Cricketing Memories

I feel now that I will deviate from the normal sequence of the events in my life and recall a few of the most pleasant memories of my cricketing days, which I referred to earlier in this record. I played only a very few times for the N.L.C.C. 1^st eleven and my most notable memory of those games was while playing against the North Middlesex Club on their ground. I was bowling and the batsman facing me made a terrific swipe at the ball, which went almost straight up in the air. It seemed ages before it returned to earth. It turned out eventually to be a caught and bowled and I recollect being down on my knees when I caught it. I can still visualise it even now.

On another occasion, playing now regularly in the 2^nd Eleven under the Captaincy of Doc Fry we were well on top and their last man was in. He was doggedly jabbing at the ball, which was falling short on the leg side. I gradually got closer in to him hoping to get a lobbed up catch. The bowler at the time, Harry Hill, had been bowling well up to the bat. Then the silly chump bowled one short on the leg side, and which the batsman really had a go at. The result of this was a visit by me to the Crouch End hospital to receive a stitch or two just under the left eye. I learned that lesson! Another accident producing event was when playing for the M of L Regional team at Nottingham. Our opposition were dismissed for a reasonable score about 160. They had a very fast left handed bowler, who played havoc with our earlier batsmen, and when I went in, I had resolved that the only way to play him was to go down the wicket and try to upset his length. This was successful for a while and after I had scored about 16 runs he let fly a short one straight at me. I tried to pull it to leg, but only succeeded in edging it off the shoulder of my bat into my face. A visit to a doctor this time, who stitched and patched me up. More pleasant anecdotes now.

North London Cricket Club dinner, 1946 (Standing at left with Sally. At the head of the left hand table are Muriel and Ernie, who moved as the photograph was taken.)

One bank holiday we were playing an all day game on our ground at Crouch End. Our captain that day was Jimmy Toyne, who in his day was a very good all-rounder. He had won the toss and had decided to bat. We lost 2 or 3 wickets fairly quickly, mainly because one or two of our regular early batsmen had not turned up in time. Jim then sent me in with instructions to try and stay there till lunchtime. It was then about 12.15 p.m. Lunch was to be taken at 1 o’clock. Much to my surprise, when lunchtime arrived I was still in having scored 30 runs. After lunch I continued batting and took my score to 76, when I was caught in the gully. I remember this, as a great day, for 76 was the highest score I ever made.

By this time I had been appointed to the post of Captain of the 2^nd Eleven and I retained that position for about 20 years. Being mainly played as a bowler, my batting in the order was number 9, 10 or 11. Years later, after releasing the 2^nd Eleven Captaincy, I played for the 4^th Eleven. This team was undoubtedly in my mind a good deal stronger than the 3^rd Eleven, mainly I think because they were all such pals that they declined promotion. Our Captain was Jack Fitzpatrick, son of the well-known Construction Engineers, mainly engaged in roadwork. On one occasion with this team, and strangely enough again playing against North Middlesex, we had lost 3 wickets for about 12 runs. My position in the batting of this team had been elevated to no 4. It was one of my good days and I managed to score 67 runs. It was a very hot sunny day and a good many of my runs came from singles, so you can realise that, as I was well over the 60 mark in age, I was a bit thirsty. Others must have realised this for when I returned to the pavilion Jack Fitzpatrick was waiting on the top step with a pint of beer for me. To say I was grateful was to put it mildly. We eventually won that game which made it all the more memorable for me.

Going back a few years now, while I was still captain of the 2^nd Eleven, we had a fixture with the Bank of India on their ground, which I think was my highlight. We had batted first and made a reasonably good score. My turn came with the ball and I took 9 wickets for 37 runs. The 10^th wicket evaded me for the hour to draw stumps arrived. I have often wondered since, if one more over might have allowed me every bowler’s ambition that is to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

One last game to remember. My last, as I was now 65 years old and had decided to retire as a player. This final game was played at Cheshunt and because I had notified the club of my decision to retire, I was made Captain for the day. Our opponents batted first and scored about 140. Being Captain I had put myself in last as No. 11. When I went in we were still 30 odd runs behind, but my partner and I pulled if off. My own score being 17 NOT OUT.

Without my knowledge, my club had supplied a new ball for the game, and after the match was over a plaque was affixed to it and it was presented to me as a keepsake. That plaque now has the inscription on it which reads:-

"North London C.C."
Bob Fowler
Paying Member
1921-1960
"President 1958"

It is now one of my most treasured possessions.