ACOMB CRICKET CLUB – A Potted History 

Written By Brian Hough 

1920's 

Up to 1922 Acomb Cricket Club played its matches on Acomb Green - a public place. Its headquarters were the rooms of the local Sun Inn. 

Because of the extreme difficulty of protecting the pitches on the Green, in 1922 the club decided to rent the field upon which they now play. The lease was for 21 years and was in the name of Acomb Cricket Club. 

In the same year, 1922, work commenced on the new ground and enthusiastic members could be seen, with horse and cart, leading loads of clay from the brick yards (at the bottom of Gale Lane) to form a basis for the new cricket square - which was needed because of the extremely sandy sub-soil. 

Play on the new field commenced in 1923 and the Official Opening was performed in 1924. 

In 1925 it was decided to purchase the field, (bought outright for £425), and arrangements were made accordingly. 

In order to help defray costs two tennis courts were laid and two more a few years later. Then in the latter part of 1925 it was decided that the club should be re-named the Acomb Cricket and Recreation Club with two sections i.e. Cricket and Tennis and a third, i.e. Bowls, envisaged at a later date. 

In the season 1926-27 the ground was let out to enable the playing of Hockey in the winter months. 

The old pavilion (which can be seen on the cover) began its life on Acomb Green and was painstakingly transferred to its site on the new ground where it served manfully until its replacement in 1965. Many will remember, some painfully, its lethal shutters which had to be carefully handled, its single gas-mantle which provided a minimum of illumination with which to reassemble one's kit after a late finishing game. A single stone sink, with cold water only, served as the solitary aid to personal hygiene. 

An integral part of the old pavilion was the Tea Room where over the years wonderful refreshments were served by an army of well-trained cricket-mothers, wives and girlfriends - "no names - no pack drill" lovely ladies all. Thank you! Past, present and future. 

1930's 

The year 1930 saw Acomb C.C. win the much-coveted Myers and Burnell Cup - a rare occurrence in those days. In 1931, under a proposed town planning scheme, the committee was faced with the prospect of a road being built through the playing area. Fortunately, with a united effort from the whole club, this scheme was successfully opposed. 

It is as well to remember that at this time public transport ended at Acomb Regent (Tram terminus and West Riding boundary) so the logistics of away matches were not so straight-forward as of now. The ground itself was a little different from today. The old pavilion, tea-room and tractor shed was on the northern boundary (facing at right angles to the gate). The southern boundary was backed by uninterrupted farm land. The score box, located between today’s pavilion and the old tennis courts, was of the sentry-box type, with just sufficient room for two scorers accompanied by the enthusiastic young supporter who, under strict supervision, recorded the current state of the game by hanging numbered "tins" on the appropriately placed nails (the holder of this office rarely lasted the match out let alone the season). 

In the 1930's Acomb was outside the York boundary with none of today's sprawling estates - the cricket club members were drawn mainly from local professional or trades people - and was held, by some, to be somewhat of a "snooty" outfit. It was at this time that I began my association-with the Club, when, on balmy Saturday afternoons, astride my trusty three-wheeler, I accompanied my father along the hedgerows of a leafy Gale Lane to the Acomb Cricket Ground. 

Cricket was not the only entertainment. There was the Annual Club Gala, and in 1937 Acomb celebrated the Coronation of George XI and Queen Elizabeth with fancy dress parades on Acomb Green and sports on the Cricket Ground. I particularly remember the men's 100 yards, which was a "there and back" race and my uncle (Rowland Sykes, later to become Cricket Chairman) reached the "there" with a commanding lead but "doing " a cartilage at the turn failed to make the "back ". 

Two players of the pre-war era were ever present following the move from Acomb Green - Percy Carlton and Alan Dalby. Both played prominent rolls in the day to day running of the club. Alan deserves particular mention as he was secretary throughout the War Years and without his efforts it is doubtful if the club would have survived. He was a gentleman both on and off the field, non-drinker, non-smoker and a stickler for the "correct" way to do things - I was indeed fortunate to play alongside him at the end of his cricket career (in 1952 when he was 60, at least, he top scored at Magnets, bowled 17 overs and took 6 wickets for not many - some cricketer!). 

Among those who were notable performers from this era were W. Ainley, John Thompson, J. Darbyshire, L. Leaning (Andy's uncle), N. Fearn, and my old friend with that lovely rhythmic action, Matt Oates (later Chairman). 

1940's 

The War Years - difficult times indeed - petrol rationing, food rationing, clothes rationing, most of the young men called up to the forces - all of which conspired to make the running of the cricket club a tricky proposition indeed. A few extracts from the Club's minutes may help the reader capture the flavour of the times. 

"Mr. Dalby stated that when Mr. Fearn, the secretary appointed at the 1938 A.G.M. was called to the colours in August 1939, he had taken over the clerical work of the Cricket section." 

"It was proposed, seconded and carried unanimously that the cricket section should continue to function." 

"It was decided to run one Saturday team only. Matches to be arranged during the week in order to provide games for those players who were unable to be included in the Saturday games." 

"The meeting was told that for the purposes of rolling the hockey pitches Mr. G. Penty had loaned a horse, for which he had made no charge". A.G.M. for 1939 held at Acomb Conservative Club, 15th March, 1940. 

"It was decided not to print fixture cards this year. Fixture lists to be typed and an admission card provided for pensioners". Committee Meeting. 22.4.40. 

"The secretary reported that he had received ration coupons for sugar, butter and ham or bacon". Committee Meeting.29.4.40. " 

Accounts presented £ 

Newitt Custody and repairs to bats 2 

6 cricket balls 3 

Set of bails 2 

set of nets for practice wicket 3 

Committee Meeting. 27.5.40. 

"It was considered that difficulty might be experienced in providing teas as hitherto but Secretary was authorised to again register the club as a catering establishment in order to obtain rationed commodities ." 

AT THIS POINT AIR RAID ALARM SOUNDED No further business". 1940 A.G.M. Nth March, 1941. 

"Secretary reported about 20 members were anticipated some of whom, because of war work, would be available only occasionally". Committee Meeting. 2nd May, 1941. 

"Recommended that Executive Committee be asked to agree to a suggestion that we should try to get some local farmer to put sheep on field to eat off growing grass". Committee Meeting, 9th June. 1941. 

"It was the unanimous opinion that an approach be made to the management (Executive Committee) to permit Sunday cricket on the ground." Committee Meeting. 11th December, 1942. 

“Preparation of Ground was discussed fully. Agreed that every member be required to work on the ground at least one night each week, failing which (unless he was prevented by his work) he would not be considered for selection into teams." Committee Meeting, 27th April, 1945. 

"Present J. W. Jackson (Chairman), C. Miles, M. Oates, J, Bradley, Rev. C. B. Crane, Rev. D. Oxby Parker, P. Marshall, N. Dalby, George Ward G. Nicholson, P. Carlton, A. Dalby, (Sec)". 

"Special mention was made of the Club's achievement in winning the Myers and Burnell Cup (which was on the table) after a lapse of 14 years. In this particular competition Acomb set a record which, under the current rules, cannot be broken. Alan Dalby and Matt Oates bowled unchanged throughout the entire competition including the successful final. It is all the more praiseworthy when noting that Alan (an accomplished batsman) converted himself to an all-rounder because of the side's lack of bowlers during the early war years." A.G.M. 2nd. December, 1944. 

"Agreed unanimously that a second XI be formed " 

"Secretary was authorised to enter 1st XI in York Senior League which will re-commence in 1946." A.G.M. November, 1945 

"Regarding membership - rules of club state that preference is given to Acomb residents and persons in the district towards York as far as South Views." Committee Meeting, 15th. July, 1946 

"Mr. Temple proposed and C. Wiles seconded that the thanks of this meeting be accorded to A. Dalby for his work in connection with the cricket section during the War Years 1939/1946." A.G.M. October, 1946 

It must also be recorded that Acomb Cricket Club owes a debt of gratitude to Acomb Conservative Club who on many, many occasions granted the free use of a room at the Conservative Club for these Club meetings. 

In 1947 the Cricket Club at last appointed a Part-Time Groundsman, after a 7 year gap. Mr. H. Summerton replaced Mr. Lofthouse who had intimated that he would not be available in 1940. Also at this time it was decided that "with such a heavy playing membership we could not guarantee juniors a turn at the nets." Thankfully a more enlightened approach today sees Acomb's Junior Cricket extremely well-catered for with coaching, nets and fixtures of the highest order. 

The late forties also saw the gradual introduction of Sunday cricket. A maximum of four games on a Sunday was proposed for 1948. At this time it is interesting to note that for the then princely sum of £59.Is. 6p. Messrs Broadbent Ltd. supplied a 26 seater coach for the following fixtures -Tadcaster (4 times), Northallerton, Thirsk, Boroughbridge (twice), Helperby, Stillington (twice), Easingwold (twice), Sessay and Collingham. 

The trip to Sessay had to be experienced to be believed. At the present time Sessay play on a ground adjoining the main street, but in those days their ground (of unusual elongated shape) was situated much further out in the countryside. Furthermore access was only possible by an unmanned sleeper crossing of the main L.N.E.R. line London/Scotland - how many fingers were crossed for a trainless track and a reliable Broadbent charabanc? 

Eddie Cooper, who was the Secretary and 1st XI Captain in 1948 when Acomb won the Myers and Burnell Cup, recalls the 1947 final as being the most thrilling game of cricket he had seen and participated in. Played on a Sunday afternoon on the old York Ground. Acomb batted first and amassed 231 for 9. Clifton's innings prospered and waned as the pendulum swung first one way, then the other culminating with the last pair being at the wicket with a dozen needed off the last over - on this occasion Acomb lost. They got them in singles. The following year, however, Acomb were successful and Dringhouses 141 were knocked off for the loss of only two wickets. Little did I think that my entire cricket playing career of 36 years would elapse before Acomb once again got their hands on that much coveted trophy. 

"It was proposed and seconded that the £6 received from the York Club in respect of the 1947 Myers and Burnell Cup Final be equally distributed amongst the 15 (fifteen players) who participated in the Competition (motion carried)". Committee Meeting. 20th April, 1943. So we did have professionals!? 

However "It was proposed and seconded and carried that in view of the very poor collections made at home games, it was decided that the pre-war practice of charging at the gate be reverted to. The charges levied to be as follows:- 

lst XI Adults 6d. Children 3d. 

2nd XI Adults 4d. Children 2d." 

Committee Meeting. 7.7.1949. 

1950's 

By this time I had made a number of casual appearances for the 2nd XI. usually asked to go home for my kit, at the last minute, when the team were short. They were a very happy side and certainly enjoyed the "after - match" festivities as much as the game itself. Club policy seemed to be a mystery - there were 1st teamers and 2nd teamers whose places were fixed, irrespective of performance, and a small nucleus of transients - because of National Service and College commitments. I fell into the latter category and clearly remember opening the batting for the 1st XI one week and being third reserve for the 2nd XI the next week. 

The vagaries of selection, however, did not preclude the Club from success and in 1956 the 1st XI gained promotion to the First Division of the Senior League. A short-lived tenure which was halted with relegation the following season. 

This decade also saw a change of groundsman with Mr. Walter Robinson replacing Mr. Lofthouse. As ever a great deal of the committee's time (who incidentally met on a weekly basis and produced copious minutes which, I can assure the reader, have taken some considerable time in researching) was spent on fund raising with the more popular efforts being dances in the Church Hall, whist drives, sweeps, jumble sales, raffles, gate money and rent for the hiring out of two hockey pitches to York Phoenix and York Olympics hockey clubs. There also existed a certain amount of friction with the tennis section regarding the use of the tea rooms and other financial problems concerning the general maintenance of the ground. The tennis club at that time fielded a very strong Yorkshire League side and restricted its membership to better players. 

"A verbal application for Vice Presidency from Mrs. Haughton, 17 Danebury Drive was given consideration but it would appear that the reason behind this application was that Mrs. Haughton required somewhere to exercise her dog and in the circumstances the application was declined". Committee meeting. 1.12.1952. 

Records of the ten years following 1955 were unfortunately lost (a natural disaster caused by storm damage to the Club roof), but by 1960 all the veteran members of the cricket section (by that I mean those who played during the war years and immediately after) barring Tommy Bamford and Alan Bryan had either retired or like Tommy Wray and George Ward moved elsewhere. 

1960s 

By 1960 the playing strength of the Club had diminished to such an extent that the 1960 season finished with Acomb holding up the rest of Division 2 - fortunately there was no relegation in those days as the lower divisions were for 2nd teams. Off the field things were not much better - we had lost our groundsman, Mr. Robinson - and responsibility of wicket preparation was passed to the Club Captains. 

It was in 1961 that members of the club started a Pavilion Fund, embarking on such money-raising activities as galas, jumble sales, and Bingo sessions. The Bingo sessions were the brain-child of George Malbon and Leo Archer, the early organisers and runners of these regular Tuesday night events - soon to be taken over by Bill Carter and proving to be a vital source of Club income for many of the ensuing years. Early in 1964, one of the members produced building plans for the pavilion. Local Authority Approval was obtained and after discussions with the Ministry of Education and Science, the club gained a £3,200 grant to help cover the total cost of the building of some £6,500. The new pavilion, built of cedar wood, had much the same layout as today's, and a large part of the construction work was done by members in their spare time. The Official Opening was performed by the Chief Constable of York, Mr. C.T.C Carter on Sunday, 30th May, 1965. In the early sixties the Committee decided to withdraw a silver trophy, which it won outright in the 1890s, from the Bank and organise a Cup Competition. Initially the Acomb Cricket Club competed in the Invitation Trophy but met with little, or to be exact, no success. It was then decided to follow other clubs' example and refrain from entering our own competition. At this time, however, the Cricket Clubs fortunes started to pick up, new members, with ability, joined and notable among these was Denzil Webster whose all-round ability was complemented by an even temperament and a good cricket brain. It was under his guidance in 1967 that the 1st XI gained a place in the top division gaining promotion in second place to York Civil Service. Acomb maintained a berth in the top Division for thirty years - probably a league record - a brief hiccup saw Acomb demoted in season 1998 but gained their promotion the following season. Another very pleasing result of Denzil's leadership was the winning of the York & District Umpires' Association's Sportsmanship Trophy five seasons running from 1974 - a tradition well maintained with Acomb having taken that trophy on no fewer than 11 times in 26 seasons. 

Up to the late 60s the Senior League matches were officiated by Club Umpires - the name Trigger springs to mind, and I'm not thinking of the Lone Ranger - to be fair some were excellent but others left much to be desired. It was the considered opinion of many, myself included, that the best thing that ever happened to the Senior League was the formation of the neutral Umpires Association. Even in the days of Club Umpires there was never anything approaching the disgraceful shenanigans of recent times. 

The vexed position of groundsman was resolved at this time by the appointment of Tug Wilson, a pensioner of indeterminate age and a real character. One of his main assets was a dog called Sam. Sam was of doubtful pedigree but was trained to the highest possible level as a ball retriever. Tug would sit by the tractor shed puffing on his pipe and Sam ever watchful for a well struck boundary - his eyes never leaving the batsman. At the given signal off would race Sam, never failing to retrieve the ball in the shortest possible time. That animal would even climb trees, and I have seen it, to get at the ball. Incidentally, always with an eye for the main chance, I once took Sam to Pike Hills Golf Course and sure enough he displayed the same appetite for golf balls but unfortunately, after six or seven he became increasingly reluctant to hand them over so, not having Tug's control, I regretfully abandoned the project. 

With the advent of the new pavilion the social life of the Club really took off. The tennis section had live wires in Eric Wilson and Bill Clayton, the Lockwoods, Dave Carr and many others from the Hockey all contributed to many outstanding functions. The ones which stand out in my mind were the Fancy Dress Dances - Tramps & Vamps, Pirate', and the Circus to mention just a few. 

Toward the close of this decade, it was agreed to incorporate the hockey clubs into the Acomb Sports Club thus increasing the number of sections to three. This was accomplished with no little trepidation, argument and conviction on both sides. A decision which was to have far reaching effects on the fortunes of the Club. 

1970s 

During the 1970's there were several alterations to the ground. The old pavilion and tractor shed were finally dismantled (some of the timber being used, on my D.I.Y. efforts for a carport) and the current scorebox was erected. It was in digging a soakaway for this building that I discovered the truly amazing variety of coloured sand forming the subsoil of the ground. 

Once the old pavilion was removed it was then possible to construct a road from the gate down to the new scorebox. This enterprise was successfully completed thanks to a regular club supporter, Jim Falkingham who, with help from Bill Noble, Arnie Dalton and Frank Leaning, completed the task in a matter of days. Perhaps those who thoughtlessly tear up and down the same road could think about the hard work that one person put into the scheme and give it a little more care in future. Speeding within the ground was not the only concern though:- 

"Correspondence. A letter had been received from Mr. Eric Horton (future secretary, umpire and stalwart supporter of the club) in connection with a car in which he was transported to a recent match in his capacity as Umpire. He complained about the speed at which the car travelled! Committee Meeting. 18.6.1973. 

I have my suspicions as to the driver but as I'm not 100% sure I think it was the same driver who ripped the sump off his car when hitting a coping stone entering the field on a dark night. 

In 1972 the purchase of Mulligan (the road roller for those unfamiliar with the name) for £175 proved to be a watershed in the preparation of the club's wicket. Up to this time, because of the structure and content of the square, wicket preparation had been a very exact and relatively unpredictable affair. The best description of the result would be 'iffy'. It could be an absolute brute (I was once 'next up' to Barry Noble who, after hooking to the square leg boundary, collapsed at the wicket with a goose egg on his forehead which he'd used instead of the bat) - and at best always gave some assistance to the bowler. Mulligan changed all that and gradually Acomb's square has become the envy of all Senior League batsmen. 

It was also during this period that Acomb started its now traditional Summer Cricket Tours - a really enjoyable experience not to be missed. It was during one of these tour matches that I had one of my most embarrassing matches. It was my turn to Captain the side at Castle Rising against a team captained by an ex R.A.F. Wing Commander (much praised by F. S. Trueman in one of his books) On winning the toss 1 had no hesitation in electing to bat (why elect and not choose?) as we had made a big 200 against Sandringham the previous day. My discomfort increased with the fall of each wicket and when, having been bowled out for a catastrophic 49, the aforesaid Win.Co. patronizingly offered to bat on to give us a second knock, my humiliation was complete. The Cricketing Gods smiled on us however, and I was overjoyed to hold a catch to dismiss their last man and close their innings on 48. Some celebration! Not all tour matches are so intense - long may they, and the lads who organise them, continue. 

Fresh faces, both home grown and readymade, continued to arrive at the Club. The 1st XI consolidated its position in the First Division and an under 16 team was formed. 

1978 proved to be the most momentous in the history of Acomb Cricket Club. Performances on the field improved and with one match to play Acomb 1st XI needed a win or winning draw to claim, for the first time ever, the 1st Division title (league points system different from todays but irrelevant). Heworth could overtake us, if they won and we failed, or were rained off in our match. I had played for Acomb for thirty years, through all the defeats, a few triumphs, and this was the ultimate. 

The match was at Bedale (who needed a point to avoid relegation). The weather was doubtful and on winning the toss Denzil took first knock. Thanks to a magnificent 163 not out from Dave Tute, with rain visible in the distance, we were able to declare after 40 overs with some 230 runs on the board. During the tea interval we had two shocks - first Heworth had completed their win and second that rather than Bedale having 45 overs for their innings they now had 50 (taking the extra 5 we had given up - so it does pay to know the rules.')- Rain clouds were gathering and it was soon obvious that the elements were going to present the gravest danger to our title aspirations as Bedale were not going to make the required runs. Urgency was everything, change overs were at the sprint, every possible time saving manoeuvre was employed and the 50 overs were bowled in 1 hour 40 minutes (30 overs per hour for the non-mathematician) and I know because I bowled 25 of them (a league record at the time?). 'We'd done it at last.' - and I can vouch for at least one "softy" who shed a silent tear. The celebrations went on. Strange to relate, no individual trophies were forthcoming, until at a later date the Captain from his own pocket bought souvenirs for each of his winning team - it is the one I treasure the most. 

The 1978 title signalled a period of dominance which continued for almost twenty years with Acomb C.C. continually challenging for Cup and League honours. 

1980's - 90's 

Club affairs continued to progress well and a change to Tetley Beers was welcomed. The 2nd XI strengthened as a result of the on-going youth policy, began to prosper. In 1982 the 2nd XI gained promotion to division III and in 1983 won Division III so the 1984 season saw Acomb with teams in the top two divisions. The euphoria did not last long however, and the 2nds were back in the III division for 1985. By this time we had lost Tug Wilson and groundsman's work was being done by Dave Tute and at other times by Club members. By now the Invitation Trophy Competition had become established as one of the area's top cricket events and Finals Night was invariably extremely well patronised. 

In 1983 the first of two proposals to move the club was mooted, on this occasion Bog Farm, off Moor Lane, was suggested. On reflection I wonder if it was the Tetley's that made us ever consider such sacrilege. It is now obvious that the ground is unsuitable for modern hockey but really this is the invited cuckoo ditching the nest. Acomb Cricket Ground is one of the few jewels left in Acomb's Crown. For goodness sake let us carry on the traditions of the last 170 years (at least) and remain in the ideal situation we have occupied for the last 75 years. A later proposal, to move out near the ring road, was also eventually thrown out. 

In 1984 Acomb began a hat trick of Division 1 successes with the likes of Tony Hinder, Mike Robinson, Andy Thrall, Dave Robinson, Tony Haines, Alastair Brett and Richard Clayton all performing wonderful feats with the ball (some also with the bat) and Chris Simpson, Richard Sykes, Dave Tute and Joe Burton piling on the runs. It is also interesting to note that within twelve months of my retirement from 1st XI cricket the Myers and Burnell Cup was back in the Club Trophy cabinet (after 36 years as previously stated). 

In the January storms of 1984 the Clubhouse was severely damaged and put out of action. Plans for a remodelled Clubhouse were submitted to the Planning Authority and all avenues of finance were explored. Eventually the plans were passed and work commenced but the initial builders were found to be unsuitable and had to be changed. The work dragged on and it was not until June 1985 that the official opening was performed by the Lord Mayor. 

The ground itself was also in better shape, thanks to the ministrations of Groundsman David Tute, who however relinquished this position in 1986 having taken up the full-time stewardship of the Club, although he remained very much involved on a part-time basis. 

A 3rd XI was formed in 1988 but logistic difficulties in obtaining a suitable ground with the required facilities proved to be too much of a difficulty and the experiment was abandoned some three years later. This XI has been revived recently and it will be interesting to see if the benefits accruing outweigh the problems involved. 

In 1987 winter Indoor Cricket at the Tadcaster Sports centre attracted Acomb's support. A most worthwhile venture and one which has afforded the Club unprecedented success over the years (see separate article on Club successes). Looking at last night's Y.E.P (5th April, 2000) I note "The first awards evening Costcutter York and District Senior Indoor 'Cricket League have held took place at the Toft Green brewery. Double-winning Acomb skipper Richard Sykes collected the first division championship and the knockout cup. To complete the Acomb clean sweep, Andy Tute won the first division batting award with an average of 85, Tim Merrick took the bowling award and Sykes took the all-rounder award." Pretty comprehensive! 

By 1993 the Tennis Section, which had struggled on for several years, finally ceased to exist. Thus ended the triple amalgamation of cricket, hockey and tennis which had taken place in the late 60's/early 70's. We missed the many tennis members who, particularly in the early years, had worked unstintingly for the benefit of the Sports Club as a whole. 

Fund raising, a never-ending problem with all amateur clubs, continued to be the number one concern though this was considerably helped by the introduction of regular car boot sales (though it didn't do much for the outfield). It seems to me that the executive also had a "cunning ploy" - from the records I note that whenever a real financial crisis was looming, they, in their wisdom, arranged a change of brewery - with the new providers popping up with a respectable loan! 

One wide ranging change has to be mentioned. In recent years there has been the advent into the Senior League of the professional/overseas player (I know in the past one professional was allowed but rarely, if ever, did this happen). I always thought that the Senior League was set up to provide competitive cricket for local lads on a level playing field (no pun intended). I cannot see the benefits of the current system where the richest, best sponsored clubs will, sooner or later, dominate. To me there seems no satisfaction, glory, or call it what you will, in buying success. Are the league Empire building? Is it for some sense of reflected glory? Is it based on the argument of raising standards? Look at the present County system with its imports - then look at our national side.' (Pause to jump down off the soapbox). 

Another reflection from past records concerns the family links that run through the history of Acomb Cricket Club. Here are some families who have played for Acomb C.C. (f - father, s - son etc) 

Will Skilbeck (f), Claude (s), Ralph (g.s.), David (g.g.s.) and Ben (g.g.g.s.). 

Alan Dalby (f), Phil (s), Martin (s) and Martin (g.s.). 

George Patterson (0, Mike (s) and Andy (s). 

Brian Hough (f), David (s) and Andrew (s). 

W. Ainley (0, Derek (s). 

Brian Burton (f), Andy (s). 

Percy Carlton (f), Peter (s). David(s) 

Richard Carberry (f), Andrew(s) and Alistair (s) 

Tony Haines (f), Richard (s). 

Trevor Hinde (f), Neil (s). 

Derek Lancaster (f), Robert (s). 

Colin Raper (f), Alistair (s). 

David Tute (0, Andy (s). Isaac (g.s) 

Denzil Webster (f), John (s). 

Mr. Wray (f), Tommy (s). 

George Noble (g.f.) Barry (g.s.) 

Over the years we may not always have been the best cricket team but we could certainly press for the title of "best educated team" with this list of schoolmasters who have all played for Acomb:- John Ashwell, Cyril Baxter, Joe Baxter, Peter Bradley, Barrie Ferguson, John Fowler, Bob Graves, Ted Hatter, Mike Hollett, John Herbert, Tony Hinder, Brian Hough, Karl Jarvis, R. M. T. Kneebone, John Rex, Les Richardson, John Shaw, Bob Shaw, Rex Stott, David Sykes, Ron Tiplady, Ray Turner, Jerry Walford, Denzil Webster, David Williams, Roger Sykes, P. Chaffer and Eric Walkington and for spiritual guidance - the Rev. C. B. Crane and the Rev. D. Oxby Parker. 

Many years ago I asked an old Acomb player why it was so few, if indeed any, of the old stalwarts were seen at our matches. He replied that as far as he was concerned it was a bitter/sweet situation. Asked to explain further he said the place was so full of wonderful memories, the tension, the excitement, the team spirit, the effort and the fun that the sober realisation that it was all over became a burden to bear too often. I didn't really understand then - I'm beginning to now. 

In writing this article I have come across so many worthy workers/players whose efforts have here gone unrecorded. 75 years is a long time to cover and likewise many events were similarly missed. I hope those who follow us appreciate the struggles that have taken place and will continue to occur. Running a successful club is not easy and I wish our future clubmen all the good fortune and few of the struggles we've had. 

Brian Hough 

Please note that the views expressed in this article are the author's. They should, in no way, be assumed to be the official policy of Acomb Cricket Club.