The following are excerpts from the Newsletter
The most successful side this season has been the 3rd XI. To produce four 3rd XI sides – and occasionally five – over a weekend is in itself a remarkable achievement. On top of that, to win 32 matches out 67 – and only lose 15 – is even more remarkable. The Club is indebted to our laughing policeman Bruce Hensleigh in particular, and to John Kemp, Roy Nicholls and Paul Roxan for all their hard work.
Notable Performances
1st XI
Charley Randall 116* v Letchworth & 102 v Welwyn GC
Tony Murley 103 v Watford Town
Ian Holland 6 for 36 v Hitchin
2nd XI
Chris Dexter 113* v Leighton Buzzard
John Gunn 101* v Southill Park
Michael Dexter 100 v Watford Town
Richard Doughty 8 for 47 v Ickenham
Justin Court 7 for 43 v Broxbourne
Chris Hawkins and David Mundy got Hat-tricks
3rd XI
Paul Woollard 133*
Richard Hardy 120*
Barry Constable 99*
Chris Barnes 87*, 83*
Don Mason 6 for 25
Mark Smith 6 for 27
Richard Doughty 6 for 30
Ivor Golby 6 for 33
Graham Barnes 6 for 33
Bruce Hensleigh scored 1015 runs at an average of 50.75, and Ivor Golby took most wickets (48).
Colts
The Colts had a disappointing season, winning only one of the matches they played. Despite the untiring efforts of Ivor Golby, the team never ‘got it together’, and there seemed to be a lack of continuity.
We won the Herts Advertiser Knock-out Cup for the second year running -congratulations to Nick Draper and his team. More congratulations to Nick for playing five times for Hertfordshire.
Unfortunately, the Chris Old Benefit match was washed out, but the Pavilion resounded to the noise of champagne corks and the thud of darts, and Chris was given a cheque for £1,137.
The Men’s Dinner was held at the Haven Hotel on 16 November. Our thanks to Mark Homan, Charley Randall and Cass Evans of Pagham CC for their speeches. I hope they will not take offence if Judge King-Hamilton is singled out for special mention, for his speech was outstanding for its dry wit and gentle humour.
Michael Dexter won the President’s Award, which was richly merited. Apart from his prowess on the field and his term as fixture Secretary, we owe him much for organising 11 Sussex Tours.
Thank you Mike, and our good wishes to you, Val, and the children for a happy and successful time in the Middle East.
Another highlight of the year was the presentation of the painting of the Club and Ground to Freddy Taylor to commemorate his first 20 years as our President. What gave particular pleasure to all was to see so many old friends many of whom made long journeys. Eric and Dorothy Boffey, Gerry and Mary Clifford were there, and the indomitable ‘Hutch’ also graced the occasion.
1979 Sussex Tour
There was a record number of 80 Club members, which included 27 players on our 11th Sussex Tour.
On the field, our fortunes were mixed. We beat Guy’s Hospital and Pagham, drew with Arundel, but lost for the first time ever to Chichester Priory Park and Petworth Park. Compared with the rest of the country, we were lucky with the weather and only had one match rained off which was against Bognor.
The Manser Trophy was won by the Club in our annual match against Pagham. Cyril Manser, who very kindly donated the Cup, made the inaugural presentation to our Captain, Geoff Bird.
At the Chichester game, Robin Topham had the unusual distinction for Club cricket of receiving a prize of some toiletries from a local sponsor.
Off the field, a good time was had by all. Fred’s Dinner at the 11th Century Becket’s Barn (managed by Buster Lloyd) was once again a great success with a sumptuous meal, disco dancing and singing (the piano being carried a few hundred yards by 8 strong young tourists). Thank you Fred.
At Arundel, Ivor Golby was presented with an Arundel Cap in appreciation of this bowling and piano playing.
The tour golf trophy was won by our Cambridge Blue Tony Murley for the second year in succession. He went round the West Sussex course at Pulborough in 75 gross (71 net) to record a stableford score of 38 points. The wooden spoon was won jointly by Andy Connell and Ian Holland on the Goodwood Course with 11 points each. The tour putting competition was a triumph for Women’s Lib again with Mrs Chris Hensleigh returning a superb net score of 36.
Last, but by no means least, we are indebted to Valerie and Denis Hudson, our hosts at the Victoria Hotel who kept the bar open until early hours and cooked us superb breakfasts.
Congratulations to:
Sir Reginald Murley on his knighthood
Philip and Philippa Rawlings
Graham and Jacky Rawlings
Charley and Kate Randall and
David and Susan Mundy
on tying the matrimonial knot
Chris Harris and Carol Stuart-Kregor on their engagement
Arnie and Hilary Hubbard on the birth of Paul, a brother for Ian.
Future Events
The New Year’s Eve Party at the Pavilion – numbers restricted to 100.
The Annual Dinner Dance on Friday 8 February at the Haven Hotel, St Albans – numbers restricted to 150.
John Tattersall