The Cricket Club
From Lacey Green History
click Organisations for other organisations
click The Sports Club for list of articles about the club.
The Cricket Club is a section of The Sports Club of Lacey Green and Loosley Row.
click 1903 Cricket Club Concert for details
click 1931 Cricket 2nd 11 Win Cup for article and photo.
In 1949 Mrs Bateman bought the Sports Field, which was at that time being rented from Stocken Farm. She then gave it to theSports Club on a long lease with a peppercorn rent. The Official Presentation of the Ground took place on 30th July 1949, following a match against Great Hampden. Lacey Green are standing on the right in the photo on the right. They are from l-r. Frank Chilton (head just showing), Les Rixon, Stan Rixon, Alf Stevens, Hobbs Oakford, Ted Biggs, Frank Baker, ? , Arch Rixon, none others named except Tony Adams (spectator) second from right.
Identification on all photos throughout by Edwin Williams and Brian Kirby in 2024. Grateful thanks to them both.
1960 Bucks Free Press report. Lacey Green were admitted to the Wycombe Cricket Leage in 1907. One of the probable founders of the club, was John Saunders. the first captain, a fine all-rounder and captain for more than twenty years. Long serving members were Cecil Dell, Sam Harvey, Fred Darvill the wicket keeper and good batsman and fast bowler Jim Baker to name but a few. In 1911 a young Will 'Bill' Saunders, son of John Saunders made his debut.
After WW2 Fred Brooks and 'Nibby' Rixon were available. Fred was wicket keeper for well over 20 years, while 'Nibby skippered the team for more than 20 years. In 1924 - a vintage year - Albert Janes a styish batsman was picked for the league side and 'Nibby' Rixon took all ten wickets in a match against Welsbourne.
From 1935 Lacey Green were proud members of Division One. They have never won the league but in 1954 lost a play-off for the title against Great Kingshill.
Frank Chilton was in the championhip winning side in 1935. Frank gave more than 30 years service to the club and only two years ago at the age of 56 hit a magnificent centuy for the reserve side. Lacey Green's most prolific batsman ever Leslie Rixon is stll going strong. Leslie who first played for the club in 1947 has headed the batting averages nine times and has been second four times. He scored Lacey Green's second only century in 1952 and represented the league on two occasions.
1910. Bucks Free Press report. Lacey Green Cricket Club won the Division 1 championship in the High Wycombe League in 1906,1907,1908,1909. They were runners -up in 1910. See photo of the 1910 team below right.
click The Cricket Club for articles and photos about the Cricket Club
click The Sports Club for list of articles abut the club
Researcher Miles Marshall sent the following to the Midweek Free Press in 1982 regarding the Lacey Green Cricket Club in 1931:-
"I understand Lacey Green has usually had quite a strong cricket club and in the thirties it seems that even the second eleven brought home a League Cup".
The occasion for the photograph was the Second Eleven's winning Division VI, High Wycombe and District League.
From left to right they are:
(standing) Charlie Borman, George Oakford, Alf Stevens, Rolly Lacey, Harry Church, Harry Parslow and Fred Oakford
(seated) Les Ginger, Tom Oakford, Mr Carter (of Grymsdyke), Bill Adams, and Arthur Williams
(forefront) Fred Ginger and Leonard Oakford
"Some of this team have now passed on, notably Councillor Harry Church, fifth in the back row, who worked tirelessly in village affairs and local politics, but many are still going strong and all of them must be well known to older residents"
For more about Mr Carter click Grymsdyke
For more about Alf Stevens click Alfred & Connie Stevens
For more about Rolly Lacey click Rolly & Gladys Lacey
For more about Harry Church click Harry Church
For more about Arthur Williams click Arthur & Lilian Williams
For more about Harry Parslow click Harry and "Pop" Parslow
For more about Fred Ginger click Fred & Madge Ginger
For more about Thomas, George, Fred and Leonard Oakford click Robert & Sarah Oakford
Hallmark reports below for July 1978, June '82, Oct '82 and 2008.
Hallmark July 1978. report by David Sanders. This year's cricket season has now passed the half-way stage and it leaves behind it mixed successes. In the Mid-Bucks League, both teams are in the middle order of their tables, neither showing enough consistency to stake claims for the championship. It was a similar story in the Knock-out Cup as well, the 1st team losing to Prestwood in a closely fought game. Prestwood batted first, scoring 114 runs. In reply we also scored 114, but the last batsman was run out off the last ball. The Reserve team, you may remember, set out as defending champions, but alas they too were defeated in the first round by Great Kingshill.
Our biggest success this season has come in the National Village Knock-out Tournament, no longer sponsored by Haig Whisky. Our run of success began back in May when we defeated Hampden in the second round, having gained a bye in the first. Many thought that our run would finish at this stage, as our team was well supported with reserve players. In the third round we visited Oakley, and after a delayed start for rain, amassed over 200 runs, this target being far too high for our opposition. The fourth round brought us back to Lacey Green where our opponents were Stewkley Vicarage, and once again, batting first, the Green amassed too many runs for the opposition. This was due mainly to a fine batting performance by Terry Kelloway who scored 106 not out and for his efforts won a bat and ball from the Daily Mirror. The next match was the Area Final and this time our opponents were Bledlow. Played at Bledlow in warm sunshine, all looked well as the Green batted first and amassed over 100 runs for a first wicket stand between Terry Kelloway, who eventually scored 89, and Les Rixon; the final total being 167 for 8 wickets. A good all-round display of fielding and bowling was enough to give Lacey Green victory and make them the county champions.
Defeat eventually came at the hands of a team from Essex, Havering-Atte-Bower. Played at Lacey Green, we only scored 111 runs, and this after such a good start of 46 for the first wicket. But Havering had to fight to win and looked in danger of being defeated when they were about 50 for 5 wickets; only a fine innings by one batsman saving the day.
It was a pity to lose but a great achievement to get to the last 32 teams in the country, and everyone is looking forward to next season's tournament, when perhaps a new sponsor may have been found. The Lacey Green Colts Team is also having a fine season, and with only two games to go they are top of the league, and undefeated, a great tribute to the boys and those who give up their Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings to coach them. Their promise and enthusiasm is already showing, as many of them now play on Saturdays for the Reserve team.
Hallmark April 1979. Good News by District Councillor Geoffrey Spear. In response to our application, the District Council Finance Committee has agreed a donation (from lottery profits) of £500 to Lacey Green Sports Club
Hallmark June 1982. Our cricket season got off to a bad start with us being unable to field a 2nd Xl for the first game. This was due to a large percentage of our players having prior commitments playing football and rugby. The Same problem arose in the 1st round of the Whitbred Village K.O. Competition when we had to forfeit the game to Gt, Kingshill, in our first three matches both teams failed to win or even draw. Fortunes changed in the fourth games however, when the 2nd XI won convincingly against Holmer Green and the 1st Xl got a very good start scoring 76 – 4 only to see a rainstorm put an abrupt end to the game.
The fighting Spirit is certainty back in the cricket club and it is good to see players like Gordon Turner, Mick Tilbury and Brian Kirby playing again. I should not forget of course the younger players like Steve Gilliland, John Grefton, Simon Williams and Rupert Hawthorne who are contributing a great deal and playing well,
Thanks to the efforts of Dave Sanders, We have been able to purchase a motorised roller, lt is exactly the king of machine the Sports Club were looking for and is in First class condition, Another bonus was the purchase of 2 tractor /mower to replace the ageing tractor and gang Mowers, This will also prove to be a great deal cheaper in running terms than using the old equipment.
Hallmark October 1982 John Stevens thanked all the people who had helped during the season - Annette Stokes for supplying the food for teas. Nigel Kelloway, Terry Kelloway and Ian Stokes for looking after the wicket. All the people who helped run the Colts Cricket team. And a special thank you to Charlie Currell for marking out the wicket and cleaning the club-room every week!
A super day of cricket and sport was brought about when the women challenged their men to a cricket match. The 'girls' won, said by some to have been aided and abetted by Charlie Currell's umpiring.
8In the photo above, front row l-r. Terry Kelloway, Geoff Baker, Mary Adams, Connie Baker, Connie Roe, Phyllis Dell, Marion Dell, Keith Roe. Middle Row l-r. Charlie Currell (umpire), Eric Boorman, Dianne Bradley, Jeanette Hickman, June Weale, Molly Hickman, Maggie Saunders, Cherry Hawthorn, Walt Lacey (umpire). Far back behind the ladies, Rees Wheale, Edwin Williams, Wyndham Bradley, Bill Hawthorn, Jack Dell, Frank Hickman, Bill Dell.
To discover more about them click Geoffrey & Penny Baker, Jack & Mary Adams, Fred & Connie Baker, Bill & Phyllis Dell, Jack & Marion Dell, Charlie & Mabel Currell, Eric & Jessie Boorman, Wyndham & Diane Bradley, Michael & Jeanette Perrin, Rees & June Wheale, Frank & Mollie Hickman, Cecil & Maggie Saunders
Hallmark October 1985. Extract from Sports Club report by John A Stevens
The Cricket Club Committee breathed a sigh of relief when Walt Lacey kindly offered to look after the cricket square. I sincerely -hope Walt receives. all the help he has been promised because it is very difficult to find people with the experience and the time to look after’ the sacred turf. I know’ many people think a cricket square is just another piece of grass', but they should try facing medium/fast bowling on a badly prepared wicket - a cricket ball is very hard, and it hurts: This. is why it is vitally important to have someone who will take on the responsibility of looking after the square; it can make the difference between someone being badly injured. Thanks must go to the many who helped the season run smoothly especially to Walt Lacey for looking after the square and umpiring, Charlie Currell for marking out, Doug Parslow and Gordon Turner for umpiring and Charlie Stevens and Simon Turner for scoring. A special mention too for Jackie Kelloway and Pam Dell who have cleaned the club-room, bar and kitchen and re-arranged the furniture to make a welcome change.
For more about Charlie, Doug, Gordon,Charles and Pam click Charlie & Mabel Currell, Doug & Sue Parslow, Gordon & Kathleen Turner, Charles & Gladys Stevens, and Michael & Pam Dell
Hallmark May 1986. Report by John Stevens. At time of writing our cricket teams have played only one match each – both games. were draw. Another two fixtures have been completely washed out, let's hope we're not in repeat of last summers appalling weather – at least not on Saturdays.
Hallmark January1988. The AGM was held in December and the new committee are: Les Rixon, (Chairman) Dave Highgate (Secretary) and Chris Wizard (Treasurer). A new Premier Division has been created for the season but unfortunately we were not promoted to join the elite. We will just have to get there by future performances. The season starts in May so we expect to see you in the new nets in April.
Hallmark August 1988. Both teams made a reasonably good start to the season but of recent weeks the Firsts have struggled badly. The Second team is currently second in their division and are hopeful that if Lane End falter they will end the season as winners. The majority of games have been affected by the weather, some games being more akin to water polo than cricket.
Hallmark September 1991. Report by Ron Fisher. Each report upgrades the success of the previous one. Not in recent memory can our cricketers remember such a successful season. Not just content with taking the 1st Division title, the 1st XI openers – Terry Davies and Steve Hussey – took their creases at the wicket for the last match of the season and remained there for the entire Innings, notching up an incredible 243 runs. Mind you, centuries for this pair didn't come too hard - they slammed 461 between them during August alone! Lacey Green's final tally for the championship was 9 games won, 6 drawn and only one defeat. Congratulations to all
Hallmark July 1992. Letter to the Editor from Tim Brooker (captain) and all the cricket team of St.John's C.E. Combined School.
Dear Mr Janes,
We thought you might be interested to know that once again the Cricket Team and school are very grateful to the Lacey Green Cricket Club for letting us use their ground, pavilion and for preparing the square for our league games. The facilities are well liked by everone who used them and the result is that we won the league this year.
Hallmark 1992. Report by Ron Fisher. Phil Dell won the popular annual "Single Wicket" knockout competition by beating John Hedgland's score of 18.
Staying with the cricketers, the First are, as predicted, struggling in the Premier League. Dave Saunders tells me with 5 more matches to play it is touch and go whether they will improve their second from bottom position and avoid relegation. No such worries for the Reserves. Ian Clements team head the 3rd Division in their league. Congratulations also to the Colts who got to the semi-finals of their knockout cup beaten by Downley.
Hallmark 2008. report by Geoff Gomme. Not good enough. Not dedicated enough. Not consistent enough. That's my end of term report. Watching the 1st XI is like looking at a bunch of middle-aged dads playing cricket at the seaside with their children using a soft ball. Half the 1st XI would have been very lucky to get an occasional game in the 2nd Xls of the Wycombe League teams of 40 to 50 years ago.
Reserve teams like Booker, Hampden, Kingshill, Penn & Tylers Green and Naphill - and Lacey Green - would have given a good account of themselves in the present 1st Division - and probably in the Premier.
Having said that, there is talent there - it's just not being used as it could and should be. I know it's easy to sit at the side and criticise and, of course, we all made mistakes. The difference is, we learned from them. We had to with around twenty ex-players known at the time as The Critics remarking none too quietly on our performances!
The 2nd's I can excuse. They rarely know until they are on the field what team they will have - or even if they will have a full team. Even so, they are much more entertaining than the 1st to watch and do give of their very best.
If you want to turn up at the ground for a little light exercise and a few drinks afterwards, that's fair enough. But if you want to win anything you have to be dedicated. Not easy, I know when the team changes from week to week.
And that's a big part of the problem. Too many won't, or are unable, to make themselves available every week - and some of the more useful players among them.
I know there are more distractions and possibly responsibilities than fifty years ago when our week-end sport was the highlight of the week for us. I've never been forgiven for missing my sister's wedding to play cricket. (Well, I ask you, which was most important?)
This is not a personal attack on any individual player - they are all good lads. But, I do passionately want to see them do their very best - if not for the pride of Lacey Green, at least for their own pride.
Well, I've had my say - over to you lads. I would just like to add that there is no truth in the rumour that the letters of my surname stand for Grumpy Old Man Moaning Eternally
Hallmark May 2023. Reported at the main committee AGM. We would like to thank Christine Marshal for her many years of dedicated service to the Cricket Section as Secretary and Scorer
Hallmark August 2023. The Cricket Section also had a great start to the season and has two Saturday teams and now two Sunday sides too!
Hallmark November 2023. The 2023 cricket season at Lacey Green Cricket Club was a great success regardless that the warm weather had been lacking this summer. The history of the club is rooted in traditional men’s cricket and both of our teams performed admirably this year with the 1st XI finishing 4th and the 2nd XI finishing 6th in Mid Bucks Division 1 and 2.
The season was made special by our very own Nazakat Ali who was the 3rd highest run scorer in the league, amassing 483 runs from 12 innings and our opening right-arm fast bowler Sajid Ali who scalped 31 wickets, accomplishing 3rd position as the highest wicket-taker.
Over the years, the sheer passion of the club and experience has helped develop young people and their skills. The club has always had a clear vision to promote cricket in the local community with the aim to provide people from all backgrounds and ages the opportunity to play the sport they are passionate about by demonstrating our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through various plans and initiatives.
Lastly, we’d also like to take the opportunity to thank our club sponsor The Black Horse Lacey Green who've filled a variety of sponsor roles for numerous years. The support of all our sponsors is invaluable in maintaining our Lacey Green ground and keeping our club cricket sustainable and affordable for our members.
So, if you’re a local business who’s interested in becoming involved with our successful and vibrant community club then please do get in touch.
Hallmark May 2023. Reported at The Sports Club AGM. We would like to thank Christine Marshal for her many years of dedicated service to the Cricket Section as Secretary and Scorer. See photo in the middle below for photo with Christine.
Hallmark June 2024. Reported at The Sports Club AGM
So far we are having an exciting start to the year at the sports club. As I am writing, we have just played the first week of cricket to kick off the season. Unfortunately, the second team lost at home however we had a lovely day of sunshine and the bar was open so a couple of drinks were consumed! On the upside our first team won away at Bradenham.
As the cricket season gets underway if you are interested in getting involved, we are always looking for more players, scorers and spectators. Please check the website for more information. Our amazing volunteer grounds team have been hard at work getting the sports field back in shape after the long winter, with the mowers receiving some much needed maintenance too! Many hours of work goes into making the field ready and looking great for cricket and other summer activities.
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Hallmark December 2024. Lacey Green Cricket Club Celebrates a Season of Success and Growth
As the curtain falls on another cricket season, Lacey Green Cricket Club has plenty to celebrate. Both teams have finished strong in the league table but this year has been particularly successful due to the influx of young talent joining the club. The new recruits have not only brought youthful energy to the teams but have also reignited a passion for cricket among players of all ages. Watching these young athletes embrace the game, learn new skills, and bring a fresh perspective to the sport has been a joy for teammates and fans alike. Their excitement has been infectious, spreading a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose throughout the club.
Both teams finished strong in the table which is a significant milestone. Given the challenges of integrating a younger roster and the natural learning curve that comes with it, these results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the captains. It's no small feat to maintain competitive performance while fostering and developing young talent, and Lacey Green Cricket Club has struck a commendable balance this year.
To capitalise on this excitement, the club is considering launching coaching sessions for young cricket enthusiasts in the community. This initiative is still in the planning stages, but the aim is clear: to inspire the next generation of players and create opportunities for young people in Lacey Green and the surrounding area to learn the sport and develop their skills in a supportive environment. If there’s enough interest, these sessions will run during the summer and could become a pipeline for young talent to join the club teams in the future.
Thank You to All Supporters
