The Cricket Journal of Geoffrey Webb

Final days - 1938 and 1939 Perhaps due to the increasing demands of ensuring the survival of the club, Webb was less assiduous at retaining mementos of his own cricket towards the end of his time with Leicestershire. This includes the failure to record the one occasion when he captained the club. The game at Taunton against Somerset which started on 31st August, 1938 was the final match in a disappointing playing season. The game followed a two-day innings defeat by Derbyshire. Maybe as a result of this, the club captain, C. S. Dempster, changed his plans and decided that it was not worth travelling to Somerset. They also ‘rested’ George Dawkes, whose performances as wicket keeper had been one of the bright spots of the season, and who had just been awarded his county cap. Maybe Webb decided that with no other amateur available to lead the side at short notice, it was better to do the job himself and keep wicket, so that an extra batsman could play. All these arrangements needed to be put in place on 30th August, because of the long trip to Somerset. In any event, the game was a great disappointment. Leicestershire were bundled out in 2 ½ hours, with Geoffrey being trapped lbw by Bill Andrews first ball. In reply, Somerset scored a rapid 400 (no catches and only 11 byes), and Leicestershire were rapidly dismissed in their second innings for 179, Webb scoring just 11, though this was his best score in the championship. It was still another two-day innings defeat and not a good way to end the season. Though he did not know it at the time, it was his last appearance for a Leicestershire team. His resignation at the beginning of February 1939 (page 163) was reported as a ‘great surprise’ by the local press. There was no indication that there was any pressure from the committee for him to move on and he served his full three months notice. He recommended his replacement, Captain J. A. M. Skinner, to the club, and the detailed notes suggest an amicable and helpful handover. His six years with Leicestershire were certainly eventful. Though hard working and reliable, his predecessor did not have his charisma or skill at dealing with people. It is significant that Cahn’s first donation came after his appointment, and with it came the best batsmen to play for Leicestershire, C. S. Dempster, and greater interest from the Leicester business and professional community. Cahn’s involvement also brought with it those such as Captain Loseby, who seems to have been of the type that believed that they could run the club better than Geoffrey Webb. In fact Loseby’s involvement was diminishing by 1939, and he became more involved with the Psychical society. His greatest claim to fame was his unsuccessful defense of the medium, Helen Duncan, who the Government was keen to silence on account of her knowledge of the sinking of a ship which she disclosed whilst in a séance. He was also Member of Parliament for Bradford East between 1918 and 1922. Before Webb’s arrival, the club President was a ‘county’ dignitary with little interest in cricket; thereafter someone of status, who had that interest, held the position. Webb’s briefing notes show clear pride in his system of paying players and maintaining positive working relationships with all those who might help the club. He was an astute businessman and he ensured that the club minimized its entertainment tax liabilities. Perhaps his major triumph was to ensure that the Nursery for young players was established, and that the major donor was not Cahn, but S. H. B. Livingstone who was to support the club through to 1959, and with whom Geoffrey had a fond and harmonious working relationship. From 1937 onwards, Geoffrey organized successful dinner dances at the Grand Hotel. By the time of the third, almost all the senior people from the city and the county attended. The final event, which acted almost as a farewell dinner, was clearly a great success. (pages 164 and 165) though his briefing notes suggest that organizing them was frustrating. Ensuring that the politics of keeping both the ‘city’ and the ‘county’ happy was very important. * * * It is perhaps fitting that the final page of the log, giving details of his last game in 1951, also includes a cutting about two of his protégés, Jim Sperry and George Dawkes. (page 166)