A Review of the 1968 Season
1968 was a memorable season in many ways.
First of all thanks to grants from the Council, the Ministry of Education and Science and donations from 94 members the new clubhouse was completed in time for the 1968 season.
To commemorate the opening a special match was held on 21 April between Chingford and a star studded Doug Insole’s XI. The game ended a draw with Chingford replying with 112-7 to the visitors’ 194-6. Special scorecards were produced for the large crowd. (Further details of this day are on a special page on the website)
Boost by spanking new facilities the First Eleven under Ron Lynch embarked on an excellent season with six wins, 10 draws and only 2defeats from 18 completed games. Top run scorers were the usual suspects Steve Dinsdale (392), Geoff Sandrock (340) , David Rafis (262) and Mike Edmonds (261). With the ball there were also the usual suspects with pacemen Bryan Hart (38 wickets at 12apiece) and Peter Brown (30 @17) followed by left arm spinner Ron Lynch with 25 @14. Keeper Alan Holloway captured a Club Record when he took 6 catches in the match against St Albans
On the field the season was probably most remembered for the run in the Kemp Cup. Nailbighting tight finishes saw Chingford overcome Leigh on Sea and Ilford in the first two rounds. Further victories over Colchester, Loughton and Chesham set up a semi-final away to Alexandra Park with the prize at stake – a final at The Oval.
Chingford fielded a more or less full strength Saturday First Eleven and Terry Dennehy (4-9) and Harry Davis (3-20) wreaked havoc as Park collapsed from 93-2 to 126 all out. Facing a gettable target Chingford reached a comfortable 50-2 with Rafis and Sandrock going well only for a horrendous collapse to set in . Tears were cried in the dressing room as Chingford fell to 77 all out and the chance of a major final gone.
Details of the Sunday As are a bit sketchy, but Bryan Hart put in a superb performance to capture 6-15 against local rivals Highams Park. The match against The Mayor’s XI saw Chingford up against a number of Essex players plus football manager Dave Sexton and Tottenham Hotspur defenders Cyril Knowles and Mike England!
Graham Saville was selected to play for the Minor Counties in their match against the Australians at Torquay.