeting discussed at length whether the club should enter the Berkshire Cricket League or remain in the Hampshire League. Agreed without dissent to enter the Berkshire League.
AGM (14th October) held in Pavilion, elected officers:
President: R C Smith (Mrs G Smythe had died during the year)
R C Smith ()
Chairman: J Cull
J Cull
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Fixture Secretary: S Dyer
S Dyer
Treasurer: M Jenvey
: M Jenvey
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Team Secretary: M Jenvey
: M Jenvey
Club Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
Vice-Captain: D Syckelmore
: D Syckelmore
2nd X1 Captain: T Pearson
T Pearson
Vice-Captain: M Jenvey
: M Jenvey
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Umpire: Left vacant
: Left vacant
Committee: R Price, R Gill, A Longden, Mrs P Fuller, A Tinson, S Critchell
: R Price, R Gill, A Longden, Mrs P Fuller, A Tinson, S Critchell
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc
: Re-elected
A sad event had been the death of our former chairman Joe Gains.
The question of amalgamation with Tylehurst St George CC produced a ‘lively’ debate.
Alternatives such as dual or associate membership were proposed. Continued investigation was thought best way forward.
The committee was instructed to look into the provision of practice nets/concrete strip.
On the playing side Albert Potter topped batting figures with 255 runs at 31.87, supported by new member, Dennis Beardsworth (281 league runs at 23.41). Terry Pearson bowled an impressive 250 overs over the season, showing 50 wickets at 10.71.
Umpires Cyril Fuller and George Bancroft were thanked for their services.
The committee decided to run a 2nd X1 in 1978, competing in the Hampshire League.
PM Due to low funds it was decided not to give the customary 4 pounds to the Cricket Club.
Cricket changed forever, with Kerry Packer winning court approval to launch World Series cricket.
England's last tour match as MCC
1978
AGM (13th October) held in Pavilion, elected officers:
President: R C (Bob) Smith
R C (Bob) Smith
Chairman: J Cull
J Cull
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Treasurer: J Morris
: J Morris
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Team Secretary: T Pearson
: T Pearson
Secretary: S Critchell
S Critchell
First X1 Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
First X1 Vice-Captain: S Critchell
: S Critchell
Second X1 Captain:T Pearson
T Pearson
Second X1 Vice-Captain: J Berry
J Berry
Ground Fixture Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Auditor: R Strudley
R Strudley
Committee: R Price, R Gill, C Whatley, Mrs P Fuller, A Tinson. A Longden, B Holland,
: R Price, R Gill, C Whatley, Mrs P Fuller, A Tinson. A Longden, B Holland,
D Syckelmore
Vice Presidents: Re-elected en bloc.
: Re-elected
Inaugural Season of Berks Mercury Cricket League with a maximum of ninety overs per match.
The side batting first had an optional maximum of 47 overs. No limit was imposed on the number overs to be bowled by individual bowlers.
Nets had been provided thanks to work by Dave Syckelmore
Continuing progress and cooperation with TSGCC had been noted.
The First X1 finished 8/10 in Premier Division of the Berkshire League, but avoided relegation. Stephen Dyer topped batting averages with 523 runs and an average of 26.15. Steve Critchell headed the bowling figures with 43 wickets for 13.32 apiece.
Steve Dyer was voted Berks Mercury League young player of the Year.
2nd X1 had marked its last season in Hants League with some success. The seconds were entered into Division 3 of the Berkshire League for next season. D Fletcher headed up the second’s batting with 127 runs at 25.60 and Terry Pearson bagged 30 wickets at 13.16.
A Colts X1 was formed
County Championship sponsored for the first time by Schweppes
Protective helmet worn for the first time in Test Cricket by Graham Yallop (Australia).
1979
AGM (2nd November) held in Pavilion, elected officers:
President: R C Smith
R C Smith
Chairman: J Cull
J Cull
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Treasurer: J Morris
: J Morris
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Team Secretary: M Lewsey
: M Lewsey
Fixture Secretary: S Critchell
: S Critchell
First X1 Captain: G Dyer
G Dyer
First X1 Vice-Captain: S Critchell
: S Critchell
Second X1 Captain: T Pearson
T Pearson
Second X1 Vice-Captain: A Tinson
A Tinson
Ground Manager: C Fuller
: C Fuller
Auditor: R Strudley
: R Strudley
Committee: R Price, R Gill, B Holland, Mrs P Fuller, G Last, Martin Turvey,
: R Price, R Gill, B Holland, Mrs P Fuller, G Last, Martin Turvey,
Mrs A Pearson, Mrs V Lewsey, G Hullett, D Syckelmoore
Vice Presidents: Existing re-elected with the exception of Mrs Gresham Cooke, Alan Kirke
Existing re-elected with the exception of Mrs Gresham Cooke, Alan Kirke
and J Scurrah. Newly elected were Mr Simmons, Mr C Gill and Mrs Carter.
Annual subscription held at £1.
A tour of Yorkshire (four matches) in 1980 was proposed by G Hullett.
The newly installed bar had proved a considerable success and Roger Gill was complimented on his building work. The bar licence was granted on 28th March 1979 and was valid initially for one year. The official opening on 25th May was attended by over 70 people.
The agreement with TSGCC was being terminated on 31st December 1979 and a revised agreement negotiated for one year to 31st December 1980.
Our security of tenure on the ground was recognised as being a most important forthcoming
task for the Club to confirm.
A gang mower had been acquired as part of continuing ground improvements.
Geoff Dyer was re-elected to the committee of the Berkshire League.
Graham Last was the first winner of the Bob Skinner Trophy. (Young Player of the Year).
On the playing side the First X1 again had a ‘nervous’ season – finishing again eight of 10 teams.
New players Graham Hullett and Stuart Clarkson had done particularly well.
Geoff Dyer topped the batting with 300 runs at 21.86, while J Hall took 14 wickets at 6.21.
The Second X1 included many youngsters and had an encouraging first season in the Berkshire League.
In the Berkshire Indoor League we had more success - winning our division and reaching the pool semi-finals.
Presentation made by Chairman to Anne and Terry Pearson in appreciation of their work for the club.
PM Cricket Club:
The chairman, Mr Price, reported that he had attended 2 committee meetings of the club, which is now expanding with hopes of running 2 teams. The club has applied for a licence to sell beer and spirits. Mr and Mrs Kirke (landlords of the ‘Cricketers’) opposed. A lengthy discussion ensued. Mr Gaiger read a letter he had written to the Licensing Committee of the Magistrates saying that several parishioners were against the granting of the licence.
(12th December) Mr Kirke had tabled a motion on ’The misuse of the Recreation Ground together with the aggravation of discos’ After much discussion Mr R Syckelmore proposed the following: ‘that the meeting was satisfied with the way that the Recreation Ground is presently administered by the Parish Meeting and the Cricket Club and that it should continue in this manner for the foreseeable future’. A vote was taken and a large majority was found in favour of the motion.
Second cricket World Cup again held in England and won by West Indies.
Last delivery of an eight-ball over in Australian state cricket (Terry Alderman)
Denis Lillee employed an aluminium bat v England at Perth
1980
An Extraordinary General Meeting (19 April) was held with J Pollock taking the chair in Pavilion - primarily to amend Rule 3 to read:
‘’The Club Premises shall be the Pavilion and Cricket Ground, Turgis Green, Near Basingstoke, Hampshire’’. This resolution was carried unanimously.
This resolution was carried unanimously.
AGM (31 October) held in Pavilion, elected officers:
President: Bob Smith
Bob Smith
Chairman: J Pollock
J Pollock
Secretary: J Berry
: J Berry
Treasurer: J Morris
: J Morris
Asst Treasurer: C Fuller
C Fuller
Team Secretary: M Lewsey
: M Lewsey
Fixture Secretary: S Critchell
: S Critchell
First X1 Captain: R Gill
R Gill
First X1 Vice-Captain: G Hullett
: G Hullett
Second X1 Captain:T Pearson
T Pearson
Second X1 Vice-Captain: J Morris
J Morris
Sunday X1 Captain: R Weaver
R Weaver
Sunday Vice-Captain: S Dyer
S Dyer
Ground Manager: left vacant
: left vacant
Auditor: R Strudley
: R Strudley
Committee: Mrs P Fuller, Mick Turvey, Mrs A Pearson, Mrs V Lewsey, G Dyer, J Weaver`
Mrs P Fuller, Mick Turvey, Mrs A Pearson, Mrs V Lewsey, G Dyer, J Weaver`
Vice Presidents: Existing were re-elected. Newly elected were: Felix Bowness (of Hi-Di-Hi!),
Existing were re-elected. Newly elected were: Felix Bowness (of
C Fuller, A Gardner, L Gibbs, A Gill, R Hepburn, G A McClelland R Reddish, Mrs E Simmons,
T Tinson, T Williams, A Yates.
The First X1 finished again a lowly 9th in the Premier division, but avoided relegation again.
Graham Hullett topped the batting averages with 498 runs at 29.29. Steve Dyer took 35 wickets at 12.60 closely followed by Albert Potter (41 wickets at 15.93).
The 2nd X1 finished 8th in Division 3. Teams had often included colts.
Alan Longden topped batting figures with 183 runs at 22.88. Terry Pearson sent down 242 overs taking 42 wickets at 11.24, including a memorable (league record) haul of 10 – 9 v Bradfield.
Fred Bernsten and Mick Turvey agreed to manage a Colts X1.
One of our playing members, Stuart Clarkson, was sadly killed in a skiing accident in Italy.
Peter Green who had provided the Bar on several occasions for the club had also died.
Victoria hotel, Hartley Wintney was the venue for the club’s Annual Dance.
A new pavilion clock was purchased.
Annual subscription raised to £5.
Amalgamation with TSGCC was confirmed with effect from 1981 season.
Adrian Sandland accepted the Bob Skinner Trophy on behalf of his brother Martin.
The club undertook an enjoyable tour of Yorkshire organised by Graham Hullett. The weather was not kind (two of the four scheduled games being called off). Approximately 38 members (19 players) joined the touring party.
The party overnighted during the tour at the Gillmore Private Hotel (£6 per night)
Fixtures were arranged:
Mon 4th August v Nidderdale X1 (lost by 8 wickets). Eddie Newman 49 no. Total 139-9.
Tues 5th August v Goldsborough (Drawn). Eddie Newman 66 no. A Close 31.Total 159-8
Wed 6th August v Pool-in-Wharfedale Rain
Thurs 7th August v Wharfedale X1 Rain
Eight-ball over abolished in Australia
Centenary Test match played between England and Australia
The last Gillette Cup final was played at Lords (Middlesex beat Kent by six wickets)
Re-elected
Mrs G Smythe J Gains: M Turvey and R Walters: M Turvey and R Walters: M Geater N Dance: P Mison and J Davis : Shared club members: J Gains, G Daly and D Geater: C Fuller, D Syckelmore, D Lailey, D Sylvester, R SmithRe-elected
Mrs G Smyth J Gains M Turvey: M Dance: M Geater B Pangbourne: P Mison and D Lailey A Turvey: J Gains and M Geater: C Fuller, M Foster, J Perrott, M Perrott, D Sylvester, B Wills, J Davis, A Turvey: Re-elected plusG Daly and A Skinner Mrs G Smyth J Gains M Turvey M Dance M Geater Bob Smith: P Mison and D Lailey N Dance: A Turvey and C Fuller: J Gains and D Geater: C Fuller, A Turvey, S Raynor, D Sylvester, J Davis : Re-elected , plus I Cowper-Smith with the exception of C R Eglington.
Mrs G Smythe J Gains: M Turvey and R Walters: M Turvey and R Walters: M Geater N Dance: P Mison and J Davis : Shared club members: J Gains, G Daly and D Geater: C Fuller, D Syckelmore, D Lailey, D Sylvester, R SmithRe-elected
Mrs G Smythe J Gains: M Turvey and R Walters: M Turvey and R Walters: M Geater N Dance: P Mison and J Davis : Shared club members: J Gains, G Daly and D Geater: C Fuller, D Syckelmore, D Lailey, D Sylvester, R SmithRe-elected