Celebratory Cricket Match
Sunday 30th August 2009
John M. Whalley took part in the match between Ex-Player's versus Emerging Players, followed by another game against a F & B C C XI.
The following pictures depict his exploits as he relived his youth.
John's musings!
It was like old times sitting outside the pavilion. The last time this occurred for me was in about August 1958.( the year I left for Philadelphia ). I well remember the match I was playing in at the time - 1st. Xl v South Shore. I was fielding on the boundary close to the entrance when, at around 3-30pm, a few stragglers from the second team arrived back. I had assumed their match at Gt. Eccleston had been cancelled - but no ! I was informed that F+B had been all out for 12. I began to commiserate but was very surprised to hear that ' we won' ! We got them out for 4' !!!! Playing golf the other day with 'Tich' Smith he confirmed this - he was playing. Jim Robinson and brother Uvin (?) had taken the wickets for next to nothing + a wide and a no-ball ! Back to the Centenary Match. You will be sorry to know that there were no special - priced crust sandwiches and definitely no Wonder Orange. There was, however, an excellent Boddies bitter ( for our antipodean friends : Boddington's, once known as 'The Cream of Manchester' ). It was especially pleasing to find Ronnie Severs ( unfortunately not 'Mrs' ) Severs, was also present at the match - not playing though, he is now in his 86th. year and you will be interested to know that he has recently sold his pc collection except for a handful of 'specials' . Tom Croft also appeared briefly + Derek Blease. It was a great nostalgic event and you will be pleased to know that the Club is in great heart. They have a group of well over a hundred youngsters on the books. In our day, a dozen or so would have covered it ! It was also super to meet a woman ( girl ) I once very briefly took out - Doreen Grindrod, once married to Derek Fitch but now well re-married and looking very well indeed ! ( I also took out her sister Irene - a 'looker' according to JHB and one or two others ! ) All this occurred over half a century ago and I have not seen either since those days. Please let DST know that Gillian and I very much look forward to having them stay with us early in October for the Centenary Dinner. Ronnie Severs and his son will be there as will Tom Croft. I don't imagine there will be anyone else we once know except perhaps Rhona Crossling 'that was' who's father, Ronnie, was one od Dad's drinking fraternity at the Black Bull.
John leaves the wicket to the applause of fellow team members and the opposition
John M Whalley Match Statistics
A good day was had by one and all!
Happy memories of yesteryear!Roll on 3rd October for the Dinner at Haighton Manor!
