WELNEY  CROFT  CRICKET  CLUB  

 

Fixture List 2001

 

This years cricket season starts with a home fixture on Saturday April 28th against Northants side Ecton Hall.

 

There are matches arranged most week-ends, so if any one is interested in a game please contact one of the following to declare your availability:

 

Spectators/Supporters are always welcome.

 

John Loveday (Chairman)                     Tel. 01354-610353 or 610492

Dennis Birch                                        Tel. 01354-610242

Tony Smart (Secretary)                         Tel. 01223-312373 

 

Date                      Fixtures 2001                  Location/Day/Time

 

April   28                ECTON HALL                     (h)    Saturday

May    6                 ELY TOWN HOUSE             (a)

          13                FELTWELL                        (h)

27                PRICKWILLOW                  (a)

31                MARKET HARBOROUGH      (h)     Thursday 2.30

June   10                OLD WILHADS                   (h)

          17                DENVER                           (a)

          24                MARCH TOWN III               (h)

July      1                FELTWELL                        (a)

            8                HILTON                            (h)

         15               BRENTWOOD & HAVERING LP - St.Catherine’s College                     

21                CASTLE BYTHAM               (h)    Saturday

          29                OLD WILHADS                   (a)

August  5                PRICKWILLOW                  (h)

          12                HILTON                            (a)

          19                Blows Brothers Trophy     

Sept     1                STAMFORD GREY BEARDS   (a)      Saturday 1.30

            9                DENVER                           (h)

          16                LITTLEPORT                     (a)

 

History of Welney Cricket Club

 

Officers: (since 1905)

President:

Rev.H.H.Wilford     1905-37                  Ernie Blows            1960

R.D.Carter              1937-48                  Bryan Turner           1969

C.Johnson              1948-52                  Joe Bedford           1970/71 & 80

Sid Scott                1953-59                  Arthur Carter          1972-79

 

Chairman:                       

C.W.Stokes            1932                      Bryan Turner           1959-60 & 61-66

Rev.H.H.Wilford     1933-35 & 37           Albert Smart           1961

Horace Kimmons     1934                      John Waring           1969

John Prior              1938-47                  Bill Oakey               1970

Bill Mortram            1948                      Joe Goodger          1975-79

Tommy Watson       1949-51 & 57           Arthur Carter 1980-81

Sidney Scott           1952-54 & 56           John Loveday         2000-

Ray Kent                1958, 71-74

 

Secretary:

H.Thurston             1905                      Don Scott               1952

A.Dobson                1907-09                  Geoff Brown           1953-54

J.W.Booth             1911                      Roy Loveday           1956-57

W.Stokes               1912-14,20-21,23-27Aubrey Carter         1958-64

C.Topham              1922                      Paul Laughlin           1965-66

C.H.Ray                 1928-39                  Tony Smart             1969-71,75-81

Albert Smart           1945-49,51              Fred Newell            1972-74

Reg Rowlett           1950                      Bob Frusher            1991-97

Treasurer;

J.Taylor                 1905                      Ray Kent                 1951-66

W.H.Clayton           1907-14                  Phil Singleterry       1969-71

W.Dalton                1920-32                  David Smart            1972-81       

John Blows             1933-39,1945-47      Bob Frusher            1991-97

Reg Rowlett           1948                      Tony Smart             1999-

Captain:

Rev.H.H.Wilford     1905                      Wally Branch          1949

Ernie Blows            1907-09                  Doug Scott             1952-3

W.Stokes               1911                      Reg Rowlett           1954-5 & 65

J.Hawkins              1912-13                  Peter Scott             1956,60 & 71-2

J.Rolfe                   1914                      Gerry James           1957,59,62-4

John Blows             1920-3,25-6,28&32   Bryan Turner           1958

Noel Dalton            1924                      Paul Laughlin          1966 & 75

H.Kerridge             1927                      Michael North         1969

Len Watson            1929-31,34-5,37-9    Ivan Scarff              1970

C.H.Ray                 1933                      Tony Smart             1973-4

Joe Bedford           1937-9,46-7            David Smart           1976-81

Kit Malkin               1945 & 48               Bob Frusher            1991-7

Albert Smart           1947,50 & 61           John Loveday         2000  

 

Honours: (known achievements from Clubs records)

 

Wisbech League Champions (Jeffrey Shield)    - 1976

Wisbech League Division II Winners                 - 1969

Wisbech League Division III (Joint Winners)     - 1957

Sandall Rosebowl Winners                              - 1977

                          Finalists                              - 1976

Sandall Cup Winners                                       - 1969

Wisbech Standard K.O Cup Finalists                 - 1977

Oldroyd Cup Winners                                     - 1973 

                   Finalists                                     - 1971,74

Mortimore Rosebowl Winners                         - 1980

                              Finalists                          - 1976,77

Loughton Cup (6-a-side) Finalists                     - 1974

Hicks Cup (Wisbech Leagues Best Wicket)       - 1977

 

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 official 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 had nation wide fame for achieving the impossible of  ‘skittling’ a side out for no runs. No fewer than seven grounds have been used around our small village and eight different regular meeting places Cherry Tree, Three Tunns, Lamb and 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, 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 at University and for the 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 to spend the rest of his life in the village. He was a well known personality being on the Ouse Drainage Board and over a period of years he was Chaplain to no less than six High Sheriffs of Cambridgeshire. Reputedly a brilliant preacher and popular figure, who might well have gone further if he had not been isolated in a remote fenland parish.

 

He was the last rector to have an active interest in the villages sporting activities and playing for the cricket club in his younger days, later being President & Chairman and even umpiring. He also devoted time and energy in helping the Football Club and the Mens Institute, originally starting it within the Rectory grounds coach house, until the Parish Hall was built in 1929. 

 

William Gilbert Grace (1848-1915)

 

He was later to become known simply as “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 the Prime Minister Gladstone at the time. Tall, heavily built, and from an early age heavily bearded, W.G (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 also 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 County and England (last appearance against Australia in 1899). After 1904 his first class cricket was played mainly for the MCC or the Gentleman 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 – in his last match, 10 days before the out break of World War I. 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 County years (1900-04) that WG and Bertie Wilford became friends and WG 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 game of cricket 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 playing in Mr.John Lovedays field at the time on Maywood Farm, so it would only have been a short walk from the Rectory.

 

On one of his visits W.G 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?

 

 

Blows Brothers

 

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

 

Daily Mirror article dated 22 June 1923

 

Both were in business in the building trade operating from the old carpenters workshop, adjoining the Blacksmith shop, and in business originally as wheelwrights.

 

30 July 1947 Wisbech Standard Article

 

John died in 1949 whilst watching the local football team on Highfields, Ernie (1890-1975) lived much longer. He died whilst living at the now named “Blows Cottage” at the top of new Road.

 

30 July 1947 Wisbech Standard Article

 

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 Cup (1959-84) and more recently the Blows Brothers Cricket Trophy, donated by Ray Kent (first played for in 1994).

 

Club Grounds (since 1905)

 

1905-14        Maywood Farm (Mr.John Loveday)

1920             Hihgfields, Welney House Farm (Mr.W.Clayton)

1921-24        Minister Wash (Mr.Martin)

1925-26        Mr.T.Rolfe’s field

1927-32        Minister Wash

1933-39        Maywood Farm (Mr.W.Bedford)

1945-47        Daltons Field (behind old shop and Lamb & Flag)

1948-57        Minister Wash (Mr. C.Johnson)

1958-70        Grange Farm (Mr J.Bedford)

1971-            Village Playing Field

 

 

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 July 14th 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 and before the end of the season two matches were played against Lakesend.

 

1904-14 At some time between these years Ernie Blows (1890-1975) had recalled the time that  W.G.Grace had played cricket in the village. This was confirmed in ”Reminiscences of the Wilford Family”. He was a friend of Reverend H.H.Wilford, both having played cricket for and London Counties. The local club were then playing on Mr. John Loveday’s field at` Maywood Farm.

 

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

 

1907Having disbanded the previous season the club again 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 the offence there was to 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, Christchurch, Nordelph, March & Whitemoor and Emneth..

 

1923 The club make 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. Brothers Ernie and John Blows taking all the wickets.

 

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

 

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

 

1929 At the clubs AGM the treasurer declares the account to be in the ‘red’ by 7 shillings 10 pence.

 

circa 1930 Welney CC

Back: J Pryor, J Bedford, B Taylor, Harvey, C Kent, H Wilson, M Peacock, Rev Wilford

Front: W Mottram, A Carter, L Watson, R James, W Scott

 

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

 

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

 

1945War ends with VE day May 8th.  Another post war large attendance at the AGM (May 18th) reforming the club, playing at Maywood Farm with subscriptions 5s 0d and 2s 6d 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) with the merger of the Football, Cricket and Mens Institute clubs.This amalgamation, under Head Teacher Charles Brothertons stewardship, only lasted until 1951 (October 17th).

 

1950 Club stalwart Johnny Blows dies watching the village football team at Highfields. Second XI playing fixtures for 2 seasons.

 

1954 Club youngster Peter Scott is offered the opportunity of joining the Nottinghamshire Cricket Clubs ground staff on leaving Upwell Secondary Modern, 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.

 

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

 

1958/9 Wisbech Cricket League “Star Youngster” sponsored by the Saturday Pictorial newspaper is won by Peter Scott for two consecutive seasons.

 

1960 All games 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 against Newton, 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 for 12, 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 held in the Three Tuns and enters the Wisbech League and finish the season completing the Second Division “Double”of the league and Sandall Cup. Wisbech League Aistrup Bowling award to Tony Smart. All home matches played at Grange Farm (Mr. Joe Bedfords) Barroway Drove beaten by 46 runs  in the Sandall Cup Final at the Metal Box ground, Wisbech. (Welney 76-7 wickets 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) present the trophies. League trophy 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 C.C

 

1971 Welney CC at Wisbech Town CC – Oldroyd Cup Finalists

 

1973 Oldroyd Cup winners agaist 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 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 Welney CC ‘Wisbech League Champions’ Secretary – ken Morton presents the “Jeffrey Shield” to Captain David Smart

 

1976 The clubs most successful season winning the Wisbech and 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  Wisbechs Metal Box ground in the Sandall final and losing to Southery & Ouse Bridge by 28 runs in the Mortimore Rosebowl  final at Littleport.

1976 Welney CC Wisbech League Champions Presentation Dinner at the Lamb & Flag, Welney

 

The season culminated in a Presentation Dinner at The Lamb & Flag with Wisbech League Secretary, Ken Morton presenting the Jeffrey Shield (Division I winners) to captain David Smart and individual momentoes to the players

1976 Wisbech League Champions

 

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 Wisbech 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, later in the season the Mortimore Rosebowl final was played at Littleport, again losing to Denver by 8 wickets.

At the end of season Presentation Dinner, held at the Lamb & Flag, the Wisbech 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 the most catches in the league, and the clubs own Batting award to John Copping and Bowling award to Peter Laughlin.

 

1978 Club members decide to withdraw from the league and play mainly friendly matches. The Kirkland Cup is entered, for the first time in over 20 years against Wilburton (played away over 2 evenings) and beaten 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 at Littleport by 7 wickets.

 

1981 At the clubs AGM held in the Playing Field Pavilion, both the Secretary and Treasurer resign without any volunteers to fill the posts or the groundsmans duties, Chairman Arthur Carter decides to call a later meeting, hoping for someone to come forward before disbanding the club. The club fails to fulfill any fixtures for the season and disbands with £128 in the bank.

 

1990 Welney C.C reforms under the guidance of Bob Frusher.

 

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

 

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

 

1993 Welney Past XI again win the challenge match this time by only 2 wickets.

 

1994 The current team finally beats the Past XI by 37 runs with Bob Frusher top scoring 123 runs.  Scores Welney 278 – 6 wickets and the Past XI  241 all out.

 

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

Welney CC at St Catherines College, Cambridge Aug 2000

 

1999 Meeting held in the Three Tunns to reform the club only 4 members attend. 45 letters of appeal sent to former players to raise funds for the new club. Over £600 raised for new equipment.

Over/Under 40’s match and fixtures against Littleport and Brentwood & Havering Labour Party were played.

 

2000 At the AGM held in the Lamb & Flag, 10 members attend and the Clubs new name being adopted “Welney Croft Cricket Club”, a full fixture list of friendly matches is played. Stuart Singleterry records the highest score in the clubs history 150 not out (including seven 6’s and  fourteen 4’s) at home against Feltwell. End of season Presentation Dinner at the Lamb & Flag over 35, members, wives and guests attend with the guest speaker / presenter being John Dye former Kent and Northants county cricketer.

 

Award winners – Cricketer of the Year & Bowling awards  (Dennis Birch)

                         Batting & 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 Minister Wash and  finishing the close season runners up in both the batting and bowling averages.

 

Enjoyable evening with entertainment provided by Peter Scott and Paddy Stronge.

 

2001 Blows Brothers Trophy, donated by Ray Kent, to be played for first time since 1997.