The Lost Years: Hatfield Cricket Club - 1901-1945

198 19 runs. SUNDAY, 21 JULY The all-day match between Hatfield and Wood Green Labour Sports was played at Stonecross Road, where the visitors batted first and put up a total of 118 runs with Walter Whitby taking 7 wickets for 44 runs. In their second innings, Wood Green Labor Sports were only able to score 55 runs with Whitby once again taking 7 wickets for 20 runs. In response, Hatfield scored 125 runs with Whitby contributing 26 runs. In their second innings, they scored 76 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, with Fred Taylor scoring 50 runs to help Hatfield secure a comfortable victory. SATURDAY, 03 AUGUST Hatfield's 2nd XI was outclassed by Sandridge 'A', losing by 103 runs. Sandridge batted first and scored 140 for 8 declared, with Spencer Randall taking 3-36 and Chris Hayes, Bernard Hyde, and Robin Bell taking one wicket each. Hatfield only managed to score 37 runs in reply, with Hyde top-scoring with 12. SUNDAY, 04 AUGUST Potters Bar were soundly defeated by Hatfield at Stonecross Road, with the visitors leaving feeling humbled. Hatfield posted an impressive 176 for 3 declared (with Vic Dean scoring 70 and Walter Whitby finishing on 63 not out), before dismissing Potters Bar for just 99 runs (with Dean taking 3-9, Albert Martin 3-18, and Whitby 2-33). The match ended with Hatfield's victory secured with just 10 minutes to spare. SATURDAY, 10 AUGUST The first leg of the Hatfield derby was played at Stonecross Road, resulting in a draw. Hatfield United scored 138 for 9 (Walter Whitby 26, Vic Dean 16, Ted Cooper-Smith 13, D Richardson 12, Frank Elliott 11), Hatfield Estate 103 for 5. Meanwhile, in Hatfield Park, the club's 2nd XIs faced off with Hatfield Estate scoring 114 and Hatfield United scoring 72. SUNDAY, 11 AUGUST Despite losing by 173 runs, Hatfield gained valuable experience and tips

199 during their match against Power CC, according to the Herts Advertiser. Power's Avery played an impressive innings with only one chance in his 74, while Hatfield's Captain Dean took five wickets and had a respectable analysis. Hatfield scored 58 (J Davis 17, Doug Watson 12, Dudley Richardson 11) and Power CC scored 231 (Vic Dean 5-53, Walter Whitby 3-67, Doug Watson 1-24, Fred Taylor 1-28). SUNDAY, 25 AUGUST Playing at Stonecross Road in a 12-a-side game, Hatfield batted first and scored 119 runs, which proved to be enough to defeat Vesta Athletic. Bert Shepherd was the standout performer, taking 7 wickets for 23 runs in the Morden side’s innings of 112. In their second innings, Vesta Athletic were all out for just 38 runs, with Shepherd taking 6 for 23 and Walter Whitby contributing with 4 wickets for 10 runs. SATURDAY, 31 AUGUST The final report for the 1935 season details the return derby at Hatfield Park. Hatfield Estate batted first and were restricted to 74 runs, thanks to the excellent bowling of Doug Watson (5-11) and Bert Shepherd (5-49). In response, Hatfield United stumbled to 42 for 8, but the ninth-wicket partnership of Bert Shepherd (22 not out) and Jack Smith (16) saved the day, guiding the team to victory with a score of 77 for 9 and winning by two wickets. During the course of the 1935 season, Hatfield played 52 matches, winning 32, losing 25 and drawing 5. Fred Taylor led the team in batting, with an average of 20.30, while Ted Cooper-Smith followed closely behind with an average of 18.84. Bert Shepherd was the top bowler, taking 76 wickets at an average of 9 runs each, followed by Walter Whitby with 78 wickets at an average of 9.36. George Gray was the team's leading fielder, taking 20 catches throughout the season.

200 1936 The Hatfield United Athletic Club’s Cricket Section held its General Meeting on Tuesday, 14 April at the One Bell Hotel. It was reported that the Hatfield cricketers were optimistic about the upcoming season. The officers were elected, and Warden Sands remained the Section's Hon. Secretary, assisted by his brother Gerald. There were several changes in the captaincy for the teams. George Gray and Vic Dean were appointed joint captains of the 1st XI, Doug Watson replaced Robin Bell as 2nd XI captain with Chris Roberts as vice-captain. Fred Taylor was named captain of the Thursday XI, replacing Joe Walby, with George Gray as vice-captain. For the first time, the club elected a dedicated Sunday XI captain, Fred Taylor, with Walter Whitby as his vice-captain. The committee comprised Robin Bell, Walter Whitby, Chris Roberts, Alf Pearman and Anthony Pearman. HATFIELD UNITED ATHLETIC CLUB CRICKET SECTION SEASON 1936 1st XI Joint Capts. E. DEAN & G. GRAY 2nd Team Capt. D. WATSON Vice Capt. C. ROBERTS Sunday XI Capt. F. TAYLOR Vice Capt. W, WHITBY Thursday XI Capt. F. TAYLOR Vice Capt. G, GRAY Hon. Section Sec. W SANDS Hon. Asst G. SANDS 7 CLARKES ROAD, HATFIELD, HERTS FIRST ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 2 Acme S.C. Home “ 9 Hill End Away “ 16 De Havilland Home “ 23 Porters Park Away 30 Boxmoor Away Whit Mon *Wood Green L.S.C. Home June 6 Old Elysians Home “ 13 Hoddesdon Away “ 20 Hornsey Grange Home “ 27 De Havilland Away July 4 Brunswick Institute Away “ 11 Porters Park Home “ 18 Tewin Away “ 25 Boxmoor Home Aug. 1 Hatfield Estate Home Bank Hol. *Laycock Station O.B. Home “ 8 Away “ 15 Brunswick Institute Home “ 22 Hill End Away “ 29 Hatfield Estate Away Sept. 5 Hoddesdon Home * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m.

201 SATURDAY, 02 MAY The new cricket season started at the Stonecross Road Oval with a match against Acme Sports Club (presumably not the company favoured by Wile E. Coyote). Hatfield was dismissed for 71 runs, with Walter Whitby contributing 16. The visitors managed to score 79 for 4 in their innings, with Doug Watson taking 2 wickets for 12 runs and Whitby taking 2 wickets for 21 runs. THURSDAY, 07 MAY Hatfield’s Thursday XI played against Cell Barnes Colony, a Mental Hospital for women, where the home team won the toss and elected to bat first. They regretted their decision as they found themselves at 18 for 5 before recovering to reach a total of 76 all out (with Fred Jeffries taking 5-16 and Vic Dean taking 5-20). Hatfield passed this total for the loss of four wickets and ended the day on 97 for 7, with M Gordon scoring 25, Fred SECOND ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 2 “ 9 Sandridge Home “ 16 Welwyn Away “ 23 Murphy Radio Home “ 30 June 6 Cells Barnes Colony Away “ 13 Hoddesdon Home “ 20 Murphy Radio Away “ 27 Welwyn Home July 4 St. Albans 3rd XI Home “ 11 “ 18 “ 25 Sandridge Away Aug. 1 Hatfield Estate 2nd XI Away “ 8 St. Marks Home “ 15 St. Albans 3rd XI Away “ 22 De Havilland 2nd XI Home “ 29 Hatfield Estate 2nd XI Home Sept. 5 Hoddesdon Away “ 12 De Havilland 2nd XI Away All games 2.45 p.m. THURSDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 7 Cell Barnes Colony Away “ 14 Wood Green Away “ 21 Hornsey Police Home “ 28 Wood Green Home June 4 L.T.C.C. Away “ 11 Cheshunt Away “ 18 St. Albans Home “ 25 July 2 L.T.C.C. Home “ 9 Potters Bar Away “ 16 Cheshunt Home “ 23 St. Albans Away 30 Hornsey Police Away Aug. 6 Porters Park Away “ 13 A. Gow’s XI Away “ 20 A. Gow’s XI Home “ 27 Potters Bar Home All games 2.45 p.m.

202 Taylor scoring 23, and Jeffries remaining unbeaten at 15. SATURDAY, 09 MAY In their match against Hill End, the 1st XI suffered a defeat despite a valiant effort by Dudley Richardson who top-scored with 35 runs and Jess Jeffries who took 4 wickets for 22 runs. The Herts Advertiser dubbed Hill End's J. Goodchild as the hero of the day, leading his team to victory with a score of 107 for 9, in response to Hatfield's total of 96 (Gerald Sands 18, Alf Pearman 11, Warden Sands 10). On the other hand, the 2nd XI secured a 25-run win over Sandridge at the Stonecross Road Oval. Despite losing the toss and batting first, Hatfield's opening pair, Eddie Wakeling and Chris Roberts, shone brightly, with the former carrying his bat for an unbeaten 45 runs. The Herts Advertiser hailed the 16-year-old Wakeling as the hero of the day, foreshadowing his future success as a prolific run-scorer for the club with over 14,000 runs to SUNDAY ELEVEN DATE OPPONENTS GROUND May 3 “ 10 Bernards Heath C.C. Home “ 17 Ivanhoe C.C. Home “ 24 All Saints, Whetstone Home “ 31 St. Albans Home June 7 London Colney Home 14 *Potters Barbarians Home “ 21 *Regent C.C. Home “ 28 Rosslyn C.C. Home July 5 Sterling C.C. Home “ 5 St. Marks Away “ 12 *Old Georgeans Home “ 19 *Wood Green L.S.C. Home “ 26 *Vesta Athletic Away “ 26 Sterling C.C. Home Aug. 2 Mansfield R.O.B. Home “ 9 *Regent C.C. Home “ 16 C.W. Dept. C.C. Home “ 23 Enfield West C.C. Home “ 30 Married v Single Home Sept. 6 Mansfield R.O.B. Home 13 Finsburytonians Home * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m. Address all Cricket Printing enquiries to E. Payne, Printers Hatfield. Phone 2468

203 his name. SUNDAY, 24 MAY Great performance by Bert Shepherd in the match against All Saints (Whetstone). He was the standout player of the match, taking 7 wickets for 14 runs as the visitors were bowled out for just 93 runs. Then, he also contributed with the bat, carrying his bat for 34 as Hatfield posted a total of 127 in reply, leading the team to a comfortable victory. THURSDAY, 28 MAY The Hatfield Thursday team played against Wood Green and won by 67 runs. Wood Green was all out for 94, with George Gray taking 5 wickets for 14 runs. In reply, Hatfield scored 161, with Fred Taylor scoring 45 and H Gordon contributing 30 runs. MONDAY, 01 JUNE On Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday, Hatfield played an all-day match against Wood Green Labour Sports Club. After winning the toss, the North London side decided to bat and managed to score 101 runs before being all out, with Albert Hudson being the pick of the Hatfield bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 28 runs. In reply, Hatfield successfully chased down the target and ended the day on 120 runs, with contributions from Walter Whitby (35), Chris Roberts (25), and Ernest Brooks (25). Notably, this match marked the first mention of Albert Nelson Hudson, who would go on to have an active association with Hatfield CC for 45 years. SATURDAY, 06 JUNE Despite the rain causing an early end to the game, Old Elysian proved to be a formidable opponent at Stonecross Road. The visiting team managed to score 114 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 5-36, while Hatfield reached a score of 88 for 7, with Elliott finishing on an unbeaten 31, before the weather forced the game to be called off. SUNDAY, 07 JUNE In a 12-a-side match, London Colney suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Hatfield at Stonecross. London Colney could only manage a score of 59 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking an impressive 7-31 and Eddie

204 Wakeling contributing 3-10. In response, Hatfield scored 90 runs, led by Shepherd's outstanding performance with the bat, scoring 45 runs to secure a dominant victory. THURSDAY, 11 JUNE Hatfield’s Thursday XI wtook on Cheshunt in a high-scoring match. Hatfield declared their innings at 156 for 9, led by Steve Curtis who scored 43 runs. However, Cheshunt had no trouble chasing down the target, finishing their innings at an impressive 197 for 3. SUNDAY, 14 JUNE The Stonecross Road Oval hosted an all-day game that ended in a 28- run victory for the home team. In their innings, Hatfield scored 101 runs, with Chris Roberts contributing 22 runs. Potters Barbarians, in response, struggled against Hatfield's strong bowling attack, with Bert Shepherd taking an impressive 6-27. Potters Barbarians could only manage a total score of 73 runs, resulting in a comfortable win for Hatfield. THURSDAY, 18 JUNE Thursday XI from Hatfield cricket club played against St Albans at Stonecross Road, but unfortunately suffered a defeat. St Albans scored 100 runs, with George Sutterby taking an 6 wickets. In response, Hatfield could only manage a score of 79 runs, despite the efforts of Fred Taylor and H Thompson who scored 18 runs each. Hatfield United taking the field vs. Old Elysians 06 June1936. Walter Whitby, Robin Bell, Dudley Richardson, Frank Elliott, Vic Dean, Bert Shepherd, George Gray

205 SATURDAY, 20 JUNE Hornsey Grange batted first at Stonecross Road and declared their innings at an impressive 170 for 5, with Doug Watson taking 3-44. In response, the home team struggled against Hornsey Grange's strong bowling attack and were bowled out for just 90 runs, with Ernest Elliott being the top scorer with 18 runs. This resulted in a comfortable 80-run victory for Hornsey Grange. SATURDAY, 27 JUNE Due to the 1st XI seemingly not having a game, the 2nd XI from Hatfield cricket club was strengthened by the inclusion of first-team players Albert Hudson and Walter Whitby. They played a crucial role in the match, taking eight wickets between them as Hatfield scraped home with a narrow 5-run victory. Welwyn, who batted first, were bowled out for just 76 runs, with Hudson taking an impressive 5-17 and Whitby contributing 3-29. In response, Hatfield managed to chase down the target, scoring 81 runs to secure the win. SUNDAY, 28 JUNE The Sunday XI from Hatfield cricket club had a comfortable victory at Stonecross Road, winning by a whopping 154 runs against Rosslyn. Rosslyn struggled against Hatfield's strong bowling attack and were bowled out for just 49 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking an impressive 6-35. In response, Hatfield put up a score of 203 runs, with Walter Whitby leading the charge with a fantastic knock of 82 runs. This resulted in an easy victory for Hatfield's Sunday XI. SATURDAY, 18 JULY Hatfield cricket club travelled to Tewin for a match and emerged victorious, proving to be too good for their hosts. Hatfield batted first and scored a respectable total of 101 runs, with contributions from Vic Dean (32), Ted Groom (27), Tom Padget (17), and Ernest Elliott (15). In response, Tewin struggled against Hatfield's strong bowling attack and were bowled out for just 23 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking an outstanding 7-10 and Elliott contributing 3-11. This resulted in a comprehensive victory for Hatfield.

206 SUNDAY, 19 JULY “HATFIELD'S DISMAL FAILURE.” Wood Green Labour Sports visited Stonecross Road for a match against Hatfield cricket club, winning a lowscoring game by 31 runs. According to the Herts Advertiser, it was a tame match, with Hatfield's fielding and batting being particularly weak. Wood Green LSC batted first and scored 86 runs, with Eddie Wakeling and Walter Whitby taking 4 wickets each and Doug Watson taking 1 wicket. In response, Hatfield struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 55 runs, with Edgar Wallis top-scoring with 19 runs and extras contributing 13 runs. In a second innings, Wood Green declared on 72 for 1 and Hatfield struggled to 45 for 7, with Fred Taylor scoring 25 runs. Overall, it was a disappointing match for Hatfield, who struggled both in the field and with the bat. THURSDAY, 30 JULY Hatfield cricket club travelled to Crouch End to play against Hornsey Police and emerged victorious in a thrilling match that ended with a 20-run win. The Police, batting first, scored 120 (Steve Curtis 5-27, George Gray 3- 42, Fred Taylor 2-41). Hatfield started their innings shakily, but Gray's excellent knock of 42 helped steady the ship. Despite playing with only ten men, Hatfield battled hard and reached 10 runs, with 15-year-old Cyril Chessum making an unbeaten 18 to seal the victory. The match was a closely-fought affair, with both teams displaying excellent fielding skills and taking some impressive catches. The excitement of the finish made for a highly enjoyable and interesting game. Other notable contributions to Hatfield's total included Curtis (17), Gerald Sands (15), and Jack Smith (12). SATURDAY, 01 AUGUST The first Hatfield derby of the season took place at Stonecross Road, where the town side suffered a humiliating defeat, being all out for just 26 runs in response to the Estate's 60. However, the 2nd XI team managed to restore some pride in their home ground, Hatfield Park, as they beat the Estate by 12 runs. Albert Hudson was the star performer, taking six wickets, while Doug Watson chipped in with three wickets. The Estate managed to score only 33 runs, which proved insufficient to challenge Hatfield United's batting lineup. F Wallis led the charge with 14 runs, ably supported by Chris Roberts, who contributed 10 runs.

207 MONDAY, 03 AUGUST On Bank Holiday Monday, Laycock Station Old Boys traveled to Stonecross Road to face Hatfield. The visitors put up a total of 90 runs, with Doug Watson and Spencer Randall putting in an impressive performance with the ball, taking 6 wickets and 4 wickets respectively. In response, Hatfield showed their strength in batting, reaching a total of 159 for 8. Joe Platts was the standout performer, remaining unbeaten at 40 runs, while Vic Dean also contributed with an equally impressive 40 runs. Watson continued his fine form with the bat, scoring 25 runs, while Chris Roberts chipped in with 10 runs. THURSDAY, 13 AUGUST Alec Gow, the captain of Hatfield Estate, raised an XI to face Hatfield United's Thursday side in Hatfield Park. Gow's XI put up a strong total of 107 runs. In response, Hatfield United put up a valiant effort, with Eddie Wakeling emerging as the top scorer with an impressive 39 runs. However, despite their best efforts, United fell short of the target, finishing with a total of 95 runs. SATURDAY, 15 AUGUST Batting first at Stonecross Road, Hatfield were all out for 113. Ted Groom and Doug Watson emerged as the top scorers for Hatfield, with 25 and 23 runs respectively. Despite their best efforts, Hatfield's total proved insufficient to secure a victory, as Brunswick Institute put up an impressive total of 145 runs. THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST The return match between Hatfield and Alec Gow's XI took place at the Stonecross Road Oval. Despite their best efforts, Hatfield once again suffered a defeat at the hands of Gow's team, who capitalised on several dropped catches by Hatfield's players. Alec Gow's XI put up a strong total of 126 runs, with George Gray putting in an impressive performance with the ball, taking 4 wickets. Jess Jeffries and Steve Curtis also contributed with 2 wickets each. n response, Hatfield put up a brave fight, but their total of 64 runs fell short of the target. Harold Bray remained unbeaten at 18 runs, while Harry Taylor contributed 14 runs.

208 SATURDAY, 22 AUGUST Hatfield's 1st XI enjoyed a successful trip to the Hill End Mental Hospital, winning the match with an impressive performance. Hill End batted first, but their innings was cut short by a fine bowling display from George Gray, who took 7 wickets. H Thompson and Bert Shepherd also contributed to the team's success with 2 and 1 wickets respectively. Hill End finished with a total of 72 runs. In response, Vic Dean and Walter Whitby got Hatfield off to a great start, putting up an opening stand of 48 runs. However, the team faced a collapse in the middle order. Fortunately, the Stevens brothers, William and Harold, batting at 8 and 9, steadied the ship with 14 runs each, leading the team to an eventual total of 117 runs. Meanwhile, Hatfield's 2nd XI was also in action against de Havilland, putting up a dominant performance and securing a win by 70 runs. De Havilland was all out for 72 runs, with Albert Hudson taking 7 wickets and Spencer Randall contributing with 3 wickets. Hatfield put up an impressive total of 142 runs, with Robin Bell emerging as the top scorer with 31 runs, followed by Randall with 26 runs, Wallis with 24 runs, and Chris Roberts with 18 runs. SUNDAY, 23 AUGUST Enfield West had a difficult time at Stonecross Road, with Ted Groom delivering an exceptional performance and scoring the only century of his career. Enfield West batted first and could only manage a total of 82 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets and Eddie Wakeling contributing with 3 wickets. In response, Groom emerging as the top scorer with an unbeaten 117 runs. His century included 20 fours, and he scored 22 runs in one over and 16 in another. Wakeling also made a notable contribution with 33 runs, and Vic Dean scored 31. THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST The Thursday XI's season came to a close with a decisive 43-run victory against Potters Bar at Stonecross Road. Hatfield batted first and put up a total of 125 runs, with George Gray top-scoring with 44 runs. In response, Potters Bar struggled to build momentum and could only manage a total of 82 runs, giving Hatfield a comfortable victory.

209 SATURDAY, 29 AUGUST The highly anticipated return leg of the derby took place in Hatfield Park, and it didn't disappoint. Hatfield Estate batted first and struggled to build momentum, eventually being all out for 93 runs, with Fred Jeffries taking an impressive 5-16, supported by Eddie Wakeling with 3-15 and Bert Shepherd with 2-40. In reply, United got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets with only 21 runs on the board. However, they made a strong comeback thanks to the contributions of Ted Groom, who scored 26 runs, and George Gray, who added 24 runs to the scoreboard. Jack Smith (11) and Harold Stevens (17) also played crucial roles, leading United to a thrilling two-wicket victory. The 2nd XI fixture was equally exciting, with Hatfield Estate putting up a total of 54 runs, and Albert Hudson's impressive bowling performance of 7-24 being the highlight of the innings. In response, Hatfield United struggled to chase down the target, eventually being all out for just 52 runs, with Robin Bell top-scoring with 23 runs. SUNDAY, 30 AUGUST The annual Married vs. Single inter-club match took place, featuring some impressive performances. The single men's team saw a strong start from Fred Taylor (35) and Walter Whitby (35), who put on an excellent firstwicket partnership. Vic Dean (31 not out) and Joe Platts (32) then carried on the momentum, resulting in a declaration at 170 for 6. The married men's team also had a solid beginning, with George Gray (39), Ted Groom (26), and Chris Roberts (26) taking them to 114 for 4. However, the tail-end suffered at the hands of Bert Shepherd, who took 5 wickets. The married men were eventually all out for 145, with Shepherd (5-40), Doug Watson (3- 30), Albert Hudson (1-14), and Steve Curtis (1-17) contributing to the wickets column. SATURDAY, 05 SEPTEMBER The 1936 season concluded with a home win against Hoddesdon. Batting first, Hatfield posted a total of 137 runs, with Eddie Wakeling leading the way with an impressive knock of 44. In response, the visitors were bowled out for just 77 runs, with Wakeling taking four wickets for only ten runs to help secure the victory. On July 29th of that summer, the Hatfield United Athletic Club con-

210 vened a Special General Meeting to adopt a new set of rules. These changes resulted in a loosening of ties between sections, granting them greater financial autonomy. 1937 The events surrounding Warden Sands' departure from his role as Hon. Secretary of the HUAC Cricket Section are unclear, but it is known that Doug Watson succeeded him. The Herts Advertiser reported that Sands was "alienated," and the club's honours board listed Robin Bell as Secretary in 1936, suggesting that Sands did not complete his term. Additionally, a new position of Hon. Match Secretary (equivalent to Fixture Secretary) was established, with Vic Dean appointed to the role. Walter Whitby was elected as 1st XI captain with Bert Shepherd as vice-captain, while Ted Groom was elected as Sunday XI captain with Chris Roberts as vice-captain. The fixture card indicated that the positions of 2nd XI captain and Thursday captain were vacant, suggesting that Doug Watson and Fred Taylor had resigned. SATURDAY, 01 MAY On the opening day of the season, Hatfield won a low-scoring match against Rodexicon by 4 wickets. The visiting team was dismissed for only 38 runs, with Albert Hudson taking 3-5, Doug Watson 3-11, Bert Shepherd 2- 9, and Eddie Wakeling 2-12. Hatfield reached the target for the loss of six wickets, although the final score was not recorded. Dudley Richardson and Frank Elliott both scored 16 runs. Interestingly, one of the players for Rodexicon was H J Gray, playing for his works’ team. THURSDAY, 20 MAY St Albans were the visitors to Stonecross Road, where they beat Hatfield by 30 runs in a low-scoring game. St Albans batted first and struggled, eventually being bowled out for 72 (Steve Curtis 4-21). In reply, Hatfield were eventually bowled out for 42, giving St Albans a comfortable victory. SATURDAY, 29 MAY On this day, Hatfield's 1st XI played at home with only 10 players against Old Elysians and lost by a narrow margin of 2 runs. Hatfield batted first and scored 62 runs, with Eddie Wakeling and Joe Platts contributing 19

211 runs each. Old Elysians looked comfortable at 49 for 3, but a collapse followed, with 6 wickets falling for only 6 runs, thanks to Albert Hudson and Doug Watson, with the latter taking a hat-trick. However, Old Elysians managed to scramble the required 8 runs for victory with their last pair. Meanwhile, Hatfield's 2nd XI played against The Electrical Apparatus Company at New Barnes Avenue in St Albans. However, nobody managed to score in double-figures for Hatfield, and they were dismissed for 30 runs. In reply, EAC scored 55 runs, with Ted Padget taking 3-2, Eric Tomlin taking 3-21, and Chris Roberts taking 2-10. Notably, this day marked the first appearances of George Hanlon and Peter Addington, who would later become ‘legends’ of the club. SUNDAY, 30 MAY “HATFIELD'S PROMISING RECRUIT”. he young Peter Addington, a fourteen-year-old schoolboy, wasted no time in showing off his potential as he was included in the Hatfield team and acquitted himself splendidly, HATFIELD UNITED ATHLETIC CLUB CRICKET SECTION SEASON 1937 1st XI Capt. W. WHITBY 2nd XI Capt. Sunday XI Capt. E. GROOM Thursday XI Capt. Hon. Sec. Hon. Match Sec D. WATSON E. V. DEAN 30 Fore Street 29 Endymion Road Hatfield, Herts. Hatfield, Herts FIRST ELEVEN May 1– Rodexicon S.C. A “ 8– Hornsey Grange H “ 15– Rosedale A Whit Mon.– Brookfield S.C. 11.30 a.m. H “ 22– Shenley Hospital A 29– Old Elysians H June 5– Rodexicon S.C. H “ 12– Hill End A “ 19– Rosedale H “ 26– Hoddesdon A July 3– Boxmoor H “ 10– Kents A.C. (Luton) H “ 17– A “ 24– Hoddesdon H “ 31– Hatfield Estate A Bank Hol.– Married v. Single H Aug. 7– Cell Barnes Colony A “ 14– Kents A.C. (Luton) A “ 21– Hatfield Estate H “ 28– Turnford Nurseries A Sept. 4– Boxmoor A All matches commence at 2.45 p.m. unless otherwise marked.

212 making 20 runs, the top score of the day. However, he received little support from his teammates as Hatfield was all out for 50. Their opponents, A H William's XI, fared even worse and were dismissed for just 26 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 5 wickets for 15 runs and Doug Watson taking 4 wickets for 8 runs. The report concluded, “Addington was again to the for with some neat fielding and two smart catches.” SATURDAY, 05 JUNE On their home ground at Stonecross Road, Hatfield batted first but could only manage a total of 69 runs, with Doug Watson top-scoring with 19. Despite Watson's excellent bowling performance of 5 wickets for 25 runs, Rodexicon proved too strong and scored 95 runs to secure a 26-run victory over Hatfield. SUNDAY, 06 JUNE SECOND ELEVEN May 1– Rodexicon S.C. H “ 8– Hatfield Hyde A “ 15– Rosedale H “ 22– E.A.C. (St. Albans) H 29– E.A.C. A June 5– Rodexicon S.C. A “ 12– Hatfield Hyde H “ 19– Rosedale A “ 26– Hoddesdon H July 3– St. Marks A “ 10– A “ 17– Oakfield C.C. H “ 24– Hoddesdon A “ 31– Hatfield Estate H Aug. 7– H “ 14– Oakfield C.C. H “ 21– Hatfield Estate A “ 28– St. Marks H All matches commence at 2.45 p.m. unless otherwise marked. THURSDAY ELEVEN May 6– Cell Barnes A “ 13– Royston A “ 20– St. Albans H “ 27– Potters Bar A June 3– Cheshunt A “ 10– Napsbury A “ 17– Royston H “ 24– Wood Green Police A July 1– H “ 8– A. Gow’s XI A “ 15– Cheshunt H “ 22– St. Albans A “ 29– Hornsey Police A Aug. 5– Shenley Hospital A “ 12– A. Gow’s XI H “ 19– “ 26– Potters Bar H Sept. 2– Hornsey Police H All matches commence at 2.45 p.m. unless otherwise marked.

213 The Sunday XI suffered a heavy defeat at Stonecross Road against London Colney. London Colney batted first and posted a total of 127, despite Bert Shepherd's impressive figures of 5-32. In response, Hatfield's batting collapsed, with the team being bundled out for just 43, resulting in a loss by a margin of 84 runs. Steve Curtis and Chris Roberts were the only batsmen who managed to make significant contributions with scores of 19 each. SATURDAY, 19 JUNE The match at Stonecross Road saw Hatfield face off against Cheshuntbased Rosedale, whom they beat with ease. Dudley Richardson was the top scorer for Hatfield with 46 runs, followed by Eddie Wakeling with 29 as the home team declared at 115 for 9. In response, Rosedale could only manage a total of 77, with Doug Watson taking an impressive 9 wickets for just 19 runs. Although Watson had a chance to take all ten wickets, he denied himself the opportunity by taking a catch off the bowling of Bert Shepherd. SUNDAY ELEVEN May 16– Thorndale C.C. H “ 23– Cheshunt H “ 30– A. H. Williams XI H June 6– London Colney H “ 13– St. Albans 2.30 p.m. A “ 20– Flettons S.C. 11.30 a.m. H “ 27– Bernards Heath H July 4– All Saints H “ 11– Sterling C.C. H “ 18– H. Bray’s XI H “ 25– A. H. Williams XI H Aug. 1– Brookfield S.C. H “ 8– Flettons S.C. 11.30 a.m. A “ 15– E. Hickson’s XI H “ 22– Enfield West H “ 29– Thorndale C.C. H Sept. 5– H “ 12– Finsburytonians 11.30 a.m. H All matches commence at 2.30 p.m. unless otherwise marked.

214 SATURDAY, 26 JUNE An unsuccessful trip to Low Field ended in defeat by 18 runs. Hatfield 135 (Walter Whitby 41, Ted Groom 32), Hoddesdon 153 for 7 (Eddie Wakeling 4-64, Doug Watson 3-22). SUNDAY, 27 JUNE Bernard's Heath from St Albans visited Stonecross Road Oval and handed a defeat to Hatfield's Sunday XI by 11 runs. Hatfield managed to score 103 runs with Cyril Chessum contributing 34 runs, but it wasn't enough as Bernard's Heath scored 114 runs with Doug Watson taking 6 wickets for 39 runs. SATURDAY, 03 JULY In a tense game at Stonecross Road, Hatfield's 1st XI fell agonisingly short of victory as they lost to Boxmoor by a mere 3 runs. Eddie Wakeling's excellent bowling figures of 5-32 helped restrict Boxmoor to a modest total of 96. However, the home team's batting struggled to find momentum, with only J Forrester providing some resistance with 21 runs. Despite a valiant effort, Hatfield eventually fell short at 93 all out in their reply. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI made the journey to Wood Hill to face St Marks. The hosts batted first, reaching a total of 86, with George Hanlon's impressive spell of 5-23 ensuring Hatfield kept the score within reach. However, Hatfield's batting let them down as they were bowled out for just 50, with Cyril Chessum top-scoring with 15. THURSDAY, 08 JULY Alec Gow’s XI, comprised entirely of Hatfield Estate members, provided the opposition at Stonecross Road. Batting first, Hatfield struggled to put runs on the board, with only Joe Platts managing to reach double figures. The team was eventually bowled out for 68 runs, leaving them with a challenging total to defend. In reply, Gow's XI chased down the target with relative ease, losing only five wickets along the way. They batted on to score 97, with several batsmen making solid contributions. SUNDAY, 11 JULY In the match at Stonecross Road, Hatfield faced off against new opponents Sterling CC. Batting first, Hatfield declared at 151 for 6, with Eddie

215 Wakeling scoring an impressive 74 runs. The visitors struggled to keep up, with Vic Dean taking 4 wickets for 27 runs as they were dismissed for 108. SUNDAY, 18 JULY Harold Bray put together a team to play against Hatfield United's Sunday XI at Stonecross Road. Hatfield United scored 68 runs, with Fred Taylor contributing 17 of those runs. H Bray's XI then went on to score 114 for 6 wickets. SATURDAY, 31 JULY The first leg of the local derby between Hatfield Estate and Hatfield United took place at Hatfield Park. The home team, Hatfield Estate, dominated the match, which ended in a draw. Hatfield Estate declared at 161 for 7, while Hatfield United struggled to keep up, scoring only 78 for 6 wickets. Eddie Wakeling scored 14 runs, H Thompson scored 13 not out, Ted Groom scored 13, and Jack Smith scored 10 for Hatfield United. SATURDAY, 21 AUGUST The last recorded game of the 1937 season was the return match between Hatfield Estate and Hatfield United at Stonecross Road, which both teams played with only ten players. Hatfield Estate batted first and Outside the pavillion of Fletton’s Sports Ground, Bletchley, Sunday 8 August 1937. George Baker (scorer), Albert Hudson, Jack Smith, Doug Watson.

216 scored 105 runs, with Eddie Wakeling taking 4 wickets for 18 runs, Albert Hudson taking 3 wickets for 23 runs, and Doug Watson taking 1 wicket for 36 runs. In response, Hatfield United chased down the target, losing only 5 wickets in the process. Eddie Wakeling scored 20 runs, Walter Whitby scored 19, Frank Elliott scored 31, and Doug Watson scored 14 for Hatfield United. HATFIELD CRICKETERS DINE LAST NIGHTS ANNUAL DINNER About twenty members of the Hatfield Cricket Club attended the annual dinner of the club, at the Great Northern Hotel, last evening, when Mr W R Watson (Chairman) presided. The toast of “The Club, the Secretaries, Captains and Executives” was proposed by Mr C Sunderland, who reminded members that until some years ago he had been Secretary of the Club for seventeen years. He congratulated it on having two such excellent Secretaries as Mr D J Watson and Mr E V Dean, and concluded by wishing them every success for next season. Responding to the toast, Mr D J Watson thanked Mr Sunderland for his remarks about the Club, “I should also like to thank those people who help it and are hardly ever thanked,” he went on. “First there is Mr Frank Elliott, for his repairing work and his work as groundsman. Next, our absent friend Mr Maybury, who so generously gave a much needed mower to the Club, and lastly, there are the men who score for the teams, and here I would like particularly to mention Mr Baker.” Mr E Groom, proposing the toast of “The Game,” said that, to him, cricket was not the kind of cricket played in the great places, ‘where the amateur came out of one door and the professional out of the back.’ The only real cricket was the kind being played every Saturday all over the country,” he added. Responding, Mr D Fenton said interest in the game had never been so great as it was today. “Even that august body, the BBC, give us eye-witness’s accounts of the Test Matches,” he said. In conclusion he paid tribute to the very fine spirit in the Hatfield Club, which he, as an “outsider,” appreciated.† Mr W Whitby, proposing the toast of “The Chairman,” said Mr Watson’s health had been proposed at many functions, and the speakers had all laid stress on his wonderful work for the Herts FA “But this is a cricket dinner,” he went on Mr Whitby, “and I wish to pay tribute to the work he has done in support of the game. For years he was an outstanding member of our own Club.” Mr Watson briefly responded. Mr F Taylor proposed the toast of “The Visitors and Artistes,” and Mr D Richardson briefly replied. During the evening a pleasing entertainment was given by Messrs D Richardson, E Groom, R Lay, E V Dean, W R Watson, T L Padget and Great Northern Swingers. Herts Advertiser - 19 November 1937

217 † Dougal Fenton was not a local player and originally came from north of the border. He was known for his peculiar habits, such as checking his protective box before every delivery to make sure it was in place. As mentioned earlier, the United Athletic Club had recently made changes to its rules, granting more independence to its various sections. At some point between the end of the season and the Annual Dinner, the Cricket Section decided to adopt its original name of the "Hatfield Cricket Club," which held great symbolic value. The end of the season was also the end of an era, the Thursday XI which had been in existence for four decades would not return for the 1938 season.

218 1938 During the Spring General Meeting held on Tuesday, March 12th, the Hatfield Cricket Club made some key appointments and changes. Vic Dean was elected as the new captain of the Sunday XI, taking over from Ted Groom, while Chris Roberts was chosen as the captain of the 2nd XI. Eddie Wakeling, Albert Hudson, and William Warner were elected to the committee, and Chris Roberts was appointed to the newly created role of Bar Secretary. The quality of the wickets at the Stonecross Road Oval saw significant improvement, thanks in no small part to the engineering skills of Frank Elliott. Frank, a motor mechanic employed by Waters Garages on London Road in Hatfield, converted a bull-nosed Morris 8 motor car into a motorised roller by replacing the car's wheels with rollers. SUNDAY, 01 MAY The newly renamed Hatfield Cricket Club kicked off the new season with a match against St Albans II at Clarence Park in St Albans, and started on a high note by securing a victory. St Albans II scored 118 runs, with Harold Bray taking 4 wickets and Doug Watson taking 3 wickets. In response, Hatfield scored 149 runs, with Ted Groom making an unbeaten 46 runs to help clinch the win. SATURDAY, 07 MAY Both elevens of Hatfield Cricket Club faced off against Rodexicon, with the 1st XI playing at Stonecross Road and the 2nd XI playing at Cell Barnes Lane in St Albans. The 1st XI match ended in a draw, although the scores were not recorded. In the 2nd XI game, Hatfield's team narrowly won by one run in a low-scoring affair, with the team scoring just 49 runs and Geoff Maddams making 23 before being all out. Spencer Randall also contributed with 4-13. Rodexicon managed to score only 48 runs, securing Hatfield's victory. SATURDAY, 14 MAY Hatfield Cricket Club's 2nd XI faced off against Mouldrite Sports from Welwyn Garden City, but were unable to secure a win and lost by 27 runs. Mouldrite scored 97 runs, with Albert Hudson taking 4 wickets for 21 runs and Spencer Randall contributing 3 wickets for 17 runs. In response, Hat-

219 field's 2nd XI scored just 70 runs, with E Cross scoring 22 and Randall scoring 16. SATURDAY, 21 MAY Hornsey Grange, a team from North London, traveled to play Hatfield Cricket Club at the Stonecross Road Oval. However, they were defeated by 34 runs. Hornsey scored 92 runs, with Bert Shepherd taking 3 wickets for 4 runs. In response, Hatfield scored 126 runs, with Harold Bray making 31 and Harold Orchard contributing 26. SUNDAY, 22 MAY At Stonecross Road, Hatfield Cricket Club welcomed All Saints from Whetstone and secured their second win of the weekend. All Saints scored 100 runs, with Eddie Wakeling taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, but they lost to Hatfield, who scored 127 runs. John Lamberth top-scored for Hatfield with HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB. Fixtures 1938 Hon. Sec. Hon. Match Sec D. WATSON E. DEAN 30 Fore Street 29 Endymion Road Hatfield, Herts. Hatfield, Herts. The Captains: 1st XI. W. Whitby. 2nd XI C. Roberts. Sunday XI. E. Dean. Committee: Messrs. E. Wakeling, A. Hudson and W. Warner. Bar Secretary: C. Roberts.

220 45 runs, while Harold Bray contributed 32 and Dougal Fenton added 23. Hatfield won the match by 27 runs. SATURDAY, 04 JUNE In a remarkable performance, Eddie Wakeling scored a century for Hatfield in their revenge match against Mouldrite Sports. Wakeling not only scored over two-thirds of Hatfield's runs, but also over half of the runs accumulated by both sides. Hatfield won by 104 runs, with Wakeling taking 3- 12 and Walter Whitby 4-22. The 2nd XI, which benefited from the fact that the 1st XI was without a fixture, also featured Whitby and Spencer Randall. Hatfield 157 Wakeling 114, Geoff Maddams 15), Mouldrite 53 (Walter Whitby 4-22, Wakeling 3-12, Spencer Randall 2-14). SUNDAY, 05 JUNE In a remarkable performance against London Colney, Doug Watson took the second hat-trick of his career while also recording figures of 7 for FIRST ELEVEN May 7 Rodexicon home 14 Rosslyn home 21 Hornsey Garage home 28 home June 4 away 6 Finsburytonians * home 11 Hill End away 18 Turnford Nurserys home 25 away July 2 Rodexicon away 9 Audentior (Watford) home 16 Rosedale home 23 Cell Barnes away 30 Hatfield Estate away Aug 1 home 6 Audentior (Watford) away 13 Turnford Nurserys away 20 Rosedale away 27 Hatfield Estate home Sept 3 Boxmoor home 10 Rosslyn away * 11.30 a.m. All other games 2.45 p.m. SECOND ELEVEN May 7 Rodexicon II XI away 14 Mouldrite Sports away 21 away 28 Murphy Radio away June 4 Mouldrite Sports home 6 away 11 E.A.C. home 18 E.A.C. away 25 St Albans III XI home July 2 Rodexicon II XI home 9 St Marks away 16 Woodhall Park away 23 home 30 Hatfield Estate II home Aug 1 away 6 St Albans Services home 13 Murphy Radio home 20 home 27 Hatfield Estate II away All matches commence at 2.45 p.m.

221 27. His devastating spell reduced the visitors to Stonecross Road from 63 for 7 to 63 all out, with Eddie Wakeling also contributing with 3 wickets for 30 runs. In response, Hatfield's batting was led by Wakeling, who top-scored with 29, supported by Harold Bray's 26, Watson's 14, and Cyril Chessum's 12. However, the team could only manage a total of 95, falling short of victory. MONDAY, 06 JUNE On the Bank Holiday, Hatfield welcomed Finsburytonians to the Stonecross Road Oval for an all-day match. Finsburytonians batted first and were dismissed for just 60 runs, with Doug Watson taking five wickets for 25 runs, Eddie Wakeling picking up three wickets for seven runs, and John Lamberth and Spencer Randall taking one wicket each. In reply, Hatfield put up an impressive total of 148 runs, with Wakeling scoring a half-century and Walter Whitby contributing 44 runs. In their second innings, Finsburytonians could only manage 71 runs, with Harold Bray taking six wickets for just six SUNDAY ELEVEN May 1 St. Albans ** away 8 Essendon away 15 Thorndale home 22 All Saints (Whetstone) home 29 St. Marks home June 5 London Colney home 12 East St. Pancras home 19 Regent C.C. home 26 Bernards Heath home July 3 R. Williams’ XI home 10 Sterling C.C. home 17 Hornsey Garage home 24 Cheshunt Thursday home 31 Devas C.C. home Aug 7 St. Albans Gas Co. home 14 Thorndale home 21 Enfield West home 28 De Havilland home Sept 4 Finsburytonians * home 11 Married v Single home 18 Chaseville C.C. home * 11.30 a.m. ** 2.30 p.m. Other games 2.45 p.m.

222 runs and Harold Orchard taking two wickets for 16 runs. Hatfield won the match by an innings and 17 runs. SATURDAY, 11 JUNE Hatfield’s 1st XI fell 16 runs short at Hill End Hospital,, despite a fine performance by Harold Bray, who scored 55 runs. Hill End scored 150 runs, with Doug Watson taking 4 wickets for 39 runs. [In light of information quoted in future reports and the club’s own summary of the season it seems that Hatfield may not have been all out and the match was in fact a draw]. In the 2nd XI match, Hatfield had a better outcome against the Electrical Apparatus Company. They restricted their opponents to just 64 runs (with Chris Roberts taking 5 wickets for 8 runs and Spencer Randall taking 4 wickets for 24 runs) and had made 82 runs (with Albert Hudson scoring 22 runs) when time was called. SUNDAY, 19 JUNE At Stonecross Road, Hatfield's Sunday XI secured a commanding victory over Regent CC. After posting a total of 150 runs, thanks in large part to Eddie Wakeling's impressive 44, Hatfield's bowlers took over, with Doug Watson leading the charge with a 6-wicket haul. Regent CC was ultimately bowled out for just 47 runs SATURDAY, 25 JUNE The 2nd XI was strengthened by the inclusion of Eddie Wakeling for their match against St Albans III, as the 1st XI did not have a fixture. St Albans scored 87 runs and Wakeling took 5 wickets for Hatfield. However, in their reply, Hatfield was only able to score 60 runs, with Tom Atkins contributing 20. SUNDAY, 26 JUNE The match at the Stonecross Road Oval was a one-sided affair as Hatfield won by 147 runs. Bernard’s Heath only managed to score 42 runs, with Eddie Wakeling taking an outstanding 7 wickets for just 14 runs. In reply, Hatfield posted a total of 189 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, with Harold Bray top-scoring with 74 runs and Walter Whitby remaining not out on 41.

223 SATURDAY, 02 JULY The 1st XI of Hatfield displayed a dominant performance against H J Gray's club, Rodexicon, in St Albans, with Harold Bray leading the charge. Bray claimed five wickets for 26 runs, while Vic Dean and Doug Watson took two each as the home side was dismissed for 95. In reply, Hatfield chased down the target with ease, losing only four wickets and scoring 198 runs, with Bray contributing 67 runs, Eddie Wakeling adding 29, Dean scoring 26, and Albert Hudson, Frank Elliott, and Watson contributing 16, 13, and 12 runs, respectively. SUNDAY, 03 JULY Doug Watson's impressive bowling skills were on display once again as he achieved his second hat-trick of the season, an outstanding feat that he had already accomplished twice in the previous two years! This time, his victims were the final three wickets to fall as R William's XI were bowled out for a mere 69 runs (Watson 6-22, Harold Bray 3-16, Eddie Wakeling 1- 11). In response, Hatfield managed to score 81 runs (18 extras) to secure their victory. SATURDAY, 09 JULY In the 2nd XI’s convincing victory against St Mark’s at Wood Hill, Spencer Randall was the star performer. He top-scored with 38 in Hatfield’s total of 101 for 4 declared, and when St Mark’s batted, he took an incredible 7 wickets for just 7 runs. Tom Atkin chipped in with 3 wickets for 12 runs to wrap up the innings and secure a dominant win for Hatfield. SUNDAY, 10 JULY The Sunday XI at Hatfield faced Sterling CC at Stonecross Road. Sterling CC batted first but were only able to make 79 runs all out, with Doug Watson taking 4 wickets for 15 runs. In reply, Hatfield's Sunday XI passed the total for the loss of three wickets, reaching 126 for 7 at stumps. Vic Dean was unbeaten on 56 runs. SATURDAY, 16 JULY On Saturday, July 16th, Hatfield's 1st XI played at Stonecross Road and batted first, scoring 132 runs before being all out (with Ted Groom scoring 43, Harold Bray 38, William Warner 16, and Vic Dean 15). Doug Watson

224 was in top form once again, taking 7 wickets for just 32 runs, which helped reduce Rosedale to a mere 60 all out. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI travelled to Watton-at-Stone to play against Woodhall Park and won by 11 runs. Hatfield batted first and scored 111 runs, with Cyril Chessum top-scoring with 53, Len Groom contributing 15, and Richard Stranks scoring 12. When Woodhall Park batted, Hatfield's bowlers took charge, with Spencer Randall taking 5 wickets for 39 runs, Tom Atkin taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, and Frank Shepherd taking 2 wickets for 20 runs. Interestingly, Shepherd was just 16 years old at the time, but would later become one of the greatest all-rounders in the club’s history. SUNDAY, 17 JULY The club was enjoying a successful season, as borne out by the headline “HATFIELD STILL UNBEATEN”. Continuing their unbeaten streak, Hatfield Cricket Club secured a 92-run victory against Hornsey Grange. The team batted first, scoring 144 runs with contributions from Harold Bray (46) and Fred Taylor (40 not out). In reply, Hornsey Grange was dismissed for a paltry 52 runs, with Eddie Wakeling taking 6 wickets for 20 runs, Doug Watson taking 3 wickets for 17 runs, and Bray contributing 1 wicket for 3 runs. Notably, extras were the top-scorer for Hornsey with 12, twice as many as the highest-scorer with the bat. Frank Elliott’s converted Bull Nosed Morris 8: Driven by Chris Roberts. Cyril Chessum, Dougal Fenton, Len Groom, Peter Addington, Spen Randall, Doug Watson, Walter Whitby and Eddie Wakeling enjoying the ride.

225 SATURDAY, 23 JULY Hatfield’s 1st XI journeyed to Cell Barnes Colony in St Albans, where they secured a 43-run victory against the mental institution workers. After Cell Barnes batted first and made 98 (with Harold Orchard taking 5-17), Eddie Wakeling (61) and Bert Shepherd (41) led Hatfield towards victory, reaching a total of 141. Meanwhile, at Stonecross Road, the 2nd XI played against Sandridge but could not replicate the first team's success. Hatfield were all out for just 69 (with Spencer Randall scoring 20), while Sandridge reached 99 (with Randall taking 3-35 and Frank Shepherd taking 2-14). SATURDAY, 30 JULY It was derby day at the Stonecross Road Oval, and Hatfield's unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a loss to Hatfield Estate. The Town club were bowled out for just 52 runs in only 13.2 overs, with William Warner (17) and Harold Bray (14) the only batsmen to reach double-figures. The Estate club chased down the total for the loss of four wickets and continued to bat, eventually making 92 all out with Dougal Fenton taking 4-18 for the Town club. MONDAY, 01 AUGUST A Bank Holiday fixture for the 2nd XI at Stonecross Road. Flettons 123 (Spencer Randall 5-17), Hatfield 46 (Cyril Chessum 16). SATURDAY, 06 AUGUST Hatfield's 2nd XI were bolstered by the addition of Harold Bray and Ted Groom, which helped them secure a comfortable victory over St Albans Services CC. Bray, who scored an unbeaten 73, and Groom, who scored 61, played pivotal roles in Hatfield's total of 187 for 4 declared. St Albans Services CC struggled in their response and were eventually bowled out for 93, with Bray taking 4-17 to further cement Hatfield's dominant performance SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST Hatfield’s 2nd XI faced the Welwyn Garden City-based team Murphy Radio, and emerged victorious with a dominant performance. Murphy Radio batted first but were bowled out for a paltry 72 runs, thanks in large part

226 to Chris Roberts' impressive bowling figures of 4-14. In response, Hatfield's batsmen made light work of the target, with Roberts also shining with the bat, scoring 60 runs to help his team reach a comfortable total of 168 for 4. SUNDAY, 14 AUGUST The Hatfield cricket team proved to be too strong for Thorndale CC at Stonecross Road, winning the game by 96 runs. Hatfield batted first and scored a formidable 168 for 4, with Eddie Wakeling remaining unbeaten on 77 and Walter Whitby contributing 47. Thorndale struggled to get going in their reply and were eventually dismissed for just 72, with Wakeling taking 3-23 and Harold Bray picking up 4-17. SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST Hatfield's 1st XI continued their winning streak with a trip to Cheshunt to take on Rosedale. The home team was bowled out for 113, thanks to a strong bowling performance by Harold Bray, who took 4 wickets for 38 runs. In response, Hatfield finished the day on 143 for 4, with Dougal Fenton unbeaten on 72, helping to secure another victory for the team. SUNDAY, 21 AUGUST Harold Bray delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Enfield West at Stonecross Road, scoring 46 runs as Hatfield batted first and declared at 190 for 4, before taking 7 for 12 to dismiss Enfield West for 31, securing a 159-run victory for Hatfield. SATURDAY, 27 AUGUST The 1938 season came to a close with two events: the Annual Dinner at the Great Northern Hotel on November 30th and a match against the Estate team in Hatfield Park. Batting first, Hatfield Estate was bowled out for 83 (with Doug Watson taking 3-17 and Dougal Fenton taking 3-33). The Town club then passed this total, finishing on 96 for 8 wickets (with Vic Dean top-scoring with 32, followed by Eddie Wakeling and Walter Whitby with 14 runs each).

227 1939 PROGRESS REPORTED AT ANNUAL MEETING The possibility of improving playing conditions during the coming season was referred to at the annual meting of the cricket section of Hatfield United Athletic Club at the Red Lion Hotel, Hatfield, on Thursday last, Mr E Groom presided. The annual report presented by the Hon Secretary, Mr D R Watson, stated that the 1938 season was a successful one. Of the 43 games played by the three teams 27 were won, six drawn, eight lost and two abandoned. While the Club’s membership had increased by two it was still not financially strong. The two chief sources of revenue, the bar and teas, showed a drop of about £1 on the previous season. the total amount received being £13 14 10. The policy of the Committee had been to provide cricket for Hatfield people as cheaply as possible and, in view of the fact that the subscription was a small one, they would like to emphasise the help the members could give by buying the teas provided by the club. After intimating that he intended resigning the secretaryship, Mr Watson referred to changes in the rules of the United Athletic Club which, he said, would mean that the cricket section could now run more or less on its own. Any profits from functions would be retained for the section’s own use and it should therefore be possible to improve the playing conditions. Mr Watson thanked the Committee for their assistance, the scorers. Mrs Orchard and Mr G Elliott, and the umpires, Mr L Bailey and Mr Nicholas. Thanks were also expressed to Mr Frank Elliott and the bar secretary, Mr C Roberts. The Club’s record during the past season was: First eleven, played fourteen, won eight, lost one, drawn four, and one abandoned; second eleven, played twelve, won eight, lost four; Sunday eleven, played seventeen, won eleven, lost three, drawn two, and one abandoned. The total number of runs scored was 5,094 for 358 wickets, averaging 14.23 per wickets, compared with their opponents’ average of 9.49. The batting averages were topped by H Bray with an average of 35.05 runs, followed by E Wakeling with 25.17 and D Fenton with 23.69. S Randall headed the bowling averages with an average of 6.53, H Howes was second with 6.75 and H Bray third with 6.84. E V Dean headed the catches with twenty. Mr E V Dean, match secretary, reported that the fixture list for the coming season was almost complete. The following officers were elected: Hon. secretary, Mr N C Stranks; match secretary, Mr E V Dean; first eleven captain, Mr W Whitby, vice-captain Mr C Orchard; second eleven captain Mr D R Watson, vice-captain Mr E E Wakeling; committee, Messrs, A N Hudson, E A Smith and W Warner; bar secretary, Mr C Roberts; entertainments committee, Messrs, E Groom, C Roberts and D Fenton. Herts & Essex Observer - 31 March 1939

228 Upon review of the fixture card, it appears that Doug Watson was elected as captain of the Sunday XI, rather than the 2nd XI as reported in the final paragraph of the Annual Meeting. It should also be noted that the new 1st XI vice-captain, Mr C Orchard, is likely to be the same person as Harold Claud Orchard. SATURDAY, 06 MAY In a low-scoring affair, played in damp conditions, the home team batted first and managed only 61 runs, with Dougal Fenton's 16 being the top score. But the Hatfield bowlers were up to the challenge, led by Fenton's impressive 5 wickets for 24 runs and Doug Watson's 4 wickets for 14 runs, as they bowled out Rodixican for just 51, securing a hard-fought 10-run victory. SATURDAY, 13 MAY The 2nd XI encountered a high-scoring match against de Havilland, HATFIELD CRICKET CLUB. Fixtures 1939 Hon. Sec. Hon. Match Sec N. STRANKS E. DEAN Kelton, Spring Villas 19 Endymion Road Hatfield, Herts. Hatfield, Herts. The Captains: 1st XI. W. Whitby. 2nd XI C. Roberts. Sunday XI. D. Watson. Committee: Messrs. E. Smith, A. Hudson and W. Warner. Bar Secretary: C. Roberts.

229 who declared on 133 for 7 (with Spencer Randall taking 5-35), but Hatfield effortlessly passed the total with only two wickets down, finishing on 141, with Randall scoring 59 and Chris Roberts finishing unbeaten on 57. SATURDAY, 20 MAY The 2nd XI had a contrasting time with the bat when they played at Stonecross Road. After having enjoyed a good week with the bat previously, they struggled against Electrical Apparatus Company, who were bowled out for 58 runs (Chris Roberts 5-15, Spencer Randall 5-22). Hatfield’s batting performance was even worse, as they were dismissed for just 35 runs, with Randall top-scoring with 21. SATURDAY, 27 MAY With the 1st XI conspicuous in their absence from the pages of the press, the 2nd XI was again in action at Stonecross Road. Woodhall Park batted first and helped themselves to 151 for 5 declared and Hatfield could FIRST ELEVEN May 6 Rodexicon home 13 De Havilland home 20 Hornsey Garage home 27 away June 3 Rosedale home 10 Hill End away 17 Rosslyn away 24 away July 1 Rodexicon away 8 Rosslyn home 15 St. Michaels home 22 Boxmoor home 29 Hatfield Est. away Aug 5 home 12 Cell Barnes away 19 Rosedale away 26 Boxmoor away Sept 2 Hatfield Est. home 9 De Havilland away Games commence at 2.45 p.m. SECOND ELEVEN May 6 Rodexicon away 13 De Havilland away 20 E.A.C. away 27 Woodhall Est. home June 3 Municipal Ath. away 10 E.A.C. home 17 Mouldrite home 24 St. Albans III XI home July 1 Rodexicon home 8 away 15 St. Albans Services away 22 Mouldrite away 29 Vernon’s S.C. home Aug 5 Woodhall Est. away 12 St. Michaels home 19 St. Albans Services home 26 De Havilland home All matches commence at 2.45 p.m.

230 only manage 53 runs in reply despite Spencer Randall's contribution of 31. SUNDAY, 28 MAY The first sighting of the Sunday XI for the season was a home match against All Saints (Whetstone) at Stonecross Road. All Saints batted first and declared at 139 for 8, with Walter Whitby taking three wickets for Hatfield. The match ended in a draw as Hatfield finished their innings at 101 for 6, with Arthur Browning top-scoring with 21 runs. SATURDAY, O3 JUNE After a brief absence from the local press, the 1st XI returned to the limelight with a home match against Rosedale. Batting first, Hatfield scored 110 runs with Eddie Wakeling top-scoring at 41. The visitors from Cheshunt were then bowled out for 73 runs, with Wakeling claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs, and Albert Hudson taking 3 wickets for 7 runs. The final marSUNDAY ELEVEN May 14 St. Albans 2.30 away 21 Bernards Heath home 28 All Saints (Whetstone) home June 4 Chipping Barnet home 11 Sterling Wanderers home 18 Rodexicon 12.0 away 25 Chaseville home July 2 Farcet 11.30 home 9 L.N.E.R. (Kings Cross) home 16 Rodexicon 12.0 home 23 D. Richardson’s XI home 30 Hornsey Grange home Aug 6 Devas C.C. home 13 Chaseville home 20 C. Hayes’ XI home 27 Married v Single home Sept 3 Hermitage C.C. 11.30 home 10 Gibbs & Bamford C.C. home Games unmarked commence at 2.45 p.m.

231 gin of victory was 37 runs in favour of Hatfield. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI played away to Municipal Athletic, the sports club of St Albans City Council. After setting a total of 157 runs with Arthur Browning’s unbeaten 73 runs as the top score, Hatfield had to settle for a draw as the councilmen finished at 115 for 8 at the close of play. Spencer Randall was the pick of the Hatfield bowlers with 4 wickets for 33 runs. SUNDAY, 04 JUNE A run-fest took place at Stonecross Road as Hatfield narrowly defeated Chipping Barnet. Batting first, Hatfield declared on an impressive 172 for 7 (Ted Groom 52 not out, Fred Taylor 15) before holding off a spirited Barnet reply to win by just 8 runs, with the visitors all out for 164 (Vic Dean 3-18). SATURDAY, 10 JUNE In a match against Hill End Mental Hospital, Harold Orchard scored 40 runs to become Hatfield's top scorer in a total of 149 for 5. The hospital workers managed to reach 121 for 7 (with Dougal Fenton taking 3-23 and Eddie Wakeling taking 3-32) before stumps were drawn at the end of play. SUNDAY, 11 JUNE The Sunday XI at the Stonecross Road Oval enjoyed a comprehensive victory, winning by 8 wickets. After dismissing Sterling Wanderers for only 50 runs, with Vic Dean taking 4-2, Hatfield chased down the target losing only two wickets before batting on to 141 for 6, with John Lamberth scoring 47 and Dougal Fenton contributing 39. SUNDAY, 18 JUNE The match at Cell Barnes Lane was progressing well for Hatfield as they reduced Rodexicon to 65 for 6. However, rain forced the players off the field and prevented any further play. HATFIELD V. HATFIELD ESTATE Good bowling was mainly responsible for Hatfield United’s win over Hatfield Estate on Saturday. L Niall and D Watson, both of Hatfield, took five for 31 and five for 23 respectively. W Sankey, of Hatfield Estate, also did some good work with the ball, taking five wickets for 16 runs.

232 In the meantime, the 2nd XI had a strong addition to their team in Bert Shepherd, who was known to play for both the Town and Estate clubs. However, he was absent from the encounter against Hatfield Park, perhaps tempted to play for fellow printers Vernon’s Sports instead. Hatfield won the toss and batted first, declaring at 112 for 6, with Peter Addington leading the scoring with 29 runs. Despite Shepherd taking 5 wickets for 25 runs, Vernon’s managed to secure a victory by reaching 120 for 8. SATURDAY, 05 AUGUST The match between Hatfield and Hatfield Hyde at Stonecross Road resulted in a close victory for the visitors. Hatfield batted first and scored 145 runs, with Doug Watson taking 4 wickets for 19 runs. In their reply, Hatfield Hyde managed to chase down the target, but only just, as they were all out for 142 runs, with Arthur Browning top-scoring for Hatfield with 44 runs. HATFIELD ESTATE HATFIELD E Simson c Whitby b Niall 30 D Fenton c A E Hall b Cracknell 53 S Hancock c D Fenton b L Niall 3 W Whitby c G Hall b Hancock 17 L Hickson c Gray b Niall 1 H C Orchard c Hickson b A E Hall 0 R Cochran c Elliott b Watson 1 E Groom b A E Hall 7 F Cracknell b Watson 5 L Niall b A E Hall 2 W Sankey c Warner b Watson 0 L Kitt b Sankey 5 B Pearman lbw b Watson 3 E Elliott c Simson b Sankey 6 A E Hall c Fenton b Watson 13 W Warner b Sankey 7 E Smith not out 0 R Gray c Simson b Sankey 3 G Hall b Niall 1 J Dunham not out 2 W Hulks c Kitt b Niall 2 D Watson b Sankey 8 Extras 0 Extras 0 Total 59 Total 110 Hertfordshire Express and General Advertiser - 04 August 1939 CELL BARNES V. HATFIELD Hatfield were greatly surprised to find themselves beaten by Cell Barnes in a low scoring game on Saturday. Bowling for Hatfield, Fenton (five for 25) and Niall (five for 19) dismissed Cell Barnes for 60, but Hatfield were all out for 38. CELL BARNES HATFIELD W Ketley c Watson b Fenton 13 D Fenton c & b Nunn 1 G Jackson lbw b Fenton 3 V Dean c Nunn b Reynolds 0 L Smith b Fenton 13 H Orchard lbw b Nunn 2 J Boon c Orchard b Fenton 3 L Niall b Reynolds 11 A Reynolds c & b Niall 1 A N Hudson b Nunn 1 T Oughton b Niall 10 W Warner c Wildman b Nunn 0 D Mayles lbw b Fenton 1 F Elliott lbw b Nunn 0 G Nunn b Niall 5 D Watson run out 3

233 SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST The Hatfield CC team had a convincing victory over an XI brought to Stonecross Road by Chris Hayes, a former Hatfield CC player who became the editor of the Melody Maker. Hatfield batted first and declared on 187 for 4, with Dougal Fenton top-scoring with 53, followed by Walter Whitby with 36 and Peter Addington with 30 not out. In response, Hayes' XI were T Wildman not out 3 H Shepherd not out 12 A Stratton b Niall 0 R Stranks b Nunn 2 J Ewer b Niall 8 G Elliott run out 2 Extras Extras 4 Total 60 Total 38 Second eleven result Saturday, Hatfield won by three wickets. St Michael’s II 97 (Prior 44, C Roberts four for 24, A Browning four for 33), Hatfield II 103 for eight (C Roberts 33, L Groom 31, Puckrin four for 22). Hatfield won a 12-a-side home match with Chaseville on Sunday by 27 runs. Their total of 120 was largely brought about by a patient innings of 41 not out by Fenton. Hatfield fared badly at first, losing seven wickets for 33, but Fenton, L Groom (17), and P Addington (20) took the score up to 120. In Chaseville’s innings A N Hudson produced his best bowling form to take five wickets for 18, while Browning took four for 32. Hertford Mercury and Reformer - 18 August 1939 Married XI 1939 Bert Shepherd, Harry Taylor, Kingsley Gross, Harry Whitby, Ron Lay, Bert Howes. Ted Groom, Chris Roberts, Harold Orchard, Joe Platts, Vic Dean.

234 dismissed for just 38 runs, with Spencer Randall taking 4-8, Len Groom 3-8, and Albert Hudson 3-15. After being asked to bat again, the visitors could only manage 55 runs, giving Hatfield a resounding victory by an innings and 94 runs. SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST The final match recorded in this book is the club’s annual Married vs. Single fixture, played amid the looming crisis in Europe. The married men, led by Harold Orchard, put up an imposing total of 201 runs with Joe Platts scoring a century and contributions from Harry Whitby (20), Ron Lay (20), Chris Roberts (17), Vic Dean (13), and Orchard himself(13), with Walter Whitby taking three wickets for 60 runs, and Dougal Fenton (2-33) and Doug Watson (2-49) taking two each. The single men could not mount a challenge and were bowled out for 82 runs, with Fenton (19), Watson (14), and Fred Taylor (11) being the only ones to reach double digits. Bert Shepherd took an impressive six wickets for 33 runs, with Vic Dean (2-45) contributing two more wickets. The match between Hatfield CC and Hatfield Estate probably took place, but due to the declaration of war against Germany on Sunday, September 3rd, the newspapers understandably focused on more pressing news. Following the declaration of war, all sporting fixtures were cancelled until it was deemed safe to resume them, and Hatfield CC ceased operations for the duration of the hostilities. Unfortunately, no statistics or records survive for the 1939 season due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding it.

235 1939 -1945 THE LOST YEARS During the war, Hatfield CC was forced to suspend its activities. However, some members who were not enlisted in the military or had been exempt from the call-up continued to play cricket occasionally. On June 23, 1940, Ted Groom led a team to Hatfield Hyde that included Bert Shepherd, Vic Dean, Peter Addington, Ernest Elliot, and Albert Hudson. They won the match by 94 runs to 83. On August 4, 1940, Vic Dean led a team to Hatfield Hyde that included Dougal Fenton, Peter Addington, Ted Groom, and Frank Elliot. Cricket was played in Hatfield Park during the war, but it is believed that Stonecross Road's ground became home to an anti-aircraft battery as the de Havilland Aircraft factory was a possible target for German bombers. When the war ended, everyone who had played for Hatfield CC and had seen active service returned alive, although some were not unscathed. Vic Dean's home was damaged in a doodlebug attack, and the club's records were destroyed. Stonecross Road's ground suffered from six years of neglect and was never used for cricket again. The Estate club lacked numbers, and the Town club lacked a ground, so they merged their resources to form a new club with the Estate's name. However, it was essentially the Town club, and the name Hatfield CC would not resurface until 1977. The impact of the war on Hatfield CC's record books was significant, not only in terms of lost seasons but also the prime years denied to some of its top-performing players. When war broke out, Peter Addington was 16, George Hanlon 17, Frank Shepherd 18, Eddie Wakeling 19, and Albert Hudson and Doug Watson 24, all of them denied some of the prime years of their cricket development. By the time everyone had returned to civilian life and cricket returned to normality in 1947, seven seasons had been missed. When you add to that the fact that the 1939 averages are unknown, the club’s record books could have had a very different look to them. Frank Shepherd would surely have become the first Hatfield CC player to complete the 10,000 runs and 1,000 wickets double, a feat only three players have since achieved. Albert Hudson, Doug Watson and George Hanlon would likely have joined him in taking 1,000 wickets, and Hanlon possibly wouldn’t have been too far shy of 10,000 runs. Who knows how close Peter Addington and Vic Dean could have made it towards five figures with the bat? And then there is Eddie Wakeling. As things stand, Wakeling is the

236 sixth leading run-scorer in the club’s history and comfortably the leader in his era. It is not unreasonable to suppose he could have aggregated over 20,000 had it not been for those lost seasons. When cricket resumed after the war, Wakeling was a specialist batsman, however, before the war, he was a genuine all-rounder. In the three seasons 1936-38 (taking Eddie from a 16-year-old to an 18-year-old), he took 138 wickets. It's interesting to speculate on how Hatfield CC's history might have been different if peace had prevailed in 1939. The Estate club would likely have suffered the same fate as other clubs of its ilk and quietly faded away. With the Stonecross Road ground sold for housing in 1980, presuming that the HUAC had survived, would the Cricket Section have followed the Football Section to Angerland Common? More importantly, would it have followed the Football Section into bankruptcy and folded in 1984? But, of course, it didn’t and the fate of Hatfield CC, and its history is known.

237 APPENDIX 1. CLUB OFFICIALS With the exception of the positions of Hon. Secretary and 1st XI Captain there are large gaps in knowledge, but below is the information that has been pieced together from various sources. HON. SECRETARY ASSISTANT HON. SECRETARY 1900 H Bottoms 1900 H Wells 1901 M Johnson 1901 H Wells 1902 E C Vodden 1902 H Wells 1903 C E Sunderland 1903 H Wells 1904 C E Sunderland 1905 C E Sunderland 1906 C E Sunderland 1906 C B Payne 1907 C E Sunderland 1907 C B Payne 1908 C E Sunderland 1909 C E Sunderland 1910 C E Sunderland 1911 C E Sunderland 1912 S W Woodman 1912 W R Watson 1913 C E Sunderland 1914 C E Sunderland 1919 H West 1919 R E Ray 1920 H West 1920 R E Ray 1921 H West 1921 R E Ray 1922 L A Gray 1922 R E Ray 1923 R E Ray 1924 R E Ray 1925 R E Ray 1926 R E Ray 1927 E E Groom 1928 E E Groom 1929 E V Dean 1930 E V Dean 1931 E V Dean 1932 E V Dean 1933 E V Dean 1934 E V Dean 1935 G W Sands 1936 G W Sands * 1936 G Sands

238 1937 D J R Watson 1938 D J R Watson 1939 N C Stranks * G W Sands was re-elected, however, it is possible that R G Bell stepped into the role at some point during the year. HON. TREASURER 1900-1906 W Whitby 1912 W J Richardson In other years the position was combined with that of Hon. Secretary. 1ST XI CAPTAIN VICE-CAPTAIN 1900 Lord R Cecil 1900 A Whitby 1901 Lord R Cecil 1901 A Whitby 1902 Lord R Cecil 1902 A Whitby 1903 Lord R Cecil 1903 H P Bosanquet 1904 A Whitby 1905 H P Bosanquet 1905 A Whitby 1906 H P Bosanquet 1906 C G Horsey 1907 C G Horsey 1907 G T Pipkin 1908 C G Horsey 1909 C G Horsey 1910 C G Horsey 1911 C G Horsey 1912 Rev. C T T Wood 1912 C P Caesar 1913 Rev. C T T Wood 1913 C P Caesar / D Ellingham * 1914 Rev. C T T Wood 1919 W R Watson 1920 W R Watson 1920 G H Carpenter 1921 E E Elliott 1921 E J Hickson 1922 E E Elliott 1922 E J Hickson 1923 A O Fuller 1923 E J Hickson 1924 A O Fuller 1924 E J Hickson 1925 A O Fuller 1926 A O Fuller 1927 J C Simpson 1927 E E Groom 1928 J C Simpson 1928 E E Groom 1929 J C Simpson 1929 D W Richardson 1930 1931 E E Groom 1932 D W Richardson 1933 D W Richardson

239 1934 E V Dean 1935 E V Dean 1936 E V Dean / M G Gray 1937 W Whitby 1937 H W Shepherd 1938 W Whitby 1939 W Whitby 1939 H C Orchard * C P Caesar was appointed vice-captain, however, it appears that D Ellingham was in position by the time the season had ended. THURSDAY XI CAPTAIN VICE-CAPTAIN 1920 M J Walby 1920 L Cox 1921 1922 1923 1924 S C Hankin 1924 A J Rumney 1925 S C Hankin 1926 S C Hankin 1927 S C Hankin 1927 M J Walby 1928 S C Hankin 1928 M J Walby 1929 S C Hankin 1929 H R Taylor 1930 S C Hankin 1931 S C Hankin 1934 J C Walby 1935 J C Walby 1935 M G Gray SUNDAY XI VICE-CAPTAIN 1936 F A Taylor 1936 W Whitby 1937 E E Groom 1937 C Roberts 1938 E V Dean 1939 D J R Watson 1939 E E Wakeling ‘A’ XI CAPTAIN VICE-CAPTAIN 1912 F Hickson 1912 J Groom 1913 F Hickson 1913 W Judge 2ND XI CAPTAIN VICE-CAPTAIN 1924 F Groom 1924 C A Dunham 1927 W R Watson 1927 H F Goodrick 1928 W R Watson 1928 H F Goodrick 1929 F H Elliott 1929 H F Goodrick

240 1930 1931 H W Shepherd 1932 H W Shepherd 1933 H W Shepherd 1934 H Stevens 1935 R G Bell 1936 D J R Watson 1936 C Roberts 1937 1938 C Roberts 1939 C Roberts HON. MATCH SECRETARY BAR SECRETARY 1937 E V Dean 1938 E V Dean 1938 C Roberts 1939 E V Dean 1939 C Roberts [A disclaimer. The list of chairmen below is included because they appear on the club’s honours board. The latter pair were chairmen of the Hatfield United Athletic Club as a whole rather than the cricket section, and I have seen no evidence of any of the others being an elected Club Chairman, although some are known to have chaired meetings.] CLUB CHAIRMAN 1900-1907 A Whitby 1908 W Whitby 1911 C Brown 1912 Rev. C T T Wood 1920-1921 W R Watson 1922-1925 H West 1926-1939 W R Watson

241 APPENDIX 2. CLUB PRIZE WINNERS BATTING BOWLING FIELDING 1901 J G Eyre 1901 J G Eyre 1902 W L Thorogood 1902 J G Eyre 1902 A Whitby 1903 H Tottenham 1903 H Bottoms 1903 J T Hopkins 1906 H W Hart 1906 V J Austin 1913 W Groom 1913 P Ashton 1920 G Hemmings 1920 E T Palmer 1921 I G Horsey 1921 G Hemmings CATCHING 1923 E E Elliott 1923 H H Quarrie 1923 E E Elliott 1924 J C Simpson 1924 S B Willson 1924 E J Hickson 1925 E J Hickson 1925 L Ward 1925 J J Hilsden 1926 W Groom 1926 M J Walby 1926 E E Elliott 1927 W L Thorogood 1927 A Lawrence 1927 E E Groom/A Gow 1928 F J Taylor 1928 E T Palmer 1928 E E Groom 1929 E E Elliott 1929 F J Taylor 1929 E E Groom 1930 E Cooper-Smith 1930 E V Dean 1930 F H Elliott 1931 E Cooper-Smith 1931 F J Taylor 1931 Unknown 1932 D W Richardson 1932 M R Knights 1932 H Stevens 1933 H Whitby 1933 W Whitby 1933 E E Groom 1934 D W Richardson 1934 E E Elliott 1934 G W Sands 1935 F A Taylor 1935 H W Shepherd 1935 M G Gray 1936 E E Groom 1936 A N Hudson 1936 D J R Watson 1937 D Fenton 1937 D J R Watson 1937 H W Shepherd / D J R Watson 1938 H C Bray 1938 S C Randall 1938 E V Dean

242 APPENDIX 3. BEST PERFORMANCES These are the best ‘known’ performances by Hatfield CC players in the years 1900-1939. The records probably include every century scored, but it is likely that there are missing bowling performances. HIGHEST SCORES 132 E Cooper-Smith vs. L.N.E.R. Locomotives 1930 127 W Groom vs. Southgate Villa 1926 117* H W Hart vs. ?? 1906 117* E E Elliott vs. 19th City of London Regiment 1914 117* E E Groom vs. Enfield 1936 114 E E Wakeling vs. Mouldrite 1938 106* D W Richardson vs. Hoddesdon 1934 106 H Cox vs. ?? 1905 104 H W Hart vs. Great Northern Rail Athletic Association 1907 104 A Gow vs. Hertford Police 1924 104 A Martin vs. Murphy Radio 1934 102 J Platts vs. Single XI 1939 100* L R Hickson vs. Great Northern Institute 1925 BEST BOWLING FIGURES 10-25 M G Gray vs Cheshunt Thursday 1934 9-11 W Holland vs. St Albans Gas Works 1923 9-18 A J Rumney vs. Haileybury Staff 1927 9-19 D J R Watson vs. Rosedale 1937 9-25 P Ashton vs. Hill End Asylum 1913 9-29 L Cox vs. Potters Bar 1920 9-39 E E Elliott vs. W Lane’s XI 1914 8-19 E T Palmer vs. Essendon 1920 8-24 D Ellingham vs. North Mymms Park 1910 8-26 A O Fuller vs. Great Northern Institute 1925 8-27 E T Palmer vs. St Albans ‘A’ 1922 8-37 W R Watson vs. Welwyn II 1925 8-38 W Runchman vs. Hoddesdon 1926 8-43 A O Fuller vs. Capsworth 1925 It is known that Alfred Bracey took 9 wickets against Northern Cross in 1912, although it is not known how many runs he conceded. As Northern Cross were all out for 37 it can’t have been many. Bracey also took 8 wickets against North

243 Mymms Village (27 all out) in 1914. HAT-TRICKS (1923-1939) 1923 S W Hart vs. ?? 1924 G S Church vs. Welwyn Garden City 1925 D W Richardson vs. Bethnal Green Tradesmen 1925 F Weedon vs. Hatfield Estate 1928 A Johnson vs. Hailybury 1929 F J Taylor vs. Hertford Thursday 1929 G Staines vs. Potters Bar Thursday 1930 H W Shepherd vs. Finchley 1934 E E Elliott vs. Single XI 1937 D J R Watson vs, Old Elysians 1938 D J R Watson vs. London Colney 1938 D J R Watson vs. R William’s XI

244 APPENDIX 4. WHO’S WHO There are simply too many players to mention them all, below are details of everyone who either is known to have held an official position or to have won a club prize. The exceptions to this are H Tottenham and J T Hopkins (both prize winners in 1903) who have both escaped detection. ASHTON, Peter (1889-1915). Winner of the bowling prize in 1913. AUSTIN, Vincent James (1862-1920). Winner of the bowling prize in 1906. First known appearance in 1882. BELL, Robert George, aka, ‘Robin’ (1913-1955). 2nd XI Captain in 1935, ‘possibly’ Hon. Secretary in 1936. Married to Christopher Robert’s sister. BOSANQUET, Herbert Percival (1867-1947). 1st XI Captain 1905/06, vice-captain 1903. BOTTOMS, Harry (1879-1944). Hon. Secretary 1900, winner of the bowling prize in 1903. BRAY, Harold Charles (1915-1999). Spent most of his career playing for Hatfield Estate, and moved to Hatfield CC in 1938, winning the batting prize in his first season. CAESAR, Charles ‘Patrick’ (1887-1916). 1st XI vice-captain 1912/13. CARPENTER, George Herbert, aka ‘Gerry’ (1882-1942). 1st XI vice-captain in 1920. CECIL, Lord Edgar Algernon ‘Robert’ (1864-1958). Sixth child of the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. Nominally 1st XI Captain 1895-1903 although there is little evidence of him donning his whites. CHURCH, (Sir) Geoffrey Selby (1887-1979). Son of Sir William Selby Church, a Hatfield CC player in the nineteenth century. COOPER-SMITH, Edward, aka ‘Ted’ (1887-1956). Winner of the batting prize in 1930 and 1931. His score of 132 vs. LNER Locomotives in 1930 was a club record until 1954. COX, Leonard (1888-1961). Thursday XI vice-captain in 1920. DEAN, Edward Victor, aka ‘Vic’ (1902-1987). Hon. Secretary 1929/33, Hon. Match Secretary 1937/39, 1st XI Captain 1934/36, Sunday XI Captain 1938, bowling prize 1930, catching prize 1938. DUNHAM, Cyril Arthur (1894-1947). 2nd XI vice-captain 1924. Not a direct descendent of former Hon. Secretaries J B and E J Dunham. ELLINGHAM, Daniel (1867-1947). 1st XI vice-captain 1913. ELLIOTT, Ernest Edward (1885-1970). The son of George Elliott, a successful

245 all-rounder for Hatfield between 1881 and the early 1900s, and a cousin of the Groom brothers. His irst known appearance for Hatfield Juniors was in 1895. He made a couple of appearances as a teenager for the adult side before deciding to play for Hatfield Hyde but stayed with Hatfield CC after the collapse of Hatfield United. If the statistics had survived it is likely that he would have been the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in the period 1900-1939. 1st XI Captain 1921/22, batting prize 1923 & 1929, bowling prize 1934, catching prize 1923, 1926. ELLIOTT, Francis Herbert aka ‘Frank’ (1902-1942). The younger brother of Ernest. 2nd XI Captain 1929, won the catching prize in 1930. EYRE, John Gascoigne (1879-1953). The first known Hatfield CC player to have won the batting and bowling prize (1901). Retained the bowling prize in 1902. FENTON, Dougal. Born in Scotland, won the batting prize in 1937. FULLER, Alfred Otway (1887-1965). 1st XI Captain 1923/26. Married to sister of Stanley Coles Hankin. GOODRICK, Harold Francis (1907-1969). 2nd XI vice-captain 1927/29. Gow, Alexander, aka ‘Alec’ (b. 1890). Born in Bridgetown, County Wexford, Gow was essentially a Hatfield Estate player but turned out regularly for the Thursday XI. Joint winner of the catching prize in 1927, and scored the first century at the Show Field ground in 1924. GRAY, Leslie Arthur (1901-1971). Hon. Secretary 1922. GRAY, Matthew ‘George’ (b. 1911). The only Hatfield CC bowler in the twentieth century to take all 10 wickets in an innings. 1st XI Captain 1936, Thursday XI vice-captain 1935, won the catching prize in 1935. GROOM, Edward Elliott, aka ‘Ted’ (1901-1973). The youngest of four sons of William Groom (former player in the nineteenth century and groundsman) that played for Hatfield CC. Hon. Secretary 1927/28, 1st XI Captain 1931, vice-captain 1927/28, Sunday XI Captain 1937, batting prize 1936. Won the catching prize five times, four in a row from 1926 to 1929, and 1933. GROOM, Frank (1887-1966). Brother of ‘Ted’ and father of ‘Len’ Groom, who would be a significant player post-war. 2nd XI Captain 1924. The Hatfield Juniors XI against Colney Heath in 1895 (which included Ernest Elliott and Stanley Coles) had A & F Groom among its number. Although he would only have been an 8-year-old, this was presumably Frank and his elder brother Alfred. GROOM, John (b. 1889). Brother of ‘Ted’ and John. ‘A’ team captain 1912. GROOM, William (1890-1959). Brother of ‘Ted’, Frank and John, not to be con-

246 fused with his father, William. Won the batting prize in 1913 and 1926. His 127 against Southgate Villa in 1926 was a club record until 1930. HANKIN, Stanley Coles (1889-1962). Thursday XI Captain 1924/31.The son of Frederick James Hankin, who had been the club’s secretary in the nineteenth century. Stanley’s elder brother, Oliver, played for the club in the 1890s. First known appearance for Hatfield Juniors was in 1895 HART, Herbert ‘William’ (1877-1926). Winner of the batting prize in 1906. His son, Sidney William Hart (1904-1967) followed in his footsteps to play for the club. HEMMINGS, George (1887-1963). Winner of the batting prize in 1920 and the bowling prize in 1921. HICKSON, Edward John, aka ‘Eddie’, (1894-1971). Brother of Frederick and Leslie Redvers (1900-1979) Hickson. 1st XI vice-captain 1921/24, won the catching prize in 1924 and the batting prize in 1925. It is possible that Thomas Hickson, who played for Hatfield CC in 1789, is his greatgreat-grandfather. HICKSON, Frederick (1882-1955). Brother of Edward and Leslie Redvers (1900-1979) Hickson. ‘A’ team captain 1912/13. It is possible that Thomas Hickson, who played for Hatfield CC in 1789, is his great-greatgrandfather. HILSDEN, Jeffrey John (1909-1996). Winner of the catching prize in 1925. HORSEY, Conrad George (1880-1965). Cousin of Ireton Horsey, 1st XI Captain 1907/1911, vice-captain 1906. His first known appearance for Hatfield Juniors was in 1895. HORSEY, Ireton George, aka ‘Squire’ (1875-1955). Cousin of Conrad, won the batting prize in 1921. First played for Hatfield Juniors in 1886. HUDSON, Albert Nelson (1915-1981). Winner of the bowling prize in 1936. Remained an active member of the club, on and off the field, until his death. JOHNSON, Manasseh (1873-1952). Hon. Secretary 1901. First played for Hatfield Juniors in 1886 JUDGE, William, aka ‘Billy’. ‘A’ team vice-captain in 1913. KNIGHTS, Maurice Reginald (1901-1976). Winner of the bowling prize in 1932. LAWRENCE, Albert (b. 1884). Winner of the bowling prize in 1927. ORCHARD, Harold Cecil (1912-1985). 1st XI vice-captain 1939. PALMER, Edward Thomas, aka ‘Ted’, (1893-1943). Winner of the bowling prize in 1920 and 1928. PAYNE, Charles Bertram (b. 1876). Assistant Hon. Secretary 1906/07 (at least). PIPKIN, George Thomas (1877-1908). 1st XI vice-captain 1907.

247 QUARRIE, Harold Hardie (1892-1978). Winner of the bowling prize in 1923. RANDALL, Spencer Charles (1919-1983). Winner of the bowling prize in1938. Resumed playing for the club after the war. RAY, Robert Edwin, aka Bob, (1889-1959). Hon. Secretary 1923/26, Assistant Hon. Secretary 1919/22. RICHARDSON, William John, aka ‘Jack’, (1861-1940). Hon. Treasurer 1912. RICHARDSON, Dudley William (1905-1985). 1st XI Captain 1932/33, vice-captain 1929. Winner of the batting prize in 1932 and 1934. ROBERTS, Christopher (1908-2000). Sunday XI vice-captain 1937, 2nd XI Captain 1938/39, vice-captain 1936. The club’s first known Bar Secretary, 1938/39. Brother-in-law of Robert Bell. RUMNEY, Arthur John (1889-1962). Thursday XI vice-captain 1924. SANDS, George ‘Warden’ (1909-2002). Hon. Secretary 1935/36, winner of the catching prize in 1934. Elder brother of Gerald. SANDS, Gerald (1915-1989). The younger brother of ‘Warden’, Assistant Hon. Secretary 1936. SHEPHERD, Herbert William, aka ‘Bert’, (1910-1990). 2nd XI Captain 1931/33, 1st XI vice-captain 1937, winner of the bowling prize in 1935 and joint winner of the catching prize in 1937. SIMPSON, Joseph ‘Charles’ (1893-1970). 1st XI Captain 1927/29, winner of the batting prize 1024. STEVENS, Harold (1905-1991). 2nd XI Captain 1934, winner of the catching prize in 1932. Brother of William. STRANKS, Nigel Charles (1916-2002). Hon. Secretary 1939. Resumed his playing career with the club after the war. SUNDERLAND, Charles Edward (1874-1955). Hon Secretary 1903/11 and again 1913/14. TAYLOR, Frederick A. Sunday XI Captain 1936, winner of the batting prize 1935. TAYLOR, Frederick James (b. 1891). Reputedly a very fast bowler, winner of the batting prize in 1928, and winner of the bowling prize in 1929 and 1931. TAYLOR, Henry Richard, aka ‘Harry’, (b. 1887). Thursday XI vice-captain 1929. THOROGOOD, William Lawrence (1881-1949). Winner of the batting prize in 1902 and 1927. His first known appearance was in 1899. VODDEN, Edgar Carey (1883-1939). Hon. Secretary 1902. WAKELING Edwin E, aka ‘Eddie’, (1920-1978). Sunday XI vice-captain 1939. Eddie was a prolific batsman after the war and is the club’s sixth all-time leading run-scorer. WALBY, Joseph Canham (1908-1974). Thursday XI Captain 1934/35. Grandson