Leigh Cricket Club history
All the information below was collated by John Batchelor from various sources and records for the website
CONTENTS:
- Leigh Cricket Club – Early Cricket Years 1700-1838
- Leigh Cricket Club – Historical Highlights from minute books 1919-2001
- Leigh Cricket Club Juniors – excerpts recorded by John Knock from Club Annual Reports 1971-2002
- Leigh Cricket Club – Andrew Whibley Memorial Trophy awards 1979-2019
LEIGH CRICKET CLUB – Early Cricket years 1700 – 1838
The following precis notes cover material extracted by Tom Watson in 1971, mainly from Kentish newspapers of the time, which formed the basis of his greater depth study of Leigh Cricket Club and resulted book.
1730 William Burchard – called by the Kentish Post as a gentleman noted for his dexterity at cricket – at the age of 29 years was one of the two England bowlers opposed to Dartford on the Brent and Laleham Burway. Very likely he played for the Kent sides which met Surrey in 1762 and Hampshire in 1768
William was baptised at Leigh on 21st August 1730, married Mary Maynard there on 24th November 1751 and was buried there on 11th April 1790 (Early Kent Cricketers – Goulstone).
1753 The Batt and Ball appears in the Register of Alehouse Keepers of Kent with John Carpenter as the landlord.
1766 Aug 18 Gentlemen Cricketers of Leigh v Bourne Club at Bourne Place near Canterbury.
1767 June 30 Dartford Club v Bourne Club and Leigh at Bourne Place.
1774 July 25 Birling, Ryarsh and Town Malling beat Leigh, Penshurst and Sevenoaks on Leigh Green. Birling scored 39 and 38 runs: Leigh scored 46 and 30 runs.
1794 July 25 Tonbridge v Leigh, Penshurst and Chiddingstone at Southborough.
1795 July 20 Brenchley and Horsmonden v Leigh and Chiddingstone at Southborough.
1795 Aug 10 Leigh and adjoining parishes v Sevenoaks on Leigh Green.
1797 June 16 Leigh v Wadhurst on Leigh Green (see Poster under Leigh Cricket Club)
1801 June ? Postern Club v Peckham on Leigh Green.
1802 June 18 Tonbridge v Wrotham on Leigh green.
1805 Whit Thursday: Wrotham v Leigh at West Peckam.
1806 June 9 Yalding v Leigh on Yalding Lees.
1814 Aug 1 Leigh v Waldron at Waldron Street.
1819 July 23-24 Leigh v Marden at Marden. Scores: Leigh 43 and 55; Marden 115 and 123. The Leigh team is named for this match.
1820 July 21-22 Marden v Leigh at Marden.
1821 June 15-16 Leigh v Westerham on Leigh Green. Leigh won by 60 runs.
LEIGH CRICKET CLUB – Early Cricket years 1700 – 1838 cont.
1822 July 8-9 Leigh v Leeds Club in Leeds Park, Maidstone. Scores: Leigh 100 runs; Leeds 24 and 27 runs. The names of Leigh players available for selection are known.
1823 June 27-28 Leigh beat Gillingham on Chatham Lines.
1827 July 17-18 Leigh v Stilebridge at Stilebridge. Scores: Leigh 98 runs; Stilebridge 166 runs. These are totals for the match.
1828 June 25 Leigh v East Grinstead. Scores: Leigh 130 runs; East Grinstead 55 and 45 runs
1828 July 30 Leigh v Lingfield. Scores: Leigh 114 and 74 for 1; Lingfield 39. Played on Leigh Green. The Leigh team is named for this match.
1829 June 16 Leigh v Westerham. Scores: Leigh 84 and 75 runs; Westerham 100 runs.
1831 July 4 Tunbridge Wells v Leigh on Tunbridge Wells Common.
1831 July 15 Leigh v Sevenoaks at Penshurst Place.
LEIGH CRICKET CLUB – Historical highlights from the Minute Books: 1919 – 2001
(Excerpts recorded by John E Knock from the Clubs Minute Books)
1919 Request to Parish Council to “do away with “ Paths on Green so that Football is not played across cricket pitch. Lewis Brooker – Groundsman. Proposal to join Leigh Institute – would need General Meeting. Fire Brigade asked to water pitch for fire practice (Grant 10/- = 50p) Umpires paid 2/6d (12.1/2p) per match. Parish Council replied ref: Paths – asking the Cricket Club to deal with their removal. Cricket Club declined – a ‘general benefit’. Football Club later then asked if they would remove the Paths. Top averages: Ray Faircloth 30.0 batting. Geof. Faircloth 4.0 bowling. Bats presented to each at 1920 AGM. Pavilion keys to be returned to Mr.W Ingram after practices.
1920 Special Meeting 29 June – Decided not to join Institute (strong feelings against). Pony mower used once a week. Lorry used for away matches. Tree cut down in front of Pavilion. Club Caps – Dark Blue (white edge). Matting wicket to be obtained.
1921 Request to Parish Council to drain Green. Dance on Green with Orchestra June 25th.
1922 Cricket Club to take no action on Tennis Courts (on Green?) More Dances.
1924 Agreed no payment for Umpires or Scorers. “Song etc rendered by members at the Cricket Club ACM.
1925 Reps Iron Room Kitchen & Chimney (permission of School Managers)
Leather Horse Shoes (used on cricket square) to be lent to Powder Mills C.C.
1926 Loan for horse for Ground. Teas for matches (introduced?) 10 Matches for 2nd X1. Meetings re: financial “crisis”
1927 Redcar Bus for team to Tonbridge, “Charabanc” hired to go to South Nutfield. New shoes for pony (on approval).
1928 Motor mower demonstration – bought (not the Dennis mower!)
1929 Lord Hollenden died (father of Hon Geoffrey Hope-Morley & Patron Leigh CC)
Complaints re: Cycle Tracks on Green (across Square) “Square extended with permission of Parish Council, with “chains”. Pavilion insured.
1930 Damage (vandalism?) to Pavilion and Pavilion seats. New Lord Hollenden (Hon.Gordon Hope-Morley) President. “ Cricketers Bed” Tunbridge Wells General Hospital £1.11.7d (£1.59) collected.
1931 Photo taken by “ The Times” of Cricket on the Green (see 1933) South Nutfield C.C
Mr W.G.Goodwin “restored to health” wished many healthy years – Note Died 1989 aged 103.
1932 New scoreboard presented by Lord Hollenden (Hon Geoffrey Hope-Morley) New drain. Visit of sanitary inspector re: urinal.
1933 Pavilion / mower shed extended. “Times” photo presented by South Nutfield C.C to Club. Note: This copy must have been lost but another copy was much later presented to Eric and John Batchelor at our Annual Dinner of “The Crows (South.Nutfield) having been found in an old players loft. This copy is at present (1998) hung in a large frame in the Pavilion.
1934 Water to Ground laid on by (new) Tonbridge Water Works (water recently supplied to village) Jack Stolton (Dennis’ Grandfather Shaun’s Great Grandfather, Sam’s Great, Great Grandfather) ex-player, appointed as groundsman 1934 to 1939 – used pony mower.
1935 Motor Mower purchased.
1936 Reference to Cricket Club in Leigh 1837 (Mr Hope – Constable)
1937 Married v. Single Match Sept.25th (Photograph hung in Pavilion). Coronation Festivities on Green. Parish Council asked to stop lads congregating at night in Pavilion. Netting placed in hedge to stop balls. Third Party insurance taken out.
1938 Reference Duke Cricket balls 250 years before 1861 (made Penshurst) New Motor Mower bought – Dennis 30” with Trailer. This is in the Mower Shed now (1998) and still capable of use in early season (before gang mower – renovated 2002). Club flag presented by Mr W.T.Gibbons (Club Pole)
1939 Water supply from Dairy. Washing facilities installed in Pavilion. (war declared) All fixtures from Sept 4th to end of season cancelled.(not actually mentioned as the reason) Use of Pavilion put at disposal of the Special Constable.
1940 Matches resumed. Application to Parish Council to play on Sundays.
1941} * Matches continued usually once a week for duration of War (ended 1945)
1945} *
1946 Many ex members of H.M Forces welcomed back. Were present at A.G.M
1947 Village note: Right Hon.Geoffrey Hope Baron Hollenden gifted The Leigh Green to the Leigh Parish Council 24th December.
1948 A.G.M. at “Brickmakers Arms” (corner of Lower Green) “ one-off” Colts Team reformed. Gang Mower cutting Green (part contributor K.E.C)
1950 Vicar (Rev J.B.Eyre-Walker) asked for early end to matches Sundays. Agreed “no hard and fast rule” Colts X1 successful season.
1951 Ted Witherden (Leigh C.C batsman & off-Spinner) played for Kent C.C (continued until 1955?, thence Norfolk professional, later Bedford School. Used to take charge of nets and coach young players.
1952 Benefit Match for Claude Lewis on Green. 22nd June 1952. 2000 spectators. Leslie Ames & Walter Hammond present as spectators (England. LA Kent) Benefit Dance for Stan Brooker 6th Sept 1952 raised £41 (unemployed)
1953 Forecourt concreted. Wall erected in place of white fence (front of Pavilion.) W.C. facilities improved (door etc)
1954 Benefit Match for Ray Dovey (Kent C.C) Kent v. Leigh & District (John Batchelor 5yrs old won the signed cricket bat in the draw which he used when playing his first game for Leigh seniors at the age of 11 years) Pavilion spray painted (Green)
1955 Ray Beaumont’s X1 v Leigh & District X1
1956 Fred Whibley appointed Parish Council clerk (served until 1984) and ceased to act as groundsman after 10 years.
1957 Michael Cheeseman selected for the AKCC District X1 and with Alan Holden (both opening fast bowlers) for The Yorks Cup. Mrs E.Fitzjohn finished preparing teas after 33 years – featured in book published on Kentish Rambles. (Late 1930’s) Presented with 8 Day Clock (1958)
1958 Mrs Daisy Batchelor agreed to prepare teas for “one season” – did every home match for 10 years, and still (1998) and being part of and preparing rota.(Retired 2003)
1959 Ken Brooker appointed groundsman. Ladies Match O.Forshaw’s X1 v M.Duggan’s X1 (3 Test Players) played on Green.
1960 Ladies Match Miss G.Robinson’s X1 v Miss J Collins X1 played on Green (&1961). Benefit Match for Arthur Phebey (Kent CC) Peter West (capt) Kent CC & Show-Bis All Star X1 (Inc. Roy Castle & Cliff Michelmore) v Leigh on Green 19th June.
1962 Junior Matches series Home & Away v Penshurst Park C.C (Eric Batchelor in/charge) and Chiddingstone Causeway C.C. (John Knock in/charge – & Ernie Grayland for Chiddingstone Causeway. Continued until about 1968. Kent Ladies X1 v Miss Collins X1.
1963 Leigh C.C won “courier” Knockout Final v Paddock Wood (played in rain at Linden Park – photo in Pavilion) (only time ever won the shield)
1964 Leigh v. Kent Ladies X1
1965 All Star Match for Church Hall Fund: Leigh v Jess Conrad’s X1. Kent Ladies X1 v Miss A Saunders X1
1966 Alfie Houghton retired as Hon Secretary at the April A.G.M (died aged 91years in December 2002). John Knock elected (retired as Hon. Sec.2003) Nigel Shaw elected.
Ken Brooker retired as Groundsman. Leslie & Rory Elton famous House Warming party at Riverhead proceeded by’session’ in the Bat and Ball, Leigh High Street.. FUND RAISING STARTED FOR NEW PAVILION. Punch board sales lunchtime Sundays by Derrick Budd (later continued by Eric Batchelor)
1967 Miss Goodwin gave Pavilion Land to trustees for Cricket Club. Mrs D.A.Batchelor presented with Silver Rose Bowl in Iron Room (10 years continues teas.) Fund Raising Dance-Christmas- cut out Father Christmases, Snowmen and Snowflakes (apt to curl up suspended in village Hall) Band – Golden Leaf Jazz Band (John Knock paying the trombone and Peter Huntley on the Clarinet)
1968 PLANS PASSED for new pavilion – see 1972 – Peter Lloyd (club member) Architect. Fund raising match Leigh v Mick McManus’s AllStars (Show Biz. & Wrestling) 18th August 1968
1969 Fundraising Match v Barry Mason’s T.V. All Stars 10 August 1969 Leigh v England Ladies on Green for Village Hall Management Fund.
1970 MOVED Club H.Q. from FLEUR DE LYS to BAT & BALL. (July 1970)
Fund Raising Match: Granada TV All Stars v Leigh 19 July 1970 (& Dance). Junior Match v Fordcombe (see1971) Colin Fry selected for the AKCC Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells District Junior X1.
1971 Junior Matches (local Village series – still running 1998) commenced. Approx. 12 matches each year. Work started after season end on new Pavilion (MR W.C Elmslie Builder) Tom Watson completed book “Leigh Cricket 1700 to 1837.” Christmas Fund raising Dance.
1972 New Pavilion officially opened 11th June 1972 by Miss Ethel Goodwin and brother Gordon of Pauls Farm (See 1967) Cost £6142.00. D of E Grant £2145.00. Lords Taverners £400.00. Loans National Playing Fields and Kent County PFA guaranteed by club Members – Plaque in Pavilion). Fund Raising Match: Leigh v Chis Rowley TV & Press X1, 13th August 1972. Mr Charles V.Ingram left to Leigh C.C the Cricket Ball made by his father (part of a set) and others for Melbourne Exhibition 1881 (won prize) and inscribed to him (Isaac Ingram) for best Batting averages Leigh and Causeway (in case in Pavilion)
1973 Lord Hollenden moved to Devon & presented Batting & Bowling Cups to Club for presentation each year to players with most runs and wickets. Club tie (with old Oak tree) designed and produced by Colin Stevens. Fred Whibley said “what do you want that for – they know where you come from”. Haig sponsored Village K.O. produced film of Leigh v. High Halden.
1974 Tony Brooker elected President. First club Tour of Devon (arranged by Colin Fry)
1975 Second Tour of Devon (arranged by Colin Fry). Paul Roskilly captained Junior X1 who won 12 out of the13 matches played. Kevin Watts and Nick Waite attended course and matches at Edgbaston Cricket ground. Second hand Aveling Barford 1 ton 17 cwt. Diesel Road Roller purchase.
1976 Drought Summer Matting wicket purchased and used from August onwards to avoid cancellations as Green cracked. Third Tour of Devon unbeaten (arranged by Colin Fry)
1977 Lord Hollenden (Geoffrey Hope-Morley) died (former President 1926 to 1974) Visit of Cape College X1 (South Africa) v. Leigh. John Inverarity (Australian Test player played in matches for Leigh CC. 1976 and 1977 – made century v Chiddingstone and took hat trick v Heffle Cuckoos. Silver Jubilee Cheese and Wine Celebration. Dance Village Green Stompers (John Knock on trombone and Dudley Hurrell on drums)
1979 Entered League Cricket (Lillywhite Frowd West.Kent Village League) First X1 Saturday only. Visits to Ongar (Phil Page) 1st X1 and Grittleton (Wilts) (Les Elton (2nd X1) (weekend away)
1980 Further visits to Ongar & Grittleten. John Batchelor captain of Sunday X1 lost only 1 (Chatham Nomads) out of 15 matches.
1981 Sir Colin Cowdrey coached Juniors on Green and hosted Social Evenings Bat & Ball. Trevor Beach scored junior century in 16 overs match v Stonewall Park on Leigh Green 21st July. Fund raising – Clive Harding sponsored Walk Hastings to Tonbridge.
1982 Paul Wood hit 116 no. in 11 overs v. Paddock Wood (H) in Courier K.O.
1983 Horse Chestnut Tree by school blew over in gale during Junior Single Wicket competition. Mark Stevens ran in London Marathon. Fiona Wratten & Juliet Houghton played in Junior X1
1984 Reached Quarter Final of National Village K.O. losing to Hursley Park (A) Hants) after Colin Fry had taken 3 wickets with them on 9 facing 154. Coach trip for match followed earlier one to Cople (Bedford) and beating Crockham Hill in Kent Final on Leigh Green. (Ted Houghton Captain) Geoff Sargent, Dick Jones and John Knock played on Plaxtol C.C.’s tour of Denmark as members of party.
1985 Tony Brooker (President) Died. Visit of Kolding C.C. from Denmark (lost) Fiona Wratten won Junior Single Wicket Competition. Match in aid of the Village Halls Restoration Fund (now taken over by the Parish Council) v Kent 2nd X1 raised £900.00 (21st July)
1986 Eric Batchelor elected President. Memorial Pavilion seat (Tony Brooker) Fiona Wratton played for Kent Ladies and Girls X1’s.
1987 Entered Greensand League (Inter Village- evenings-15 overs) Runners up to Eridge at Fordcombe (John Knock Captain) Also lost in Courier KO Final. “Hurrican” Tree damage on the Green.
1988 Runners up in Greensand to Fordcombe at Eridge, Andrew Houghton AKCC District X1 Junior Captain. Tony Sadler completed 10 years help with Jnr X1
1989 Ray Grayland appointed groundsman. Andrew Houghton (Capt.) and Darren Flint in AKCC Dist Junior X1. All night sponsored snooker at Causeway Village Hall (fund raising) Steve &Darren Flint, Tony Inkpen, Ian Hawkins, John Knock.
1990 Entered Kent Co Village League in place of the West Kent League to maintain contact with local village clubs. Balcony Clock presented by family in memory of Fred Whibley. Balcony paved etc cost £1064.00 (Parish Council Grant £500.00)
1992 Leigh School Team in Finals at Ide Hill. Jim Fitzjohn’s ashes spread on the cricket square.
1993 Daisy Batchelor’s cricket teas featured on Carlton T.V. Visit of Hong Kong C.C (Australia) (Lost). Junior X1 played in Bidborough Centenary Cricket Week. 8 Second X1 players “lost” on way to Rainham!
1994 Second X1 entered Kent County Village League. Club withdrew from Courier K.O competition.
1995 Won Greensand League (Captains Steve & Darren Flint) Pavilion Roof re-felted £1589.00. (help by Leigh Parish Council. Grant) Book “50 Years of Cricket on the Green 1943/52 (written by John Knock)
1996 Won Greensand League (Captains Steve and Darren Flint)
1997 Won Greensand League League (3rd year) (Captains Steve & Darren Flint) Visit of ICFR Australia (Rotary) X1. 25th June – Rained off but lunch etc. in Bat & Ball. Roger Sykes on the Kent Over 50 X1 tour to Barbados. Ball hit in match into hole at foot of Oak on Green.
1998 Inauguration junior matches: “Test Match Cup” v Chiddingstone Causeway (9th August) and David Stevens Memorial Cup v Bidborough Juniors – each to be annual. Bees swarmed on seat on Green. Match preparation interrupted!
1999 Kwik-Cricket coaching started for the Under 11’s (plastic safety equipment) Nigel Shaw’s book published in October. ‘From the 1700’s to the Present Day’
2000 Millennium Cricket Week held on the Green including matches against Club Cricket Conference and the Club’s 1984 National Knockout X1.
2001 Visits by touring teams – Australian Rotarian X1 )manager Gordon Fenwick – ex-Leigh and Chiddingstone Cricket clubs) and Royal Brussels X1 (organised by Nigel Shaw)
LEIGH CRICKET CLUB JUNIORS
Excerpts recorded by John Knock from Club Annual Reports
1971 – 2002
Junior teams are recorded back to 1897 when the late Mr Gordon Goodwin recalled walking across Penshurst Park to play for Leigh there. Harry Lewis ran teams in the 1950’s and in the 1960’s Eric Batchelor organised matches against Penshurst Park and John Knock against Chiddingstone Causeway, on a ‘home and away’ basis. In 1970 saw a ‘one-off’ match v Fordcombe. This is a log of what followed:-
1971 – The Junior side had an excellent record with 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 lost. Bowling and fielding were very good all-round, and Martin Topliss held the batting together with 262 runs, including two fifties, in 8 innings. Colin Fry made a keen and able skipper, and adult members and parents helped to make the games a success. We plan, with Chiddingstone Causeway, Penshurst Park, Fordcombe and Groombridge, to make these games home and away fixtures each year.
1972 – Played 8, won 1, lost 7, – mostly against slightly older players, and performed well with tidy fielding and bowling, having Mervyn Barnes as an able skipper.
1973 – Extended to 14 matches, 6 won, 8 lost, including five results coming in the last over. Mervyn Barnes totalled 153 runs and Trevor Martin 152 runs whilst the highest score was made by Paul Roskilly with 56 runs v T.W.Y.M.C.A. Stephen Young headed the bowling with 14 wickets at 10.7 each. In the first Junior Single Wicket Competition Stephen Young beat Martin Watts in the final, Kevin Watts making some brave stops from his brother’s shots. The losing semi-finalists were Paul Roskilly and Paul Beater. An Under-13s team was entered in a National competition, losing to Holmewood House. Lords Taverners generously provided a 75% Grant towards junior equipment.
Special catches – Brian Marin, Steve Holden, Terry Hallett, Kevin Jenner.
1974 – Played 9, won 4, lost 5. Paul Roskilly scored a fine 60 runs at Fordcombe and scored 168 total runs during the season. Stephen Young headed the bowling with 12 wickets for 101 runs. Junior Single Wicket won by Paul Roskilly. Brian Martin was runner up and claimed five catches during the day.
1975 – The juniors had their most successful season of the last five year, winning 12 of the 13 Under-18s matches, with Paul Roskilly at the helm as skipper, and leading the scoring with 362 runs (including two fifties). Against Penshurst Park he shared an opening stand of 104 runs with Mac McKeown who also had a fine season, scoring 311 runs (including three fifties) and leading the bowling with 22 wickets. Stephen Young’s 17 wickets and Kevin Watts’12 each included ‘hat tricks’ against Knotley Hall and Four Elms respectively. Colin Pullen hit a tremendous six over Stonewall Park’s pavilion. Three games for the Under-17s, two Under-16s, and the Under-13s AKCC fixture all ended in defeat but provided valuable introductions for young players. The Junior Single Wicket Competition was won by Paul Roskilly with Stephen Young runner-up. Nicholas Waite and Kevin Watts spent a memorable week in Edgbaston as members of the T.W.Y.M.C.A. Under-13s side which came fourth in the National Finals.
1976 – Played 16, won 6, lost 10. Nick Waite had an excellent season, scoring 241 runs and taking a ‘hat trick’ in his 6 wickets for 9 runs at Four Elms. In the Single Wicket Completion Nick defeated Kevin Watts. Against Penshurst Park Nick (64 runs not out) and Kevin (28 runs) put on 97 runs for the third wicket. Stephen Holden captained the side and led the bowling with 23 wickets – Nick Waite 22, Colin Pullen 21. An Under-13s XI lost to Tonbridge YMCA in the AKCC Competition, despite a fine 20 runs not out from Stephen Broad. New bats have been purchased with the aid of a K.E.C. Grant.
1977 – Played 10, won 3, lost 6 and tied the opening match with Bidborough. Only one wicket fell in the match against Fordcombe, who scored 101 runs for the loss of no wickets, only to be beaten by our lads with 102 runs loosing just the 1 wicket. Nick Waite captained the side and scored 163 runs, Stephen Quigley 111 runs and Kevin Watts 107 runs. Nick and Kevin again put on 97 runs against Penshurst Park. David Holden acted as Vice- Captain and led the bowling with 14 wickets. John Batchelor and Bryan Waite kindly acted as umpires.
1978 – Played 7, won 6. Simon Routh scored 160 runs (average 80.0) in six innings. Nigel Batty and Kevin Watts put on 88 runs for the first wicket against Ramblers. Kevin was the most successful bowler with 9 wickets and captained the side. The Junior Single Wicket Competition was won by Mark Wilkins who beat David Holden in the Final. Ted Houghton gave valuable assistance in coaching.
1979 – Played 11, won 6, lost 5. Kevin Watts captained the team, scored 111 runs and took 11 wickets. Simon Routh made a total of 233 runs, Trevor Beach took 18 wickets. Mark Wilkins again won the Junior Single Wicket competition, beating Tom Connolly in the final. Simon Routh and Ross Sadler reached the semi-finals. Tony Sadler and John Knock attended the AKCC Coaches Courses.
The ‘Andrew Whibley Memorial Trophy’ was first awarded to ‘ The most promising young cricketer’ in the Club in 1979, in memory of Andrew, the keenest and liveliest of young cricketers himself in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s who tragically died in an accident in South Africa in 1978 (a year after visiting Leigh and ferrying some stranded juniors and their organiser back from a match at Fordcombe). It is a non-competitive award) It is awarded to players in the Senior part of the Club, but future records will indicate that it has been awarded in fact to ‘ex-juniors’: – starting with Nigel Batty in 1979.
1980 – Played 10, won 5, lost 4, 1 match abandoned in bad light. In a wet season three games were cancelled and another two played with a rule prohibiting runs and fielders on the ‘cricket square’ to avoid damage. Simon Routh captained the side and scored 144 runs in six innings. Trevor Beach made a total of 166 runs and led the bowling with 11 wickets. Mark Wilkins hit three sixes scoring 40 runs at Ide Hill, and Shaun Stolton slogged some inimitable fours. Mark won the Junior Single Wicket Final for the third year, beating Alistair Court. Thirteen juniors were presented with Certificates and badges by our President Tony Brooker, on passing the first test of the N.C.A. coaching scheme organised by Tony Sadler and John Knock.
1981 – Played 7, won 3, lost 4. The first (and only!) century in this series was scored by Trevor Beach who hit 108 runs not out against Stonewall Park on 21st July. Two Under-13s matches took place against a new Chiddingstone Causeway side, giving the younger lads (and one young lady – Juliet Houghton) a chance to play. A very young Stephen and even younger Darren Flint were in the Chiddingstone Causeway side. Trevor Beach beat James Court in the Junior Single Wicket Final. We were honoured by a visit by Colin Cowdrey: he gave coaching to our boys in the nets for two hours.
1982 – Played 11, won 5, lost 5, drew 1. Ian Davis skippered well, scored a total of 171 runs and took 16 wickets. Jon Bourne totalled 135 runs including fifties at Four Elms and Southborough, where he and Ian put on 104 runs in an unbeaten first wicket stand, all followed by a liberal consumption by all of celebratory chips! Nick Slater was the leading wicket taker with 17 wickets. In the Junior Single Wicket final Alistair Court beat Sean Wilkins: earlier in the day a young Andrew Miles brought off a memorable slip catch. Andrew Whibley Junior, over from South Africa, took part in matches and delighted his grandparents with a four ‘all along the ground’. Danieli’s annual visit from Italy culminated in a last minute selection for the match at Southborough where he was relieved to be 0 not out!
1983 – Played 12, won 6, lost 5 with 1 abandoned in a thunderstorm. Sean Wilkins skippered the side, scoring a total of 205 runs, and opened the season with two ‘hat-tricks’ in successive weeks against Ide Hill and Stonewall Park. Ross Saddler totalled 174 runs, including 63 runs v Bidborough, and Dominc Boulle scored 124 runs, including 63runs v Ramblers. Sean Wilkins 14 wickets led the bowling figures. Young Tim Lee from Norfolk and “Danieli” from Italy made welcome guest appearances. In a gale-struck Junior Single Wicket competition on 2nd September Jon Bourne beat 11 year old Robert “Nobby” Slater in the Final. Losing semi-finalists were Sean Wilkins and Ross Sadler. Near the end of play the surviving horse chestnut tree by the school crashed to the ground, blown over by the wind. Two girls, Juliet Houghton and Fiona Wratten, played in matches and practices.
1984 – Played 11, won 9, lost 3, a rewarding season for skipper Sean Wilkins and also Vice-Captain Jon Bourne, who topped the batting with 361 runs including a top score of 82 runs v Ramblers. Andrew Houghton totalled 189 runs and Ross Sadler 141 runs. Paul Kenway brought the match at Hadlow to an abrupt conclusion with 4 wickets in five balls including a ‘hat-trick’, and led the bowling with 16 wickets. In the Junior Single Wicket Competition Jon Bourne beat Matthew Wright.
1985 – Played 9, won 6, lost 3, ably led by Ross Sadler. Andrew Houghton led the batting with 171 runs and the bowling with 12 wickets. Fiona Wratten became the first young lady to win the Junior Single Wicket competition by beating Andrew in the Final. She hopes to have a trial for the England Under-19s side in 1986.
1986 – Played 13, won 10. The team led ably and happily by Andrew Houghton had an excellent season. Andrew scored a total of 354 runs including 74 runs and 70 runs against Ramblers and a gritty 64 runs against Edenbridge. Richard Ansell totalled 268 runs, including a fine 77 runs at Hadlow, 56 runs against Stonewall Park and 50 runs against Edenbridge. Further half centuries were scored by Richard Thompson who made 77 runs against Ramblers, and Matthew Wright, made 57 runs against Tunbridge Wells Under-13s. Ben Love led the bowling led the bowling with 9 wickets. Andrew Houghton and Paul Kenway put on 108 runs for the first wicket against Edenbridge, Paul and Richard Ansell 104 runs, also for the first wicket against Stonewall Park, and Andrew and Richard Thompson similarly put on 140 runs against Ramblers. At one time a total of 342 runs were scored over four games before we lost a wicket. Andrew Houghton beat Richard Ansell in the Final of the Junior Single Wicket Competition, with Andrew Miles and Richard Thompson reaching the Semi-finals. Fiona Wratten was selected to play for Kent Ladies and Kent Girls’ elevens.
1987 – Played 10, won 8, lost 2. Andrew Houghton again skippered the side with keenness and humour, and topped the batting with 236 runs, scoring three fifties including 71 runs against Stonewall Park and a fine 55 runs against Bidborough. Richard Thompson scored 63 runs in sharing a first wicket stand of 144 runs with Andrew against Stonewall Park, and hit 79 runs v Otford. Matthew Wright on a welcome visit from his new home Wrexham hit 64 runs against Four Elms. Ben Love led some well shared out bowling with ten wickets. In the Junior Single Wicket Competition Andrew Houghton beat Tim Bentley in the final. Fiona Wratten scored her first fifty for Kent Girls Eleven.
1988 – Played 8, won 3, lost 5 with a much younger side from last year. Ben Love ably skippered the side. The highlight of the season was a ten wicket win over Bidborough, with Tim Bentley unbeaten on 55 runs and Darren Flint on 53 runs. Darren also scored 55 runs against Four Elms, and totalled 220 runs, while Tim took three wickets in the first over at Otford. Darren won the Junior Single Wicket Competition: beating a plucky young Daniel Rogers in the Final. Andrew Houghton captained the A.K.C.C. District Under-19s eleven, and won a trophy for the best Junior in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells District. Young Marc Wood played a number of games for Kent Under-11s. Tony Sadler completed ten years of coaching our juniors and assisting with matches and Sunday morning practices, invaluable and constant help.
1989 – Another good season: played 12, won 8, lost 4, and tying the match against Otford. Darren Flint skippered the side with enthusiasm and conviction, on and off the field, and was ably backed by Ian Hawkins Vice-Captain. In six innings Darren scored 428 runs (average 214!) , including 73 runs not out v Stonewall Park, 98 runs not out v Otford 84 runs not out v Bidborough, and 87 runs not out in a first wicket partnership of 147 runs with Ian McCullough against Four Elms. Stephen Mills took a ‘hat-trick’ against Four Elms. Darren also won the Junior Single Wicket Competition beating eleven year old Marc Wood in the final, losing semi-finalists were Steven Hawkins and another eleven year old, Damien Henderson. Andrew Houghton and Darren Flint played in the A.K.C.C. District X1 (Andrew as captain), and Marc Wood played in representative Kent County Under-11s matches.
1990 – Played 14, won 7, lost 6, with a match at Four Elms abandoned in poor light. Daniel Love , Steven Hawkins and Marc Wood captained at different age levels. Steven led the batting with 234 runs including 61 runs not out versus Four Elms and 58 runs versus Otford. Michael Silk took four wickets for six runs at Halstead. Our Under-13s team narrowly failed to score enough runs in the last over at Linden Park, our youngest player, Little Richard Goffe took part in this. In the Junior Single Wicket final William Greystone beat Nathan Argent with Michael Silk and twelve year old Mark Shadwell losing semi-finalists.
1991 – Played 11, won 5, lost 5, and had 1 match at Hadlow abandoned in a thunderstorm. Matt Topliss scored his first fifty against Hildenborough. Steven Hawkins captained the side, Damien Henderson took a spectacular overhead catch at Halstead. Mark Shadwell also took a remarkable catch in the Junior Single Wicket Competition, where Steven Hawkins beat Jason Lee in the final; Marc Wood and Nathan Argent were the losing semi-finalists.
1992 – Played 13, won7, lost 6. William Graystone captained the Under-17s and Luke Grayland the Under-11s. Marc Wood led the batting with 163 runs from four innings, including 76 runs against Four Elms and 65runs against Hildenborough, putting on 110 runs for the second wicket with Toby Ball. James Mc Dougall scored 52 runs not out against Stonewall Park and Jason Lee was awarded a tie for his first ‘hat-trick’ against Hadlow. A number of the youngest players were in the Leigh school team which reached the finals of the Inter Schools competition at Ide Hill on the 8th of July, and then played for the junior club eleven in the evening against Tonbridge Printers, a great effort and a long day.
1993 – Played 12, won 5, lost 7. Marc Wood, Damien Henderson and Luke Grayland captained at different age levels. Jason Lee (60 runs not out) and Marc Wood (52 runs not out) put on a 119 runs for the first wicket against Stonewall Park. Richard Goffe took 5 catches against Penshurst Park and shared a brave last wicket partnership with Ian Furneaux against Linden Park Under-13s. On 20th June we played at Bidborough as part of their Club Centenary Week and played a strong Under-16s District side on August Bank Holiday. Darren and Steve Flint organised the senior age group teams.
1994 – Played 13, won 5, lost 8. Damien Henderson, Ben Harding and Luke Grayland captained at different age levels. Totals for the season of 100 runs or more were achieved by David Furneaux, James Baker and Christopher Foster, who hit a memorable six at Tonbridge Printers. Miles Peckham- Cooper made top score of 45 runs and led the wickets taken. Sean Willis, who took 3 wickets for 1 run against Tonbridge Printers (pity we lost!). The end of the match at Hadlow saw a quite dramatic landing on the ground by a hot air balloon. Darren and Steve Flint again organised the Under-15s and Under-16s matches.
1995 – Played 6, won 1, lost 5. Top scorers were skipper Ben Harding and Adam Peckham-Cooper, who each exceeded over a 100 runs in the season, and shared a second wicket partnership of 85 runs v Bidborough. Darren Flint arranged the fixtures, Ben Harding the team, looked after by father Clive, while Peter Willis supervised Sunday morning practices.
1996 – Played 10, won 2, lost 7 and had the last match abandoned in a rainstorm. At Penshurst Park we lost off the last ball, needing a six to win. Luke Grayland, Danny Newberry and Duncan Ottaway captained at various age levels. Sean Willis totalled 102 runs and was among the leading wicket takers. In all 22 boys and 1 girl, Emma Stolton, played.
1997 – Played 14, won 2, lost 12. The teams this year included a lot of new young players, including eleven still at Primary School. Ian Bishop scored most runs, 216 including 62 runs not out v Bidborough and 60 runs not out. v Tonbridge Printers. Christopher Foster scored 59 runs not out v Penshurt Park. Luke Grayland, Ian Furneaux and Owen Woodgate also made good scores.
Duncan Ottaway led the bowling with 12 wickets, just ahead of Ian Bishop and Sean Willis. Danny Newberry travelled over from Edenbridge and bowled well, and young Matthew Glenny reaped success with well flighted leg breaks. Both Ian’s, Duncan and Owen aided by Ben Swallow and Daniel Cooper, captained at various age levels from Under-16s to Under-12s. In all 28 boys played. An end of season presentation was made to John Knock on his completing 26 years of running Junior Cricket at Leigh.
1998 Under-14s played 9, won 0. The captain, Ian Bishop, led the batting with a total of 166 runs, including half-centuries against Bidborough and Penshurst Park. Matthew Glenny totalled 97 runs and Ben Swallow 63runs; these two also led the bowling. Matt with 7 wickets and Ben, with young Adam Reeves, both taking 6 wickets. Jamie Kelman kept wicket and batted well, and ten year old Frankie Baker hit three fours at Penshurst. Although we were unable to win any of these nine games played the matches provided useful experience for 19 boys. Ian Bishop and Matt Glenny have been invited to Kent coaching courses, and Sam Pullen was the Kent mascot at the Nevill County Cricket Ground. In the David Stevens memorial shield at Bidborough on the 5th July we just lost. Bidborough 138 for 3, Leigh 135 for 3 (Ian Bishop 67 runs, Matt Glenny 33 runs) Vic Clark took over from John Knock coaching on Sunday mornings, Brian Ball and Roger Sykes umpired, John Knock acted as scorer.
1999 – Under-13s Played 10, lost 9, and with much spirit won an exciting final game against Halstead on the Green, with four run outs while in the field and runs from skipper Matthew Glenny, Robert Cormack, and Terry Clements. Sam Pullen scored a total of 137 runs and Matthew Glenny a total of 130 runs, including his first fifty against Penshurst Park. Eleven-year-old Frankie Baker led the bowling with 10 wickets. The David Stevens Memorial Shield was retained by Bidborough, despite a fine 33runs by Sam Pullen. Sunday mornings on the Green saw the introduction of “Kwik-Cricket” practices for under 11’s which proved very popular, pioneered by Ian Harris and Phil Wynn-Owen. NCA certificates were awarded for acquired skills. The Leigh Primary School Kwik-Cricket team, captained by Frankie Baker, reached the Area Finals in Sevenoaks after preliminary rounds at Edenbridge.
2000 – Tri-Centenary Year. Played 13, won 4, lost 9, a busy and improved season. The first all day ‘Test Match’ on the Green produced a Cup win for Penshurst Park after skipper Matt Glenny (54 runs not out) and Frankie Baker (33 runs not out) had put on 89 runs for the third wicket in Leigh’s first innings. We won the David Stevens Memorial Shield for the first time, on the Green against Bidborough as part of our Tri-Centenary Cricket Week; Edward Kevis scoring 53 runs n.o. and sharing fifty partnerships with Jamie Kelman and Robert Cormack. Edward also made 54 runs n.o. in a half century partnership with Matt in a win against Cowdrey, and Frankie scored a captain’s innings of 29 runs n.o. in a fifty stand with Tom Bellward to win the last match of the season against Four Elms Under-13s. As part of their Millennium Celebrations, Penshurst Park staged a ‘quadrangular’ all day cricket tournament with invitations to Leigh, Bidborough and Stonewall Park, with the home side winning the ‘Herbert Hunter Plate’ just before our old friend Herbert passed on, it is hoped this will become an annual event.
Jamie Kelman led the season’s batting with 138 runs including 46 runs n.o. against Plaxtol, with Matt Glenny on 119 runs, Edward Kevis on 118 runs, and Frankie Baker on 105 runs. Adam Reeves led the bowling with 11 wickets. In all 20 boys and 1 girl played.
Kwik Cricket – 23 boys and 8 girls took part in two age groups from 5 to 11. 22 passed their Silver Award tests, with six-year-old Jonathan Kinsey scoring maximum points, the only child to do so. Two kit bags have been purchased.
2001 – Played 12, won 6, lost 6. The season ended with an exciting 30 over Sunday match on the Green against Cowdrey who won off the last ball of the 28th over with nine wickets down, chasing Leigh’s total of 135 for 5, including a half-century stand between Jamie Kelman (39 runs) and Matt Glenny (21 runs).
The Under-14s retained the David Stevens Memorial Shield with a win over Bidborough which included a first wicket partnership of 122 runs between Warren Evans (51 runs n.o. retired) and Matt Glenny (50 runs n.o. retired) and a Bidborough hat-trick by E. Taylor. The Under-15s were unable to win the ’all-day Test Match’ against Penshurst Park, losing by an innings. We again took part in the ‘Herbert Hunter Plate’, finishing 4th.
During the season Robert Cormack, Adam Reeves and Frankie Baker all shared in half century partnerships, and Robert (v Brasted), Matt and Warren (v Bidborough), and Jamie Kelman (v Penshurst) all scored fifties, Warren Evans scored most runs, 134, followed by Robert Cormack with 126 runs and Jamie Kelman with 122 runs. Adam Reeves led the bowling with 8 wickets. Robert led the Under-15s with enthusiasm as did Matt and Frankie with the Under-14s. In all 26 boys and 1 girl played.
2002 – The Junior Under- 15s and Under-14s played 13, won 1, lost 10, and had two games abandoned due to rain. After losing six of last season’s juniors, now over the age limit, the side had to rebuild. It was a season of mixed emotions, Frankie Baker led the side with enthusiasm, but results should improve next year. We lost to Bidborough in the David Stevens Shield and to a very strong Penshurst Park XI in the ‘Test Match’, but our win against Four Elms at home was memorable and most exciting, with our opponents unable to get a single to draw (or two to win) from the last ball. Frankie Baker won the toss and elected to bat first and made a strong 59 runs not out (his maiden fifty). Leigh went on to make their best score of the season of 119 for 4. A boy from Four Elms also hit his maiden fifty, caught on the last over by Baker by this time Four Elms were 118 for 9, then the pressure was on, Ed Allward bowling the last over needing just a single run from it, but then bowled the last wicket and Four Elms ended up all out for 118 and Leigh winning by just the 1 run. Also this season Freddy Scott made a good 43 runs (away at Four Elms). Frankie led the seasons batting with 152 runs. Will Martin and Ed Cattley led the bowling with 8 wickets each, with Jamie McCarthy on 6. In all 16 boys and 1 girl played, including two at Leigh Primary School.
One extra Under-12s match, with an “Incrediball”, was played on the Green against a Hildenborough XI, captained by Matthew Watts and including his cousins Benjamin and Samuel, all Colin and Janet’s grandsons, who won a close game amidst much excitement.
Our thanks are again due to Vic Clark for his dedicated coaching and umpiring, also to Brian Ball for assistance with umpiring to parents for help with transport and ‘Test Match’ refreshments, and to Ray Grayland for preparing wickets. I (John Knock) again scored, arranged fixtures and selected teams.
LEIGH CRICKET CLUB
The Andrew Whibley Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the club member adjudged to be ‘the most promising young cricketer’(A non-competitive award)
Presented to the Club (with approval of his parents) following the tragic death of Andrew in 1978 by friends: Len Smith, Tony Sadler, Jim Mawtus, Mike Ludlow, Peter Gow, John Knock, Richard Jones, Tony Brooker, John Batchelor.
Awarded to (initially nominees by Clubs Trustees then Committee)
1979 Nigel Batty
1980 Mark Beater
1981 Nicholas Waite
1982 Clive Gordine
1983 Dominic Boule
1984 Jonathan Bourne
1985 Andrew Houghton
1986 Richard Ansell
1987 Shaun Stolton
1988 Timothy Bentley
1989 Andrew Miles
1990 Stephen Flint
1991 Darren Flint
1992 Darren Flint
1993 Mathew Topliss
1994 Marc Wood
1995 Jeremy West
1996 Marc Wood
1997 Luke Grayland
1998 Ian Bishop
1999 Ian Bishop
2000 Luke Grayland
2001 David Hollands
2002 Ian Bishop
2003 Adam Reeves
2004 William Martin
2005 David Hollands
2006 Anthony Mills
2007 Benjamin Watts
2008 Mark Hollands
2009 Sam Stolton
2010 Michael Mason
2011 Marcus Parfitt
2012 Steven Hawkins
2013 Michael Scott
2014 Johnny Hanson
2015 Adam Hunt
2016 not awarded
2017 not awarded
2018 not awarded
2019 not awarded
(Information added to website August 2020)