The Twelfth Man 2011

28 Most of the Australian players were over here for war reasons and during a tour match at Blackpool, warrant officer Lindsay Hassett, the Australian captain addressed the crowd and soon had the ladies on his side with a bit of reverse pommie bashing, thus: “Never have I seen such an ugly lot of men with a crowd of such pretty women.” This caused Bill Bowes to remark, “Why are the Aussies so good at everything?” The England/Australia matches ended in a drawn series with each side winning two matches and drawing one. This was a fine effort, especially by the Aussies who had several players who had never previously played firat- class cricket, let alone Test cricket. True to tradition the First ‘Test’ at Lord’s was won by Australia. The Second ‘Test’ was played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield where the pavilion was still is use by the War Office, causing fun and games in the make do and mend changing rooms. Keith Miller on one occasion caught Len Hutton combing his hair in the mirror, which brought about the following remark, “Well Len, even if you can’t bat at least you’re going to look the part.” It didn’t stop England winning to level the series. In the Third ‘Test’, George Pope was replaced because he had to play in the Lancashire league for Colne to retain his earnings. He was replaced by Donald Carr, who could not help England avoid defeat. The Fourth ‘Test’ was a draw, meaning England had to win the final match at Old Trafford, which they succeeded in doing in fine style. The Australians then went on to India where they played cricket 27 days out of the next 35. They then went home, which for many players was the first time since they left for the war. Question and Answers: • Q: Did Keith Miller play in the Dominians match at Lord’s under Learie Constantine. A: Yes, and a very popular choice he was, despite being an Australian he was very well liked in England (especially by the ladies). • Q: Was Cec Pepper underrated by Bradman. A: Bradman had been quoted as saying Pepper was the best all rounder of his day, but it is true they didn’t get on after it was rumoured they had crossed swords during their early NSW days. • Q: Had the guest any knowledge on George Pope who was one of the original WCLS coaches. A: Only that he was a fine cricketer who had a reputation for using brylcream; nothing unusual in that, only that he had no hair. • Q: Players pay for the Victory Tests. A: The players only received their service wage, or club wages if attached. All other proceeds went to War Charities. • Q: Bradman’s absence. A: Perhaps if he’d been on active service in England he probably would have played and when he did return, the ‘Invincibles’ (Lindwall and Miller) were at their best and outgunned England throughout the post war years. The questioning continued to conclude a fine evening. January – Brian Wheeler The society’s guest this evening is the Yorkshire Ladies Coach with involvement in various other age groups. Brian started by giving us a background on his experience in this field. Brian explained his full-time job was as a Unison union rep. and that he was married with three children. His youngest son Christopher played with Young Yorkshire and at about this time Brian found himself involved in coaching at junior level which later led to him getting involved in the West Yorkshire Ladies Cricket Association and then Yorkshire Ladies. Brian went on to enlighten the audience with a quick history profile. The earliest ladies cricket match recorded was in 1745 on Guildford Common – Bramley Maids v Hembledon Maids. From then ladies matches developed to country level the first believed to be between Surrey and Hampshire. The first International tour to Australia took place in 1934/35. The first lady cricketer to score a century and take ten wickets in a match was Betty Nielson. All this has now developed into all the major Test playing nations to have Test teams. Domestically, we now have northern and southern ladies county teams and a national cup annually. The ladies World Cup is now well established with the English womens team presently champions. Brian then went on to explain the present state of Yorkshire Ladies Cricket and the structure of various leagues throughout Yorkshire and concluded his introduction with the startling fact that we now have ladies village teams in villages with no mens team! Question and Answers: ‘Twelfth Man’ Editor Norman Hazell with author Mark Rowe after his talk on 13 January 2011 about the 1945 ‘Victory Tests’. Society Treasurer Roy Foster presents a WCLS glass to Brian Wheeler on 20 January