The Twelfth Man 2018

19 Derek Randall There is a definitive image of Derek Randall, doffing his cap to Dennis Lillee after a sav- age bouncer during his epic innings of 174 at Melbourne in 1977 that surely should have won England the Centenary Test, except that it did not. Yet to those of us who watch most of our cricket in Yorkshire there is a Randall moment that takes precedence: he took the catch which made history as England clinched the Ashes at Headingley in 1977 af- ter Geoffrey Boycott’s 100th century, turning a cartwheel in front of the now demolished Verity and Bowes Pavilion before the team toasted the crowd in champagne from the balcony. Derek played in 47 Tests and 49 ODIs for England, scoring 2,470test runs and 1,067 ODI runs. A supreme fielder, nicknamed ‘Arkle’, he put the fear of God into batsmen by his athletic cover fielding, and pouched 31 test catches and 25 ODI catches. The complete team man, he never demurred as he was moved up and down the order, and in retirement he was a kindly coach to junior players. He was one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1980. Cricket writer Colin Bateman said:’ The Retford Imp was, and still is, one of the most fondly admired figures of the game. At times genius sat on Randall’s shoulders, the only trouble was it would not stop fidgeting.’ This was Derek’s fourth visit to the Society, he was first with us as long ago as 1973. He came again with Bob Holland for a Notts. Night in 1993 at Ardsley House, when Sid Waddell was one of the speakers as well. Our Chairman then gave a comprehensive report of Derek’s career which as we all know is extremely impressive, and also a report on Derek’s coaching and teaching exploits. These kept Derek active as well as playing local cricket up until 1970. No one will be surprised to know that this keenly competitive cricketer is now a keen golfer! Derek commenced his highly amusing presentation by giving his version of the events of the 1977 Centenary Test at Melbourne and also the test at Headingley where he famously made a miracle catch, and in Boycott’s 100th hundred match which included victory over Australia. Derek went on to describe his county days in Nottinghamshire with world class players e.g. Gary Sobers, Clive Rice and Richard Hadlee. He continued with his Test experiences and stories about the tours especially about Allan Lamb and Sir Ian Botham who were the main jokers on the tour. His stories and anecdotes were endless, far too many to recount here and it certainly made for a superb evening. The question and answer session was also lively and amusing covering a host of topics, including the England squad for the Ashes and the centenary test when the Australian stumper called him back after being given out caught behind! Tony Borrington 19.10.2017. Tony Borrington, Derbyshire all-rounder and deputy headmaster. By all-rounder I mean batsman, leg-break bowler and even wicket keeper! Anthony John Borrington, born in Spondon, Wombwell’s Winter Season 2017/18 Derek Randall (left) with John Howarth