The Twelfth Man 2019

Bryan Stott (L) with Brian Sanderson Review Tonight we welcomed back YCCC Vice-President Bryan, who was last here five years ago, and who tonight received the E H Umbers Award for Distinguished Services to Yorkshire Cricket. This award is voted on by the members annually, and the accent is usually on what the recipient has done for York- shire cricket off the field as well as on it. Like Bob Appleyard before him, Bryan distinguished himself in Yorkshire’s cause as a first-class player before continuing his ser- vice deep into retirement. It was Bryan who, with Doug Padgett, launched Yorkshire’s last ‘golden age’ in 1959 at Hove when a thrilling Championship clinch- ing triumph against Sussex ended seven years of Surrey supremacy. Both celebrated their 84th birth- days last year; this year marks the Diamond anniversary of their his- toric feat. The question and answer ses- sion inevitably started with that match of the century when Sussex set Yorkshire to make 205 in 105 minutes for victory. At 40 for 2 all hope was fading until Doug Padgett joined Bryan to put on 141 for the 3rd wicket with runs coming so fast that the target was reached with 7 minutes to spare (Bryan 98 in 86 minutes and Doug 70 in 60 minutes). Their first title success in 13 years, ending their longest- ever barren sequence. The golden years followed with six more titles and Gillette Cup wins in 1965 and 1969. Bryan retired in 1963, hav- ing played 187 first-class matches, scoring 9168 runs including 17 centuries and a top score of 186. Bryan’s memories of the occasion were fascinating, including a WCLS dinner to celebrate, being followed by a car accident in fog on the way home. Their Wombwell presenta- tion glasses survived the accident until one of the players got out of the car and accidentally smashed his glass on a gatepost. We could write a book on all the wonder- ful memories and anecdotes that were forthcoming from Bryan on this memorable evening. Modern day cricket was also discussed at length with Bryan adamant that county cricket should be nurtured to ensure a continued future for Test cricket. BRYAN STOTT 28 February 2019