A Review of the 1954 Season
Cliff Crafer’s Fixture Card details the following results for the senior sides:
|
Team |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
|
Sat 1st |
10 |
1 |
9 |
|
Sat 2nd |
15 |
2 |
4 |
|
Sun A |
9 |
7 |
4 |
|
Sun B |
10 |
0 |
8 |
Ken Dowding was the star of the season with 100 in the first game v Woodford Wells and 101 v Chelmsford and more than 1000 all season. Rex Vickers, a fast and hostile left arm bowler, played regularly for Essex II and took 48 wickets for the 1st XI. He had big hauls of wickets with two 7fers against North Middlesex and Enfield and two 6fers v Chelmsford and Wellingborough Priory.
The Second Eleven, under Jock Harwood had a run of wins that lasted for 10 consecutive matches. Bobby Dalton claimed a hat trick in the away match at Wanstead, while Jock Rutherford claimed a further hat trick in the home victory over Chelmsford.
For 3rd XI games in the 1954 season, the LCS ground in Chingford Road (now Morrissons) had been booked for most games with the remainder to be played on the Larkswood Playing Fields.
Highlight of the season was holding the Essex County XI to a draw, Norman Griffiths making 51 in a Chingford total of 174-8. In reply Rex Vickers grabbed 4-41 as Essex hung on for the draw on 151-8.
In the Sunday As Ken Dowding hit a massive 133 v Enfield. Meanwhile Len Wright chipped in with 102* v Southgate.
At the Players Meeting in 1953, it was passed that the number of Sunday B games at Forest Side be increased from 4 to 8!
General Committee Minutes 11/5/54
It is understood that prefab houses are to be demolished in Chingford. It was suggested that Mr Spencer write to the Council asking if one could be erected on the ground as a tea hut.
General Committee Minutes 6/8/54
The Secretary read a letter from the Secretary of Eton Manor Cricket Club explaining the circumstances of playing several 1st XI men in their 2nd XI against our 3rd XI on Saturday 24 July. The explanation sounded feasible but did not justify their action in batting all their 1st XI men first, scoring over 300 runs with one man 131 not out before declaring. After discussion wherein it was admitted that although it was good cricket, it was regimented and lacking in social spirit, the Committee agreed to drop all future fixtures.
General Committee Minutes 17/9/54
The Secretary read a letter from Mr F Sandrock complaining that the present position of the scorebox prevents his next door neighbour and himself from watching the game over the fence.
It was now considered by the Committee that new lavatory accommodation was “essential”.