September was a sad month for this club, for in that month we lost our late Chairman, Sir Douglas McCraith and Mr Cyril Lowater.
Sir Douglas had been a member of the Committee for over 30 years and had steered the club through difficult and troubling times. Last year for his great services he was elected a life member of the Committee.
Mr Lowater, a young and virile Committee member, of unbounded enthusiasm, was an indefatigable worker.
We are sure that for many years the club will be grateful to them for what they did.
In December Mr. W. H. Sherwin also passed on, and though a member of the Committee for only one year, he had allowed himself for several years to be co-opted on to the two sub-Committees and was of great assistance to them.
All will be sadly missed.
There was very little improvement in our position in the Championship table during the past season. Some satisfaction that can be gained is that during the closing stages of the season we moved from the bottom of the table to 16th place due to victories over Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. We also defeated Lancashire for the first time since the war. Our bowling, though very little stronger than the previous season, was not backed up by consistent batting. At times the bowlers strove and achieved the near impossible, only to see the batsmen fall. The fielding, though much improved since the previous year, was not up to the standard necessary to give bowlers due reward for their efforts.
R. T. Simpson made four centuries, including two over 200, represented England against India in two test matches and the Gentlemen versus Players. Joe Hardstaff was also very successful. His genius seems unimpaired by the years and his stroke play is still an inspiration to all. Poole, in spite of hitting two double centuries, was not always dependable and Stocks, Giles and Clay all made their 1,000 runs, the latter pair for the first time in their careers. Clay received his county cap which has been well deserved. Martin showed himself capable of producing runs when required.
Butler and Jepson were again the main striking force with the ball. The former took nine wickets against Kent in the opening match and played part in winning the match against Lancashire. Harvey, Stocks and Matthews gave them valuable support. Meads again kept wicket well and has been granted a benefit for the coming season. He has selected the fixture with Derbyshire.
The 2nd XI again played in the Minor Counties Championship and the side was captained by Mr. H. R. Cox to whom our thanks are due. Ten matches were played of which two were lost and eight drawn. Keeton and Winrow were the backbone of the side which at times was assisted by A. Baxter, B. Notley, A. Armitage and J. Bates, whom the Committee wish to thank for their services. We are pleased to report that the captaincy will be shared by Mr. H. R. Cox and Mr. R. Forman during the coming season.
The coaching scheme under the Notts Youth Cricket Advisory Council is going extremely well and there are a number of potentially good boys in hand, some of whom have been taken on the staff. Mr. E. C. Cutts, whose death occurred in October, will be much missed; his enthusiasm and experience has been great value to the Notts Youth Cricket Advisory Council.
In view of the loss of considerable Test Match income a very serious financial position has been envisaged during the year.
Against national trends expenditure was in fact curtailed, and the maintenance of ordinary income at a similar figure to that obtained in a Test Match year was all that could be expected.
In spite of these conclusions it is most disappointing to report a deficiency of £6,214. 14s. 5d. on the year’s workings.
Action has been taken to remedy the situation and it is anticipated that the visit of the Australians during the coming season will assist in reaching a maximum membership at the increased rate of subscription and so help to restore the financial position.
During the year Bill Voce retired from the position of Coach. This ended a long association which began in the late 20’s and proved so fruitful, not only to this club but to the Country in helping the win the Ashes in the 30’s. He has given us his best and we wish him luck in the future and hope we shall see him for many years at Trent Bridge. Walter Keeton has also retired after giving yeoman service and Winrow left us to take up a coaching appointment. We wish them the best of luck.
We have been fortunate in acquiring a coach, the service of Jim Parks, the well-known England and Sussex player, who is taking up his appointment at Easter. We extend to him a warm welcome and look forward to a long association with him at Trent Bridge.
We are glad the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Supporters’ Association continues to flourish and we appreciate their valuable assistance.
For the future there is much hope. The batting is our strongest point and the youngsters are gaining more experience each year and should `reap a harvest of runs’. The bowling will be strengthened this year by Dooland the Australian and Goonesena, who has played for Ceylon.
We are constantly on the lookout for good youngsters and the coaching scheme should pay dividends in the long run. We are, therefore, confident that in the not too distant future, we shall again take our place in the upper half of the Championship Table, where we so rightly belong.