The Twelfth Man 2018

21 Paul Edwards PAUL EDWARDS has an extensive background in the media world with many Yorkshire connections. When he first heard of the Society he never imagined that he would one day be a speaker here. Now he has now done it twice. Paul reports on county cricket for The Cricketer, The Times. The Cricket Paper and local cricket for The Liverpool Echo. His earliest recollection of a Yorkshire story was one concerning Sir Leonard Hutton starting at Yorkshire and a conversation between coaches Maurice Leland and Arthur Mitchell. They asked Bill Bowes to have a look at him because as a 16 year old his technique was so good they couldn’t teach him anything. Perhaps they thought Bill might be able to teach him to bowl as well. Paul then went on to tell us some of his favourite memories and writing about various Ashes tours, his priorities in cricket and the importance of outgrounds and club cricket. out of the game remodelling his bowling action; a Test match hat trick when his joy lasted barely a minute; the drama of the days that led to his joining the four-man board which rescued Yorkshire; and the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, a gradual loss of eye sight which now leaves him reliant on a guide dog - his constant companion on match days at Headingley. Our chairman James made a special introduction to this legend of Yorkshire Cricket in what was our first afternoon meeting and the turnout was very impressive. Jame’s comprehensive introduction paved the way to an exhilerating and entertaining cricket occasion. Geoff began his talk which included his school cricket, taking all ten wickets as a 10 year old in a final when the opening bowler was ill. On to his debut for Yorkshire C.C. at Bradford Park Avenue when, for the second meeting in a row we heard about Fred Trueman’s help and support for young cricketers, as well as a host of amusing stories about him. We also heard about Geoff’s first meeting with John Arlott, the legendary cricket commentator and the subsequent friendship which came out of it. Geoff gave us a full outline of his problems with the cricket authorities regarding his bowling action which a certain Johnny Wardle went to enormous lengths to support and coached Geoff through it. Johnny promised Geoff that when he had done he would play for England, and of course he did. The stories and anecdotes just came along at an unbelievable rate, covering the successful championship years, Test Tours, the Centenary Test and after retirement helping to save YCCC. The question and answer session was lively and amusing to conclude what was without doubt a memorable afternoon. Geoff Cope (left) with Brian Sanderson Paul Edwards with Margaret Brayshaw (picture by Brian Sanderson)