Committee Report 1954
The season of 1954 was one of the wettest on record; play in many matches being seriously curtailed.
The Second Test Match, July 1st to 6th, was held at Trent Bridge and again rain caused considerably delay. England won comfortably. All the arrangements for the match were once again excellent and met with general approval.
We congratulate our Captain Mr. R.T. Simpson, on being selected for three Test Matches, and on his century against Pakistan at Trent Bridge. We also congratulate him on his selection for the Australia Tour.
We are again delighted to report an excellent performance by our own County Team. We moved up in the Championship Table from 8th to 5th place, the highest position attained since 1938. We won ten matches and obtained 144 points. We congratulate the Team on the spirit it showed, and its determination to force a win if possible. Mr. R.T Simpson captained the side well, and it was most encouraging to see an all round continued improvement in the fielding. We trust that there will be no relaxation in this essentially important part of the game.
Bruce Dooland again was an outstanding success. He created a new record for the County by taking 181 wickets. His value did not end there, as he scored 860 runs, frequently rescuing the Team after the failure of men higher in the batting order. In all first class matches he had the magnificent figures of 1,012 runs, average 28.11 and 196 wickets, average 15.48 – figures which speak for themselves. Once again his was easily the highest number of wickets taken in 1954
Hardstaff, who recovered some of his old form, scored three centuries and headed the batting averages. The Committee have, in view of Hardstaff's long service to the Club, awarded him a Testimonial in 1955.
Jepson, who seems to thrive on hard work, bowled extremely well, and in the absence of R.T. Simpson captained the side most ably.
We congratulate Gamini Goonesena on obtaining his Blue at Cambridge. He joined the side after the Varsity Match and was a welcome addition the bowling strength. His best performance was 8 wickets for 72 v Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.
Clay and Poole each scored over 1,000 runs and fielding excellently. Martin had to wait for his opportunity, and after showing great improvement was awarded his County Cap at the end of the season. Kelly made a century against Sussex. He is a very promising player. Rowe had a satisfactory first full season as a wicket keeper. Matthews was a useful opening bowler. He is now called up for National Service. Stocks was consistently useful in all departments.
The 2nd XI had a most successful season in the Minor Counties Competition, and finished joint second in the Championship Table. Our thanks and congratulations due to the joint Captains, H.R.Cox and B. Notley. Martin, Giles, Winfield, Riles and Kelly were the backbone of the batting, and Harvey, Underwood and Smales were the most effective bowlers. The success of the 2nd XI augurs well for the future.
Two well known characters retire at the end of the season: Harold Butler, who has rendered long and excellent service for many years as an opening bowler, and Eric Meads, who on his day was a very fine stumper. We give them our best wishes on their retirement.
Jim Parks proved an excellent coach and his advice has been invaluable assistance to the playing staff.
We acknowledge with thanks the legacy of £100 from the late Mr. S.A. Wallis, and sincerely thank the President for his generous donation to the Funds; we also record our thanks to Mr. G.N.B Huskinson for his gift of the Clock surmounting the Press Box, which is much appreciated by Members.
During the year the Press Box was modernised and accommodation increased. Helpful criticism had been received from the Cricket Writers’ Club, but during and since the Test Match last year we have had nothing but praise from that body.
A new Double Decker Stand near George Parr’s Tree is in the course of construction and will be ready for use this season. The toilet facilities on the ground are now in the process of being enlarged and improved.
The expenditure of the Club followed the careful calculations of the Committee. Favourable weather conditions would have assisted in maintaining income and thereby persevering the Accumulated Fund.
The Notts Youth Cricket Advisory Council continue to do good work, and your Committee is appreciative of their interest in the development of cricket among the youth of the County.
A large number of selected boys attend at Trent Bridge all the year round for coaching, and in the summer, teams are chosen to play against sides drwn from other Counties.
The Supporters Association is still in a flourishing condition, and much hard work has been put in by the Committee. The thanks fo the Club are due to it for its valuable assistance.
We regret to report the death during the year of Messrs. G.A Rhodes and C.B. Harris. Mr Rhodes had been a member of the Committee for many years and was for a long period Chairman of the Finance committee, and recently, for his great services to the Club, was elected a Vice-President. Charles Bowmar Harris died at the age of 45, on August 8th, after a long illness. He first played for the county in 1928 and soon established himself. He was awarded his Cap in 1931, and continued playing regularly until 1951. In all he scored 18,823 runs in first class cricket, with 30 centuries and a highest score of 239 not out against Hampshire at Trent Bridge in 1950. He was a very difficult bat to get out, often saving his side, and was a useful spin bowler. He was one of the personalities of cricket and his unfailing humour was always a was one of the personalities of cricket, and his unfailing humour was always a tonic to his side. He was appointed to the First Class Umpires List in 1953.
On behalf of the Committee.
J.J. Lane, Chairman
April 2020