The Lost Years: Hatfield Cricket Club - 1901-1945

HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB The Lost Years: 1900-1939 Graham Debenham

HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB THE LOST YEARS: 1900 - 1939 Graham Debenham

CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION 01. 1900-1911 THE DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY 03. 1912-1918 HATFIELD UNITED CRICKET CLUB 1.0 39. 1919-1922 FAREWELL TO HATFIELD PARK 59. 1923-1927 HATFIELD UNITED CRICKET CLUB 2.0 - THE SHOW FIELD GROUND 60. 1928-1939 THE STONECROSS ROAD OVAL 165. 1939-1945 THE LOST YEARS 235. APPENDICES: 1. CLUB OFFICIALS 237. 2. CLUB PRIZE WINNERS 241. 3. BEST PERFORMANCES 242. 4. WHO’S WHO 244. 5. KNOWN RESULTS 1900-1939 249.

1 INTRODUCTION. At 04.44 hours on Tuesday, 10th October 1944, a V-1 flying bomb (presumably intended for the aircraft factory) fell on the playground of St Audrey’s School in Endymion Road, demolishing the school and the Primrose Cottages which faced it. One of the cottages was occupied by Edward Victor ‘Vic’ Dean, Honorary Match Secretary of Hatfield Cricket Club immediately before the outbreak of war, and his widowed mother. In addition to the loss of their personal belongings, the between-the-wars records of the cricket club were also destroyed in the blast. The records concerning the years before the first world war were subjected to a not quite as dramatic but equally terminal fate. Following the death of Charles Sunderland, Honorary Secretary 1903-1914, in 1955, his personal effects, believed to include records relating to the club, were burnt by his family. All of which, on the face of it, should make it extremely difficult to document the history of the club before the Second World War. It was made possible by three factors. In the mid-1950s, having acquired its first clubhouse, the club made a call to arms searching for club memorabilia, which unearthed fixture cards, handbooks, photographs, etc. Secondly, in 1968, following the death of Club Chairman Walter Whitby, much research was undertaken to obtain information for the memorial board created in Walter’s memory. Finally, and most importantly, local newspaper reports, which in addition to details of matches played also reported on the club’s General Meetings. Much of the donkey work was undertaken by Brian Lawrence in the early 1990s to assist H J ‘John’ Gray with his unpublished work “Cricketers and cricket in Hatfield: 20th century (1897-1945).” Brian’s research was limited to microfilm copies of the Herts Advertiser held in St Albans Library. By extracting reports from titles such as Welwyn Garden City News and Welwyn Garden City Pilot, I have greatly expanded my knowledge of the 1920s. Technological advances have also made it easier to record any findings. Whilst Brian would have had to scribble notes, I had the luxury of being able to capture images and transcribe the reports at leisure. This may explain why I have been able to locate some previously missed match reports. In an ideal world, I would have researched and then written about the club’s history chronologically, but, as described in previous volumes, none of this was planned. One of the frustrations of this approach is the discovery of facts that disprove things written previously. I have been unsure as to whether or not to edit the older books. I made the decision, with the exception of the occasional footnote, that I would stick with the facts as they were

2 believed to be at the time. For example, in 1984, everyone at the club, given the known facts, understandably thought that we were staging the club’s first cricket week. It turns out that the club held its first cricket week in 1923 and continued (apart from 1927 for reasons that will be seen) until at least 1928. The decades covered in this book are viewed as the least glamorous in the club’s long history. The club’s regular visits to play cricket at the Lord’s Cricket Ground had finished in 1897, and the opinion is propagated by the fact that the club left Hatfield Park in 1923 to play at the less scenic surrounds of the Show Field and then the Stonecross Road Oval. The nature of its opponents had indeed changed, which, in many ways, reflects the changing demographics of cricket and the club’s membership. The fixture list shifted from matches against town and village clubs towards works sides and sports clubs. So, what was cricket like in 1900? This was the year that six-ball overs were introduced for first-class cricket. Four balls per over had been the rule until 1889 when the number was changed to five per over. The Church still ruled the day and Sunday cricket was still some way off. At this time, cricket in the locality was played on Saturdays and Thursdays, Thursday being the early-closing day for shops (a concept that will probably be alien to anyone under the age of 50), shopkeepers thereby forming the bulk of these elevens. Sunday cricket, for Hatfield CC, eventually appeared in 1926, and Thursday cricket continued until 1937.

3 1900 - 1911 THE DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY 1900 For Hatfield Cricket Club the twentieth-century began on Monday, 30 April with its Spring General Meeting at the One Bell Hotel, 41 Church Street, Hatfield. Long since demolished, the One Bell Hotel (or One Bell Inn as it was also referred to) had been the venue of choice for Hatfield’s cricketers for some time and would remain so for most of the period covered by this book. Of a much shorter duration was the reign of the new Honorary Secretary, Harry Bottoms, who would leave Hatfield before the year was out to fight in the second Boer War. Although it was, correctly, reported that Lord Robert Cecil had been re-elected as captain (a position he had held since 1895), there is scant evidence that he made anything more than the occasional appearance in his whites. In reality, the side will have been led by the vice-captain Alfred Whitby, uncle of Walter Whitby who would become Club Chairman after the second world war. Walter Whitby (1935-1968) should not be confused with Alfred’s brother, Walter (1862-1915) who was the club’s treasurer at this time. As was the case with most of the decade, press reports were scarce in HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB CRICKET.– A Meeting of this club was held at the One Bell on Monday. These were present, in the chair Mr A Whitby and Messrs H Wells, M Johnson, W Whitby, J Andrews, H Cox, O Hankin, H Bottoms, J de Voil, I Horsey, W Thorogood, H Walby, C B Payne, G Elliott and E J Dunham (secretary). The accounts were presented showing a balance of £13 14s 5d. Viscount Cranborne was re-elected President. The vice-presidents were re-elected en bloc with the necessary omissions. Lord R Cecil was again elected captain, and Mr A Whitby vice-captain. The committee were elected as last year, with the addition of Mr W Thorogood, Mr H Bottoms, Mr T N Clarke, and Mr J de Voil (junr.). Mr W Whitby was elected treasurer, and Mr W Smith umpire. Mr G Elliott was appointed groundsman. Mr E J Dunham handed in his resignation of secretary. The same was accepted with regret, and a vote of thanks accorded him for his services. Mr J Andrews gave the report of the Ground Committee meeting on the state of the ground. The same was received, and a vote of thanks accorded the committee for their services. Mr H Bottoms was elected secretary, and Mr H Wells was re-elected assistant. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. Herts Advertiser - 05 May 1900

4 1900, with only two coming to light, plus a brief mention of a result in another. HATFIELD v. NORTH MYMMS Hatfield had a strong team out on Saturday for their match with North Mymms, which took place in Hatfield Park. scores:– NORTH MYMMS HATFIELD H Bosanquet run out 8 H Bottoms c and b Hall 28 F Hall b Johnson 4 C A Probert lbw b Bsanquet 3 S B Pope c Forkington b F Bottoms 38 G Elliott run out 2 W Turner hit wkt. b F Bottoms 11 M Johnson b Nash 38 J Nash b Johnson 0 A Whitby b Marsden 6 W Nash b F Bottoms 1 T W Herbert c and b Nash 27 R Nash c Herbert b F Bottoms 3 F Bottoms lbw b Nash 35 C Riston lbw b F Bottoms 0 W Langridge not out 15 R Wren not out 6 H Watson not out 7 B Marsden run out 4 J Forkington S Capes b Johnson 0 F M Clarke Extras 15 Extras 8 Total 91 Total for 7 wickets 169 Herts Advertiser - 21 May 1900 WELWYN CRICKET CLUB.– The local cricket club played five matches last month. The first three, Watton, Christ Church Institute and Hatfield, were all won by Welwyn, after very exciting finishes. The last Watton man was disposed of in the last over of the match, the Christ Church Institute were defeated by six runs, and Hatfield by two runs. Then came a re-action, and defeats by Wheathampstead and Barnato cricket clubs. The boys have continued their victorious career by defeating Dagmar House at Hatfield, and Hatfield Juniors, at Welwyn. Herts Advertiser - 07 July 1900 HATFIELD v. MR H W STRIDE’S XI Played at Hatfield Park, and resulted in a win for the homesters by an innings and five runs. Mr A L Stride kindly supplied the teams with luncheon, tea and refreshments. Scores:– HATFIELD W Langridge b Forrester 4 H Watson b Forrester 0 G Elliott b Forrester 6 W L Thorogood b Dickson 14 Rev A C Madden c Whitby b Forrester 10 A Whitby b Forrester 17 H Bottoms b Dickson 7 J W Herbert c Gray b Dickson 11

5 This appears to have been an annual event held against a relative of Arthur Lewis Stride, who was a civil engineer and managing director of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway, and resided at Bush Hall in Mill Green. 1901 At the General Meeting held on Monday, April 1st, 1901, it was revealed that Harry Bottoms had left the club in a difficult situation by departing to South Africa. As a result, Manasseh Johnson had taken on the role of acting Honorary Secretary. Unfortunately, due to Bottoms’ sudden departure, the club’s finances were left in disarray and audited accounts were not available for the meeting. While the acting secretary was able to confirm that the club’s playing standards had been maintained at a high level, no detailed records were provided. G T Pipkin not out 33 C A Probert run out 3 T M Clarke b Butler 30 Extras 13 Total 148 1st Innings. MR H W STRIDE’S XI 2nd Innings. H W Stride b Herbert 1 b Thorogood 2 A L Forrester b H Bottoms 0 b Thorogood 3 C H Gray b Herbert 5 b Thorogood 9 H E B Butler b H Bottoms 3 c Watson b Bottoms 34 E Whitby b Rev A C Madden 10 c Probert b Bottoms 0 J Dickson b H Bottoms 21 b Probert 13 A Haynes lbw b Bottoms 0 b Bottoms 2 S Holmes b H Bottoms 0 b Bottoms 3 C Luff c Madden b Thorogood 11 c Pipkin b Probert 3 L Stride not out 7 c Watson b Madden 1 B Stride b Thorogood 0 not out 2 Extras 2 Extras 4 Total 60 Total 83 Herts Advertiser - 21 July 1900 HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB.– A general meeting of the above club was held at the One Bell on Thursday evening. This meeting was held chiefly to discuss the vexed question of the ground. It was resolved that the estimate of Mr Field to resubsoil and re-turf the table be accepted. Donations amounting to about £19 were announced by the treasurer (Mr W Whitby). Herts Advertiser - 01 December 1900

6 At the meeting, Viscount Cranborne was re-elected as President. VicePresidents were re-appointed 'en bloc’. The President's brother, Lord Robert Cecil, and Alfred Whitby were re-elected captain and vice-captain respectively. Hardy Wells was re-elected assistant honorary secretary and the committee took office as follows - Harry Cox, James Gray, John De Voil Jr., Oliver Hankin, Herbert Andrews, J W Herbert, Jack Richardson, Henry Walby, Edward Whitby, Charles Gregory Smith and George Elliott. W Smith was re-elected umpire. Alfred George Wane and Alfred Whitby were re-appointed club auditors. The election of the new Hon. Secretary was deferred until another meeting to be held on 22 April, at which Manasseh Johnson was confirmed in the position. Uniquely among the entries in this book, the 1901 season includes a comprehensive record of the 22 matches played, as reported in the Herts Advertiser at the end of the season. However, the report did not specify whether the matches were played by the Saturday or Thursday XI teams, and it has been established that one match against Potters Bar was played by the 2nd XI team. HATFIELD v. ARKLEY Played at Hatfield on May 11. 1st Innings. HATFIELD 2nd Innings. M Johnson run out 9 lbw b Dumbleton 0 J W Herbert c and b Long 5 b Dumbleton 11 S Fennell b Long 6 c Dumbleton b Gosling 2 H Bosanquet run out 1 not out 0 S B Pope lbw b Long 1 H Wells c Williams b Dumbleton 34 c Dumbleton b Gosling 5 J Eyre c Gosling b Long 27 run out 7 C Lambert b Dumbleton 2 A Whitby not out 2 c Gosling b Dumbleton 6 F Bottoms b Dumbleton 0 C Bishop c J Robson b Hammond 1 not out 0 Extras 9 5 Total 97 Total 36 ARKLEY H Williams b Herbert 25 G W Hammond c Bottoms b Fenell 8 Capt Gosling lbw b Lambert 0 W H Robson c and b Lambert 3 G G Dumbleton c Eyre b Herbert 14 B O Oxland b Eyre 22 W G Long b Herbert 3

7 HERTFORD SATURDAY v. HATFIELD Played at Hertford on Saturday. Score:– HATFIELD HERTFORD SATURDAY W Langridge b Brenchley 0 H Dives c Talkington b Herbert 1 M Johnson c Sutherland b Childs 4 W G Earl c H Wells b Bosanquet 62 G Elliott b Childs 9 G C Childs c Talkington b Herbert 1 J W Herbert b Brenchley 9 G Nicholls c W Wells b H Wells 28 H Bosanquet b Brenchley 20 R F Brenchley b Bosanquet 7 H Wells c Dives b Brenchley 16 R J Fisher c Langridge b Elliott 14 J Talkington c Sutherland b Wilkinson 0 A E Wilkinson c Elliott b Johnson 7 C Gandren c Childs b Wilkinson 1 J Richards c H Wells b Elliott 8 A Whitby run out 0 W E Sutherland c W Wells b Johnson 14 E Whitby not out 4 G Nightingale b Elliott 6 W Wells c Brenchley b Wilkinson 0 S Carter not out 13 Extras Extras 3 Total 63 Total 171 Herts Advertiser - 25 May 1901 WELWYN CRICKET For the holiday season two matches of interest had been arranged, one on Saturday at Hatfield between Welwyn and Hatfield. At this match the visitors were the victors by 28 runs. For the Homesters the highest scores made were: W Langridge 14, S B Pope 20, J Richardson 18, and for the visitors E G Blow 46, W Ashby 19, E Ward 12. The total scores were: – Hatfield, 92; Welwyn, 120. Herts Advertiser - 01 June 1901 HATFIELD v. ST ALBANS Played at Hatfield Park on Saturday, 1 June 1901. Hatfield 113, St Albans 44 (John Eyre 5 wickets, Manasseh Johnson 4 wickets). E W Bishop c Wells b Johnson 26 J H Robson b Herbert 1 A S Farmer c Fennell b Herbert 2 J Scanlon not out 16 Extras 4 Total 124 Cricketer - 16 May 1901 Herts Advertiser - 08 June 1901

8 ESSENDON v. HATFIELD Played at Essendon on Saturday. Scores:– Herts Advertiser - 15 June 1901 HATFIELD ESSENDON W Langridge b Norton 27 H Palmer b Eyre 8 G Elliott c and b Clarke 2 H Harborne b Eyre 0 J G Eyre c Dimsdale b Norton 23 E Nerton b Eyre 6 M Johnson c Kinsey b Norton 3 W Richardson b Eyre 0 A Hammond b Norton 0 C Clark b Hammond 23 J W Herbert b Norton 3 E Ephithite c Elliott b Hammond 4 W J Richardson c Norton b Clarke 7 C Wiseman c Eyre b Hammond 0 C Whitby c Clarke b Norton 1 Baron Dimsdaleb Hammond 0 A Whitby b Norton 23 Rev N S Hodosnc Eyre b Hammond 5 C Probart c Hodson b Norton 0 A Kninsey not out 2 C Gandern not out 8 A Maddocks c Herbert b Hammond 0 Extras 6 Extras 6 Total 103 Total 54 CRICKET.– On Saturday the home team were again successful, their opponents being Friern Barnet. Mainly with the assistance of Warsop, who contributed 69, Hatfield put together 140 runs. Barnet only managed to compile 68, Warsop taking three wickets for 13 runs, Eyre four wickets for 23 runs, and Hammond three wickets for 18 runs. Herts Advertiser - 22 June 1901 POTTERS BAR v. HATFIELD 2ND XI The visitors won this match at Potter’s Bar on Saturday by nine wickets, the following was the score:– 1st Innings. POTTERS BAR 2nd Innings. Thompson c Sub b Herbert 11 c Herbert b Wells 8 Payne c and b Herbert 2 b Johnstone 0 P Lofts b Eyre 8 c Langridge b Johnstone 11 Smith b Eyre 4 c Sells b Wells 0 C Smith-Bingham c Wells b Herbert 4 c Whitby b Eyre 12 Joy b Herbert 1 c Whitby b Eyre 4 Ball b Eyre 0 c Sells b Eyre 0 Wagetaffe b Eyre 0 McKenzie b Eyre 1 c Johnstone b Wells 3 Walley c Johnstone b Herbert 0 not out 0 Roberts not out 4 b Wells 0 Extras 13 Extras 4 Total 48 Total 42

9 CRICKET CLUB MEETING.– A general meeting of this club was held at the One Bell Inn on Monday last. Mr W Whitby was in the chair, and there were present Messrs A G Wane, H Walby, H Cox, W J Richardson, W Groom, J De Voil, jnr., J G Eyre, G Porter, E Whitby, C Whitby, O Luff, C B Payne, C G Smith, C Gaudern, F Sills, O Hankin, H Andrews, C S Linton, E Vodden, A Whitby, C W Harbour, and HATFIELD HERTFORD W Langridge c Dives b Sutherland 7 W G Earl c Eyre b Hammond 15 J W Herbert c Dives b Wilkinson 7 H H Dives b Hammond 1 W S Thorogood run out 24 A E Wilkinson c Richardson b Herbert 24 J G Eyre c Wilkinson b R FIsher 46 R J Fisher c Bosanquet b Thorogood 43 H Bosanquet run out 0 G Blakes c Whitby b Hammond 6 A Hammond st Dives b R Fisher 4 W R Sutherland b Hammond 2 W J Richardson b R Fisher 4 J R Wilson b Hammond 0 A Whitby b Blakes 11 B Brunlies b Eyre 6 E Vodden c Brunlies b Wilkinson 16 W Fisher b Eyre 1 C A Probert c and b Blakes 1 H Cromer c Eyre b Thorogood 0 G Elliott not out 1 G Nightingale not out 1 Extras 10 Extras 24 Total 131 Total 123 Herts Advertiser - 20 July 1901 HATFIELD v. COCKFOSTERS Hatfield were again successful on Saturday last, beating Cockfosters at home by five wickets. Saturday the homesters visit Hill End, whilst on Thursday Neasden are the visitors. Herts Advertiser - 27 July 1901 1st Innings. HATFIELD 2nd Innings. W Langridge run out 9 M Johnstone b Ball 0 c Payne b McKenzie 3 H Eyre run out 23 not out 7 J W Herbert c Payne b Smith 8 H Wells b Smith 6 B W T Bosanquet b Lofts 10 Whitby c Smith b Lofts 1 G Elliott c Joy b Smith 1 Sells b Smith 4 Sunderland b Smith 4 E Vodden not out 1 not out 6 Extras 7 Extras 2 Total 74 Total for 1 wicket 18 Herts Advertiser - 29 June 1901 HATFIELD v. HERTFORD Played at Hatfield on Saturday. Score:–

10 H Wells (assistant secretary). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. In the absence of the hon. sec., Mr M Johnson, through indisposition, the secretarial duties for the evening were undertaken by Mr A Whitby. The estimated balance-sheet showed subscriptions and donations amounting to £70, with an expenditure of £59 9s 10d. The committee’s report stated that the match results were as follows: Played 22, won 11, lost 8, drawn 3. The standard of play was reported as above the standard of former years. The thanks of the committee were accorded Mr S B Pope for the valuable assistance he had afforded the Club. Satisfaction was expressed at the relaying of the ground and its condition while in use. A contract had been made with the groundsman, Mr W Groom, for the treatment of the ground during the winter at an estimated cost of £4 10s. Thanks were given to Mr W Whitby as being chiefly instrumental in effecting such a thorough renovation of the ground. The roll of members totalled 143, an increase of 19 hon. members and 24 ordinary members. The committee thanked Mr C W Harbour for his services as scorer, Mr W Clarke for the use of the committee room, and Mr Bassett for the use of his roller. This report was received and adopted. It was decided to leave the arrangement of fixtures for next season with the committee. A letter was read advocating the formation of a County League. It was resolved not to support the formation. It was decided on October 24th as the date for the annual dinner this year. The list of averages was not presented, but it was stated that the average for both batting and bowling had been won by Mr J G Eyre. A Vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting. John Eyre’s achievement of winning both prizes in the same season is the first of only three none occurrences of this feat. Herts Advertiser - 05 October 1901 HATFIELD CC - THE SEASON’S MATCHES Below are the results of the matches played by the Hatfield Cricket Club last season. In all 22 matches were played, of which 11 were won, 8 lost, and 3 drawn. Opponents Result For Agt. Arkley Lost 97 124 Hertford Lost 63 171 Welwyn Lost 92 120 St Albans Won 113 44 Mr W S Pope’s XI Lost 43 109 Essendon Won 103 54 Friern Barnet Won 146 68 Wood Green Thursday Won 116 80 Potters Bar Won 74 48 Friern Barnet Lost 71 183

11 1902 Hatfield CC held its General Meeting at the One Bell Hotel on Monday, 7 April 1902. Mr S B Pope occupied the chair. In attendance were H A Smith, - Robinson, C Gaundern, W Whitby, H D Lemitte, C W Harbour, W Thorogood, A Whitby, C Sunderland, A Bishop, O Hankin, J G Eyre, W J Richardson, J Gray, H Cox, H Walby, W Groom, E Vodden, W A Cornish, J Andrews, H Wells, J De Voil Sr., G Elliott, H Andrews, W Clarke, E J Dunham and M Johnson (honorary secretary) who read the balance sheet. Audited accounts showed income of £68 9s 6d and expenditure of £67 19s 4d to leave a balance of 10s 2d. This was considered by the secretary to be a very satisfactory result since the 1901 season started with a considerable deficit and heavy extraordinary expenses had been incurred during the course of the season. The meeting agreed that the balance sheet be adopted and approval given for it to be printed and circulated to members. Lord Robert Cecil and Alfred Whitby were re-elected captain and vicecaptain respectively but Manasseh Johnson, who was shortly to leave Hatfield, resigned as secretary, which was recorded as a matter for regret. A hearty vote of thanks for his good services was proposed. Mr Edgar Vodden was elected unanimously to fill the position. Hardy Wells was re-elected as his assistant. Walter Whitby remained as Honorary Treasurer, and Bill Swift as umpire. (It is thought that Manasseh Johnson became a Civil Servant who took Holy Orders). Herts Advertiser - 12 October 1901 * for 6 wkts. † for 5 wkts. ‡ for 7 wkts § for 8 wkts. || for 6 wkts. Mr H W Stride’s XI Lost 83 219 St Albans Draw 210 *139 City Police Won 88 73 Hertford Won 131 123 Cockfosters Won †103 88 Neasden Won 238 22 Hill End Asylum Won 69 61 Wood Green Thursday Lost 26 50 Welwyn Lost 38 ‡225 Cockfosters Draw 184 ‡100 Arkley Draw 162 §114 Essendon Won ||192 57

12 WELWYN v. HATFIELD Played at Welwyn on Saturday, when the following were the scores:– HATFIELD WELWYN W Hart b Hassard 0 Rev R H Cattell b Hammond 47 H Wells b Fegan 0 J W C Fegan b Hammond 79 W Harvey c Cattell b Fegan 1 G T Ansell c Bishop b Hammond 0 H Bosanquet run out 3 E Ward not out 8 W Sunderland st de Rougemont b Hassard 0 Rev W T Stubbsnot out 2 C Propert lbw b Fegan 0 T Hassard c Propert b Hammond 0 W Sandridge b Hassard 11 J W Dixon run out 0 G E Elliott not out 17 H E de Rougemont b Hammond 1 T May lbw b Hassard 0 J Adams b Hammond 1 A Hammond b Hassard 6 E Mackinson J Bishop b Fegan 1 J Watts HATFIELD v. ARKLEY Played at Hatfield on May 10. 1st Innings. ARKLEY 2nd Innings. G W Hammond b Hammond 36 b Hervey 10 G G Dumbleton lbw b Overton 39 b Overton 3 Capt. Gosling b Hervey 8 st Hart b Overton 2 C Skinner c Overton b Hammond 1 not out 10 W G Long b Hervey 1 b Overton 10 J Skinner b Hammond 3 c Overton b Hervey 6 J Scanlon c Overton b Hammond 0 b Overton 0 W F Dew b Overton 15 c and b Overton 0 H Booth b Overton 0 lbw b Overton 6 H Bawden b Hervey 4 b Overton 0 Chaplin not out 6 c and b Overton 3 Extras 9 Extras 17 Total 122 Total 58 HATFIELD G Elliott b Scanlon 2 J G Eyre b Hammond 2 Overton c C Skinner b Hammond 7 W Hervey c Gosling b Scanlon 3 W Hart run out 2 H Wells b Hammond 17 A Hammond c Gosling b Long 8 H Bosanquet b Long 11 A Whitby b Long 0 H Lermittee b Hammond 1 L Cox not out 0 Extras 14 Total 67 Cricketer - 15 May 1902

13 Herts Advertiser - 31 May 1902 HATFIELD v. WINCHMORE HILL VILLAGE Played at Hatfield on Thursday, June 12th, and resulted in a drawn game. The home team were greatly indebted to H White, the Hertfordshire County player; while Spratley Moore took 4 wickets for 59 runs. Scores: HATFIELD WINCHMORE HILL VILLAGE G Elliott c Favier b Carter 3 L Favier b White 4 H White not out 87 Bradley c Challis b Horsey 8 H Wells b Lowen 2 S M Spratley not out 31 H Cox c Lowen b Moore 1 P Beadle b White 14 H Bosanquet st Fuller b Moore 9 F Markham b White 5 D Whitby b Moore 2 T Carter b Cox 0 C Horsey b Lowen 1 J Walker F Challis b Moore 0 E F Lowen Westcott b Lowen 1 J Fuller J Sharp not out 10 J More Bennett S Fallowes Extras 4 Extras 22 Total for 8 wickets 120 Total for 5 wickets 84 Middlesex Gazette - 28 June 1902 HATFIELD v. FISKE’S XI Played at Hatfield on Saturday, June 14th. Fisk’s XI 69 runs (A Bennet 5 wickets, E Walby and W King 2 each) Hatfield 32 ( E Walby 10). POTTERS BAR v. HATFIELD Played at Potters Bar on Saturday, June 28th. Potters Bar 45 (John Eyre 6 wickets) Hatfield 45 (George Elliott 12, William Langridge 11). COCKFOSTERS V. HATFIELD ANOTHER CENTURY BY S G ETHERIDGE S G Etheridge has been much to the front just lately in the matter of big scores, and on Thursday last at Cockfosters, this player, by very free cricket, contributed 140 out of 199 scored from the bat while he was at the wickets. Scores:– COCKFOSTERS HATFIELD C Micklem c Wells b Bosanquet 0 F Bottoms b Etheridge 27 S G Etheridge b Bosenquet 140 H Bosenquet b Hooton 17 R Micklem c Bosenquet b Thorogood 7 W Thorogood c Micklem b Manning 4 S T Hooton c Horsey b Thorogood 4 A E Lofts c L Etheridge b Manning 9 Extras 8 Extras 4 Total 48 Total for 7 wickets 142

14 Herts Advertiser - 23 August 1902 HATFIELD v. POTTERS BAR This return encounter. played in Hatfield Park on Saturday, resulted in a win for the home team. Had the visitors, however. accepted all the catches offered them, the verdict would most probably have resulted in their favour, for both Elliott and Langridge, who made the stand which practically gave Hatfield the victory, were both missed several times, the first named being let off from a catch in the longfield the very first ball he received. Potter’s Bar, who were minus their two best bats, wielded the willow first, but were all disposed of for 59. Of this number the captain, Mr P Lofts, and the Hon. S Byng scored 34, both playing very good cricket. Оn taking the field, so well did the visitors bowl that four of the home team were out for a total of 8, but Langridge and Hart, aided by dropped catches raised the score to 44 for the fifth wicket. Bottoms, with 11 to his credit, was the only other man to offer any opposition to some tricky slow bowling by Goodacre. The Hon. Byng and Smith also bowled well. Twelve aside was played. Scores:– POTTERS BAR HATFIELD S A Ponsonby b Hammond 5 Rev F Briggs b Smith 0 P Lofts c Lermette b Hammond 20 W Langridge c Lofts b Temple 32 A Goodacre c Bottoms b Briggs 4 F F Elliott b Smith 1 W Smith b Hammond 0 W Thorogood c Lofts b Goodacre 2 Hon S Byng b Bosanquet 14 H Bosanquet c and b Goodacre 1 H G Thompson c Hart b Bosanquet 6 W Hart st Joy b Goodacre 26 W Shapland c Thorogood b Bosanquet 0 Bennett c Joy b Goodacre 5 H Joy b Thorogood 0 F Bottoms lbw b Byng 11 G Roberts not out 2 A Hammond c Crowsley b Lofts 0 A Temple c Bottoms b Bosanquet 0 Lermette c Ponsonby b Smith 6 W Walby b Bosanquet 0 Challis c Lofts b Byng 0 W Crowsley c Lermette b Thorogood 0 Whitby not out 3 Extras 8 Extras 4 Total 59 Total for 7 wickets 91 Herts Advertiser - 30 August 1902 J Hook not out 36 H Wells b Micklem 1 P W Bearman c Wells b Bosanquet 12 H Cox c Micklem b Manning 10 C Day C Horsey b Micklem 9 J Manning A Hawes c Hart Dyke b Manning 5 R C Hart Dyke J Walby b Micklem 14 L F Etheridge E Walby c Micklem b Manning 0 J Ackford W Cox not out 0 Extras 14 Extras 10 Total 213 Total 106

15 HILL END v. HATFIELD 2nd XI This match was played at Hill End on Saturday, and won by the home club by an innings and 91 runs. Scores:– HILL END F G Williams not out 66 H Mansfield c Eagle b Tyler 10 Dr Boycott b Sanderson 16 H W French b Sanderson 2 Dr Blackiston c Cochran b Sanderson 11 S Goodchild not out 26 Extras 3 Total for 4 wickets declared 134 1st Innings. HATFIELD 2nd Innings. G F C Pearce b Williams 0 b Mansfield 2 C M Sanderson b Blackiston 1 st French b Williams 2 P T Rowlatt c and b Blackiston 6 b Williams 0 W R Adams b Williams 0 not out 0 L Petty b Williams 0 b Keen 2 P Proctor c Smart b Williams 0 b Keen 0 G Hill c and b Williams 9 b Keen 4 W Cochrane lbw b Blackiston 0 b Mansfield 0 A Eagle b Blackiston 0 b Keen 5 W Hale b Blackiston 1 b Mansfield 0 P Tyler not out 0 b Mansfield 7 Extras 2 Extras 2 Total 19 Total 24 Herts Advertiser - 30 August 1902 ARKLEY v. HATFIELD Played at Rowley Lodge, Arkley, on August 30. HATFIELD ARKLEY White c J Robson b Hammond 25 H Williams run out 4 W Langridge run out 1 G W Hammond b White 104 W Thorogood b Hammond 40 G G Dumbleton b Bottoms 20 H Wells b Dumbleton 3 W C Nimmo b White 1 H Bosanquet c Hammond b Dumbleton 17 C C Page b White 25 C Horsey b Dumbleton 4 W H Robson b White 0 W Hart b Hammond 0 G Scrivener b Wells 7 H Bottoms c E Robson b Hammond 2 Rev H G Elton b White 0 W Groom not out 0 S Jones b White 6 A Groom b Hammond 0 J H Robson not out 2 C Bishop dnb A S Farmer b White 0 Extras 12 Extras 13 Total 104 Total 182 Cricketer - 04 September 1902

16 Although reports of junior cricket were abundant in the nineteenth century, they became scarce at the turn of the twentieth. Nonetheless, in 1902, Hatfield CC's youth team enjoyed great success, clinching victory in an endof-season tournament against Wood Hill and North Mymms. As recognition for their efforts, they were awarded a cup generously donated by Sydney Broughton Pope, Agent to North Mymms park, who had presided over the club's April General Meeting as its chairman. GENERAL MEETING CRICKET CLUB.– A general meeting of the Hatfield Cricket Club was held at the One Bell Hotel on Tuesday evening. Mr S B Pope occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs H Bosanquet, W Whitby (treasurer), H Andrews, W L Thorogood, A Whitby (vice-captain), C W Harbour, C Bishop, O Hankin, G E Gartside, E J Dunham, W Groom, W Clarke, C Gaudren, H Cox, J Smith jnr., C Lambert, and the Honorary Secretary, Mr E Vodden. The Hon. Secretary read the report of the committee as follows:– “Your committee beg to present their annual report on the present conditions of the affairs of the Club. As regards matches the Club had played 23, of which six had been won, 11 lost and six drawn. Through the kindness of Mr S B Pope, who again gave a special donation for the purpose, your committee were enabled to obtain the services of a professional for the whole day matches, and they wish to place on record their warm appreciation of the very great interest taken by Mr Pope in this and other matters for the welfare of the Club. The committee has met 22 times during the season, and the meetings have been very well attended. Turning to the financial side of affairs, the Club commenced the season with a balance in hand of 10s 2d. Subscriptions and donations received during the season amounted to £35 5s, and there is still due a sum of about £17 9s., which your committee hope will be collected. The expenses have been kept down for the season as much as possible, and the total expenditure for the season is estimated to amount to £56, of which £27 is still due. If, as your committee hope, all the outstanding subscriptions will be paid up, they estimate a small balance in the hands of the Treasurer, on the presentation of the completed balance sheet at the next general meeting. CRICKET.– In the competition for the junior cup presented by Mr S B Pope, the Hatfield Junior team have come out conquerors, winning the whole of their fixtures. viz:– Aug 2nd, Hatfield 82, Woodhill 17; Sept. 4th, Hatfield 44, North Mymms 4, Sept. 5th, Hatfield 81, Woodhill 8; Sept. 6th, Hatfield 79, North Mymms 11. Perry, Howe, Wilson, and W Groom head the batting list for the winners, whilst Perry and Hemmings bowled throughout for Hatfield during the whole of the four matches, and, as their opponent’s score shows, gave a good account of themselves. Herts Advertiser - 13 September 1902

17 The committee regrets that the number of members has decreased by nine. The committee recommends that the ground receive some attention in the autumn to ensure it being found in good order at the commencement of next season. The Messrs Lermitte offered a bat for the best batsman and a ball for the best bowler, and Mr Pope a bat for the best fielder. The bat for batting was won by Mr W L Thorogood, the ball for bowling by Mr J G Eyre, and a bat for fielding by Mr A Whitby.” On the proposition of Mr A Whitby, seconded by Mr Bosanquet, the report was adopted. It was decided that the Secretary should arrange fixtures for next season as near as possible as last. It was also decided to hold the annual dinner in connection with the club on the 9th inst. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business. BATTING AVERAGES, 1902 BOWLING AVERAGES. The report above contains a particularly noteworthy detail: Sydney Pope was funding a professional player for all-day matches. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of reports published during the season, it is difficult to determO. M. R. W. Aver. John G Eyre 87.3 13 239 42 5.69 William Thorogood 77.0 7 264 27 9.77 A Hammond 64.0 11 144 13 11.07 Herbert Bosanquet 75.4 7 331 27 12.25 Hardy Wells 64.1 9 222 16 13.87 Herts Advertiser - 04 October 1902 Total Runs No. of In’gs. Times not out Aver. William Thorogood 176 14 1 13.54 George Elliott 190 20 4 11.87 William Hart 147 15 2 11.31 Herbert Bosanquet 185 17 - 10.88 William Langridge 124 13 1 10.33 Hardy Wells 144 19 2 8.47 John G Eyre 87 13 2 7.91 Harry Cox 63 9 1 7.87 Conrad Horsey 84 12 - 7.00 A Hammond 59 9 - 6.55 Alfred Whitby 49 12 4 6.13 W Harvey 33 10 1 3.66

18 ine with certainty who that player was. However, based on the limited information available, it is plausible that Hertfordshire player H White, who gave a standout performance against Winchmore Hill, may have been the professional in question CRICKET CLUB. – Annual Dinner. – This annual function was held at the One Bell Hotel on Thursday of last week. Mr S B Pope presided, and there were present Messrs H D Lermitte, H C Lermitte, H Bosanquet, W Whitby, A Whitby, E Whitby, C Whitby, W J Richardson, J S Simcox, A E Sharp, M Walby, H Wells, A Wells, A G Wane, C E Gartside, W S Thorogood, H Cox, W Swift, F C Harrison, C J Wright, E J Dunham and E Vodden (Secretary). After the dinner the Chairman proposed the loyal toast, which was enthusiastically received. The toast of the evening, “Success to the Hatfield Cricket Club,” was replied to by the Secretary, who gave a resume of the year’s working, together with the committee’s report. Other toasts included “The President and Vice-Presidents,” proposed by Mr H Wells and responded by Mr Lermitte; “The Officers and Committee.” proposed by Mr Bosanquet and acknowledged by Mr A Whitby; “The Chairman” was proposed by Mr W Whitby; “The Host and Hostess” and “The Accompanist” were also proposed and heartily received. Before the toasts songs were given by most of those present, and a most enjoyable evening concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. 1903 Match reports were very thin on the ground in 1903, with only two making it into the Herts Advertiser, although there was a lengthy account of the club’s end-of-season dinner.1 A positive to be taken from the limited information available is that former Hon. Secretary Harry Bottoms had returned safe and well from his excursion to South Africa. Whilst the existence of Bottoms, the winner of the Bowling Prize, was well known, the winners of the Batting Prize (H Tottenham) and Fielding Prize (J T Hopkin) had not been heard of before and would not be heard of again. In the same vein as his two immediate predecessors, Edgar Vodden became another one-season wonder as the club’s Hon. Secretary. He was succeeded by Charles Edward Sunderland, with Hardy Wells continuing as Herts Advertiser - 04 October 1902 Herts Advertiser - 18 October 1902 1 H J Gray referenced a 2nd XI fixture against Hill End Asylum on 5 September, however, his researcher had let him down as Hill End’s opposition on this occasion was Hatfield Working Men.

19 Assistant. The only other known change to the club’s officials was in the role of vice-captain (effectively captain), with Herbert Bosanquet replacing Alfred Whitby. HATFIELD Cricket.– Wood Green were down to meet the homesters on Thursday, but not turning up, a scratch game was made up, Mr Tottenham’s side proving the winners. The G.N.R.A.A. were the visitors on Saturday, and won rather easily. There is no fixture for Saturday next. Herts Advertiser - 13 June 1903 HATFIELD v. ARKLEY Played at Hatfield on May 9. HATFIELD Cranfield c Crowther b Jessop 2 b Hammond 4 H Wells b Hammond 5 run out 5 Rev C Briggs lbw b Dumbleton 22 b Hammond 0 W L Thorogood c Crowther b Dumbleton 17 b Dumbleton 12 H Bosanquet b Hammond 12 c Hammond b Jessop 6 T Clarke b Jessop 17 b Dumbleton 6 J Bishop not out 7 b Dumbleton 2 J Talkington b Jessop 0 b Dumbleton 0 L Sharp b Jessop 0 not out 0 E Elliott b Jessop 0 st Crowther b Dumbleton 2 Challis b Jessop 0 b Jessop 1 Extras 3 Extras 5 Total 86 Total 43 ARKLEY H Williams c Cranfield b Briggs 25 W C Nimmo b Cranfield 0 W Chapelow b Cranfield 7 G W Hammond b Briggs 0 not out 8 G L Jessop c Clarke b Briggs 32 c and b Briggs 40 G G Dumbleton b Briggs 15 not out 0 S N Crowther st Bishop b Cranfield 1 J H Robson not out 2 H Wood b Briggs 0 Extras 1 Extras 0 Total 83 Total 48 Cricketer - 14 May 1903

20 POTTERS BAR v. HATFIELD Owing to the soaking rain of the previous day, the above fixture, arranged to be played at Potters Bar on Saturday, was cancelled, the ground being totally unfit for play. HILL END v. HATFIELD This match, which ended in a draw, was played at Hill End on Saturday. Scores:– Herts Advertiser - 27 June 1903 HILL END HATFIELD F G Williams c Elliott b Bottoms 3 W Langridge b Williams 0 H Mansfield b Ellingham 18 H Bottoms c Smith b Wright 11 Dr Boycott c Langridge b Elliott 38 C Horsey b Williams 27 H Wright c Ellingham b Elliott 15 W Hart lbw b Williams 0 J Cunningham b Elliott 0 G Elliott b Wright 5 G Goodchild b Elliott 8 S B Pope b Wright 48 J Keen b Bottoms 26 E Vodden b Williams 5 F Miles b Elliott 3 D Ellingham not out 23 Dr Smith lbw b Bottoms 1 E Elliott not out 1 H G Fassnidge c Vodden b Ellingham 6 W Gray H Smart not out 0 F Groom Extras 16 Extras 6 Total 134 Total for 7 wickets 126 Herts Advertiser - 15 August 1903 POTTERS BAR v. HATFIELD The match having been scratched through rain, these teams met for the first time this season on Saturday. The present match should have been played at Hatfield, but owing to the death of Lord Salisbury, it was arranged to take place at Potters Bar. The ground, however, was in a terribly soft state, due to the heavy thunderstorm of the previous night, and correct cricket was out of the question. The homesters had a good fortune to win the toss, and the wicket playing easy, put together a splendid total of 104. Ponsonby, Goodacre and Joy compiling the most. Of the trio, Goodacre played the best cricket, the two hitting out, having some luck. The visiting team did rather poorly, Austin and Halsey alone making any stand against a good bowling of Warboys and the tricky “lobs” of Ponsonby. This was Potters bars last match of the season. Scores:– POTTERS BAR HATFIELD A K Lofts c Elliott b Bosanquet 7 W Langridge st Joy b Goodacre 2 A E Worboys c and b Bosanquet 1 C Hart c Siggins b Worboys 6 R Goodacre b Hopkins 23 Austin b Worboys 19 P Lofts b Auston 7 E Halsey b Ponsonby 15 H Joy c Halsey b Hopkins 19 G Elliott c Worboys b Ponsonby 1

21 Herts Advertiser - 12 September 1903 CRICKET CLUB DINNER The annual dinner in connection with Hatfield Cricket Club was held at the One Bell Hotel on Tuesday evening. Mr W Whitby (treasurer to the club) was in the chair, and there was also among those present Messrs H Bosanquet (vicecaptain), J Watt, E H Dunham, J S Simcox, F Horne, C Whitby, W Groom, H Wells, H Walby, A Whitby, J Bishop, G Walters, W Smith, H Cox, C W Harbour, E Whitby, W Clarke, C Horsey, W Langridge, G E Gartside, G Davis, F Humphreys, E Elliott, A Groom, W Sift, C Sunderland (hon. sec.), W Richardson, B Ray, W Hemmings, J Hopkins, and G Sunderland. An excellent repast was served by the host (Mr Trendall). On the removal of the covers, the Chairman submitted a toast of “The King, the Prince and Princess of Wales. and the Royal Family.” He said they all knew that if his Majesty were spared a few days more he would celebrate his sixtysecond birthday, and when they thought of his age they could not expect that he would be spared to see the Empire expand and progress to such an extent as it had done in the reign of his illustrious mother. They could only hope that the end of his Majesty’s reign would find us strongly federated, which state, the speaker took it, was a guarantee of peace, and that the great progress which had been made in the past, and which placed this country in the van among all the countries of the whole world, would be maintained. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. In proposing “Continued success to the Hatfield Cricket Club,” the Chairman said he was pleased to be able to say that the Club has passed a very successful season. Although, like other clubs they had been greatly put about by the rain, still they had been very fortunate in being able to play a good many matches, and he considered they had been carried out with great success. Mr C Sunderland, the hon. sec., whose name was coupled with the toast, gave a very interesting resume of the doings of the club during the season, and stated that their financial position was good. He hoped at the end of the season there would be a substantial increase in the balance. Mr Pope, he said, had given a bat for the best fielder, and Messrs Lermitte had given a bat for the best batting average, and a ball for the best bowling average. By the decision of the Selection Committee, Mr J T Hopkin had been adjudged the best fielder, Mr H Tottenham headed the batting and Mr H Bottoms the bowling averages. Rev. J A Forrest c and b Hopkins 0 J Hopkins run out 2 S A Ponsonby c Halsey b Hopkins 38 J Giddings c Roberts b Ponsonby 0 F W Siggins c and b Bosanquet 1 H Bosanquet c P Lofts b Ponsonby 0 G Roberts b Elliott 4 Lermitte b Worboys 2 H Trangmar not out 0 G Elliott b Worboys 1 W Samuels b Elliott 0 Gray not out 0 Extras 4 Extras 2 Total 104 Total 50

22 1904 - 1905 Information for these seasons is very scarce, with very little making it onto the pages of the local press. What is known is that Lord Robert Cecil stood down as captain, which may or may not have been related to the death of the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury on 22 August 1903. Since his Lordship was rarely seen on a cricket field, the club now had a captain in place, Alfred Whitby, who would play the majority of matches. It is not recorded as to whether or not old Etonian Herbert Bosanquet remained in situ as vice-captain, but it is known that he replaced Alfred Whitby as captain for the 1905 season. Only two matches relating to Hatfield Cricket Club were deemed worthy of a report by the Herts Advertiser in 1904. In addition to this, Essendon CC reported in the Parish Magazine that “On Saturday 18 June we succeeded in winning against Hatfield”, and it is known that Winchmore Hill visited Hatfield Park on Thursday, 25 August and helped themselves to The Chairman having spoken of the great importance of good fielding, presented Mr Hopkins with the bat, with Mr Pope’s compliments and the best wishes of the Club. After Mr Hopkins had acknowledged the presentation the toast of the officers of the club was submitted by Mr C Whitby. He said they had every reason to congratulate themselves in the first place on their captain. Although Lord Robert Cecil was not with them so much as they would like, they all knew he took the greatest of interest in the affairs of the Club and in all sport connected with the town. They were especially happy, too, in their vice-captain, Mr Bosanquet. He had led the team in a most admirable manner. With regard to the secretary (Mr Sunderland) and his assistant (Mr Wells), he could say that they had thrown all their energies into their work, and the hearty cooperation had undoubtedly brought about the excellent results they had heard about that evening. Mr Bosanquet, in response, said it was not only an honour but a pleasure to him to lead the Hatfield team, and he would always do his best for the club. The committee did their best to pick the best teams, and he had not had a grumble from any of them all the season. The other toasts were “The Host and Hostess,” proposed by Mr A Whitby; “The Accompanist.” proposed by Mr W J Richardson, and “The Chairman,” proposed by Mr Bosanquet. An excellent programme of songs was rendered during the evening by Messrs J Sunderland, E Elliott, W Smith, C Whitby, H Walby, H Cox, W Whitby, W J Richardson, F Whitby, W Swift, E Horsey, A Whitby, W Humphreys, and B Ray. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne.” Herts Advertiser - 07 November. 1903

23 300 runs for the loss of only six wickets. It is not known how many runs Hatfield scored in reply, but it is safe to assume that they lost. POTTERS BAR v. HATFIELD Played at Potters Bar on Saturday, both sides being well represented, twelvea-side being played. Scores:– POTTERS BAR HATFIELD I H Compton st Hart b Bosanquet 22 J Royds c Salmon b de Voil 8 P Lofts b Royds 28 V Austin c de Voil b Smith 2 S A Ponsonby b Royds 16 Rev. C E Briggs c and b de Voil 21 A Deane lbw b Bosanquet 23 W Hart b Smith 7 W Smith c Wells b Royds 0 C Halsey c and b Smith 4 H Joy b Bosanquet 8 H Bosanquet c and b Smith 3 Rev. J A Forrest c Tomkins b Bosanquet 0 H Wells b Smith 0 S Salmon run out 0 J B Whitehead b Smith 0 A K Lofts b Bosanquet 1 Tomkins b Smith 0 S Roebuck b Royds 7 E Vodden b de Voil 1 J de Voil b Royds 10 E Elliott not out 4 G Roberts c Royds b Briggs 0 A Groom c Roberts b Smith 0 Extras 10 Extras 8 Total 125 Total 57 Herts Advertiser - 18 June 1904 HATFIELD v. G.N.R.A.A. Played at Hatfield Park on Saturday. G.N.R.A.A. 54 (A Hammond 4 wickets Vincent Austin 4) HATFIELD 34 (C Bishop 11) Herts Advertiser - 03 September 1904 HATFIELD CRICKET.– The home club made a poor start in the Park on Saturday, being badly beaten by Avenue CC. The visitors, after compiling 183 for six-wickets, put in the homesters, who, however, only managed to score 46. Herts Advertiser - 20 May 1905 HATFIELD CRICKET.– The home club visited Hill End Asylum on Saturday and scoring 153 runs, won by a margin of 116. Herts Advertiser - 03 June 1905 HATFIELD CRICKET.– The City Police visited the Park on Thursday and beat the homesters rather easily, scoring 117 against 53 and 60 scored by Hatfield. On Saturday, the match is against Mr. H.W. Strides XI. Herts Advertiser - 15 July 1905

24 Furthermore, it is documented that Hatfield secured a 66-run victory over Bowes Park (55 all out) on Thursday, June 22nd, after scoring 121-5. On July 15th, Hatfield suffered a defeat against H W Stride’s XI by a margin of 120 runs. Unfortunately, the final match of the season, which was scheduled to take place against Essendon, was called off due to adverse weather conditions.

25 1906 CRICKET CLUB.– A general meeting of this Club took place at the One Bell Hotel on Tuesday. Mr H Bosanquet was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs W Langridge, C Bishop, D Ellingham, A Whitby, A Hankin, W Whitby, W Dunham, C Horsey, C B Payne, W Hart, G Elliott, and C Sunderland (hon. sec.). The Secretary presented the estimated balance-sheet, showing a balance of 9s 11d. This, however, included £15 in subscriptions still owing. Donations included six guineas from the Marquis of Salisbury. Expenses included labour and umpire £22 7s and material and repairs £11. This statement of accounts was received and adopted. An Estimate from Mr W Groom for £17 for the preparation and care of the ground during next season was accepted. With regard to next season’s fixtures it was decided to arrange with the same clubs as last year, the match with Cockfosters to be arranged to take place on a Thursday if possible, and a match also to be fixed for August Bank Holiday. It was resolved that the annual dinner be held on November 16th. Owing to the financial condition of the Club, it was decided that this season no bat should awarded for the batting averages. A bat was, however, awarded to Mr H Cox for his score of 106 runs, and a selection committee was appointed for the awarding of the ball to the best fieldsman. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings. Herts Advertiser - 04 November 1905 GENERAL MEETING CRICKET CLUB.– Tho Town Cricket Club held a general meeting on Tuesday. The captain, Mr H Bosanquet, presided, and there were also present Messrs W Whitby, C Bishop, J Smith, L Cox, P Dunham, W Swift, M Walby, E Vodden, S C Hankin, A Whitby, C Ellingham, W W Cox, R Smith, W Grace, G Bennett, and C Sunderland (hon. secretary). The Secretary presented the audited accounts for last season, showing that a deficit of £9 6s. had been reduced to one of £4. The receipts showed subscriptions amounting to £38 4s, and also a donation of six guineas from Lord Salisbury. The chief expenditure consisted of £21 16s. for groundsman and umpire. This statement of accounts, as audited by Mr C B Payne, was adopted. The list of fixtures for the ensuing season was then presented, showing a total of 29 matches, of which 23 are at home. This list was accepted, and it was agreed that the Cricket Club in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society should be allowed the use of the ground when not required by the Town Club. The following officers were then appointed: - Lord Salisbury re-elected president and the vice-presidents re-elected en bloc. Mr Bosanquet was again elected captain, and Mr Horsey was chosen vice-captain in place of Mr A Whitby. Mr C Sunderland was appointed hon. secretary, with hearty thanks for his past services, and the following were also re-appointed - Assistant secretary, Mr C B Payne;

26 Conrad Horsey, who was appointed as the new vice-captain, first joined Hatfield CC at the age of fifteen when he played for the Junior XI in 1895. Notably, his cousin Ireton 'Squire' Horsey had also been a prominent player for the club during the latter half of the nineteenth century. treasurer, Mr W Whitby; and umpire Mr W Swift. The committee was formed as follows: - Messrs H Gregory, A Whitby, L Cox, H Wells, H Cox, D Ellingham, G Elliott, O Hankin, W Richardson, W Langridge, and J Walby. It was resolved that the Secretary write a letter of thanks to the Marquis of Salisbury for the kind use of the ground. After the election of a team for Saturday at home, and the election of new members, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Herts Advertiser - 12 May 1906 HATFIELD v. NORTH MYMMS PARK Played at Hatfield Park on Saturday, resulting in a narrow victory for the home team. North Mymms Park batted first, and B Charlesworth and W Marsden set the remaining batsmen a splendid example by making a lengthy stand ere the latter was out when his score stood at 13. Charlesworth stayed on, and by good cricket had scored 44 before being unfortunately run out. The other batsmen did fairly well, and the innings closed for 98. Following on, Hatfield quickly lost a couple of batsmen, but Beescroft, Austin, Hart, Bishop, and W Gray all contributed useful scores, and when the innings closed the home team were 4 runs to the good. Mr Extras having won the game for them. Scores:– NORTH MYMMS PARK HATFIELD B Charlesworth run out 44 C Horsey c and b Williamson 3 W Marsdon c Austin b Gray 13 G Pipkin c Williamson b Wheeler 2 T Finch b Gray 9 R Beescroft c Paternoster b Williamson 10 W Dealboy b Warner 4 V Austin b Charlesworth 19 C Williamson c and b Gray 9 W Hart c Williamson b Charlesworth 20 C Fielder c Bosanquet b Gray 0 A Warner b Williamson 0 J Paternoster b Warner 2 J Bishop b Webb 22 F Wheeler b Gray 1 J Groom b Charlesworth 0 W Gibbs c Hart b Gray 3 H Bosenquet b Williamson 6 A Webb c Beecroft b Gray 8 W Gray not out 11 H Janes not out 1 J Smith lbw b Webb 1 Extras 4 Extras 8 Total 98 Total 102 Herts Advertiser - 26 May 1906

27 HATFIELD v. COCKFOSTERS Played at Hatfield on 23rd June, and resulted in a win for Cockfosters by 6 wickets. Scores:– HATFIELD COCKFOSTERS V Austin c Read b C Micklem 26 C Micklem c Beecroft b Austin 14 I Horsey c Merrill b Read 18 C H Merrill b Beecroft 3 V Ellingham c Ackford b Read 6 S G Etheridge not out 62 G T Pipkin b C Micklem 1 A W Read b Gray 2 R Beecroft b Read 5 R Micklem b Gray 2 C Horsey c Lotts b C Micklem 1 L F Etheridge c Bosanquet b Horsey 33 W Hart c and b Read 15 H Micklem not out 6 W Gray c S G Etheridge b C Micklem 0 W H Lotts A Whitby b R Micklem 9 C H Peet A Warner c L F Etheridge b Read 7 W J Tuffs H P Bosanquet not out 7 J J Ackford Extras 5 Extras 10 Total 100 Total 132 Barnet Press - 30 June 1906 CRICKET.– The annual match between the Hatfield team and Mr H W Stride’s XI was played on Saturday under most pleasant conditions in the Park. The visitors, with a score of 209, thought themselves pretty safe, D J Crump being responsible for 143 of that number. Hatfield, however, replied with 241, and thus won by 32 runs, C Horsey scoring 96 in good style. Luncheon, tea, and refreshments were, as usual, supplied through the liberality of Mr A L Stride. Herts Advertiser - 21 July 1906 NORTH MYMMS ESTATE v. HATFIELD Played at North Mymms on Saturday, and resulted in a draw in favour of Hatfield. Scores:– HATFIELD NORTH MYMMS ESTATE V Austin c Charlesworth b Williamson 8 B Charlesworth not out 38 G Pipkin c and b Williamson 40 J Hawkins b Groom 9 D Ellingham b Charlesworth 1 C Williamson c Bosanquet b Auston 0 I Horsey c Paternoster b Williamson 12 F Wheeler b Austin 0 A Groom b Charlesworth 33 S B Pope b Groom 9 C Horsey c Paternoster b Williamson 4 W Marsden c Groom b Austin 2 W Hart not out 53 W Dealhoy c and b I Horsey 10 H Wells c Pope b Charlesworth 5 J Paternoster not out 5 H Bosanquet not out 31 C Wallis R Halsey H Janes

28 Additionally, records indicate three other notable matches. On May 2nd, Hatfield defeated the visiting London Midland team by 55 runs, just before the last over was called. On June 16th, Hatfield Town club played a friendly game against Hill End Asylum and won “a pleasant game for all” by 66 runs. Lastly, on August 4th, 1906, West Hydraulic came to Hatfield Park, where they lost by 44 runs, with Conrad Horsey making a notable contribution to the victory by scoring 38 runs in a stylish manner. BATTING AVERAGES: 1906 C Williamson who batted only three times to aggregate 140 runs including one innings of 74 averaged 46.6 and Alfred Groom who had seven innings averaged 18.85. Others who did not qualify but had double-figure averages were - Edgar Vodden, 3 innings, average 23.00; Alfred Whitby 5 innings, average 11.50; James W Gray 8 innings, average 10.85; Hardy Wells 6 innings, average 10.60; Robert Beecroft 5 innings, average 10.40. William L Thorogood batted only once for 60 not out. BOWLING AVERAGES: 1906 W J Richardson C R Fielder Extras 9 Extras 4 Total for 7 wickets 197 Total for 6 wickets 77 Herts Advertiser - 08 September 1906 Innings N.O. Runs Highest Score Average William Hart 15 2 339 117 * 26.08 George T Pipkin 17 1 357 68 * 22.31 Vincent Austin 13 0 284 80 21.85 Daniel Ellingham 19 2 311 42 * 18.29 Conrad Horsey 26 1 391 96 15.64 Herbert Bosanquet 14 7 104 31 * 14.86 Ireton Horsey 17 1 176 34 * 11.00 Henry Gregory 13 1 106 41 8.83 Stanley Hankin 13 0 98 24 7.54 Leonard Cox 14 3 68 19 6.18 Jack Walby 13 1 48 20 4.00 Innings Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average Vincent Austin 13 131.2 16 422 40 10.55 Ireton Horsey 10 39.5 5 190 14 13.57 Henry Gregory 11 92.0 16 301 19 15.84 Daniel Ellingham 11 80.0 13 290 15 19.33 Leonard Cox 13 87.0 14 314 15 20.93

29 Alfred Groom bowled 79.4 overs, sixteen of which were maidens and took 32 wickets for 257 runs with an average of 8.03, but bowled in only 7 matches, with qualification being 10 innings. C Williamson bowled in the 3 matches in which he played, taking 11 wickets for 114 runs in 27.1 overs five of which were maidens. His average was 10.36. 1907 Cricket – A general meeting of the town cricket club was held at the One Bell on Friday last, when there was a fair number present. The hon. secretary Mr C Sunderland presented the balance sheet, showing a deficit of £9 11s. Messrs C Horsey and G T Pipkin, were elected captain and vice-captain respectively. Mr Sunderland was re-elected secretary, and Mr Smith was again appointed umpire. The question of groundsman led to a long discussion, most of the younger members considering a change desirable and ultimately Mr G Street was appointed to act in this capacity. The first match of the season was played in the Park on Saturday against Hertingfordbury, who, with a score of 63, won by 36 runs. Herts Advertiser - 18 May 1907 Hatfield Thursday XI: September 1907 at Essendon. Back Row: Cecil Ellingham, Harry Gregory, Marcus J Walby, Ralph E Whitby, W Higginson, Charles Whitby. Seated: Dan Ellingham, Leonard Cox, Conrad Horsey, George T Pipkin, Hardy Wells On Ground: Charles Wheeler, Ireton Horsey, Stanley Coles Hankin.

30 The source of the vexed issue regarding the replacement of the groundsman can be traced back to the April 1907 edition of the Parish Magazine, which, anticipating the upcoming summer season, reported that “the signs of the approaching season are visible everywhere, and the local clubs are preparing to commence practice next week. However, significant work will be required to restore the Town ground to playable condition.” During a period in which information about the cricket club's activities was limited, the duration of Conrad Horsey's captaincy remains unknown. However, it is established that George Pipkin's tenure as vice-captain was brief due to tragic events that transpired on the eve of the 1908 season. CRICKET.– The Great Northern Club visited the Park on Saturday, the game resulting in a draw. On Monday the Hatfield team visited Hertingfordbury, and were unlucky in losing in the second innings. The Thursday team played at Bengeo on Thursday, and on Saturday next a match is played with Hill End away. Herts Advertiser - 25 May 1907 CRICKET.– The town club visited Hill End on Saturday and with a score of 93 won by 20 runs. Herts Advertiser - 01 June 1907 CRICKET.– The town club visited Essendon on Saturday and won by 49 runs, Elliott taking 7 wickets for 15 runs. The return journey was taken in a deluge, and most of the team were absolutely soaked. Next Saturday Clarence visit the Park ground. Herts Advertiser - 08 June 1907 CRICKET.– Clarence CC visited the Park ground on Saturday and with a score of 130 won easily by 64 runs, the match on Wednesday against the City Police (London) being also lost by the homesters. Herts Advertiser - 15 June 1907 CRICKET.– The town team were without a match on Saturday. Herts Advertiser - 22 June 1907

31 HATFIELD v. NORTH MYMMS ESTATE Played at Hatfield on Saturday, the home team winning by 40 runs. Scores:– NORTH MYMMS ESTATE HATFIELD B Charlesworth b Hammond 4 C Horsey b Williamson 2 E Smith b Hammond 2 G Pipkin b Williamson 6 J Hawkins c Bosanquet b Austin 1 H Gregory c and b Webb 12 C Williamson c Wells b Austin 12 V Austin b Charlesworth 30 S B Pope b Hammond 4 W Hart c Fielder b Charlesworth 36 J Pasternoster b Hammond 5 H Wells not out 36 F Wheeler c G Horsey b Austin 16 G Horsey b Webb 2 T Finch c Gregory b Hammond 11 A Hammond b Charlesworth 3 A Groom not out 18 H Bosanquet b Charlesworth 0 A Webb b Hammond 14 R Whitby b Webb 5 C Fielder c Bosanquet b Hammond 0 H Prime b Charlesworth 0 Extras 13 Extras 8 Total 100 Total 140 Herts Advertiser - 29 June 1907 CRICKET.– The Park was visited by the G.N.R. team on Saturday, and were lucky in making a draw, the home captain making a great mistake in not declaring sooner. Out of 186 for 8 wickets, [William] Hart made 104, and the railwaymen had scored 66 for 8 wickets when time was called. Herts Advertiser - 13 July 1907 CRICKET.– The Town Club had on match on Saturday, but Hon. Secretary (Mr Sunderland) got up a scratch game against the Brewery team who beat them easily. Herts Advertiser - 20 July 1907 NORTH MYMMS ESTATE v. HATFIELD A very pleasant day’s cricket between these teams was enjoyed at North Mymms Park on Bank Holiday, the match resulting in a win for the Estate by 31 runs and seven wickets. Scores:– THE STORM.– Hatfield seemed to be in the centre of the storm area on Saturday. One electrical disturbance, in fact hung so closely over the town that the thunder fairly shook the houses, lots of people erroneously concluding that it mustt by earthquake shocks. Herts Advertiser - 06 July 1907

32 1908 The earliest report regarding Hatfield Cricket Club in 1908 was a news article published in the Herts Advertiser on 18th April. The article detailed the mysterious circumstances surrounding the untimely death of George Thomas Pipkin, aged 31. After suffering a severe bout of influenza, Pipkin fell into a state of depression. In an effort to lift his spirits, he traveled with his wife and daughter to visit his brother-in-law in Leeds, hoping the change of environment would aid in his recovery. On 27 February, he left the house 1st Innings. HATFIELD 2nd Innings. E Wells c Smith b Williamson 21 c Charlesworth b Pope 24 B Ellingham b Williamson 0 c Williamson b Wobb 4 C Horsey b Williamson 1 b Williamson 42 W Hart b Charlesworth 3 c Hawkins b Brown 10 G Pipkin c Williamson b Charlesworth 6 b Simmonds 2 L Cox b Charlesworth 0 b Williamson 9 H Wells c Smith b Williamson 0 b Webb 5 S Hankin lbw b Charlesworth 0 not out 5 H Gregory c Hawkins b Charlesworth 23 b Brown 5 H Bosanquet run out 11 b Simmonds 2 A Hammond not out 14 b Simmonds 4 Extras 6 Extras 4 Total 85 Total 116 1st Innings. NORTH MYMMS ESTATE 2nd Innings. R Charlesworth lbw b Bosanquet 43 E Smith c Ellingham b Hammond 59 c Gregory b Hammond 7 C Williamson c Gregory b Hammond 3 not out 15 S B Pope b Bosanquet 7 not out 21 J Finch b Bosanquet 7 J Brown b Ellingham 31 J Hawkins b Bosanquet 8 c Horsey b Bosanquet 0 J Simmonds c Cox b Ellingham 16 c Hammond b Bosanquet 6 F Wheeler c E Wells b Bosanquet 0 A Webb run out 10 C Fielder not out 1 Extras 6 Extras 0 Total 191 Total for 3 wickets 49 Herts Advertiser - 10 August 1907 CRICKET.– Essendon having scratched there was no match in the Park on Saturday. Herts Advertiser - 14 September 1907

33 to meet his brother-in-law returning from his place of work. Nothing was seen of him until Friday, 10 April, when his body was discovered in the river Wharfe at Wetherby. At the inquest held in Wetherby, the coroner's jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned” there being no evidence to show how Pipkin got into the water. Interestingly, the waistcoat that Pipkin had been wearing at the time of his death, which held a watch, a gold-mounted fountain pen, and two knives, was missing from his drowned body. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death raise the question of whether he was pushed or if he took his own life while in the grips of depression. When the club met for its General Meeting on 5 May, all was not well. On presenting the balance sheet, the Hon. Secretary, Charles Sunderland, informed the meeting that it was the worst the club had ever experienced. Whilst the figure of £14 19s 0d doesn’t sound enormous, after accounting for inflation, it equates to approximately £1,300 in today’s money (2023). With several subscriptions outstanding, except for appointing William Hart as groundsman, it was decided to hold another General Meeting on the 19th to allow defaulters an opportunity to pay all other business was postponed. Whilst no report of the subsequent meeting emerged, the club survived and fulfilled its fixtures, so presumably, sufficient subscriptions were collected. On Whit Monday [1 June] the club visited North Mymms and whilst it enjoyed the luncheon and teas provided by Mrs Evelyn Burns (mother of Major-General Sir George Burns), it wouldn’t have been so keen on the drubbing handed out by the Estate team. Batting first, North Mymms made 120, in reply to which Hatfield could only muster 34 (Conrad Horsey 15). Hatfield did much better in their second innings, scoring 101 (Leonard Cox 22), however, the match will have been decided in the 1st innings. In other surviving reports, Hatfield travelled to Clarence Park, St Albans on 6 June, when St Albans ‘A’ team were winners by 27 runs. Defeats followed on 29 June when losing to Hertingfordbury by 76 runs, and again on 11 July Hatfield were defeated by Hill End Asylum. HATFIELD v. WINCHMORE HILL Played at Hatfield on Thursday last week, and resulted in a win for the visitors. Scores:

34 August Bank Holiday weekend was a low point for Hatfield CC, with defeats against two local rivals. On the Saturday the club lost convincingly to Potters Bar by 90 runs, before travelling to North Mymms on Monday for an all-day match. Batting first, Hatfield were shot out for just 52 (Ireton Horsey 18, Leonard Cox 12), to which Mymms replied with 110, Daniel Ellingham taking 7 wickets. Hatfield fared better in the 2nd innings, declaring on 120 for 5 (William Hart 48 not out, Conrad Horsey 23), but Mymms had reached 101 for 8 by the end of play. The final act of 1908 was the death of Frederick Stocks (b. 1827), whose playing career for the club spanned over twenty years in the nineteenth century. 1909 - 1910 There appears to have been something of a media blackout in 1909, with only two results being known. On Saturday, 15 May, playing in Hatfield Park Essendon were beaten by a solitary run and on July 24, Hatfield lost to St Saviour’s by 108 runs to 77. And that is all that is known of the season. Thankfully 1910 was slightly better reported. MONDAY, 06 MAY The Town club suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of near neighbours Hatfield Hyde. Despite only knocking up a moderate total of 60 (Sidney Stacey 3 wickets, Bill Mitchell and William Groom 2), Hyde still managed to win by an innings and 8 runs as Hatfield were dismissed for 16 and 36 with no batsman reaching double figures. WINCHMORE HILL HATFIELD Shoesmith b Thorogood 2 I Horsey b Last 10 A Turner b Thorogood 54 G Carpenter b Shoesmith 5 P Beadle b Ellingham 0 Gerusen b Last 17 L Favier b Ellingham 19 Ellingham b Last 0 C G Wright b Ellingham 0 C Horsey run out 3 H C Hall run out 3 E Cox b Last 1 H Karl b Cox 5 Hankin b Last 6 E F Lowen b Horsey 3 Gregory c Bond b Lowen 3 H Furse b Horsey 6 Walby lbw b Last 2 J Moore not out 0 Elliott c and b Lowen 1 Last b Horsey 0 Thorogood b Last 0 F Cox not out 4 Extras 13 Extras 2 Total 105 Total 54 Middlesex Gazette - 04 July 1908

35 SATURDAY, 02 JULY A wicket described as being “too wet for cricket” due to the preceding rain, didn't appear to hamper Hatfield’s batsmen at North Mymms Park, who declared on 124 for 5 (Ernest Elliott 39, Alfred Groom 43 not out). The North Mymms reply finished at 38 for 6 (Groom 2 for 3, Peter Ashton 2-10, Dan Ellingham 1-16). THURSDAY, 14 JULY Victory for the Thursday XI against St Michael’s of St Albans by 28 runs. Hatfield 72 (Jack Walby 17, W Bond 11 not out, St Michael’s 44 (Leonard Cox 6 wickets, Dan Ellingham 3). MONDAY, 01 AUGUST Bank Holiday Monday produced a resounding defeat for Hatfield at North Mymms Park. In the first innings, Hatfield were all out for 57 (Dan Ellingham 21 not out, Jack Walby 11), to which North Mymms replied with 128 (Dan Ellingham 8 for 24, William Groom 2 for 19 (which doesn’t say much for the rest of the bowling!)). Batting a second time, Hatfield scored a much more respectable 144 (R F Benson 36, Jack Walby 12) and at the close of play, North Mymms Park had made 62 for 6 wickets. HATFIELD v. WINCHMORE HILL Played at Hatfield on Thursday of last week, and resulted in a win for the visitors by three wickets. W Last bowled well for the visitors, securing 7 wickets in each innings, the first for 53 runs, the second for 37. Scores: HATFIELD WINCHMORE HILL L Cox lbw b Moore 7 H C Hall b Thorogood 1 W Groom c Yardley b Last 8 W Yardley c Fincke b Thorogood 25 W Thorogood c Beadle b Last 12 J Oates b Fincke 6 C Horsey run out 2 P J Beadle b Fincke 10 Rev. Wood b Last 2 H Kerry b Fincke 0 C F Benson b Last 0 W Last c Groom b Thorogood 15 J Groom c Yardley b Moore 1 H J Duck c Horsey b Fincke 7 Childs c Yardley b Last 0 J Moore not out 3 G Hemmings not out 10 A E Hunt b Fincke 0 T Fincke b Last 5 E S Peel b Fincke 0 I Horsey b Last 1 H Merchant b Thorogood 0 Extras 3 Extras 4 Total 51 Total 71 In their second innings Hatfield scored 73. Winchmore Hill in their second innings scored 55 for 7 wickets. Middlesex Gazette - 20 August 1910

36 SATURDAY, 27 AUGUST At the Hill End Asylum ground, the final reported action of the 1910 cricket season saw Hatfield's last pair standing their ground to achieve a draw. Hill End 120 (Vincent Austin and Ernest Elliott 3 wickets apiece, Conrad Horsey 2), Hatfield 109 for 9 (Dan Ellingham 30, R F Benson 21, Elliott 18, Horsey 19, Charles Sunderland 11 not out). 1911 SATURDAY, 06 MAY Hatfield CC's first recorded match in 1911 was an away game against North Mymms, which ended in a narrow defeat. North Mymms 101 (Ernest Elliott 7 for 28), Hatfield 97 (Elliott 25, Conrad Horsey 40). SATURDAY, 24 JUNE Just two days after the coronation of George V, Hatfield Cricket Club played host to Wood Green in Hatfield Park. Hatfield declared on a score of 127 for 3, with notable contributions from Dan Ellingham (33 not out), Conrad Horsey (27), and Vincent Austin (38 not out). In response, Wood Green was dismissed for 64 runs, resulting in Hatfield winning the match by a margin of 63 runs. THURSDAY, 27 JULY A comfortable win for the Thursday XI against Bowes Park. Hatfield batted first, making a total of 116 (William Groom 46, Henry Gregory 14, Gerry Carpenter 13, Ireton Horsey 10 not out) and with Daniel Ellingham taking 7 wickets, bowled out Bowes Park for 39, winning by 70 runs. THURSDAY, 03 AUGUST Winchmore Hill were the visitors to Hatfield Park and they left as the victors by 91 runs in the first innings. Hatfield were all out for 53 in their first innings (Hugh Gregory 14, Gerry Carpenter 13, Ireton Horsey 10 not out), a total that was passed with some comfort by Winchmore Hill, who made 144 (Conrad Horsey 5 wickets, William Groom 2, Leonard Cox and the Rev. Wood 1 each). Hatfield made a much better fist of things in their second innings, declaring on 174 for 6 (Cox 60, Conrad Horsey 55, Rev. Wood 30, Groom 14 not out. When stumps were drawn, the visitors had made 28 for 2.

37 SATURDAY, 05 AUGUST Playing in Hatfield Park, it was another defeat, this time at the hands of Hatfield Hyde. The Town club was bowled out for 82 (Ireton Horsey 14, Charles Caesar 12, Gerry Carpenter 10), Ernest Elliott, who seemed to be splitting his time between the two clubs during this period, took 7 of the wickets. The Hyde made 147 to win by 65 runs. By the time the 1912 season was underway, Ernest Elliott would no longer have the decision to make as to which club to play for… SATURDAY, 02 SEPTEMBER The Town club gained revenge on the upstarts from the village, beating Hyde by 27 runs. Hatfield Hyde were bowled out for 142 (Benson and George Hemmings 3 wickets, Hugh Gregory 2)‡ and Town club responded with 169 (Conrad Horsey 62, R F Benson 32, Hugh Gregory, 17, J Butchard 17, Gerry Carpenter 10). ‡ Both E C and R F Benson played in this match and it was not reported which one was the wicket-taker. Back Row: Bill Swift (Umpire), George Hemmings, Gerry Carpenter, Charles Sunderland, Cecil Benson, Rev. C T T Wood, Hugh Benson, Lenny Sharp, Henry West, J Butchard, Conrad Horsey, Marcus ‘Jack’ Walby, H Westcott. Centre: William W Cox, Harry Gregory, Ernest Ganney, Leonard Cox, Stanley C Hankin, William Groom Front: Harry Payne, Frank Groom, W King, Percival Jones, John Groom, D Whittington.

38 SATURDAY, 09 SEPTEMBER The final game of the season that warranted a report in the newspaper was an away match against Brookmans Park. Hatfield managed a score of 111, with contributions from Conrad Horsey (25), Ernest Elliot (19), Vincent Scott (18), Ireton Horsey (11), and William Groom (10). In response, Brookmans Park reached a score of 100 for 8, resulting in a draw with A Hammond taking 4 wickets and William Groom taking 2 for Hatfield.

39 1912 - 1918 HATFIELD UNITED CRICKET CLUB 1.0 Today, Hatfield Hyde is a part of Welwyn Garden City, but in the early twentieth century, it was considered to be a part of Hatfield. During this time, the town's cricket club had become an exclusive group, with the established senior players preventing the younger players from joining the team. This resulted in younger townsfolk such as Ernest E Elliot, R E ‘Bob’ Ray, W R ‘Billy’ Watson and Frederick and Thomas Hickson (all of whom would later figure prominently for the Town club) playing their early cricket for the Hyde club. The exact motivation for the Town club is not documented, although it is known that the Hyde club had suffered from an exodus of players at the club’s autumn General Meeting after the 1911 season, an amalgamation of the two clubs was proposed with a sub-committee set up to explore the idea further and to draft rules for a united club. The idea was appealing to both parties and a meeting of approximately 50 members of both clubs, chaired by the Rev. Claud Thomas Thellusson Woods, was held on Friday, 30 March in the Public Hall to ratify proposals for a joint club. The report of the sub-committee set up to consider a joint venture had dealt primarily with the finances of the two clubs and the proposed usage of grounds. With a few alterations the proposed rules were approved and Hatfield Unified Cricket Club was born. It would certainly appear to have been a merger of equals, with each of the former clubs providing an Assistant Secretary and four committee members to look after the interests of the two camps. Officers were elected as follows: President, Lord Salisbury; Honorary Secretary, Samuel Walton Woodman; Honorary Treasurer, W J 'Jack' Richardson; Assistant Honorary Secretaries, William Rumball Watson (Hatfield) and W Welch (Hatfield Hyde); 1st team Captain, Rev. C T T Wood; Vice-Captain, Charles Patrick Caesar; Captain of Reserves, Fred Hickson; Vice-Capt. John Groom. The elected joint committee comprised William A Groom, Harry Gregory, Hugh Benson and Charles Sunderland (for Hatfield Town) and Vincent Scott, Tom Hickson, Ernest Elliott and A Cooper (for Hatfield Hyde). The fixture list for the inaugural season consisted of 50 fixtures, including 24 home matches, 14 in Hatfield Park (1st XI and Thursday XI) and 10 at Hatfield Hyde (‘A’ Team).

40 SATURDAY, 27 APRIL It was an inauspicious start for the new club, despite the newly enlarged combined membership they ventured to Clarence Park, St Albans for the fixture with Anguloa with only 10 men! The St Albans side batted first, scoring 104, before dismissing Hatfield United for 47. SATURDAY, 11 MAY Hatfield United’s 1st XI entertained Letchworth at Hatfield Park and declared on 103-9 (William Groom 46, Billy Watson 33, Ernest Elliott 22). When time was called the visitors had reached 115-5, Ernest Elliott taking all five wickets, claiming victory by 5 wickets. The ‘A’ team, also playing at home, was more successful, beating Digswell House CC by 74 runs to 37. Walter Bracey 30, H Tarratt 10 and A Cooper 10 were the only Hatfield players to reach double figures, with Walter Bracey (7 wickets) and brother, Alfred, (3 wickets) taking all the wickets. THURSDAY, 16 MAY United’s Thursday XI ventured to Ball’s Park to meet Hertford Town in a match resulting in a draw. Hertford declared on 148-2 and Hatfield finished on 100-8. No other details are known. SATURDAY, 18 MAY Hatfield’s 1st XI were victors on the hospital grounds of Hill End Asylum, however, no details of the scores were reported. In the ‘A’ team fixture, Tewin Water were dismissed for 89, with Alfred Bracey again amongst the wickets with 7. In reply, Hatfield could only muster 42 runs (R Mullery 14), thus losing by 47 runs. SATURDAY, 25 MAY Played at Potters Bar, Hatfield’s 1st XI were dismissed for 120 (Ernest Elliott 47, Ernie Ganney 20, Ronald Halsey 12) before bowling out the home side for 56 (Ernest Elliott 5 wickets, Rev C T T Wood 4) to win by 64 runs. MONDAY, 27 MAY The 1st XI were defeated in a 12-a-side fixture played at Gordon Hill. 1st innings: G.N.R.A.A. 51 (Ernest Elliott 6 wickets, Dan Ellingham 4),

41 Hatfield 43 (Henry Gregory 11). 2nd innings: G.N.R.A.A. 50, Hatfield 42-9 (Stanley Hankin 16 not out, Conrad Horsey 12). Playing at the Hyde in another 12-a-side match, the ‘A’ team were victorious against Northern Cross despite being all out for 44. Alfred Bracey was again amongst the wickets, this time with 9, as the visitors were dismissed for 37. SATURDAY, 01 JUNE The ‘A’ team got the better of North Mymms in a low-scoring match, winning by 11 runs despite being dismissed for 44 runs themselves. The presence of Ernest Elliott, who scored 11, in the side suggests that the 1st XI were without a fixture. THURSDAY, 06 JUNE A poor showing from Hatfield’s Thursday XI on a visit to North Herts. Hitchin declared on 147 for 5 (Hugh Benson 3 wickets) with Hatfield only able to muster 88 runs in reply (J A Soames 32). SATURDAY, 08 JUNE A very comprehensive victory for the 1st XI at Hatfield Park. In reply to Hatfield’s total for 147 (William Groom 69), Welwyn were dismissed for 27 in their 1st innings (Vincent Austin 7 wickets, Ernest Elliott 3) and were on 49 for 6 in their 2nd at the close of play. THURSDAY, 13 JUNE Another trip to an asylum for Hatfield’s midweek XI, this time to Leavesden Mental Hospital. Leavesden were the winners by 144 runs to 113. SATURDAY, 15 JUNE Hertingfordbury was the destination for the 1st XI (at this time linked to Hatfield by rail) to play St Andrews. The home side scored 85 (Rev C T T Wood 6 wickets, Ernest Elliott 3), winning by 15 runs with Hatfield dismissed for 70 (Charles Caesar 23). A bad day was completed at Hatfield Hyde, with the ‘A’ team losing to London Colney by 59 runs after Walter Bracey had helped dismiss the visitors for 91 with 5 wickets.

42 THURSDAY, 20 JUNE Another bad day at the office for the Thursday XI. Crouch End enjoyed their visit to Hatfield Park, running up a total of 196. In reply, Hatfield could only manage 90 runs, William Groom top scoring with 25. SATURDAY, 22 JUNE Hatfield Park was again the venue as the 1st XI narrowly overcame Bowes Park by 5 runs. Ernest Elliott and Vincent Austin, with five wickets apiece, bowled out the visitors, before replying with 56 (Fred Hickson 16). SATURDAY 29 JUNE With a Garden Party taking place in Hatfield Park, the 1st XI played against and drew with Colney Heath at Hatfield Hyde. Hatfield 96 (Vincent Scott 28), Colney Heath 72-9 (Ernest Elliott 4 wickets, Billy Watson 3). SATURDAY, 06 JULY The 1st XI was in action in Hatfield Park, drawing against C W Dixon’s XI. Hatfield declared on 143 for 9 (Charles Caesar 40) with the visitors finishing on 94-3. Not for the first time this season, the Bracey brothers were responsible for dismissing the opposition, Alfred with 6 wickets and Walter with 4. However, the ‘A’ team fell 12 runs short of Etkin CC’s modest total of 62. THURSDAY, 11 JULY Another trip to an Asylum, this time the Three Counties Hospital in Arlesey, Bedfordshire. Batting first, Hatfield made 153 (C T T Wood 38, Charles Caesar 35), but the home side passed this total before finishing on 206. SATURDAY, 13 JULY United’s 1st XI travelled to Letchworth, who made 136 runs (Ernest Elliott 6 wickets). In reply, Hatfield finished on 88 for 5 to earn a dull draw. The ‘A’ team were in action at Hatfield Hyde against Knebworth. Batting first Hatfield were dismissed for 102 (Francis Overton 25) but were one wicket short of victory as Knebworth ended on 62-9 (Walter Bracey 6 wickets). According to the Herts Advertiser, it appears Hatfield may have fielded a

43 ‘third’ eleven in Hatfield Park. William Groom (normally a 1st XI player) scored 45 out of a total of 93 as North Mymms were defeated by 49 runs. SATURDAY, 20 JULY For the second week running the Herts Advertiser suggests that Hatfield United were able to raise three elevens. In the 1st XI match, Hatfield declared on 120 for 6 (Ernest Elliott 63 not out) and dismissed C W Dixon’s XI for 74 (Daniel Ellingham 4 wickets) to win by 46 runs. The details on the microfilm are indecipherable, however, it appears the ‘A’ team comfortably defeated Tewin Water. The third game was again against North Mymms, and the possibility that these matches were Thursday XI fixtures cannot be discounted. As with the ‘A’ team match the quality of the microfilm made the scores illegible, however, North Mymms came out on top this time. SATURDAY, 27 JULY Hatfield United 60, lost to Anguloa by 103 (Vincent Austin 5 wickets). THURSDAY, 01 AUGUST No scores were forthcoming, but Hatfield United’s Thursday XI reportedly lost heavily to Winchmore Hill. SATURDAY, 03 AUGUST The 1st XI narrowly scrapped home in a very low-scoring match against St Andrews. Hatfield scored 40 and bowled out St Andrews for 37. SATURDAY, 17 AUGUST Hatfield Park witnessed a comprehensive victory for the 1st XI and the first mention of a future captain. Hatfield totalled 162 (Hugh Benson 33, Rev. Wood 30, Alfred Fuller 28) and dismissed Linotype for 89, Vincent Benson taking 4 wickets and Hugh Benson 3. SATURDAY, 31 AUGUST A 12-a-side affair in Hatfield Park resulted in a 19-run reverse for the 1st XI. Potters Bar 100 (Rev. Wood 3 wickets, Ernest Elliott 3, Hugh Benson 2, Cecil Benson 2, Alfred Fuller 1), Hatfield 89.

44 SATURDAY, 07 SEPTEMBER The last report of the 1908 season is the first recorded meeting of the Town club and the infant Estate club, with the town club victorious by 23 runs. Hatfield United 104 (Charles Caesar 30), Hatfield Estate 81. The final act of 1912 in the history of Hatfield Cricket Club was the death in December of Henry Hudson Hankin at the age of 70. Hankin was the club’s Honorary Secretary between 1868 and 1871 and it is thanks to his family preserving his records that the club was able to evidence its existence dating back to 1851. 1913 In 1913, there was a change in the leadership of the cricket club, with Samuel Woodman resigning as Honorary Secretary. Previously, the club had two Assistant Honorary Secretaries, one representing each of the original clubs, but now the position was split into joint Honorary Secretaries, with Charles Sunderland and William 'Billy' Watson representing the Town and Hyde clubs, respectively. The vice-captain position was initially reported to be held by Charles Caesar, but later it was suggested, at the end-ofseason General Meeting, that Daniel Ellingham had taken up the role. HATFIELD UNITED V. BARNET The Hatfield United Cricket Club commenced the season on Saturday last, when they played Barnet in the Park. The visitors were only represented by 10 men, and the home team were somewhat lucky in winning the game by 7 runs. Scores:– HATFIELD UNITED BARNET R Ray c Sub b Gibson 5 V Wiliams c and b Ellingham 4 G Carpenter c Pounds b Jones 9 O H Jones c and b Ellingham 2 E Elliott b Pounds 1 H Gibson b Ashton 1 C P Ceasar c and b Gibson 1 H Imray c Fuller b Ellingham 1 P Ashton b Pounds 5 E A Pounds (jr) c Fuller B Ashton 7 D Ellingham b Pounds 0 E A Mortleman lbw b Elliott 20 A O Fuller c Williams b Pounds 11 F Eastwood b Elliott 13 Rev C T T Woodsb Jones 23 A C Smart b Ashton 13 C F Benson run out 3 E A Pounds not out 0 V Scott c Gibson b Jones 8 G H Jones b Ashton 0 J Groom not out 1 Extras 6 Extras 5 Total 73 Total 66 Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 10 May 1913

45 SATURDAY, 10 MAY Hatfield United's 'A' team suffered a heavy defeat during their visit to Bowes Park TAC. The home team scored 82 runs, with Ernest Elliott taking four wickets. Hatfield managed only 36 runs in response." THURSDAY, 15 MAY Hatfield's Thursday XI claimed a narrow 14-run victory in a low-scoring match against Potters Bar. Alfred Fuller played an impressive innings of 30 not out, but he was the only Hatfield batsman to reach double figures as the team was all out for 44. In response, Wilfred Newey took 6 wickets to help dismiss Potters Bar for just 30 runs. The Hatfield United Cricket Club sent a rather weak team to New Southgate on Whit-Monday to play Bowes Park. The home team went in first, and put on a total of 81, of which the Rev. Gardiner scored 38 not out, and Hatfield replied with the meagre total of 36. In the second innings Bowes Park were all dismissed for 78, and Hatfield were left with 124 to get to win with about an hour and a half to do it. E Elliott batted well and scored 63 in fine style, and when he left the total was 89 for four wickets. The rest of the team, however, could do very little, and the second venture only realised 99, the home team thus winning by 24 runs. Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 17 May 1913 HATFIELD V. LINOTYPE Played at Hatfield on Saturday last and won by the home team by 47 runs. Scores:– LINOTYPE HATFIELD D MacLean b Ellingham 41 G Carpenter b Talbot 5 E J Smith b Ellingham 19 J Groom b Blaker 0 F W Hoather b Ellingham 23 A Warner c Hoather b Page 34 S B Hathinson b Ellingham 3 Ingham c Blaker b Page 21 P Talbot b Ellingham 3 R Ray b Blaker 0 R E Wadison b Elliott 1 A O Fuller c Hoather b Blaker 0 W Bacon not out 6 E Elliott b Hoather 61 T J Blaker b Ellingham 7 D Ellingham b Hoather 2 C Page b Elliott 9 C P Caeser not out 16 E E Jones c Benson b Elliott 0 F Benson c Fuller b Page 11 A V Bugler c Elliott b Ellingham 5 C Sunderland c Hathinson b Page 0 Extras 2 Extras 26 Total 129 Total 176 Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 24 May 1913

46 THURSDAY, 29 MAY The 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment (Special Reserve) which was encamped in Hatfield Park raised a twelve, led by their Colonel, the 4th Marquess of Salisbury, to take on Hatfield. Described by the Parish Magazine as “a most enjoyable game,” it certainly was for a strong Hatfield XII who racked up 193 runs (William Groom 90, Hugh Gregory 72). A good afternoon for William Groom was completed by taking 7 of the soldier's wickets in their total of 71. The other wickets were taken by the Rev. Wood (3) and Jack Walby. THURSDAY, 05 JUNE Jack Walby played a crucial innings of 60 not out, anchoring Hatfield's total of 162 in their 55-run victory over Bowes Park. William Groom contributed with 5 wickets, while Walby himself chipped in with 4, as Bowes Park were bundled out for just 107. HATFIELD UNITED V. FROGMORE This twelve-a-side match was played at Frogmore on Saturday, when Hatfield were beaten by six runs. Scores:– FROGMORE HATFIELD UNITED W Wright b Ellingham 10 G Carpenter c F Wright b W Wright 4 F Wright c Moore b Ellingham 1 A Warner b A Wright 0 W Rental b Ellingham 3 A O Fuller b W Wright 18 E Gentle b Elliott 5 D Ellingham b W Wright 4 S Giddings b Hammond 0 E Elliott b A Wright 6 A Wright b Ellingham 9 Swan b W Wright 0 Col. Dalbiac b Ellingham 0 A Hammond b A Wright 0 H Gentle b Hammond 4 C F Benson b W Wright 6 J Hill st Caesar b Ellingham 0 C P Caesar c Gentle b W Wright 0 A Clarke not out 9 H West c Gentle b A Wright 2 F Gray c Fuller b Ellingham 0 Overton not out 1 A Titmuss b Hammond 2 Moore c Rental b A Wright 3 Extras 10 Extras 3 Total 53 Total 47 Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 31 May 1913 WELWYN V. HATFIELD UNITED Played at Welwyn on Saturday last and won by Hatfield by 27 runs. Scores:–

47 THURSDAY, 12 JUNE Hatfield’s Thursday XI faced a tough challenge when they travelled to play against the Three Counties Asylum cricket team. Despite their best efforts, the visitors struggled to contain the hospital men's batting prowess, as they piled on the runs to declare on an impressive 336 for 8. The visitors’ batting performance, on the other hand, was lacklustre, with only the Rev. C T T Wood managing to put up a fight with a score of 43. The rest of the team faltered, and were eventually bowled out for 94. SATURDAY, 14 JUNE Wood Green were the visitors to Hatfield Park where the home team ran out victorious by at least 5 wickets (or 13 runs depending on your point of view). Batting first, Wood Green declared on 136 for 7, in reply to which Hatfield scored 149 for 5 (William Groom 88 not out). THURSDAY, 19 JUNE Hatfield’s Thursday XI suffered a 39-run loss in their away game against Finchley. The North London side scored 104 to which Hatfield were only able to reply with 65 (Wilfred Newey 31). HATFIELD UNITED WELWYN G Carpenter b Cooper 0 J Hassard lbw b Hammond 18 D Ellingham c Gilbert b Cooper 12 C F Duranty b Hammond 1 A Warner c Gilbert b Hassard 10 W Ward b Hammond 0 E Elliott c Ward b Hassard 55 D R Thomas b Ellingham 10 W Watson b Hassard 3 F Hansell b Hammond 4 A Hammond c F Ward b Cooper 1 G Adams b Ellingham 15 C Benson c Thomas b Cooper 0 Cooper not out 15 C Austin b W Ward 12 Gilbert b Hammond 0 H West c W Ward b Duranty 2 Yandell b Hammond 0 R Gadsden c Handell b Hassard 0 A Hayes b Hammond 2 W Meeks not out 0 F Ward b Hammond 0 Extras 2 Extras 8 Total 100 Total 73 Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 14 June 1913 HATFIELD V. HILL END ASYLUM Hatfield did well on Saturday, when they beat the Asylum team by 83 runs, Peter Ashton for Hatfield took nine wickets for 25 runs. Scores:–