Category: 1920s

Run chases were now becoming common.

In 1929, Harpenden declared at 275-8 and Radlett, left just two and a half hours, finished 34 runs behind with two wickets in hand.

PORTERS PARK cricket ground lies 100 yards up on the left of the drive leading from the bottom Shenley Hill entrance to Shenley Hospital. But in the days of its creator, Cecil Raphael, Porters Park attracted some of the best professional cricketers in the land.

You had to be a good cricketer to work for Raphael who employed the likes of Radlett heroes Grubb, Montgomery and Dumbelton before World War One. Raphael, a real fanatic, built the ground around 1909 on the lines of the Oval. It was one of the finest private grounds in the country and woe betide any side which began a game before Raphael arrived to watch. It had a huge pitch requiring a 90-yard throw from the boundary and was equipped with a superb pavilion still used today.

Eventually Raphael left the district and sold up to Middlesex County Council. Radlett moved in fast, as Newberries had become too small to entertain modern club sides, and negotiated a lease for several years at an annual rent of £10. Accommodation at Newberries had always been limited with teas served in the open air. Sadly the old thatched pavilion was promptly demolished by the ground’s owner without a ‘groat’ to the Club in compensation.

Eras do end and so to the last of the 37 seasons at Newberries.

Robert Miller resigned the Club presidency to be succeeded by Leonard Reid who held it until 1938.

Radlett ended its long stay on a high note in 1927, winning seven, losing four and drawing four. The second team won nine and lost seven.

Subscriptions were two guineas and the Club bought a motor-mower – probably its first.

Brunton took over from Reid in 1926 and remained skipper for the next nine years. He was to prove one of the Club’s most generous and likeable supporters.

Sid Watson became ‘A’ (second) team captain.

Radlett certainly played positive cricket in the mid ’20s. Under Reid in 1925, the first XI played 16, won six, lost eight; the second XI played 18, won eight, lost nine.

Renowned for his delicate late cut, Reid topped the batting and as a leg-spin and googly bowler topped the bowling. So keen was he that he built a concrete net at his home and offered use of it to Club members, although few took him up on this.

Little is known of the early ’20s, only that Leonard Reid, Herts captain for several years, joined the Club. He and Miles Brunton, both first team captains, were to see that the Club prospered.