Welney Croft Cricket Club

page created Feb 2008; amended/updated Wednesday, 10 August 2011

 Details supplied by the Club Secretary, Tony Smart.

 Page designed and maintained by the Welney Website webmaster, Peter Cox.

© 2008 The Welney Website

Major recorded honours & achievements since 1957

Grounds used since 1905

Club Officers since 1905

History

Cricket in the village dates back to at least 1884, the Parish magazine of that year recorded that Welney had played against both Outwell and West Head (Stow).

How long the game has been played in this area, that is of the organised form under MCC rules is uncertain, but the village has had a long association with the sport.

The club has experienced many ups and downs over the years, a connection with possibly the most famous English cricketer of all time and on one occasion the club achieved nation wide fame in ‘skittling’ a side out for no runs.

No fewer than seven grounds have been used around our small village and eight regular meeting places – the Cherry Tree, Three Tunns, Lamb & Flag, School, Odd Fellows Hall, Parish Hall, Welney FC Hut (Back Drove) and the present Playing Field Pavilion.   

Rev.Herbert Hignett Wilford (1864-1937)

Known to his family and friends as ‘Bertie’, he went to Jesus College at Cambridge University and after having taken his Holy Orders worked for a short time in the London area. He was a very keen sportsman playing cricket for the University and for a well-known club side in the early 1900’s, London Counties, where he played with and became friendly with W.G Grace.

He followed his grandfather as Rector of Welney when Edward Russell Wilford died in 1899 and was then to spend the rest of his life in the village. Being a well-known personality he was on the Ouse Drainage Board and over a period of years was Chaplain to no less than six High Sheriff’s of Cambridgeshire.

Reputedly a brilliant preacher and popular figure, he might well have gone further if he had not been so isolated in a remote fenland parish. He was the last rector to have an active interest in the villages sporting activities, playing for the cricket club in his younger days and later becoming President, Chairman and regularly umpiring. A respected umpire whose services were very often sought after by Wisbech Town C.C.

Also time and energy was devoted in helping both the village Football Club and the Mens Institute, which originally started in the Rectory grounds coach house, until the Parish Hall was built in 1929.

William Gilbert Grace (1848-1915)

He was later to be known as simply ‘WG’ and no cricketer before or since has dominated the world of cricket as he did for nearly 40 years from the middle 1860s. In fact he was said to be the most recognised figure in England along with Prime Minister Gladstone at the time.

Tall, heavily built and from an early age heavily bearded, WG ( or ‘The Doctor’ as he was later called) was not only an all round cricketer of great skill whose achievements in an unusually long career broke most of the records of the day but was a man of formidable and striking personality who in his own time became a legend of dictatorial ‘gamesmanship’ blended with ‘gruff’ kindliness.

He played for Gloucestershire, London Counties and England (last appearance against Australia in 1899). After 1904 his first class cricket was played mainly for the MCC and the Gentlemen, for whom he made 74 at the age of 58. His zest for cricket seems to have remained undulled as he made 69 not out for Eltham against Grove Park in July 1914 – his last match, just 10 days before the outbreak of World War 1. The next year he died at the age of 67 and was mourned far outside the world of cricket, for he had been a truly national figure.

It was during his London Counties years (1900-04) that WG and Bertie Wilford became friends and he later accepted invitations to stay at the Vicarage, during his semi-retirement from the first class game. From ‘Reminiscences on the Wilford family’ an amusing occasion was recalled when WG demonstrated his skill at bowling by propelling an egg across the tennis lawn and was able to land it on its tough end without breaking it?

He also played at least one cricket match in the village during the period 1904-14, this was recalled by Ernie Blows (1890-1975), a keen young cricketer himself at the time. The club were then playing on Maywood farm, a short walk from the Rectory. On one of his visits WG autographed a cricket bat for the club, but unfortunately this appears to be lost forever, having passed into the hands of one of the club members –what would it be worth today?

Ernie and John Blows

The Blows brothers, Ernie and John have since 1923 become the most famous of the local cricketers, mainly for their achievement of bowling Friday Bridge out for 0 runs.

Both were in business in the building trade operating from the old Carpenters workshop and adjoining Blacksmith shop – in business originally as wheelwrights and later Carpentry and Joinery.

John died in 1950 whilst watching the local football team playing at Highfields Farm.

Ernie (1890-1975) lived much longer and died at the now named ‘Blows Cottage’ at the top of New Road. Both were popular especially in sporting circles, John having a football trophy donated in his name in recognition of his services, the John Blows Memorial Trophy. This was played for annually from 1959-84, with all funds raised going to a local charity.

More recently, since 1994, the Blows Brothers cricket trophy has been played for, this being donated by Ray Kent.

History of the Club

The club is in possession of a minutes book dating back to 1905, from this and other archive material the following is a chronological listing of events associated with the club.

1884  On Monday 14^th of July Outwell beat Welney by 1 wicket in a two innings match- Outwell scoring 29 and 41-9wkts and Welney 54 and 15. Head Teacher Mr.Bearcock top scored for the village with 16 runs and Rev.Wilford taking 13 wickets in the match.  On the following Saturday Welney beat West Head by 1 wicket – a fixture was scheduled with Lakesend before the end of season.

1904-14  At some time between these years Ernie Blows recalled WG Grace playing cricket in the village on Mr. John Lovedays field at Maywood Farm.

1905  Friendly fixtures were arranged against Upwell, Dairy Houses,Littleport,A.Schachts XI and the Rigger Houpe Club.

1907  Having disbanded the previous season the club reforms.

1911 Mr.John Loveday again kindly offers his field for use under the same conditions as before ‘No bad language shall be used on the field’ and this was to be strictly adhered to. For those guilty of this offence there would be immediate dismissal from the field of play!

1914   Before the First World War the club closes with a balance of £1 – 9 shillings and 10 pence.

1920  The first season after the war there was a large attendance of 40 in the Odd Fellows Hall to reform the club. Mr.Clayton offered his field for matches (Highfields, off Wisbech Road).

1922   The club joins the Upwell and District League with 10 other teams – Upwell Rovers, Squires Drove, Outwell, Friday Bridge, Tipsend & Hole in the Wall, Lakesend, Chrischurch, Nordelph, March & Whitemoor and Emneth.

1923  The club makes the national newspapers sports pages by dismissing Friday Bridge for 0 runs in only 28 deliveries during an Upwell League match played on Minister Wash with brothers Ernie and John Blows taking all the wickets.

1924  The Upwell League has 10 teams with newcomers Wimbotsham, Wimblington, Elm, Hill Street, and Gladroy Villa.

1926  Enough players are available for the formation of a second XI.

1929  At the club’s AGM the treasurer declares the account to be in the ’red’ by 7 shillings and 10 pence.

1937   Club President Rev. Wilford dies suddenly at the age of 73, after 52 years of association with the club.

1939  AGM held on May 12^th – Britain declares war against Germany on September 3^rd.

1945  War ends with VE day on May 8^th.

Another large post war attendance at the AGM (May 18^th) reforming the club, playing at Maywood Farm with subscriptions at 5shillings and 2 shillings and 6 pence for under 16’s.

1948  The club enters the Wisbech & District League and the Sandall Cup.

Boys team also formed for the season.

1949  Proposed formation of the Welney United Sports Club (January 24^th) with the merger of the Football, Cricket and the Mens Institute clubs. This amalgamation, under the stewardship of Head Teacher Charles Brotherton – club lasted until 1951 (October 17^th)

1950  Club stalwart John Blows dies watching the village football team at Highfields.

1954  Club youngster Peter Scott is offered the opportunity of joining the Nottinghamshire Cricket Clubs ground staff on leaving Upwell Secondary Modern School, but reluctantly has to decline.

1955  No fixtures fulfilled.

1956  The club reforms and a motion is passed for playing Sunday cricket at the AGM, later a special meeting is held when Sidney Scott resigns the Chairmanship with Les Hall taking over, the Sunday Cricket motion is then defeated.

1957  Joint winners of the Wisbech League Division 3 with Walsoken.

1958/9  Peter Scott wins Wisbech Cricket League ‘Star Yougster’ competition sponsored by the Saturday Pictorial newspaper for two consecutive seasons.

1960  All fixtures are played away.

1961  Club member Don Scott is elected onto the newly formed Village Playing Field Association.

1962  Club dismissed for only 8 runs, a club record lowest score.

1964  Playing in the first division of the Wisbech League.

1965  Withdraw from the Wisbech league and play all friendly fixtures away.

Peter Bedford is named Wisbech Standard Cricketer of the Week, taking 7 wickets for 12 runs, including a ‘hat-trick’ against Runcton Holme (Bowling analysis 6.3- 2-12-7)

1966  After only 2 fixtures against Ouse Bridge and Wimblington the club disbands, due to a shortage of players.

1969  The club is reformed at a meeting in the Three Tunns and enters the Wisbech Leagueand finish the season completing the Second Division "double", winning the league and Sandall Cup.

Wisbech Leagues Aistrup bowling award for most league wickets presented to Tony Smart.

All home matches played at Mr. Joe Bedford's Grange Farm

Barroway Drove were beaten by 46 runs in the Sandall Cup final at the metal Box ground, Wisbech.(Welney 76-7wkts and Barroway 30)

Welney Past XI (59-4w) beat the current team (56) by 6 wickets.

1970  In January the club holds its first Dinner Dance in the village hall with 100 members and guests. Mr. & Mrs Clive Frusher (Wisbech Standard) presents the trophies.

The League and Sandall Cup being presented to club captain Michael North.

Entertainment provided by the Tony Charles Band.

Pre-season coaching sessions for all club members are held at the school by qualified MCC coach Bryan Turner.

Colin Taylor wins the first Single Wicket Competition beating Paul Laughlin in the final.

1971  First season playing on the new Playing Field.

Oldroyd Cup finalists losing to Walpole Highway by 23 runs at Wisbech Town CC.

1973  Oldroyd Cup winners against March St Marys at Upwell, winning by 68 runs.

Peter Scott scores the first century (105) on the new playing field in a league match against March St.Marys.

1974  Again Oldroyd Cup finalists at Leverington, losing to Walpole Highway by only 4 runs and beaten Loughton Cup (6 a side) finalists, losing to March St.Marys by 2 wickets.

1975   Ernie Blows, one of the clubs most famous former players, dies at the age of 84.

1976   The clubs most successful season winning the Wisbech & District Cricket League, for the first and only time to date, and finalists in both the Sandall and Mortimore Rosebowls.

March St Marys beating Welney by 4 runs at Wisbech’s Metal Box ground in the Sandall final and losing to Southery & Ouse Bridge by 28 runs in the Mortimore final at Littleport. The season culminated in a Presentation Dinner at the Lamb & Flag with League Secretary Ken Morton presenting the Jeffrey shield to club captain David Smart and individual mementoes to the players.

1977  Another successful season for the club winning the Wisbech Leagues premier knock out competition the Sandall Rosebowl beating Barroway Drove at Leverington. The Wisbech Standard reported "the match was one of the quickest and most one sided finals on record, the leagues pacemakers skittled Barroway out for only 22 runs and reached the victory target without loss in just 3.2 overs".

The club made its first appearance in the Wisbech Standard K.O final, losing to March St.Marys by 2 wickets and later in the season losing to Denver by 8 wickets in the Mortimore Rosebowl at Littleport.

At the end of season Presentation dinner held at the Lamb & Flag, the League Chairman Jim Rawlings presented the Sandall Rosebowl and the Hicks Cup (for the leagues best wicket) to club captain David Smart, the Sullivan Cup to Steven Smart for holding most catches in the league and the clubs own batting award to John Copping and the bowling award to Peter Laughlin.

1978  Club members decide to withdraw from the league and play mainly friendly fixtures.

The Kirkland Cup is entered for the first time in over 20 years against Wilburton, played over 2 evenings, this resulted in a defeat by 40 runs.

The clubs Batting and Bowling awards both won by Tony Smart.

1979  Enter the Pymore Sunday league with Pymore, Ely Sugar Beet Factory, Ouse Bridge and Denver.

1980  Pymore Sunday League entered again and the club finally win the Mortimore Rosebowl at the third attempt, beating Denver by 7 wickets.

1981  At the clubs AGM, held in the Playing Field Pavilion, both Secretary and the Treasurer resign without any volunteers to fill the posts or the groundsmans duties

Chairman Arthur Carter decides to call a later meeting should anyone come forward before disbanding the club.

The club fails to fulfil any fixtures for the season and disbands with £128 in the bank.

1990  The club reforms under the guidance of Bob Frusher.

1991  New all weather strip is laid for the wicket on the Playing Field for the first season of the reformed club.

Award winners - R.Frusher (Batting), M.Sawyer (Bowling).

1992  Welney Past XI beats the current team by 5 wickets.

Player of the year – Matthew Waring.

Award winners – R.Frusher (Batting & Bowling) and M.Waring (Catching).

1993  Youths cricket team formed with matches against March and Leverington.

Welney Past XI again wins the challenge match, this time by only 2 wickets.

Player of the year – Martin Cobb.

Award winners – R.Frusher (Batting), R.Coo (Bowling) & S.Singleterry (Catching)

1994  Youths team enter the Fenland Mid-week League (under 14’s)

The current team finally beats the Past XI by 37 runs with Bob Frusher top scoring with 123 runs. Scores Welney 278- 6 wkts and the Past XI 241 all out, including a 10^th wicket partnership of 101 by Stuart Singleterry and Tony Smart.

Player of the year – Simon Singleterry.

Award winners – R.Frusher (Batting & Catching), S.Warby (Bowling), S.Singleterry (Catching award shared)

1995  Player of the year – Bob Frusher.

Award winners – D.Gray (Batting & Catching) and A.Beckett (Bowling).

1996  Award winners J.Wakefield (Batting), J.Carlisle (Bowling) and M.Waring (Catching).

1997  The club play in the Fenland Trophy League (P 10 – W 6 – D 0 – L 4) and finish mid table.

The club beats Upwell by 9 wickets in the final of the Calitheke Cup at Lode Hall.

Award winners – W.Markille (Batting), K.Jakings (Bowling) and D.Dodman (Catching).

1998  Bob Frusher resigns all posts and disbands the club without funds, the all weather wicket is later removed at the request of the Playing Field.

1999   Meeting held in the Three Tunns to reform the club where it was decided to send out letters of appeal to former players to raise funds for the new club. Over £600 was raised for new equipment.

Fixtures against Littleport and Brentwood Labour Party were played and a Over/Under 40s’ match arranged.

2000  At a well attended AGM held in the Lamb & Flag it was decided that the new Clubs name would be ‘Welney Croft Cricket Club’ and a full fixture list was presented to the meeting.

Stuart Singleterry records the highest ever score in the clubs history, 155 not out ( 7 sixes and 16 fours) at home against Feltwell.

At the end of season Presentation dinner at the Lamb & Flag over 35 members , wives and guests attend with the guest speaker being John Dye, the former Kent and Northants county cricketer. The evening entertainment was provided by Paddy Stronge.

Award winners:

Cricketer of the Year and bowling awards: Dennis Birch

Batting and Catching awards: Stuart Singleterry.

Captains award: Kevin Scarff

A special award was presented to all rounder Peter Scott who had played for the club over a 50-season period, first playing at the age of 11 on the Minister Wash and finishing the season runners up in both the batting and bowling averages.

2001  The Blows Brothers Trophy, donated by Ray Kent, was played against Pymore, with the visitors winning by 4 wickets.

47 guests attend another successful end of season dinner with special guest speaker being the Leicestershire captain and England player Vince Wells.

Award winners:

Cricketer of the Year: Stuart Singleterry

Batting Award: Richard Carter

Bowling Award: Malcolm Sargent

Catching Award: Derek Thompson

Captains Award: David Belton