1931

The Committee present their Annual Report and Balance Sheet for 1931.

The County finished the season fifth in the Championship list – winning 9 matches out of 28, losing 3 and drawing 16. It will be generally agreed that Notts. deserved a higher place and that fortune dealt us many unkind and unexpected blows. The unfortunate motor accident on the eve of our first match with Yorkshire – which kept two of our leading bowlers out of the team for several matches – Larwood for six and Staples S. J. for ten- undoubtedly affect their powers for the rest of the season. It came at a time when Notts. were at the head of the table and spoilt our prospects of winning the Championship.
Then Mr. Carr – who had led the side with all his usual spirit and success – was compelled to stand down owing to the serious illness and subsequent death of his father. When he again captained the side – while making a brilliant catch – he fractured his left thumb and played no more cricket in 1931. His skillful leadership of the youthful Notts. team is available for 1932 when we confidently expect a more successful season.

Your Committee and all sportsmen extend to him their deep sympathy in the loss of his father who was President of the Club in 1913.
One of the features of the year’s play was the return of George Gunn who was brought back into the side after a month had passed. He justified his place as opening batsmen and played as well as ever. He made the highest score of the season – 183 v. Warwickshire, and was the leading Notts. batsman of the year. During Mr. Carr’s enforced absence, he captained the side – at a difficult period – with judgment and skill. Walker had a very good season and scored more runs than any other member of the team, including three centuries, all at Trent Bridge. Keeton in his first season scored over 1000 runs – including 2 centuries, and his outfielding was a pleasure to watch. We have high hopes of his future. Staples A. was useful in all departments of the game and played a memorable innings with Walker of 131 at Sheffield – the highest and best of his career. The five young players who received their County Caps during the season have shown that the future is bright for Notts. Harris has reason to be proud of his first season in first-class cricket. Lilley had a very good season – scored one century and with – perhaps – the most difficult bowling in the county to deal with, gave very little away. Wheat, when required, showed himself a worthy understudy.
It is worthy to note that 10 members of the side scored one century or more, and that over 100 balls were sent over the ropes during the season. The bowling, when at full strength, was formidable. The opening pair – Larwood (who headed the English averages) and Voce – represented England v. New Zealand. They are, in addition, fine fielders and forcing batsmen. In the 2^nd innings of Surrey at the Oval they were irresistible, dismissing Surrey for 82 and making victory possible. They each took over 100 wickets and each scored a dashing century. Staples S. J. in his limited season, did his share of the work and bowled more overs than any other bowler except Voce.

Barratt after many years of fine service has retired from County Cricket and leaves a memory of good work. He has been a regular and hard-working member of the side since 1914, and has taken nearly 1,200 wickets at an average of 22.15. Spectators will miss his cheery, carefree and lusty batting. He carries the good wishes of all lovers of cricket into his retirement.
Payton’s farewell recalls many great games played by him. He is now coaching at Eton – along with George Hirst – and one can only think how fortunate young players are to learn under such great teachers of the game.

The Revenue Account shows a total expenditure of £13,697 11s. 3d. as against total receipts of £12,258 17s. 11d. – a loss on the year of £1,438 13s. 4d. The corresponding loss in 1930 was £1,243 6s. 1d. It should be stated that the losses shown in the Practice Hall accounts for both years are included in these figures. £432 14s. 2d. was taken at the gates in the match v. New Zealand, and of which £163 3s. 0d. was paid to them as their share, while the cost of the fixture was £202 11s. 3d.

Gate Receipts in County Matches were £4,101 7s. 0d. as compared with £4,025 4s. 7d. in 1930 with one match less, while the expenses of the matches were £5,268 17s. 0d. as compared with £4,739 2s. 4d. in 1930, a difference of £529 14s. 8d. As was anticipated, Members’ Subscriptions show a great decrease as compared with 1930 – a Test Match year – when 5,062 members paid £8,182 0s. 6d. The decreased sum received for 1931 was £6,754 11s. 0d. from 4,034 members This amount is less than that obtained in 1929 from 3,924 members, viz. £6,832. The sum of £225 15s. 0d. was received from 215 members as Motor Car season tickets.