The Lost Years: Hatfield Cricket Club - 1901-1945

148 SATURDAY, 21 AUGUST The match at the Hill End Mental Hospital was delayed due to rain, resulting in a drawn match. Hill End managed to score 68 runs with 8 wickets down, with Ernest Elliott delivering a remarkable performance, taking 6 wickets for just 18 runs. In response, Hatfield United scored 50 runs for 6 wickets, with Eddie Hickson contributing 21 runs and Dudley Richardson adding 17 runs to the total. The two teams were scheduled to HATFIELD 1ST XI V. SOUTHGATE VILLA Played on Sunday. HATFIELD E Groom b Kitt 0 E J Hickson c Beresford b Sheaf 7 W Groom c Hollingsworth b Tich 127 J Hilsden c Tich b Cockerill 27 E Elliott b Shipton 19 V Dean b Shipton 18 Earnshaw not out 12 L Hickson F Hickson F Elliott H R Taylor Extras 35 Total for 6 wickets 245 1st Innings. SOUTHGATE VILLA 2nd Innings. E Shipton c E Groom b Elliott 0 not out 23 W Blackwall b E J Hickson 1 b Elliott 5 E Howe b E J Hickson 1 b W Groom 27 J Hollingsworth b W Groom 16 c E Groom b E Elliott 15 A Sheaf c and b V Dean 33 c Hilsden b Earnshaw 8 S Kitt b Elliott 5 not out 4 W Cockerill lbw b Groom 4 c E Hickson b L Hickson 34 H Beresford run out 2 b Elliott 2 G Meeks c F Elliott b Hilsden 6 c Hilsden b V Dean 4 H Shepherd not out 12 c H Taylor b E Groom 0 A Cook c V Dean b H Taylor 4 c E Hickson b E Groom 0 Extras 5 Extras 5 Total 89 Total 127 Bowling: Elliott 3 for 31, E J Hickson 1 for 10, W Groom 2 for 19, V Dean 1 for 2, G Hilsden 1 for 7, T Hickson 0 for 8, H Taylor 1 for 5. Bowling: E Groom 2 for 10, F Elliott 0 for 20, Earnshaw 1 for 24, L Hickson 1 for 7, V Dean 1 for 20, E Elliott 3 for 14, W Groom 1 for 22. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 20 August 1926

149 play again in five days’ time. HILL END V. HATFIELD Played Thursday, August 26th. HILL END HATFIELD C H Searle c and b Bennett 10 Hollingsworth c Wilders b W Runchman 7 G Wilders c Hilsden b Wheeler 30 Bennett b Cull 12 A Runchman b Bennett 6 Simpson c Wilders b Cull 8 W Runchman c and b Bennett 11 Wheeler c and b Cull 8 E T Roberts c Hancock b Wheeler 1 Hancock b Gauntlett 7 W Munden b Bennett 7 Hilsden run out 5 W Gauntlett b Bennett 0 Gow b Gauntlett 14 E McCann b Wheeler 2 Walby b Hayward 6 E T Hayward b Walby 24 Taylor c Munden b Hayward 0 G Cull not out 11 Stebbings c Hayward b Gaunlett 0 H Walters c Wheeler b Walby 2 R Holland not out 0 Extras 4 Extras 12 Total 108 Total 79 Bowling: Simpson 0 for 22, Bennett 5 for 45, Wheeler 3 for 19, Walby 2 for 13, Hilsden 0 for 5. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 03 September 1926 MR E ELLIOT’S PROWESS All Mr Elliott’s numerous friends will congratulate him upon scoring 32 runs in one over and 95 runs in his innings against Barnet on Saturday. This is a feat which should increase both the fame of Hatfield Cricket Club and of Mr Elliott. When he scores a century we shall have to seriously consider a special issue. NOTABLE FEAT BY MR E ELLIOTT NEW RECORD AT HATFIELD Mr E Elliott set up a new batting record for the Hatfield United Club on Saturday last in their match versus Barnet CC, by scoring 32 runs in on over. His hits were– 6, 4, 6, 6, 4, 6. His total score had reached 95 (which included seven sixes and nine fours) when he was caught on the boundary. HATFIELD V. BARNET Played at Hatfield, Saturday, August 28th. HATFIELD BARNET D Richardson b Jones 0 B O Babb b Elliott 18 E Groom b Jones 7 F H Mulvey c Watson b Andrews 27 J Hilsden run out 3 R J Westaby c Wheeler b Andrews 2 E Elliott c Westaby b Ilsley 95 G Powell Davis b Andrews 1 J C Simpson b Westaby 45 O H Jones c Andrews b Elliott 4

150 The preamble to the Athletic Club's Year Book for 1927, which described the 1926 cricket season, stated that "The cricket teams did not achieve as much success as in previous years. Notably, the 2nd XI failed to win a single match throughout the season. However, we have some very promising cricketers among the younger members, and we are pleased to report that the 2nd XI has shown improved form to date." The report also stated that the 1st XI played 22 matches, winning 6, losing 10, and drawing 4. One match was abandoned, and another was tied. The Thursday XI Wheeler b Jones 2 A F Ilsley run out 0 W R Watson b Ilsley 10 J Dresser retired hurt 6 E Andrews not out 27 H H Parslow c Wheeler b R Elliott 11 R Elliott b Ilsley 0 E A Pounds lbw b Wheeler 1 L Shepherd c Ilsley b Jones 8 J M Westaby b Watson 1 R Richardson b Jones 6 R G Westaby not out 0 Extras 28 Extras 8 Total 231 Total 79 Bowling: D Richardson 0 for 14, Andrews 3 for 3, R Elliott 1 for 11, Hilsden 0 for 6, Wheeler 1 for 1, W Watson 1 for 0. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 03 September 1926 VESTA ATHLETIC V. HATFIELD Played Sunday, August 29th. VESTA ATHLETIC HATFIELD J Wills b W Groom 22 S Willson run out 1 Harwood b W Groom 0 W Andrews c Pilmer b Wills 16 Metcalfe not out 12 V Dean b Wills 5 Allen b W Groom 0 E Groom b Pilmer 4 Webbar c E Groom b Elliott 1 J Hilsden b Wills 0 Pilmer c Elliott b Andrews 9 W Groom b Leith 41 F Wills b Andrews 0 E Elliott c Harwood b Sidbury 20 Sidbury not out 14 L Hickson b Pilmer 25 Leith b Elliott 1 J Hollingsworth b Pilmer 3 Monk b W Groom 1 W Bennett b Pilmer 1 King b W Groom 0 H R Taylor not out 4 Chapman b W Groom 0 J C Simpson b Pilmer 12 Extras 5 Extras 13 Total 65 Total 145 Bowling: Elliott 2 for 17, W Groom 6 for 24, T Andrews 2 for 19. Second Innings– all out, total 71. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 03 September 1926

151 played 10 matches, winning 2 and losing 8, while the 2nd XI played 19 matches, losing 18 and drawing 1. Ernest Elliott was the fielder with the most catches, taking 22 catches throughout the season. Jeffrey Hilsden and Stanley Willson were tied for second place, with 14 catches each to their credit. BATTING AVERAGES Innings N.O. Runs Average William Groom 12 1 392 35.64 Ernest Elliott 38 3 794 22.69 Ted Groom 24 1 422 18.35 BOWLING AVERAGES Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average Jack Walby 27.0 11 46 12 3.83 Frederick Taylor 99.0 33 178 39 4.56 William Groom 106.0 25 277 42 6.60

152 1927 As mentioned earlier, 1926 marked the last complete cricket season played at the Show Field ground. Less than 12 months after the Cricket Club had moved in, the writing was on the wall for their new home. The Housing (Financial Provisions) Act of 1924 had put immense pressure on local authorities to provide housing for the working classes. As 48 houses in Hatfield had recently been condemned, the Rural District Council needed a house-building program. On 22 March 1924, J C McCowan, the agent to the Athletic Club's landlord, Lord Salisbury, wrote a letter to Billy Watson: Dear Sir In reply to your letter of the 18th inst. I beg to send you herewith a rough tracing showing in pencil the ground as it exists today, and in red ink, the lines upon which it is at present intended to carry out development for building purposes. It is likely to be many years before the new road is made but perhaps it would be as well to confine any permanent alterations to the ground within the red dotted lines. Yours faithfully J C McCowan. A subsequent letter, dated 30 April, reveals that the club was making efforts to secure the lease on the ground, to prevent any housing development on it. Dear Sir In reply to your letter of 23rd inst. Lord Salisbury regrets that he cannot see his way to give the Athletic Club any lease of the land in question. I am, however, to say that his Lordship sees no reason to anticipate that your Club would be disturbed for many years to come as it is his Lordship's present intention to reserve the land for purposes of recreation. Yours faithfully J C McCowan The proposed Housing Scheme by the Hatfield Rural District Council caused understandable alarm. An article published in the Welwyn Garden City News on 22 May 1925 reported that the Hatfield United Athletic Club

153 had decided unanimously to join the National Playing Fields Association, presumably with the hope of securing funding for a new ground. The proposed Housing Scheme involved the construction of Clarke's Road, which would cut through the middle of the Show Field. The HUAC’s Year Book for 1926 included the following update on the situation: “Developments are pending, we understand, in connection with the Local Housing Scheme, and if present anticipations are realised, it is hoped that Hatfield will be provided with a Sports Ground that will compare favourably with the rest of the grounds in the District,” “since its inception, the Club has been fortunate in the possession of a President who has shown in every way possible his very keen interest in the welfare of the Club and his desire to assist the promotion of good sport in Hatfield.” When the move came, it was only to be a short one. At sometime after the end of the 1926 season and the beginning of the 1927 season, a new cricket square was laid on what was to become known as the Stonecross Road Oval. The new square would need time before it would be ready for FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 7 Welwyn Garden City away “ 14 Bayford home “ 21 Hoddesdon “ “ 28 St. Albans “ June 4 Cockfosters away “ 6 Digswell House “ † “ 11 Cockfosters home* “ 18 Brunswick Institute “ “ 25 Hoddesdon away July 2 Welwyn home* “ 9 Welwyn away “ 16 Hill End “ “ 23 Bayford “ “ 30 St. Albans “ Aug. 1 Hope C.C. home† “ 6 “ 13 Digswell House away “ 20 Hill End “ “ 27 Barnet home* Sept. 3 “ 10 Welwyn Garden City home* † 11.30 a.m. SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 7 Potters Bar 2nd XI home* “ 14 Friern Barnet G.S. away “ 21 Hoddesdon “ “ 28 Essendon “ June 4 Rosslyn C.C. home* “ 6 Hatfield Estate “ “ 11 Hatfield Estate away “ 18 “ 25 Hoddesdon home* July 2 Welwyn 2nd XI away “ 9 Welwyn 2nd XI home* “ 16 Hatfield Hyde “ * “ 23 Welwyn Garden C. 2nd XI away “ 30 Sandridge home Aug. 1 Hatfield Estate away “ 6 Hatfield Hyde “ “ 13 * “ 20 Rosslyn C.C. away “ 27 Sandridge “ Sept. 3 Friern Barnet G.S. home* “ 10 Potters Bar 2nd XI away * Denotes to be played in Hatfield Park

154 cricket, and the club, therefore, made arrangements (as can be seen from the fixture card) to play all of its 2nd and Thursday XI fixtures, and its 1st XI fixtures from mid-July onwards, in Hatfield Park. The HUAC Year Book for 1927 contained the following “Since our last issue our foreshadowed 'Moving Day' has come and gone and although we are not yet 'settled in' there is every indication that in a short space of time there will be nothing to prevent the Club from becoming a flourishing concern so far as the playing field is concerned. At a time when the National Playing Fields Association is launching a national appeal to raise £1,000,000, Hatfield must be counted doubly fortunate in that we have such a splendid ground in the making and that an organisation exists that enables everybody to take advantage of the ground at such very low rates of subscription. Our task is quite clear. We must use our best efforts to economically manage and maintain the new ground so that it shall be a credit to ourselves and to the District and so that we may still continue to be able THURSDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 5 Potters Bar away “ 12 “ 19 “ 26 Ware away June 2 Potters Bar home* “ 9 “ 16 “ 23 Hoddesdon home* “ 30 Parcels C.C. “ * July 7 Hoddesdon away “ 14 Bethnal Green Tradesmen “ “ 21 Parcels C.C. home* “ 28 New Barnet away Aug. 4 Ware Town home* “ 11 Haileybury Staff “ * “ 18 Hertford Police “ * “ 25 Bethnal Green Tradesmen “ * Sept. 1 Haileybury Staff away * Denotes to be played in Hatfield Park

155 to say that the rates of subscription are low enough to afford the opportunity for outdoor recreation to everybody. We must again express our thanks to our President and Vice-Presidents who, by their continued interest and support, set an example to all Members as well as those who are so apt to under-rate the value of outdoor recreation and the competitive sport provided by an Athletic Club such as our own. We are also very much indebted to the Hatfield Estate Cricket Club for the very kind way they are helping us in this difficult period through which we are passing. The close association of the two Clubs is of long-standing and becomes more firmly established by the kindness of our neighbours”. An appeal was made in the Year Book for voluntary labour on the Stonecross Road ground during the coming Autumn and Winter months. (1927-28). The Committee expressed the hope that every able member would assist with the work so that the club might quickly re-establish itself on a sound basis. It said there were many difficulties to surmount but there was no doubt that by a united effort the club with soon compare favourably with any other Athletic Club. The club received the resignations of two senior figures at an inopportune time, considering the significant upheaval it was experiencing. Henry West, who had served as Chairman since the inception of HUAC and previously as Honorary Secretary of Hatfield CC, and Bob Ray, who had been Secretary of the Cricket Section since 1923 (and Assistant Honorary Secretary from 1919 to 1922), both stepped down due to pressure from other business. Billy Watson and Ted Groom were appointed as their replacements. The captaincies also underwent changes, with Charles Simpson taking over from Alfred Fuller as 1st XI captain, assisted by Ted Groom, while Billy Watson was named 2nd XI captain and Harold Goodrick was appointed vice-captain. THE FIRST CRICKET MATCH OF THE SEASON Hatfield played Potters Bar on Thursday, May 5th. Rumours of this exciting match are still travelling around the county. We cannot guarantee their accuracy, but this is how the game was reported to us. The Hatfield Team, for their first match, Went to Potters Bar Groom and Elliott, Walby, Males, With Thoroughgood as star. Their wickets fell like ninepinsSix out for eighteen runs;

156 But then a murmur ran around: See, here the hero comes. Then Thoroughgood descended, Armed like a cricket knight. The bowlers took one fearful glance, And then they each took fright. He flogged them both unmercifully And in between the running He had to take repeated rests, His pace it was so stunning. Good King Sol himself Blazed down in admiration. And Thorough at each race Was bathed in perspiration. He looked just like a fish That's boiled before it's eaten: But all agreed he had The Bar most badly beaten. He hit up half a hundred. The runs rose rapidly. Loud applause was thundered When the score reached ninety The Bar was beat by two By doughty Thoroughgood, Who now is Hatfield's king Of the Willow Wood. His thirst was quite prodigious; But the sole refreshment By Wrigley was supplied In the form of Spearmint. His wife has now forbidden His playing such dry matches On prohibition grounds, Lest Potters Bar he smashes. POTTERS BAR V. HATFIELD Played at Potters Bar on May 5th. HATFIELD POTTERS BAR E Groom c and b Viggers 4 Brock b Elliott 0 F Elliott c Worboys b Barker 6 Worboys b Forest 19 M J Walby c Brock b Viggers 0 L Viggers b Forest 10 W R Forest b Barker 4 C Clobb b Elliott 0 E Elliott lbw b Barker 0 C Coomber b Elliott 5

157 CRICKET SEASON OPENS FIRST HOME CENTURY ON PARKWAY The Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club’s season opened on the Parkway Sports Ground on Saturday last with a match against Hatfield, the home team defeating the visitors by six wickets and 112 runs. The first day of the 1927 season was notable for some excellent batting, particularly by Field who, amid great excitement scored the first century to be made by a member of the team on the home ground. Field thus becomes entitled to a bat to be presented by Mr C Farmer for the winner of this distinction. There was a good deal of excitement later when it was realised that Pearson, who was in with Field, had also nearly completed his first century. Pearson was caught out, however, when his score reached 98. In addition to his century, Field also secured bowling honours in the match, capturing four wickets for 28. The visitors batted first, and although the first three wickets fell for only 3 runs, they gathered 125 in all. Most of these were due to some nicely timed leg hits of E Groom, who made 36 before being well caught by Spencer at the wicket, and W W Thorogood b Barker 50 T Elliott b Elliott 25 H R Taylor b Viggers 0 J Tunnis c E Groom b Elliott 7 S C Hankin b Barker 9 R Robinson b Elliott 2 H Males b Brock 1 F A Murro c Thorogood b Elliott 6 A Costin not out 6 C Barker b Forest 7 L Simpson not out 0 Extras 10 Extras 7 Total 90 Total 88 Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 13 May 1927

158 Smith and C Simpson, who made 25 and 46, respectively. The latter was caught at extra cover by Yuill who, running backwards, brought off a fine one-handed catch, which was well applauded. Masters, a new resident, and Field, opened for the home side, and the former, after a very confident beginning, was unlucky enough to put his leg in front of a straight one with the score at 34. Pearson then joined Field, and scoring became very rapid as a result of some good clean hitting all round the wicket. Many cheers were given as Field passed his century. At 205 Yuill replaced Field, who had scored 116, and considerable excitement prevailed when it was realised that Pearson had almost completed his century. With the score at 233, however, he cut a hard one into the hands of point, and thus missed his century by 2 only. Stumps were drawn after 4 more runs had been added for the loss of Beaumont’s wicket, who did not seem ready to receive the ball, for which a 1.b.w. decision was given. The fielding of both sides left much to be desired, and that of W.G.C. was very patchy, some smart work and some very bad groundwork being noticeable. The bowling, too, seemed inferior to the standard of last season, but this will doubt. less be remedied as the year advances. WELWYN GARDEN CITY V. HATFIELD Welwyn Garden City won by 6 wickets. HATFIELD WELWYN GARDEN CITY E Eastgate lbw b Stroud 1 Field b Elliott 116 E Groom c Spencer b Pearson 36 Masters lbw b Andrews 5 W Thorogood b Stroud 0 Pearson c E Elliott b F Elliott 98 E Elliott b Hemmings 0 Yuill not out 5 W Smith b Hemmings 25 Beaumont lbw b E Elliott 1 C Simpson c Yuill b Field 46 R Paine b Yuill 2 W Andrews not out 13 F Elliott c Hemmings 0 L Shepherd c Speck b Field 0 G Pritchard b Field 0 Extras 2 Extras 12 Total 125 Total 237 Hemmings 2 for 12; Stroud 2 for 41; Field 4 for 28; North 0 for 13; Pearson 1 for 12; Yuill 1 for 11; Speck 0 for 6. E Elliott 2 for 40; Andrews 1 for 43; Smith 0 for 32; Shepherd 0 for 32; Simpson 0 for 34; Thorogood 0 for 31; F Elliott 1 for 7. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 13 May 1927 Welwyn News - 13 May 1927 HATFIELD ESTATE V. HATFIELD UNITED 2ND XI Played at Hatfield on June 6th.

159 HATFIELD ESTATE HATFIELD UNITED L Hickson run out 10 Goodrick b Moore 0 T Hickson b Goodrich 27 Marsh c Witthard b Mitchell 0 A Gow c Taylor b Childs 51 Stebbings c Scot b Moore 3 W Mitchell b Stebbings 1 Thurston b Moore 0 ?? c Thurston b Goodrich 0 Wakeling b Mitchell 4 Cracknell run out 0 F Groom b Mitchell 4 F Moore c Taylor b Childs 2 W Watson b Mitchell 1 S Sutterby c Wakeling b Norman 0 H Taylor c Gow b Moore 2 V Prin.. b Watson 7 K Norman b Mitchell 0 H Scott b Childs 1 R Elliott b Moore 0 L Whittroyd b Watson 0 R Childs not out 2 Hollenby b Mitchell 0 Extras 17 Extras Total 116 Total 15 Bowling: Stebbings, 1 for 20; J Marsh, 1 for 18; Goodrich, 2 for 14; Norman, 1 for 26; R Childs, 3 for 13; W Watson, 2 for 8. Bowling for 6 for 0, Mitchell 5 for 15. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 10 June 1927 HATFIELD THURSDAY V. HODDESDON Played at Hatfield Park on June 23rd. This is the first time that Hoddesdon Town has been defeated by a Hatfield team at Hatfield since the war. Throughout the Hatfield innings the wickets were only once hit, when Ward was bowled by Lambert. Hankin made a remarkable catch at square leg. Also Dean made a miraculous catch at cover point position, taking the ball high in the air and rolling over on the ground twice without grounding the ball. Gow had a very commendable innings of 60, which included ten fours and six twos. His 60 was scored in about 25 minutes. The ground played excellently, and is quite a credit to those responsible. HODDESDON TOWN HATFIELD Brazier c Ward b Dean 18 F Elliott c Kinght b Freer 0 Lambert b Dean 8 A Gow c Hammond b Knight 60 Thrussell lbw b Runchman 6 W Runchman run out 13 Trudgett c Gow b Runchman 0 I Horsey st Brazier b Knight 19 Ashmore b Runchman 3 V Dean c Knight b Trudget 5 Hammond b Runchman 14 H R Taylor not out 5 Thear c Hankin b Runchman 2 M Ward b Lambert 2 Jaggs b Runchman 29 F Weedon lbw b Knight 20 Knight c Dean b Weedon 6 W Thorogood lbw b Knight 26 Freer not out 5 J Rumney c Brazier b Knight 1 Leach absent 0 S Hankin not out 7 Extras 3 Extras 10 Total 94 Total for 9 wickets 168 Bowling: Runchman 6 for 39, V Dean 2 for 28, Weedon 1 for 25 Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 01 July 1927

160 HODDESDON V. HATFIELD Played at Hoddesdon. HODDESDON HATFIELD Brazier b Stebbing 19 Dean c and b Bray 13 Hunt b Runchman 0 Gow c Brazier b Knight 13 Thrussall b Taylor 16 Runchman b Bray 21 Lambert b Taylor 0 Weedon lbw b Lambert 17 Jaggs c and b Runchman 14 F Taylor lbw b Lambert 0 Warren b Dean 8 Thorogood b Lambert 2 Hamond not out 25 Stebbing b Knight 1 Knight b Taylor 12 H R Taylor b Bray 0 Hammond not out 25 Rumney b Knight 0 Bray Hankin not out 0 Boyas Extras 9 Extras 4 Total for 7 wickets 103 Total 74 Bowling: Runchman 2 for 26, Taylor 3 for 39, Stebbing 1 for 9, Dean 1 for 17. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 08 July 1927 HILL END V. HATFIELD Hatfield won by 46 runs. Dudey Richardson took 6 wickets for 26 runs. This is the first time that Hill End has been beaten this season. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 22 July 1927 HATFIELD THURSDAY V. LNER PARCELS CC Played at Hatfield on July 21st. HATFIELD PARCELS CC A Gow b Waddingham 18 Hodson c Gow b Johnson 9 Hickson c Mattock b Smith 34 Cheetah b Johnson 50 M J Walby c Waddingham b Chetah 24 Mattock c Hollingsworth b Weedon 6 F Weedon run out 5 Pilgrim b Walby 0 W Thorogood c Hale b Smith 20 Waddingham c Gow b Walby 0 B Hollingsworth b Smith 0 Damant b Johnson 9 Johnson c Hale b Smith 0 Weston not out 5 Taylor c Hale b Smith 2 Hale c Gow b Johnson 0 Rumney b Smith 0 A Smith c Taylor b Johnson 0 Ward b Waddingham 1 Hadley c Hollingsworth b Weedon 4 Marsh c Mattock b Smith 7 Gould not out 3 Extras 3 Extras 3 Total 114 Total for 9 wickets 89 Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 29 July 1927

161 SATURDAY, 30 JULY The 1st XI was in action in Clarence Park against St Albans II. The home team batted first and managed to score 123 runs (Harry Whitby 7-23), and then bowled Hatfield out for 70 (Whitby 15, Alec Gow 16). WELWYN GARDEN CITY 2ND XI V. HATFIELD UNITED 2ND XI Played at Welwyn Garden City on July 23rd. WELWYN GARDEN CITY HATFIELD Simpson b Holland 3 Holland c Simpson b Speck 0 Fisher b Smith 27 Goodrich b Fletcher 12 Masters b Elliott 26 Smith b Speck 2 Speck c Wakeling b Smith 27 Elliott b Speck 0 Beaumont run out 14 Wakeling not out 60 Gray c Wakeling b Norton 9 Watson c Edwards b Speck 0 Major not out 56 Torr c and b Gray 24 Fletcher not out 16 Roberts lbw b Gray 9 Oughton Marsh Edwards Norman Young Hollanby Extras 21 Extras 10 Total for 6 wickets 199 Total for 7 wickets 117 Bowling: Holland 1 for 38, Marsh 0 for 10, Smith 2 for 39, Elliott 1 for 40, Norton 1 for 20, Goodrich 0 for 24. Bowling: Edwards 0 for 9, Speck 4 for 16, Fletcher 1 for 27, Major 0 for 16, Gray 2 for 26, Young 0 for 13 Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 29 July 1927 HATFIELD THURSDAY V. NEW BARNET Played at Hatfield on July 28th. Hatfield won by one wicket and 124 runs. HATFIELD NEW BARNET E Groom 1 All out, 42. Bowling: Shepherd 1 for 2, Osborn 3 for 9, Weedon 3 for 26. Catches: Weedon, Gow and Osborn Hollingsworth 5 T Hickson 7 A Gow 0 M J Walby 29 H Weedon 8 W L Thorogood not out 70 L Shepherd 38 A J Rumney 5 Osborn 0 Hankin Extras 3 Total for 9 wickets 166 Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 12 August 1927

162 HATFIELD THURSDAY V. WARE Played at Home on August 4th. HATFIELD WARE E Groom c Cherry b George 2 F Crane c Gow b Dean 5 A Gow c George b Stalley 29 C V Clibbon c Buckingham b Weedon 2 M J Walby b Childs 1 R George c Gow b Shepherd 29 L Shepherd b Rouse 4 J Childs b Weedon 0 V Dean c Clements b Stalley 6 C Stalley c Grom b Dean 1 W L Thorogood c Merton b Rouse 18 H Stalley b Weedon 3 F Weedon b Merton 19 W Dolley b Weedon 1 Buckingham c Merton b Childs 0 H Merton c Buckingham b Shepherd 3 S C Hankin not out 13 C Rouse not out 17 H R Taylor not out 13 V Cherry c Groom b Weedon 0 A J Rumney F Grover b Weedon 4 Extras 6 Extras 2 Total for 8 wickets 111 Total 67 Bowling: Weedon 6 for 37, V Dean 2 for 9, Shepherd 2 for 18. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 12 August 1927 HATFIELD V. BARNET Played at Hatfield Park on August 27th. BARNET HATFIELD L Farris c Goodrick b Elliott 12 E Groom b Irwin 35 D Powell c Whitby b Simpson 25 D Richardson b Irwin 0 E Cope b Elliott 7 C Simpson c Farris b Holmes 53 F Snow b Elliott 0 H Whitby run out 5 C Harvey c Groom b Simpson 9 E Elliott b Holmes 13 L S Irwin b Simpson 0 A Eaastgate lbw b Holmes 2 H A V Bulbed b Richardson 0 F Elliott c Snow b Holmes 1 O Hockforth Jones c Groom b Richardson 5 R Elliott b Cope 0 L A Holmes not out 11 H Goodrick b Mills 1 Mills c Torr b Richardson 13 C Roberts not out 2 H Dorward run out 8 C Torr b Cope 5 Extras 4 Extras 4 Total 94 Total 121 Bowling: E Elliott 3 for 29, Richardson 3 for 33, Whitby 3 for 11, Simpson 0 for 16, Goodrick 0 for 1. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 02 September 1927

163 HAILEYBURY STAFF V. HATFIELD THURSDAY Played on September 1st at Haileybury College, this was the Thursday eleven’s last match of the season.. HAILEYBURY HATFIELD Douglas b Rumney 44 Horsey b Muncer 8 Camp c Gow b Rumney 39 Gow b Muncer 9 Muncer lbw b Rumney 0 Hickson not out 28 Locking b Rumney 0 Weedon b Locking 2 Ball c and b Lawrence 5 Dean run out 2 Cratford b Rumney 2 Haywood b Muncer 2 Dub b Rumney 9 Walby b Muncer 5 Roberson c Dean b Rumney 2 Lawrence not out 23 Cox b Lawrence 1 Rumney R Camp not out 0 Hankin Pittock b Rumney 1 Childs Samford b Rumney 0 Taylor Extras 8 Extras 18 Total 111 Total for 6 wickets 97 Bowling: Lawrence 2 for 39, Weedon 0 for 16, Walby 0 for 17, Rumney 9 for 18, Childs 0 for 12. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 09 September 1927 THE LAST MATCH CRICKET CLUB DEFEAT HATFIELD Welwyn Garden City visited Hatfield on Saturday last to play Hatfield United in the last match of the season. The City easily won, passing the Hatfield total of 59 for the loss of only 4 wickets. HATFIELD WELWYN GARDEN CITY E Groom b Hemmings 14 Field hit wkt b Elliott 9 L Hickson lbw b Hemmings 2 Reiss b Lawrence 22 D Richardson c Edwards b Limb 10 Pearson c Whitby b Elliott 8 T Hickson b Hemmings 11 Pinsent c T Hickson b Lawrence 5 H Whitby b Limb 0 North b Richardson 18 E Elliott b Hemmings 1 Bedell c Groom b Whitby 10 A Johnson b Hemmings 1 Young c Elliott b Willson 19 S Willson c Young b Limb 4 D Edwards lbw b Willson 12 A Lawrence c Edwards b Limb 14 B Edwards not out 3 F Hickson b Hemmings 2 Hemmings not out 12 C Roberts not out 0 Limb Extras 1 Extras 5 Total 59 Total for 8 wickets 153 Bowling: Hemmings 11-2-17-6, Pinsent 3-0- 12-0, Limb 8-0-29-4. Bowling: Elliott 9-2-19-2, Richardson 8-0-35-1, Lawrence 4-0-11-2, Whitby 4-1-14-1, Willson 6-1-14-2. Welwyn Garden City News - 16 September 1927

164 The Hatfield United Cricket Section concluded their activities with what was essentially an inter-club match. ‘SQUIRE’ HORSEY’S XI V. EAST INDIAN CHIEF XI Played in Hatfield Park on Thursday, September 8th. The East Indians won by seven runs. Mr T Hickson (captain East Indian Xl) won the toss, and elected to bat first. The fielding of Horsey's XI was excellent, and undoubtedly the surprise of the match, Martin's two catches being worthy of special mention. Squire Horsey, as ‘stumper’ (despite his years), put up a creditable performance. The fact that only four extras were scored against him (two being leg-byes) speaks for itself. Weedon at close-in point made a smart catch from a hefty late cut by Taylor. Weedon and Rumney bowled well, keeping a good length ball which was obviously troublesome to the batsmen. Watson, fielding third slip, made an excellent catch when dismissing Horsey, " the ' sticker of the team " for one. After the match. "the teams and officials adjourned ti the East Indian Chief where a sumptuous dinner awaited them, provided by members interested in the match, and excellently served by Mr and Mrs Smith. Musical items followed, provided by Messrs Watson, Weedon, Childs, Elliott, and Richardson. Welwyn Garden City & Hertfordshire Pilot - 16 September 1927 EAST INDIANS MR I HORSEY’S XI S C Hankin b Weedon 7 I Horsey c Watson b Lawrence 1 H R Taylor c Weedon b Rumney 16 Joe Walby b Lawrence 1 D Richardson b Weedon 0 M J Walby b Lawrence 3 W R Watson b Weedon 0 J Rumney b Simpson 38 A Lawrence not out 25 F Weedon c and b Lawrence 6 J Simpson run out 5 J Blaxill b Hickson 0 K Smith b Rumney 1 J Martin c Lawrence b Hickson 5 E J Hickson c Martin b Rumney 3 C Houlton c L Hickson b Simpson 0 F Groom b Weedon 1 G Potter b Hickson 0 T Hickson c Blaxill b Weedon 3 J Kilner not out 2 L Hickson c Martin b Weedon 5 G Denton run out 1 Extras 4 Extras 6 Total 70 Total 63 Bowling: F Weedon 6 for 33, J Rumney 3 for 33. Bowling: Lawrence 4 for 22, Richardson 0 for 13, Simpson 2 for 12, E J Hickson 3 for 10.

165 1928 - 1939 THE STONECROSS ROAD OVAL 1928 As previously mentioned, the Hatfield United Cricket Club underwent a significant change when it moved from its old home at the Show Field to a new ground at Stonecross Road. The new square was located approximately a hundred yards to the northwest of the old one, and the football pitch was reoriented by ninety degrees, now running from east to west instead of north to south. With all the Council housing schemes around the ground completed, the Cricket Section was able to erect a pavilion on the western side of the new ground. The pavilion was situated directly opposite the garden of 91 Stonecross Road, which at the time was occupied by the club's Secretary, Ted Groom. On Monday, 2 April, the Cricket Section of the Hatfield United Athletic Club (HUAC) held its Spring General Meeting at the One Bell Hotel. Charles Earnshaw presided over the meeting in the absence of Billy Watson. The Secretary and club captains were all successfully re-elected. After a ballot, the section's committee considted of Leonard Shepherd, Fred Taylor, Arthur Eastgate, William Thorogood, Alec Gow, and Ernest Elliott. Site of the Stonecross Road ‘Oval’

166 Alfred Scott was elected as the scorer for the 1st XI, while W Childs was chosen as the scorer for the Thursday XI. Additionally, Charles Simpson, a schoolmaster, promised to "find a lad willing to score for the 2nd XI.” During the meeting, Stanley Hankin proposed that the Section's members send their “hearty thanks to the Estate Cricket Club for their kindness and support during a difficult time.” (The previous season, the Hatfield United Cricket Club had played the majority of their home fixtures in Hatfield Park.) The proposal was unanimously carried. At this time, most players will have been reliant on public transport to matches, and another unanimously approved proposal was for the committee to “arrange for facilities for the various teams to travel together to away games.” William Thorogood and Billy Watson were thanked for “their kindness in allowing members to travel in their cars in 1927.” After a flurry of match reports in previous seasons, there was a dearth of information on the Hatfield United Cricket Club's activities in the local press during the 1928 season. Only three match results are known, and all FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 5 Leavesden Mental Hospital away “ 12 Hill End Mental Hospital “ “ 19 Hope C.C. home “ 26 Potters Bar away June 2 Cockfosters “ “ 9 Welwyn home “ 16 away “ 23 Brunswick Institute home “ 30 Hatfield Estate “ July 7 Welwyn away “ 14 Hoddesdon home “ 21 away “ 28 Hill End Mental Hospital “ “ 4 Aug. 6 Watford } “ 7 Leavesden Mental Hosp. } “ 8 Welwyn Garden City } Cricket “ 9 Wood Green } Week “ 11 Cockfosters } “ 18 Haileybury home “ 25 Potters Bar “ Sept. 1 Hoddesdon away “ 8 Hatfield Estate “ SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND April 28 Bayford away May 5 “ “ 12 Potters Bar 2nd XI home “ 19 away “ 29 Hoddesdon 2nd XI home June 2 Bayford “ “ 9 Welwyn 2nd XI away “ 16 Essendon home “ 23 Hoddesdon 2nd XI away “ 30 North Mymms “ July 7 Welwyn 2nd XI home “ 14 Essendon away “ 21 Leavesden 2nd XI home “ 28 Barnet Gym. Club “ Aug. 4 Rosslyn C.C. away “ 6 “ “ 11 Potters Bar 2nd XI “ “ 18 “ 25 Barnet Gym. Club away Sept. 1 North Mymms home “ 8 Rosslyn C.C. “

167 of them were defeats for the club. The first match took place on Saturday, 26 May, against Potters Bar, a fixture revived after a hiatus of several years. In that match, Alfred Fuller was the pick of the Hatfield bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for just 2 runs from 5 overs. However, the team struggled to chase down Potters Bar's total of 103 and were all out for just 45 runs. On 28 July, the club played at Hill End, where the home team scored 108 runs to Hatfield's 50 all out. The only noteworthy contribution from Hatfield was from P Lee, who scored 12 runs. Finally, there was an absolute drubbing during the club’s cricket week. THURSDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 17 Hoddesdon home “ 24 Ware “ “ 31 Potters Bar “ June 7 Barnet “ “ 14 (County Show) “ 21 Ware Town away “ 28 Hertford home July 5 County Surveyors 5.30 “ “ 12 Hoddesdon away “ 19 Wood Green “ “ 26 Potters Bar away Aug. 2 “ 9 Wood Green home “ 16 Haileybury away “ 23 Parcels C.C. home “ 30 Barnet away Sept. 6 Parcels C.C. home SUNDAYS DATE OPPONENTS GROUND June 3 Woodford Wanderers home “ 10 Mr. Tozzi’s XI “ “ 17 “ 24 July 1 Kingham Athletic Watford home “ 8 Mr. Earnshaw’s XI “ “ 15 Mr. Tozzi’s XI “ “ 22 Woodford Wanderers “ “ 29 Aug. 5 “ 12 Welwyn home “ 19 “ 26 Vesta Athletic home Sept. 2 Watford C.C “ HATFIELD UNITED V. WELWYN GARDEN CITY Welwyn Garden City (Wed.) visited Hatfield United on Wednesday last week in their cricket week. After making 166 for 5 wickets declared, Welwyn Garden City sent back the local team for the meagre total of 23. Hemmings took 7 wickets for 3 runs and Thomas 3 for 7.

168 On Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday, 28 May 1928, the Hatfield United Cricket Club's new ground was officially opened by the 4th Marquess of Salisbury. The grand occasion was marked by a fete and sports day, with local residents in attendance. The day was jam-packed with various activities and attractions for all ages, with gates opening at 1.15 p.m. and the official opening at 2.00 p.m. WELWYN GARDEN CITY HATFIELD UNITED Beach b Osborne 24 Groom b Hemmings 0 Hemmings b Osborne 0 Gow b Hemmings 7 Fisher c Cracknell b Osborne 18 Cracknell c Beach b Hemmings 2 Reiss not out 40 Osborne b Thomas 0 Cooper b Elliott 27 Mitchell b Thomas 0 Page c Childs b Stebbings 28 Brooks b Thomas 4 Thomas not out 15 Childs b Hemmings 1 Stebbings b Hemmings 0 Elliott c Thomas b Hemmings 0 Dean c and b Hemmings 0 Alderson not out 2 Extras 14 Extras 7 Total for 5 wickets dec. 166 Total 23 Bowling.- Elliott 1 for 52, Osborne 3 for 62, Stebbings 1 for 34 Bowling.- Hemmings 7 for 3, Thomas 3 for 7 Welwyn News - 17 August 1928 MARRIED XI 1928: Rob Halsey (umpire), Archie Johnson, Bob Ray, Harry Taylor, Fred Weedon, Arthur Stebbings. Jack Marsh, Ted Palmer, Ted Groom, Billy Watson, Frank Groom, Ernest Elliott.

169 The sports events were a particular highlight of the day, with strict AAA regulations ensuring a high level of competition. The events ran from 2.15 p.m. until 5.00 p.m., culminating in a One Mile Handicap. The Ware Town Band provided musical entertainment from 2 to 9 p.m., with the last two hours reserved for Dancing on the Green. Other attractions included an exhibition of Lawn Tennis, a Display of Country Dancing by the girls of St Audrey's Senior Mixed School, and a Tethered Football Match that kicked off at 6.15 p.m. Visitors also had the opportunity to try their hand at various side shows, including Clock Golf, Hidden Treasure, Bowling for Fowls, Coconut Shies, Throwing at High Hat, Shove Penny, Goal Shooting, Penny on the Square, Revolving Horse, Darts, and more. The Ladies Committee of HUAC undertook the catering for teas and refreshments served from 3 to 5.30 p.m. “at moderate charges”.

170 1929 On 25 March, the Cricket Section held its Spring General Meeting with Billy Watson presiding. Charles Simpson retained his position as 1st XI captain, with Dudley Richardson taking over as vice-captain from Ted Groom. Ernest Elliott replaced Billy Watson as captain of the 2nd XI, with Harold Goodrick remaining as vice-captain. Stanley Hankin continued as Thursday captain, while Harry Taylor replaced Jack Walby as vice-captain. The committee members for the upcoming season were chosen by ballot and comprised Leslie Ragge, Len Shepherd, Vic Dean, Fred Taylor, and Fred Weedon. During the meeting, Ted Groom expressed his desire to resign as Honorary Secretary of the Cricket Section. The members accepted his resignation with regret and thanked him for his excellent work. Joe Walby proposed and Gerry Carpenter seconded that Bob Ray should be approached to fill the vacant position. After the proposal was carried, Alec Gow suggested that if Bob Ray declined, Vic Dean's offer to fill the position should be accepted. In the end, Vic Dean became the new Secretary of the Cricket Section. The dearth of match reports continued with even fewer surfacing than in 1928. SATURDAY, 06 JULY In a match against Potters Bar, Hatfield was bowled out for just 73 runs, while Potters Bar declared on 181 for 7. Fred Taylor performed well for Hatfield, taking 4 wickets for 44 runs, but it wasn't enough to prevent a heavy defeat by 108 runs. SUNDAY, 07 JULY After the annual Married vs. Single match, which was held on August 18, 1928, Stanley Hankin presented the winning captain, Dudley Richardson, with a silver cup donated by the 1/10th County of London Regiment. The Single team emerged victorious by a large margin of 87 runs to 28. A photograph of the Single team has been preserved and is available on the following page. SATURDAY, 13 JULY Hill End Hospital’s XI were the visitors to the Stonecross Oval and left defeated by 22 runs. Unfortunately, due to the poor quality of the micro-

171 film, no further details about the match are available. HATFIELD CRICKET DINNER The Cricket Section of the. Hatfield United Athletic Club held its annual dinner at the One Bell Hotel on Thursday evening. Mr W R Watson presided. The toast of the President, Lord Salisbury, was proposed by Mr H West, and received with enthusiasm and accorded musical honours. “The Club” was proposed by Mr S C Hankin, who, after making happy allusion to the cricket traditions of Hatfield, said that though they were passing through a very trying period, he was very optimistic with regard to the future. They were working hard on the pitch now, and he hoped that next year they would be able to provide their opponents with some good wickets and good lickings. The Hon. Secretary, of the Cricket Section, Mr Victor Dean, submitted interesting statistics of the past season. The 1st eleven had played 16 matches, winning 5, losing 9 and drawing 2. The 2nd eleven played 14, winning 2, losing 11 and drawing 1. The Thursday eleven played 12, winning 7, losing. 4, and drawing 1. The Sunday eleven played 8, winning 7 and losing 1. Altogether 50 matches were played, of which 21 had been won, 25 lost and 4 drawn. Mr E Elliott headed the batting averages with a record of 20.62, while Mr F Taylor had the best bowling analysis with 48 wickets at a cost of just under 5 runs per wicket. Altogether 52 members batted in the various matches, while 22 members shared the bowling. The Welwyn Times - 14 November 1929 Single XI 1929: Back: Stan Hankin (umpire), Bert Shepherd, Len Shepherd, Joe Walby, Bill Walby, Vic Dean. Front: Joe Hollingworth, Frank Elliott, Dudley Richardson, Charles Wakeling, - Hill, Ron Elliott.

172 1930 The records of the cricket club for 1930 are unfortunately incomplete and there is no report of the General Meeting. The minutes were likely destroyed when Vic Dean’s house was hit by a flying bomb in 1944. Similarly, no copy of the fixture card for the season exists. While there were changes to the captaincies between 1929 and 1931, it is unclear whether they were in place during the 1930 season. Fortunately, there are a few more match reports available compared to the previous two seasons. SATURDAY, 10 MAY The local derby between Hatfield Estate and Hatfield United was held at Hatfield Park, with Hatfield Estate batting first and scoring 91 runs. In response, Hatfield United managed to score 85 runs all out, with George Jenkins contributing 33 runs and Charles Simpson adding 28 runs to their team's total. Hatfield Estate emerged victorious with a narrow margin of 6 runs. SATURDAY, 31 MAY The Hatfield cricket team hosted International Rubber Works (St AlHatfield United 2nd XI 1930. Back: Rob Halsey (umpire), Sidney Mills (scorer), Chris Roberts, Ron Elliott, Harold Goodrick, Percy Dean, Frank Elliott, Jack Ewington. Front: Bill Lovell, Bert Shepherd, Cecil Torr, Bernard Hyde, Warden Sands

173 bans) at the Stonecross Road Oval. The visitors, who manufactured condoms, were bowled out for just 63 runs in 55 minutes with Ted Palmer taking 4 wickets for 22 runs and Charles Simpson taking 3 for 4. In reply, Hatfield chased down the target, scoring 64 for 7 with contributions from Dudley Richardson (29) and Simpson (14), winning the match by 3 wickets. SATURDAY, 21 JUNE The Sandridge 1st XI proved too strong for Hatfield's 2nd XI at the Stonecross Road Oval. Frank Elliot took 7 wickets for 63 runs in Sandridge's innings of 118, which proved to be too challenging for Hatfield to chase, as they were bowled out for 86 runs (with Harold Goodrick scoring 38 runs). SATURDAY, 05 JULY Hatfield United faced a seemingly straightforward task after bowling out Woodhouse for a paltry 17 runs, with Fred Taylor taking 3-7. However, there may have been some worried faces when Hatfield lost their first four wickets without scoring a single run. In the end, Hatfield won comfortably with Edward Cooper-Smith scoring an unbeaten 65, supported by Ernest Elliott with 31, Arthur Eastgate with 23, and Dudley Richardson with an unbeaten 14, taking the team to 136 for 6 at stumps. SATURDAY, 12 JULY Hatfield United's 1st XI enjoyed a successful outing to North Mymms. The home team was bowled out for a mere 60 runs, which Hatfield easily surpassed with only 3 wickets down, amassing a total of 132 runs. Notable contributions came from Vic Dean, who remained unbeaten with a score of 40, and Ted Groom, who scored 39. DAWNAYS V. HATFIELD UNITED II DAWNAYS: Rouse, caught 17; Maylin, bowled 1; Hepher, stumped 3, Astill, lbw 2; Ward, bowled 16; Bartley, bowled 2; Wiles, lbw 3; Thomas, bowled 4; Hedger, bowled 19; Lawrence, not out 4; Smith, caught 0. Extras, 8. Total, 79. HATFIELD UNITED: Hyde, lbw 18; Ford, bowled 3; Shepherd, caught 4; Goodrick, caught 0; F Elliott, caught 5; Roberts, lbw 5; Walby, caught 21; Sands, bowled 3; Dean, bowled 17; R Elliott, not out 3; Lovell, bowled 1. Extras, 9. Total, 89. The Welwyn Times - 22 May 1930

174 SATURDAY, 02 AUGUST The match between Hatfield and LNER Locomotive Depot saw Vic Dean scoring only seven runs for his works’ team in a total of 29, with Jack Smith taking 7 wickets for 17 runs and Warden Sands taking 3 wickets for 11 runs. However, in response, the Hatfield players were unstoppable, with Ted Cooper-Smith setting a new club record of 132 not out, which included 19 boundaries. Bert Shepherd also contributed with 53 not out, as Hatfield reached a total of 197 for the loss of just two wickets.† MONDAY, 04 AUGUST On Bank Holiday Monday, the annual Married vs. Single cricket match was held. Due to heavy overnight rain, the pitch was in poor condition and the Married team suffered. The Single team batted first and scored 146 runs with contributions from Vic Dean (48), Bert Shepherd (22), Joe Walby (20), Walter Whitby (12 not out), and Bill Walby (12). Alfred Fuller took 4 wickets for 37 runs and W Gilchrist took 2 wickets for 17 runs. In reply, the Married team could only manage 44 runs with Vic Dean taking 4 wickets for 16 runs, Bert Shepherd taking 3 wickets for 10 runs, and Dudley Richardson taking 2 wickets for 6 runs. Mrs. Alice Watson, the wife of Billy Watson, presented the cup to the Single team's captain Dudley Richardson. The match was played with 12 players on each side. SATURDAY, 30 AUGUST The Hatfield derby returned to the Stonecross Road Oval, where Hatfield United batted first and scored 82 runs (with W Gilchrist scoring 18 not out and Vic Dean scoring 15). In response, Hatfield Estate were bowled out for 45 runs with Vic Dean taking 4 wickets for no runs and Ernest Elliott taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. † For many years it was believed that Bert Shepherd held the record for the most runs scored in a career without a fifty. This obviously disproves that ‘fact’. DAWNAYS V. HATFIELD UNITED II HATFIELD UNITED II DAWNAYS SPORTS CLUB Goodrick b Hepher 5 Rouse c Torr b Shepherd 10 Lay c Archer b Maylin 0 Ward run out 1 Shepherd lbw b Maylin 0 Hepher b Sands 1 F Elliott c Hepher b Maylin 4 Maylin lbw b Elliott 9 Torr c Bailey b Hepher 4 Lawrence c Elliott b Shepherd 1 Hyde b Maylin 0 Archer b Shepherd 0

175 1931 It is unclear whether these changes had already taken place in 1930. However, for the 1931 season, Ted Groom took over as the 1st XI captain, replacing Charles Simpson, while Bert Shepherd was named captain of the 2nd XI, succeeding Frank Elliott. SATURDAY, 09 MAY The 1931 season started with a match against Brunswick Institute CC at Osborne b Hepher 0 Knight c Dean b Sands 1 Dean c Hepher b Maylin 0 Blake b Goodrick 18 Stevens not out 2 Bailey b Stevens 15 R Elliott b Hepher 0 Tiller not out 1 Sands b Maylin 0 Smith b Stevens 8 Extras 1 Extras 6 Total 16 Total 71 The Welwyn Times - 14 August 1930 HATFIELD UNITED ATHLETIC CLUB CRICKET SECTION SEASON 1931 1st XI Capt. Mr E. GROOM 2nd XI Capt. Mr H. SHEPHERD Thursday XI Capt. Mr S. HANKIN Hon. Section Sec. E DEAN 29 Primrose Cottages, Hatfield. FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 2 Railway Clearing House away “ 9 Brunswick Institute home “ 16 Boxmoor away “ 23 Potters Bar home Whit. Mon. Wood Gr’n Labour Sp. C home* May 30 Potters Bar away June 6 Hoddesdon “ “ 13 Woodford Wanderers home “ 20 Hill End away “ 27 home July 4 Hatfield Estate “ “ 11 North Mymms away “ 18 Hoddesdon home “ 25 Rosslyn C.C. “ Aug. 1 Railway Clearing House “ Bank Hol Married v. Single home* Aug. 8 away “ 15 Boxmoor home “ 22 Hill End away “ 29 Woodford Wanderers home Sept. 5 Hatfield Estate away “ 12 Welwyn “ “ 19 Brunswick Institute “ * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m.

176 Stonecross Road. Fred Taylor was the star performer, taking seven wickets for just 25 runs, and helped to dismiss the visitors for 71. However, despite Edward Cooper-Smith's contribution of 28 runs, Hatfield fell short by 18 runs in their reply. SATURDAY, 30 MAY The 1st XI of Hatfield travelled to Potters Bar for their next match, where the home team declared on 119 for 8. Hatfield managed to pass this total before being all out for 130. The 2nd XI of Hatfield played a 12-a-side match against Horns Antello, where the visiting side made 94 runs with Christopher Roberts taking 4 wickets for 20 runs, Bert Shepherd taking 4 wickets for 27 runs and Warden Sands taking 2 wickets for 38 runs. In reply, Hatfield scored 124 runs, with contributions from Ernest Elliott (28), Sidney Mills (17), Sands (12), Roberts (12), B Hyde (12), and William Walby (12). SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 2 Sandridge home “ 9 Sandridge away “ 16 St Albans Rubber Works home “ 23 Potters Bar 2nd XI away “ 30 Horns Antello home June 6 Hoddesdon 2nd XI “ “ 13 Welwyn 2nd XI away “ 20 All Saints, Whetstone home “ 27 All Saints, Whetstone away July 4 Dawnays Sports “ “ 11 North Mimms 2nd XI home “ 18 Hoddesdon 2nd XI away “ 25 Wood Green, St Michaels “ Aug. 1 Hatfield Estate 2nd XI “ “ 8 Finchley Ramblers home “ 15 North Mimms 2nd XI away “ 22 St Albans Rubber Works home “ 29 Horns Antello away Sept. 5 Dawnays Sports home “ 12 “ 19 THURSDAYS DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 7 “ 14 Mr Fiske’s XI home “ 21 Hertford away “ 28 Wood Green Police “ June 4 Poters Bar home “ 11 Hoddesdon “ “ 18 Show Day “ 25 Parcels C.C. home July 2 Poters Bar away “ 9 Hertford home “ 16 Wood Green away “ 23 Edmonton Police home “ 30 Wood Green Police “ Aug. 6 Parcels C.C. “ “ 13 Hoddesdon away “ 20 Wood Green home “ 27 Edmonton Police away Sept. 3 Mr Fiske’s XI home “ 10 “ 17 “ 24

177 SATURDAY, 13 JUNE Hatfield's 1st XI suffered a 67-run defeat against Woodford Wanderers at Stonecross Road, despite Ted Palmer and Dudley Richardson taking three wickets each to restrict the visitors to 124. In reply, Hatfield could only manage a total of 57, with George Jenkins top-scoring with 14 and Charles Simpson contributing 11. SUNDAY, 14 JUNE At the Stonecross Road Oval, Hatfield triumphed over Vesta Athletic by 9 runs. Vic Dean took 5 wickets for 18 runs and Bert Shepherd took 1 wicket for 16 runs to dismiss the visitors for 91. In reply, Hatfield made 100 runs with Ted Groom contributing 36. SUNDAYS DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 10 The Druids 11.30 home “ 17 Mr Damant’s XI “ “ 24 Argyle C.C. “ “ 31 G. Meeks’ XI “ June 7 Fortiss C.C. “ “ 14 Vesta Athletic “ “ 21 West Herts “ “ 28 Hainault C.C. “ July 5 L.T.A. “ “ 12 Wood Green L.S.C. “ “ 19 Argyle C.C. “ “ 26 E. Cooper-Smith’s XI “ Aug. 2 F. Groom’s XI “ “ 9 H. White’s Boys “ “ 16 Kentish Town Mens Ins. “ “ 23 G. Meeks’ XI “ “ 30 Waring C.C. “ Sept. 6 Assoc. of Officers of Taxes “ “ 13 Rosslyn C.C. “ “ 20 “ 27 All matches 2.45 unless otherwise marked. E. PAYNE General Printer ST. ALBANS ROAD (Cecil Crescent Corner) HATFIELD, HERTS

178 SATURDAY, 04 JULY The 1931 cricket season came to a close with the end of press coverage. However, it was a challenging time for the Hatfield United Athletic Club as the Football Section had folded, and it would not return until the 1933/34 season. This change left the HUAC with only cricket, tennis, and athletics, increasing the burden on the Cricket Section both financially and in terms of workload. HATFIELD UNITED II DAWNAYS SPORTS CLUB W Sands c Renshaw b Hepher 15 J Ward c Dunham b Shepherd 42 C Roberts c Ward b Hepher 10 W Thomas c Lamberth b Sands 4 W Knight c Hepher b Lawrence 7 E Smith b Shepherd 0 B Hyde lbw b Hepher 1 W Blake c Knight b Shepherd 7 H Shepherd b Bailey 18 H Hepher c Bell b Sands 22 G Miller c & b Hepher 33 S Lawrence b Sands 4 R Elliott b Hepher 3 W Crane c Dunham b Sands 5 C Dunham b Lawrence 0 W Tiller b Sands 0 W Walby b Lawrence 3 W Bailey not out 13 J Lamberth c Lawrence b Hepher 3 H Renshaw b Shepherd 4 G Sands not out 2 L Hewitt b Shepherd 8 R Bell b Hepher 2 H Bartley c Lamberth b Sands 1 Extras 9 Extras 9 Total 106 Total 119 The Welwyn Times - 09 July 1931 A good deal of interest was centred in the cricket match Hatfield United Athletic Club v. the Hatfield Estate Club on the ground of the first-named on Saturday last, when the Athletic Club won by 77 runs. For the Athletic [Ernest] Elliott scored 48 runs and secured 5 Estate wickets for 29 runs. Scores: Estate 108; Athletic 185 for 7 wickets. The Welwyn Times - 09 July 1931

179 1932 Following a single season in charge, Ted Groom was succeeded by Dudley Richardson as the captain of the 1st XI. It is unclear who took over as vice-captain. SATURDAY, 04 JUNE The Herts Advertiser reported that the match between Hatfield and Hoddesdon ended in a draw and was a very enjoyable encounter. Hoddesdon batted first and were all out for 142, with Vic Dean taking 6-33 and Fred Taylor taking 3-50. In reply, Hatfield had scored 118 for 3 (with Dudley Richardson making 79 not out and W Gilchrist scoring 33) when the stumps were drawn. It is worth noting that this match saw the first known appearance of Doug Watson, the 17-year-old son of Billy Watson, in what would become a long and illustrious playing career. SATURDAY, 12 JUNE SATURDAY, 25 JUNE The Hatfield United 2nd XI triumphed at the Stonecross Road Oval, winning by an innings and 41 runs against St Albans Rubber Works. Hatfield scored 95 runs, with Bert Shepherd contributing 31 runs and Stevens adding 22 runs. St Albans Rubber Works were then bowled out for 25 and 19 runs in their respective innings,.“The visitors could do little against the bowling of Shepherd and Stevens.” DAWNAYS SPORTS CLUB HATFIELD UNITED II J Ward lbw b Knight 11 Mills c Smith b Maylin 4 H Rouse c Mills b Sands 27 C Roberts c Archer b Wiles 0 W Thomas c Stevens b Sands 0 H Stevens c Archer b Wiles 4 A Maylin c Goodrick b Sands 6 W Sands not out 8 R Wiles c Stevens b Sands 0 Knight c Wiles b Maylin 1 H Hepher b Knight 3 W Stevens c Archer b Maylin 0 L Archer not out 7 Elliott b Maylin 0 L Hewitt b Knight 6 Goodrick b Maylin 0 E Smith c Bell b Knight 0 Walby st Ward b Maylin 0 H Renshaw b Knight 0 Bell c Ward b Wiles 0 A Hepher run out 2 Douglas c Archer b Maylin 5 Extras 14 Extras 8 Total 76 Total 30 The Welwyn Times - 16 June 1932

180 SATURDAY, 02 JULY The first Hatfield derby of the season ended in an extraordinary fashion as the Estate's number 11 batsman secured victory for them. Despite Fred Taylor's five-wicket haul, Estate found themselves in a difficult position until Harold Bray's aggressive knock of 42 helped them reach a total of 100 all out. In response, United were all out for 93 (with W Gilchrist scoring 31, George Jenkins 23, and Ted Groom 22), falling short by just 7 runs. THURSDAY, 07 JULY The only recorded information about the Thursday XI in 1932 is a heavy loss at home to St Albans, where Hatfield was dismissed for 50 (with Alec Gow scoring 16 and Dudley Richardson scoring 11), before the visitors scored 148 for 4, adding to Hatfield's woes. SATURDAY, 16 JULY In the second Hatfield derby of the season, played in Hatfield Park, the Estate side emerged victorious again, winning by 9 wickets against a weakened United XI. Hatfield United was all out for 62, with Bert Shepherd top-scoring with 30 and Dudley Richardson contributing 11. In response, Hatfield Estate scored 117. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI played a match against Hoddesdon on the same day. Chris Roberts took 5 wickets and John Lamberth took 4 as Hoddesdon were dismissed for 80. However, only Harold Goodrick managed to reach double figures for Hatfield, scoring 17, as they were bowled out for 60. SUNDAY, 31 JULY Hatfield secured a nail-biting victory at the Stonecross Road Oval by a slender margin of just 4 runs. The visitors, Hertford Wanderers, were all out for 79, with Bert Shepherd taking an impressive 6 wickets for 47 runs, ably supported by H Thompson with 4 wickets for 21 runs. In reply, Hatfield managed to scrape together 83 runs, thanks to the contributions of Thompson with 24 runs, F Gilchrist with 25 runs, and Frank Elliott with 14 runs. SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST The Hatfield teams experienced contrasting fortunes in their doubleheader against Potters Bar. In the 1st XI fixture at Stonecross Road, Potters Bar emerged as clear winners, triumphing by 119 runs. They scored 146

runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 4 wickets for 41 runs, before Hatfield United were bowled out for a paltry 27 runs, with Shepherd top-scoring with 12 runs. However, in the 2nd XI match, Hatfield had the upper hand, bowling Potters Bar out for just 35 runs, with John Lamberth claiming 6 wickets for 31 runs and Warden Sands taking 3 wickets for 9 runs. Hatfield then finished the day on 127 for 7, with Sands contributing 30 runs, Harold Stevens 26, Ronald Elliott 20, Arthur Gaskin 17, and Sid Mills 15. This was the 2nd XI's 8th win of the season. SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST Information regarding the 1932 season comes to a close with the 2nd XI's trip to Whetstone. The home side, Railway Clearing House, were bowled out for a paltry 49 runs, with John Lamberth continuing his impressive form from the previous week by taking 7 wickets for just 20 runs. This score proved insufficient, as Hatfield's batsmen put on a solid performance, scoring 102 runs. Harold Stevens top-scored with 29, while Chris Roberts and Sid Mills contributed 23 and 14 runs respectively. The report suggested that “They would have scored more if they had batted more seriously.” Single XII 1932. Back: Bert Shepherd, George Gray, Gerald Scott, Chris Roberts, John Lamberth, Warden Sands, Joe Hollingworth. Middle: Vic Dean, Dudley Richardson, Joseph Canham Walby. Front: Gerald Sands, Walter Whitby.

182 1933 On the Hatfield front, all is quiet. There are no records of a General Meeting, no Fixture Card, and only four reports have been found in the Herts Advertiser, two for the Thursday XI and two for the 2nd XI. It appears probable that these reports were all submitted by the opposing teams. SATURDAY, 20 MAY During a match against St Albans Rubber Works, the 2nd XI emerged victorious by seven wickets, with 18-year-old Walter Whitby shining as the star of the show. The opposition only managed to score a total of 43 runs, with Warden Sands taking 5-18 and Whitby taking 5-20. Eventually, Hatfield was bowled out for 108, with George Jenkins scoring 30 runs and Whitby remaining unbeaten with 30 runs to his name. THURSDAY, 25 MAY The match took place at Clarence Park, where St Albans declared their innings with a score of 180 for 8. In response, Hatfield had reached 118 for 7 (with Dudley Richardson scoring 46, Vic Dean unbeaten with 24, William Hatfield United v. Wood Green Labour Sports 1933 at the Stoncross Road Oval. Chris Roberts, Vic Dean, J Hollingsworth, Dudley Richardson, Bert Shepherd, Frank Elliot

183 Walby scoring 14, and Arthur Ireson contributing 13) when play was concluded for the day. THURSDAY, 08 JUNE Hatfield Thursday's visit to Potters Bar resulted in disappointment as the home team was all out for 103 runs (with W Gilchrist taking 3-20 and Arthur Ireson taking 3-10), and Hatfield struggled to respond, only managing to score 52 runs in total. SATURDAY, 30 JULY The return match against St Albans Rubber Works took place at the Stonecross Road Oval, and Walter Whitby once again proved to be the man of the game. Batting first, Hatfield 2nd XI declared their innings with a score of 126 for 7 (with Whitby remaining unbeaten at 63 and Harold Stevens scoring 20). The visitors struggled to keep up and were bowled out for a mere 29 runs, with Whitby taking an impressive 6-12 and Warden Sands taking 4-9. Hatfield United 1st XI at Low Field Hoddesdon c.1933. Harry Whitby, John Lamberth, Harold Stevens, Frank Elliott, Bert Shepherd, George Gray, Warren Sands, Vic Dean, Walter Whitby, Jack Smith, Dudley Richardson. Percy Shepherd (scorer), Ernest Elliott (umpire)

184 Walter Whitby made an impressive start to his career at the club, winning the Bowling Prize in his very first season with an outstanding performance of taking 111 wickets with an average of 4.40. It is worth noting that Walter was just 18 years old at the time and it's quite plausible that he was the first Hatfield bowler to achieve the feat of taking over 100 wickets in a single season. 1934 There were some significant changes in the captaincy department. Vic Dean, who was already serving as the Secretary of the Cricket Section, took over as the new captain of the 1st XI, replacing Dudley Richardson. Harold Stevens and Joe Walby were appointed as captains of the 2nd XI and Thursday XI respectively. It's unclear who had been serving as captains since 1931, but it's possible that Stevens and Walby had taken up the positions earlier. In contrast to the past few seasons where newspaper reports had been scarce, suddenly there was a flood of coverage of the club's HATFIELD UNITED ATHLETIC CLUB CRICKET SECTION SEASON 1934 1st XI Capt. E. DEAN 2nd XI Capt. H. STEVENS Thursday XI Capt. J. WALBY Hon. Section Sec. E DEAN 29 Primrose Cottages, Hatfield FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 5 Welwyn away “ 12 Brunswick Intitute home “ 19 Hill End away Whit. Mon. *Wood Gr’n Labour Sp. C. home May 26 Railway Clearing House away June 2 Railway Clearing House home “ 9 Waterlows “ “ 16 Boxmoor away “ 23 Friern Barnet home “ 30 Hoddesdon away July 7 Brunswick Intitute “ “ 14 Boxmoor home “ 21 Concrete Utilities away “ 28 Waterlows “ Aug. 4 Welwyn home Bank Hol *Brunswick Institute home Aug. 11 Hatfield Estate “ “ 18 Hill End away “ 25 Hoddesdon home Sept. 1 Concrete Utilities “ “ 8 Hatfield Estate away * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m.

185 matches in the local newspapers. SATURDAY, 05 MAY Hatfield began their season with an away game against Welwyn and emerged victorious. Batting first, Hatfield scored 83 runs (with John Lamberth and Alf Pearman both scoring 20 runs and Jack Smith contributing 12 runs). In reply, Welwyn was bowled out for 58 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking an impressive 5-26, while Walter Whitby and Warden Sands took 2-13 and 3-5 respectively. SUNDAY, 06 MAY The Sunday XI played their first game of the season at Stonecross Road the following day and emerged victorious by 12 runs. The Hatfield batsmen struggled, with Bert Shepherd being the only player to reach double figures with 23 runs, resulting in a total score of 69 runs. However, the Hatfield bowlers put up a strong performance, with Bert Shepherd taking 3-11, Walter Whitby taking 3-16, and Vic Dean taking 2-14, leading to West Green Cons being bowled out for 57 runs. Despite some nervy moments, including a score of 22 by their no. 11, the visitors fell short of the target. SATURDAY, 12 MAY The Herts Advertiser featured the headline “D Richardson saves Hatfield” after the 1st XI's match against Brunswick Institute. The visitors were bowled out for just 46 runs, with Walter Whitby taking 5-18, Vic Dean taking 4-8, and Bert Shepherd taking 1-18. In response, Hatfield United struggled to score, with the top scorer Dudley Richardson managing just 26 runs, and the team was eventually bowled out for 51 runs, with Dean contributing 11 runs. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI played a match at Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans, which turned out to be a low-scoring affair. Sphere Works emerged victorious, winning by 15 runs after bowling out the Hatfield team for just 23 runs, with no batsman reaching double figures. However, the match marked the debut of 15-year-old Spencer Randall, who went on to become a prominent player for the club after the war.. SUNDAY, 13 MAY The first of nine all-day matches to be played during the summer was

186 held at Stonecross Road. In this two-innings match, Vesta Athletic batted first and scored 55 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 4 wickets for 10 runs, Warden Sands taking 4 wickets for 23 runs, and Walter Whitby taking 1 wicket for 10 runs. Hatfield took a narrow first innings lead, scoring 57 runs, with Shepherd remaining not out at 16. In the second innings, Vesta fared even worse, being bowled out for just 41 runs. At stumps, Hatfield were comfortably ahead, finishing on 67 runs for 6 wickets. SATURDAY, 19 MAY Hatfield came close to pulling off a remarkable turnaround at Hill End Hospital. After the home team was all out for 96 (George Gray 4-9, Bert Shepherd 3-23, Ernest Elliott 2-2, Warden Sands 1-23), Hatfield got off to a dreadful start and found themselves struggling at 24 for 6. The result seemed like a foregone conclusion when they were reduced to 56 for 9, but then nos. 10 and 11 (Warden Sands 14, Ron Elliott 16 not out) launched a SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 5 Welwyn 2nd XI home “ 12 Sphere Works away “ 19 St. Albans 3rd XI home “ 26 R.C.H. 2nd XI “ June 2 R.C.H. 2nd XI away “ 9 Waterlows 2nd XI “ “ 16 Hatfield Estate 2nd XI home “ 23 Middlesex Colony away “ 30 Hoddesdon 2nd XI home July 7 Murphy Radio “ “ 14 away “ 21 Sphere Works home “ 28 Waterlows 2nd XI “ Aug. 4 Welwyn 2nd XI away “ 11 Murphy Radio “ “ 18 Enfield Strollers home “ 25 Hoddesdon 2nd XI away Sept. 1 Hatfield Estate 2nd XI “ “ 8 St. Albans 3rd XI “ All matches 2.45 p.m. THURSDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 3 “ 10 “ 17 St. Albans home “ 24 Wood Green away “ 31 Potters Bar home June 7 Hoddesdon “ “ 14 Wood Green Police away “ 21 Cheshunt home “ 28 Hoddesdon away July 5 Wymbro home “ 12 Cheshunt away “ 19 Wymbro “ “ 26 St. Albans “ Aug. 2 Wood Green Police home “ 9 Hill End “ “ 16 A. Gow’s X “ “ 23 Potters Bar away “ 30 A. Gow’s X “ Sept. 6 Wood Green home “ 13 All matches 2.45 p.m.

187 spirited fightback, adding 30 runs for the last wicket. SUNDAY, 20 MAY A high-scoring draw at Stonecross Road. Hatfield United 142 for 9 declared, St Albans 127-6. SATURDAY, 26 MAY Home and away matches against Railway Clearing House (Whetstone) resulted in contrasting outcomes for Hatfield. In the away match, the 1st XI got off to a bad start, with the team losing three wickets in the second over of the match resulting in a hat-trick, all bowled. Hatfield never recovered, and with no batsman reaching double figures, they were bowled out for just 37. In response, Railway Clearing House batted on to reach a total of 128. On the other hand, the 2nd XI fared better, winning their match by 99 runs. Hatfield scored 152 runs with notable contributions from Albert MarSUNDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 6 West Green Cons home “ 13 *Vesta Athletic “ “ 20 St. Albans “ “ 27 *L. Long’s XI “ June 3 Mansfield R.O,B. “ “ 10 Brunswick “ “ 17 Sterling C.C. “ “ 24 All Saints, Whetstone “ July 1 Golders Green “ “ 8 *Wood Green Lab. Sp, “ “ 15 *Penythians “ “ 22 Finsbury Tonians “ “ 29 Fortiss C.C. “ Aug. 5 Rosslyn C.C. “ “ 12 Woodhouse C.C. “ “ 12 *Vesta Athletic away “ 19 *Boxmmor home “ 26 C. Barnett’s XI “ Sept. 2 *G. Meeks’ XI “ “ 9 *Married v Single “ “ 16 * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m.

188 tin (47), John Lamberth (29), and George Whitehead (25). In their innings, Railway Clearing House could only manage 53 runs with Lamberth taking 4-18, Whitehead 3-2, and Ernest Elliot 2-13. SUNDAY, 27 MAY Hatfield played another all-day game at the Stonecross Road Oval against Mr L Long’s XI. The visitors posted a total of 120 runs, with Walter Whitby taking 5 wickets for 25 runs, and Vic Dean and Bert Shepherd each picking up 2 wickets. However, Hatfield fell short of the target, getting bowled out for 81 runs, with Dudley Richardson top-scoring with 25 and George Whitehead remaining unbeaten on 20. THURSDAY, 31 MAY Hatfield cruised to a comfortable victory at Stonecross Road as H Thompson's five-wicket haul and George Gray's four-wicket spell helped bundle out Potters Bar for a paltry 46. In response, Hatfield batted with determination and posted a respectable total of 117, thanks to a magnificent 44 by Gerald Prime, supported by Thompson's 24 and Joe Walby's 11. SATURDAY, 02 JUNE For the second consecutive week, Hatfield faced off against Railway Clearing House. The 1st XI gained their revenge by bowling out the visitors for 45, with Bert Shepherd taking 4-23, and replying with 122. John Lamberth top-scored with 25 runs. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI secured another win, this time by 19 runs. After batting first, Hatfield made 128 runs, with Ted Groom contributing an impressive 70. In response, Railway Clearing House were bowled out for 109, with Warden Sands (5-30) and Albert Martin (5-40) taking five wickets each. SUNDAY, 03 JUNE Mansfield Road Old Boys visited Stonecross Road for a 12-a-side game. Hatfield batted first and managed to score 119 runs with J Davis contributing 19 runs. When they reduced Mansfield Road to 41 for 9, Hatfield must have felt in control, but a last-wicket partnership of 68 runs will have produced a few anxious moments. Eventually, the Old Boys finished 10 runs short on 109 runs with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets for 25 runs.

189 SATURDAY, 09 JUNE According to reports, Hatfield fielded a weakened team against Waterlows at Stonecross Road, with the home team making only 69 runs (led by Frank Elliott's 19) in response to Waterlows' 192 runs (with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets for 47 runs). SUNDAY, 10 JUNE At Stonecross Road, Brunswick Institute were easily defeated by Hatfield. The visitors were dismissed for 62, with Bert Shepherd taking 5-28. In response, Hatfield comfortably reached 157 for 4, with J Swain scoring 69 and Vic Dean contributing 39. SATURDAY, 16 JUNE The match at Boxmoor was a closely fought encounter, with the home team eventually prevailing by a margin of 8 runs. Boxmoor scored 139 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets for 27 runs. In reply, Hatfield managed 131 runs, with J Swain scoring 26 and Shepherd contributing 20. The 2nd XI played a derby match against Hatfield Estate, and United emerged victorious by a margin of 38 runs. Estate were bowled out for 54 runs, with Albert Martin taking 6 wickets for 25 runs and Ernest Elliot taking 4 wickets for 26 runs. In response, United scored 92 runs, with Elliot scoring 40 runs. THURSDAY, 21 JUNE Despite the lack of a report, it was a remarkable achievement for George Gray who became the only bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings in the twentieth century in the Thursday XI’s match against Cheshunt at the Stonecross Road Oval.. George finished with figures of 10 wickets for 25 runs. SATURDAY, 23 JUNE Friern Barnet returned from their encounter with Hatfield's 1st XI at the Stonecross Road Oval empty-handed. Hatfield batted first and made 113 with George Gray contributing 49 runs before bowling the visitors out for 45, winning by 68 runs. Bert Shepherd took 4-12 and Walter Whitby took 3-19. The 2nd XI travelled to Middlesex Colony, one of the many mental in-

190 stitutions that ran a cricket team at that time. Hatfield was all out for 38 with Chris Roberts scoring 14, and Middlesex Colony scored 95. Alf Pearman and Albert Martin took 3-14 and 3-34 respectively. THURSDAY, 28 JUNE In a dominant performance at Low Field, Hoddesdon, Hatfield claimed an easy victory. After bowling out Hoddesdon for 86 runs, with John Lamberth taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs, Hatfield went on to score a commanding 164 for 7 in their innings. Ted Cooper-Smith was the star of the batting lineup with an impressive knock of 66, while Dudley Richardson also contributed with a well-made 54. SATURDAY, 30 JUNE “HODDESDON FLOG HATFIELD BOWLING”. Despite their previous win at Low Field, Hatfield's 1st XI had a tough time as Hoddesdon dominated the game, scoring a whopping 275 in response to Hatfield's 104 all out (led by Ted Groom's 31). “HATFIELD HARASS HODDESDON”. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI had a better outing at Stonecross Road, easily bowling out Hoddesdon for just 33 Married team 9 September 1934. Ted Groom, Harold Stevens, F Skeggs, Leslie Hickson, George Jenkins. Front: Eddie Wakeling (single), George Hemmings, Harry Taylor, Ernest Elliott, William Stevens, Albert Martin.

191 runs (with Chris Roberts taking 4-20 and Albert Martin 3-9) before chasing down the target in just 7 overs to win by 8 wickets (with Harold Stevens topscoring with 16). SATURDAY, 07 JULY Playing away at Brunswick Institute, Hatfield’s 1st XI lost by 31 runs. Brunswick 150 for 5 declared, Hatfield 119 (Ted Groom 30). SATURDAY, 14 JULY At the Stonecross Road Oval, the 1st XI bounced back to their winning ways, defeating Boxmoor by a margin of 51 runs. Boxmoor was restricted to a mere 58 runs thanks to excellent bowling performances by Bert Shepherd (5-22) and Walter Whitby (3-19), and Hatfield batted well to reach a total of 109 runs, with Ted Groom top-scoring with 22 runs. SATURDAY, 28 JULY The 1st XI's journey to Dunstable ended in disappointment as they suffered a two-wicket defeat. Despite declaring at 122 for 7 with a solid conSingle team 9 September 1934. George Sutterby (umpire), Warden Sands, Joe Walby, J Davis, Bert Shepherd, Chris Hayes, A J Scott (umpire). Ron Elliott, Walter Whitby, Dudley Richardson, Vic Dean, John Lamberth, Frank Elliott.

192 tribution from Dudley Richardson who made 51, Hatfield couldn't defend their total, and Waterlows reached 123 for 8, with Bert Shepherd taking 3-41. However, at Stonecross Road, the 2nd XI managed to turn the tables by winning their match against Waterlows by 47 runs. Waterlows were bowled out for a paltry 38 with Ernest Elliott taking an impressive 7-10, while Hatfield posted 85, with Harold Stevens contributing a match-winning unbeaten 33. SATURDAY, 04 AUGUST Hatfield came out on top in a high-scoring encounter at Stonecross Road. Welwyn 160 for 7 declared, Hatfield 177 for 4 (Dudley Richardson 73, H Thompson 37 not out). SATURDAY, 11 AUGUST The first leg of the Hatfield derby took place at the Stonecross Road Oval, with Hatfield Estate batting first and setting a target of 97 all out. In reply, Hatfield United started slowly, losing six wickets with only 50 runs on the board, before John Lamberth's unbeaten 37 in 45 minutes and a crucial seventh-wicket partnership with Walter Whitby secured victory for United by three wickets, with the final score of 108 all out. THURSDAY, 23 AUGUST At a match played in Potters Bar, Hatfield emerged victorious with a comfortable win. They declared at 160 for 4, thanks in large part to a standout performance from Vic Dean, who scored an impressive 67 not out, while Harry Whitby contributed 34. Potters Bar struggled in reply, falling all out for just 97 runs. Walter Whitby led the way for Hatfield's bowling attack, taking 6 wickets for 30 runs, with George Gray chipping in 3 wickets for just 3 runs SATURDAY, 08 SEPTEMBER Excepting for the Married v. Single fixture to be played the following day, the final action of the season was the return match against Hatfield Estate, which took place in Hatfield Park. Hatfield United won the match, batting first and making 136 (Dudley Richardson 45, Walter Whitby 35) in reply to Hatfield Estate's 99 all out (Eric Simson, who would play a promin-

193 ent role for the club after the war, scored 35, while Bert Shepherd and Walter Whitby both took 3 wickets each for Hatfield United). Walter Whitby, who was still in his teens, had established himself as a regular member of the 1st XI team and managed to surpass the record for the highest number of wickets taken in a season, a feat that he had achieved the previous year. His impressive bowling skills enabled him to claim an outstanding 126 wickets in the 1934 season, a record that has stood the test of time and remains unmatched to this day. MARRIED V. SINGLE SINGLE MARRIED D Richardson b Martin 0 E Groom c Whitby b Shepherd 10 E Dean b Martin 5 L Hickson c Sands b Shepherd 3 J Davis not out 15 A Jenkins c F Elliott b Shepherd 0 W Whitby b E Elliott 10 H Whitby b Whitby 0 J Walby b Martin 0 G Hemmings b Whitby 0 H Shepherd c Groom b Martin 0 E Wakeling b Whitby 0 J Lamberth b E Elliott 0 E Elliott b Whitby 8 W Sands b E Elliott 0 H Stevens c Lamberth b Whitby 0 F Elliott b E Elliott 1 W Stevens b Whitby 2 R Elliott b E Elliott 0 H Taylor b Whitby 3 C Hayes b E Elliott 9 J Skeggs not out 0 Extras 6 Extras 1 Total 37 Total 27

194 1935 Before the start of the 1935 season, Vic Dean had decided to end his six-year tenure as the Honorary Secretary of the Cricket Section of HUAC, and he was replaced by George 'Warden' Sands. The sole alteration in the captaincy positions was for the 2nd XI, wherein Robin Bell took over from Harold Stevens. SATURDAY, 04 MAY The first reported cricket match of the new season was between United and Hatfield’s newest cricket club, de Havilland CC. The match was played at the aerodrome, with Hatfield batting first and scoring 69 runs, with contributions from Chris Roberts (21), Warden Sands (10), and 17 extras. However, this proved to be too many for the plane makers, who were all out for 49. SATURDAY, 11 MAY Brunswick Institute visited Stonecross Road and suffered a 9-run defeat against Hatfield. Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for a paltry 56 runs, with Walter Whitby taking 6 wickets for 8 runs and Bert Shepherd taking 4 wickets for 28 runs. Hatfield, after a shaky start, managed to score 65 runs, with Harold Stevens scoring 21 runs and Gerald Sands remaining unbeaten at 10. SATURDAY, 25 MAY Played at the Stonecross Road Oval, Hatfield United 56, Mansfield Road Old Boys 39 (Bert Shepherd 5-19). [Before this date, all references to Fred Taylor relate to Frederick James Taylor, a fast bowler who also played for Hill End. From this point onwards, they relate to the batsman, Frederick A Taylor.] SUNDAY, 02 JUNE Although not listed as an all-day game in the Fixture Card, Hatfield’s match against Ivanhoe CC was a two-innings affair. In the first innings, Hatfield struggled to make runs, scoring only 31 with Fred Taylor top-scoring with 13. Ivanhoe responded with 88, with Bert Shepherd taking 4 wickets for 17 runs. In the second innings, Hatfield put up a better fight, scoring

195 79 (Taylor 24, Vic Dean 18), but it wasn't enough as Ivanhoe chased down the target of 23 runs with 4 wickets in hand, finishing at 26 for 6. SATURDAY, 08 JUNE The home team secured a 17-run victory at the Stonecross Road Oval. Hatfield scored 84 runs with Vic Dean top-scoring with 26 runs. In response, Hoddesdon was bowled out for 67 runs, with H Thompson taking 5 wickets for 23 runs and Bert Shepherd taking 3 wickets for 21 runs. SUNDAY, 09 JUNE A successful weekend was completed with victory over London Colney, again at home. Hatfield 56 (Chris Roberts 12), London Colney 45 (H Thompson 6-8, Bert Shepherd 4-32). HATFIELD UNITED ATHLETIC CLUB CRICKET SECTION SEASON 1935 1st Team Capt. E. DEAN 2nd Team Capt. R. BELL Thursday XI Capt. J. WALBY Hon. Section Sec. W SANDS 7 CLARKES ROAD, HATFIELD FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 4 De Havilland S.C. away “ 11 Brunswick Institute home “ 18 Hill End away “ 25 home June 1 Boxmoor away “ 8 Hoddesdon home * “ 10 Wood Green L.S.C. home “ 15 Rosslyn C.C. home “ 22 De Havilland S.C. home “ 29 Hoddesdon away July 6 Brunswick Institute away “ 13 Concrete U. home “ 20 Concrete U. away “ 27 away Aug. 3 Acme S.C. home * “ 5 Hornsey E.C.C. home “ 10 Hatfield Estate home “ 17 Hill End away “ 24 Rosslyn C.C. away “ 31 Hatfield Estate away * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m.

196 SATURDAY, 22 JUNE In their first visit to the Stonecross Road Oval, de Havilland CC emerged victorious by 24 runs. "De Havilland's had first use of a very good wicket and had no difficulty in making a hundred," with Warden Sands bowling third change for Hatfield. "He made the ball swing beautifully, and in five overs took five wickets for 12 runs." In reply, Jack Smith, batting at number 9, top-scored for Hatfield with 18, while Ernest Elliott (13), George Jenkins (10), and Alf Pearman (10) were the other Hatfield men to reach double figures. SUNDAY, 23 JUNE Ernest Elliott was part of Leslie Hickson’s XI that played against Hatfield's Sunday XI. Hatfield batted first and scored 113 runs, with Ted Groom top-scoring with 33, followed by Dudley Richardson (20), Vic Dean (19), and Chris Roberts (10). Elliott took five wickets against his usual teammates. Replying, L Hickson’s XI was all out for 65 (Bert Shepherd SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 4 Sandridge home “ 11 Tewin away “ 18 St.Albans 3rd XI home “ 25 Murphy Radio away June 1 Tyttenhanger home “ 8 Hoddesdon Res. away “ 15 Friern Barnet E.S.C. away “ 22 Welwyn away “ 29 Welwyn home July 6 Dawnays Sports home “ 13 Dawnays Sports away “ 20 Tewin home “ 27 Hoddesdon Res. home Aug. 3 Sandridge away “ 10 Hatfield Estate away “ 17 Friern Barnet E.S.C. home “ 24 Murphy Radio home “ 21 Hatfield Estate home Sept. 7 St.Albans 3rd XI away THURSDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 2 Hoddesdon away “ 9 Wood Green away “ 16 St. Albans home “ 23 Hoddesdon home 30 Wood Green home June 6 Wood Green Police home “ 13 Cheshunt away “ 20 “ 27 Wood Green Police away July 4 “ 11 Cheshunt home “ 18 Potters Bar away “ 25 St. Albans away Aug. 1 “ 8 A. Gows XI home “ 15 “ 22 A. Gows XI away “ 29 Potters Bar home

197 3-21, Vic Dean 3-14). SATURDAY, 29 JUNE The match at Low Field, Hoddesdon, saw plenty of runs scored, with the home team declaring at 170 for 9. In response, Hatfield had reached 149 for 6 at the close of play, with Dudley Richardson top-scoring with 38. Meanwhile, at Stonecross Road, Hatfield's 2nd XI lost to Welwyn, with Hatfield scoring 74 runs (Harold Stevens 24) and Welwyn scoring 87 runs (Chris Roberts 4-22, Sidney Mills 4-21). SUNDAY, 30 JUNE An easy victory for the Sunday XI against Barnet-based Rosslyn CC. Hatfield scored 153 runs for 6 wickets with Walter Whitby scoring 43 runs. Rosslyn CC was all out for 88 runs with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets for SUNDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 19 Sterling C.C. home “ 26 Mansfield R.O.B. home June 2 Ivanhoe C.C. home “ 9 London Colney home * “ 16 Finsburytonians home * “ 23 L. Longs XI home “ 30 Rosslyn C.C. home July 7 Vesta Athletic away “ 7 All Saints, Whetstone home * “ 14 Gospel Oak League home * “ 21 Wood Green L.S.C. home “ 28 St. Albans home Aug. 4 Hertford Wanderers home * “ 11 ‘Power’ C.C. home “ 18 De Havilland S.C. home * “ 25 Vesta Athletic home Sept. 1 A. Gows XI home “ 8 Fortiss C.C. home “ 15 Married v Single home * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m. Address all Cricket Printing enquiries to E. Payne, Printers Hatfield. Phone 2468