HAYFIELD CRICKET CLUB HISTORY
The Hayfield Cricket Club
Founded 1859
Introductory
NESTLING in a valley at the foot of the giant of Peakland- almost
hidden from the road, which leads to Buxton and Manchester from
Glossop-lies a green meadow. There are many green meadows in
Hayfield; but none which holds so great an affection in the
hearts of its community, for this particular green meadow is, and
has been for seventy unbroken years, the home of Hayfield
cricket. Under the watching eye of Kinder Scout, the game of
cricket has been played by generations of Hayfield's sons and if
there be those who scornfully remark on the mingling of alien
with local prowess let it be answered that those who came
foreigners remained to become true cricketing sons of this
village of their adoption.
The Stranger pausing a while in this small Derbyshire village,
little larger than a hamlet, may be forgiven his surprise on
learning- that here the game is played with an earnestness
surpassing that of many a large Town club and with a skill
equaling that of its more fashionable contemporary; that it has
produced stalwarts whose names will be spoken of and revered for
years long after their playing careers are ended-many have
already played their innings right through; but their deeds are
as freshly recalled as though they were of yesterday-that the
pride with which the village comports itself may have been
finally acquired in the year when the Hayfield Cricket Club set
up the record which will take its neighbouring opponents years
and years to lower-the hat-trick of hat-tricks of Championships
of The High Peak League.
These and legions of others may seem of small moment to the
Stranger whose life in the city is on a different plane. But pray
him to remain with us until Saturday when he may gain a truer
appreciation. Let him wander amongst the crowd, mingle with the
grey-beards and bear tell of why Hayfield is what it is; of the
day when a dark invader questioned the accuracy of the length of
the wicket and demanded the measuring chain to be produced; of
the Church clock which held its breath and silently folded its
hands in supplication for full ten minutes, which time it prayed
that accuracy and success might be granted to our batsmen, whose
efforts had hitherto not met with their due reward, and then
dutifully resumed its labours; of the £50 game and its result;
of the hundred and one stories in the groups of supporters in
house-windows on house-terraces, recounted over and over to any
willing listener.
Let his eye take in the groups of supporters in house-windows or
house-terraces, on -the sloping bank of the placid Brook-which
-once played the Club so false when its tranquility was
transformed into anger and its torrents invaded the whole
ground-and even on vantage points in the main street where work
prevents an uninterrupted attendance and yet does not call loudly
or urgently enough to prevent the watching of some portions of
the game or the bestowing of praise or criticism on its
participants. He may then realize that these happenings, though
small in themselves, when grouped together over a period of
eighty years, have founded the tradition of the Hayfield Cricket
Club which has its centre in a green meadow and spreads itself
throughout the length and what passes for breadth of the village.
Before the Stranger takes his leave we would thank him for his
patience in listening to portions of our history. If we may be
assured that be leaves us with some understanding of our pride we
are content. We know that our achievements can but be reckoned of
small account to the outside world; but to us of Hayfield they
are as a Saga.
NOVEMBER 1938
History of the Hayfield Cricket Club
[First published in November 1938]
"The Active Comminute met at Mrs. Quarmby's on Friday night,
the 24th June, 1859, when the following rules be adopted."
That is an extract from records which all may read and the entry
appears immediately after the announcement of the Inaugural
Meeting which had taken place previously at "Mrs.
Quarmby's" on June 19th. If that date does not mark the
foundation of the Hayfield Cricket Club it is because search for
earlier documentary evidence to the contrary has proved
fruitless, although there are many who avow that cricket was
played regularly in Hayfield for at least twenty years before
1859. However it must be accepted, in the absence of conflicting
evidence, that the Club is now in its eightieth year.
To us of the present generation little conception of the
difficulties and problems which beset our cricketing forebears is
possible. If they approached them in manners strange and which at
times may seem to have bordered on the eccentric, their troubles
were nevertheless real. By overcoming them gradually they paved
the way for us to regard them as commonplace and perhaps amusing.
At the outset such matters as a Ground, team selection,
arrangement of fixtures, the discovery of opponents, travelling
and the purchase of tackle which nowadays collectively present
only occasional trouble, were the cause of great perturbation in
1859 and its succeeding years.
The selection of the Eleven for the first match was made by the
Committee nominating two Bowlers and a Captain also (if not a
Bowler) and then entrusting them to find their own Field and
Supporters. Although the Club quickly altered its policy of
allowing such haphazard team selection; fixtures not only
commenced as a hand-to-mouth affair but remained one for some
years, most matches being arranged as the outcome of the issuing
or the receipt of a challenge, just prior to their being played.
In certain cases direct contact was made with prospective
opponents by an emissary being dispatched with full authority to
make all arrangements. A journey over the tops to Glossop did not
demand the rigours of one to Oldham; but both these and many a
Committeeman made others, on the Club's behalf.
The Committee not only made provision at the outset for .all
matters affecting the Game of Cricket-they almost constituted
themselves the guardians of their members' morals and enforced
the imposition of various penalties for such diverse misdemeanors
as using vulgar expressions or being obnoxious. Penalties ranged
from a fine of 1d. to expulsion for life, with full power vested
in the Captain to adjudicate.
The night of June 24th, 1859, at "Mrs. Quarmby’s"
gave much to cricket players and cricket lovers of Hayfield and
each succeeding generation of players and adherents has had cause
to be grateful to the enthusiastic founders who assembled on that
particular night.
By 1860 great strides had been made. The Club had its first
Ground. The Bent Meadow was rented. The Committee voted
themselves power to purchase two Bats and a Ball; but this
represented their total expenditure on tackle for the year. There
was not much opportunity of exploiting the bowler who could make
full use of the new ball.
By 1861 Hayfield was beginning to feel that it was about to look
like a Cricket Club. One pair each of Stumping Guards and
Stumping Gloves were bought. This was not the unwarranted
extravagance, which it may seem for, to offset this charge, the
Committee instituted the Club's first "Gate" by
imposing the toll of One Penny on every spectator entering the
Field.
"Mrs. Quarmby's" played an historical role in the,
early affairs of the Club. Not only did this old coaching
house-The George Inn - loan one of its rooms for discussions
anent the founding of the Club and for the subsequent
deliberations of the Committee; but it leased to them the Field
for this same Season, when the Ground was changed from the Bent
Meadow to what the Committee was again pleased to refer to so
gallantly as "Mrs. Quarmby's."
The "Gate" proved a gold mine under their very feet so
another Bat and Ball were purchased. With Matches commencing as
early as 1-00 p.m. spectators had full value for their toll.
Games were of necessity lengthened, if only by the taking up of
time between the fall of each wicket by the departing batsman
having to retire to the boundary-edge, removing his one stumping
Guard-now loaned on sufferance by the stumper, who was the only
player to have full and unrestrained use of both Stumping Guards,
as a Batsman's Guard and handing it over to the ingoing batsman
for him to wear before setting out on his walk to the wickets,
where the other Stumping Guard, similarly masquerading as a
Batsman's Guard awaited him.
This same year saw the initiation and the development of the
Social Side, so necessary to every club. There was the hint of
great revelry in a Resolution passed on April 1st, 1861,
"that the Club pay 5/- and that individual members pay the
other 5/- for the expenses incurred on Saturday, March
30th." There had been no previous intimation that it was
proposed to incur this expenditure neither was there any
significance in the date of March 30th. Nothing in their conduct
would give credence to the belief that the Committee was given to
"April-fooling" therefore any dubiety regarding the
date of its entry in the records-April 1st-can be ruled out. The
story cannot be recorded with that degree of authenticity which
the historian desires; but the foregoing, taken in conjunction
with another Resolution of April 9th "that there be no more
expense incurred in Drink during the Season," point
circumstantially to the birth of the Social Side. Whether Good
Sense or Remorse prompted the second Resolution we shall not
know; but it was adhered to strictly.
One event of lasting and undoubted benefit was inaugurated.
Various gentlemen were invited to bestow their patronage upon the
Club. They became the first Vice-Presidents-forerunners of some
fifty ladies and gentlemen of today-who gave their names in
association with the Club and their subscriptions to its funds;
gentlemen who were too old to play and yet who were eager to see
the Club soundly established.
Prior to 1861 there were no records kept of the results of the
Matches played or who formed the opposition. Now, however, there
were ‘documentated’ for the first time certain
invitations to neighbouring clubs to play a Friendly Game. New
Mills, Kinder, Buxton, Glossop, Edale and Oldham were all
addressed. With modesty the Club expressed to New Mills its
willingness to play a "Friendly Game provided that they
would send us an invitation." The passing of almost eighty
years may give the reader cause for joyous reflection that
to-day's deathly blood- struggle had such honourable intentions
and such a humble beginning in a Friendly Game. It has not been
recorded who won or whether any untoward event occurred during
this Match to prevent the continuance of future games on this
desirable basis. The Secretary had a foreboding and yet did his
utmost to preserve the spirit of this Friendly Game for at least
one year, for his original intention had been to ask the
opponents to "send us a challenge" which was softened
to "invitation."
The Selection Committee came into being this year and their
decisions met with the same meed of praise, criticism and
condemnation which has been levelled at all succeeding Selection
Committees. Another Friendly Game of great interest took place in
this tremendously eventful year with Kinder. After one game
earlier in the Season, a return match was played with the
stipulation that the Club had to bar three of its players from
taking part. Kinder were penalised by the debarring of one
player. Rivalry between the two clubs was very keen and this game
marked the first occasion when stakes were wagered on the result.
The stakes were, however, almost ethical in the shape of 6/6d.
Cricket ball.
The reader may be wearying of 1861; but so much of importance
took place, having a distinct influence on the Club's future,
that a modicum of patience is urged. Soon he will be free to
bound through the decades with the unconcernedness of the
youthful scholar who, having assimilated the accession of William
The Conqueror in 1066, does not unduly care into what form
History shapes itself unless or until some really colourful
episode, as the Murder of the Princes in the Bloody Tower,
presents itself. And so to the discovery of the advisability of
laying and preparing a wicket. Hayfield cricket had been born and
for two years nurtured on wickets that could only be described,
in the word's strictest sense, as natural-and with one batting
guard borrowed from the Stumper! For the first time, in 1861, the
prepared wicket was used.
Sixteen matches were played in this Season against only six
clubs. The difficulty of finding suitable and willing opponents
was pronounced.
"Mrs. Quarmby's," in addition to its other links with
the Club, housed the first Club Supper and Ball in October when
most of the Club's Patrons and Members were present and "a
good time was had by all."
The events of 1862 passed lightly by comparison; but already that
certain superiority which has become part of the cricketing
equipment of every Hayfield player was evidenced in the challenge
(no milk-and-water invitation) sent to Castleton allowing them
the use of thirteen players against the Club's XI. Compstall
(known then as the Royal George of Compstall) and Openshaw also
made their bow as opponents.
The Annual Supper and Ball progressed to the Anniversary Dinner
and Ball in 1863. The engagement of the Fiddle Band and the
Patronage of the Local Gentry lifted the Club's standing still
another rung up the social ladder.
By 1864 the Club was in a strong position. Negotiations were
conducted with the neighbouring Kinder club with a view to
amalgamation. After protracted discussion they eventually fell
through and by some curious twist of fortune 1865 nearly heralded
the Club's demise. Determined efforts had to be made. These
fortunately resulted in its continuance and its progress went on
happily and successfully under the Presidency of Captain Thomas
White who now identified himself prominently with the Club.
Captain White was then resident at Park Hall and he brought to
the Club a sense of well being without the attendant risks with
which his exploits and coups on the Turf had been conducted. The
reader who is aware of them may form his own impression of the
fearless character of this sportsman upon whom the Club now
leaned and who sponsored it through its infancy.
Fixtures were being conducted for the first time on a regularised
basis and Home and Away Matches were arranged as early as the Ist
of March for the coming Season. Stockport, Levenshulme, Whaley
Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Charlestown made their initial
appearances as opponents in addition to the old rivalry with
Glossop, New Mills and Buxton.
"Mrs. Quarmby's" passed out of the Club's records with
the transference of the Headquarters to The Royal Hotel-a new
association which has remained unbroken to the present day. There
the Committee went for their deliberations-and, who knows, what
else? -on October 11th, 1865. The new surroundings made their
mark immediately and the Annual Dinner and. Ball was held there
the same year when the Club regaled itself with the fullest of
Dinners and the most exhausting programme of Dances devised for
human's entertainment. Each item was carefully planned and
scheduled beforehand and took the ultimate form of "Triumph
Polka, First Set Schottische, Lancers, Galloppe, Varsoviana
Schottische, Circassion Circles - Interval - Darby Kelly, Polka
First Set, Waltz, Schottische, Circasian Circles, Varsoviana,
Gallope, Lancers, Spanish Contra Dance, Sir Roger and God Save
the Queen."
1866 introduced a custom that made the heat of the Annual Ball
bearable. John Woolley, on payment of £1 to the Club's funds,
had the right of selling Beer on the Field. John Woolley alas
left Hayfield soon afterwards, since when the custom has fallen
into sad disuse.
Another change of Ground took place - to Swallow Houses, where
the first Telegraph Board was erected for the benefit of
spectators.
Around this time the Committee became sartorially contemplative
and Members' hearts were gladdened when their decision became
known. All Members were requested, in the words of the Committee,
"to wear as Colours of the Club in Matches a White Flannel
Cap with a Blue Border round it and a Bar of Blue round the
outside of the Rep-the top part of the Cap to hook down to the
Rep - also that all Flannel Trousers have a Blue Stripe down the
outside seam on the legs." The Club thus figuratively nailed
its colours to the mast and though Time and Fashion have since
effected considerable alterations in style and shade the emblem
in its modern form is worn no more proudly
than when each pioneer of the Colours first bedecked himself in
his blue piped Trousers and hooked down the top part of his Cap
to the Rep. The tradition of those 1866 Colours has lived
worthily.
Around one John Barber there was also created a precedent which,
like that of John Woolley and his Beer, was created in good faith
and has regretfully been allowed to fall into decay. John Barber
was permitted-nay urged-by- those same sartorialists to have and
to wear on Match Days, a "Cap the Colours of the Club and
the word 'Collector' on the front." Efforts to nearth this
dignified emblem of office have since been made with a view to
its presentation to John Barber's successor; but its resting or
hiding place has never been found.
Newcomers as opponents were Elsworth, Manchester Atheneum, and
Haughtondale. The season commenced on 31st March, to the
accompaniment of the Band and ended in October with a Married
versus Single match.
The Club was still unsettled over its Ground and it came as no
surprise when a further change was announced. The Field against
The Royal Hotel gave Hayfield its cricket in 1867 and it has been
its home ever since for over seventy unbroken years. The
influence of Captain White who was ground-landlord of this
renowned Hostelry-vice-Parsonage was undoubtedly responsible for
this move and also for the transference of the Committee from
"Mrs. Quarmby's" and we now regretfully have to take
our leave of this lady who played no mean part in the launching
of the Hayfield Cricket Club. Captain White provided for an
expert groundsman to come, from Sheffield to lay the ground for
the Club, which was thenceforth able to enjoy its cricket under
better conditions.
The Nursery was inaugurated this same year. Juvenile Members were
invited and welcomed when it was seen that the new Ground made it
possible to provide space for their Practice. The Club settled
down to enjoy the new Ground and Members gladly gave their spare
time to its improvement and the next few years brought a much
higher standard of cricket.
One game of 1869 was worth recording; but unfortunately the
dictates of diplomacy must outweigh the zeal of the historian.
The Club tumbled out their opponents for 7 runs against a total
of 126. J. R. Lister captured 8 wickets for 4 runs and the
opponents were . . . No! That is where diplomacy must take the
upper hand. The Club still entertains them to day and this
particular past of 1869 must be only half-remembered.
In 1871 the Secretary prepared a lengthy report which reviewed
the Playing, Financial and Social aspects of the Club. The
finances showed a deficit of £3 Is. 9d. on a total expenditure
of £17 3s. 3d. Honorary subscriptions brought in £5 10s. 6d.
and players £6 7s. 6d. Gate money at 1d. per head swelled the
receipts by 18/9d - two hundred and twenty-five spectators, other
than Members, for 10 Home Games. He stressed the assertion that
the Club was unique in the neighbourhood in admitting Members on
such a low annual subscription of 2/6 and reviewed the progress
made in the Nursery which, it was anticipated, would provide good
material when the youngsters had acquired a little more skill and
confidence. In conclusion the Secretary impressed the Honorary
Subscribers with a deep sense of the Club's gratitude for their
past and present support and expressed the hope that the
endeavours to promote cricket would ever merit a continuance of
their liberal support.
In 1878 there occurred an episode which to many has become purely
legend. It has been given stronger emphasis because it happened
during one of the annual struggles with New Mills against whom
the Club was still playing Friendly Games. How, or why, this
courtesy title was still preserved is as mysterious as the
identity of the miscreant who stopped the clock, The tale is told
all over the flatlands of the Peak where there is space for the
pitching of a wicket. Its telling varies according to the
sympathies or antagonisms of the narrator and is as readily
believed or warmly refuted to suit the cricket creed of the
hearer. Dark though the deed may appear, it nevertheless was
perpetrated.
New Mills had batted, and had batted well for a good total. The
Club, in reply, started strongly; but the rate of run getting
eased to such an alarming extent that the minutes ticked away
without any appreciable corresponding activity on the Telegraph
Board. With 17 runs still required for victory and the Clock in
the Church belfry pointing to 6-20 p.m.-stumps were drawn at 6-30
p.m.- there occurred the deed. The Clock stopped! For the space
of ten minutes, during which time the necessary runs were
notched, the hands of the Clock were motionless, with the
officials and spectators mostly unaware of its impeded progress.
Many were the conjectures afterwards; but few saw a staunch Club
Supporter, having decided that now was a time for action rather
than prayer or fervid exhortation, make his way into the Church.
There he worked his will on the Clock for, what were to him, ten
apprehensive minutes, heard his side's victory and then
retreated-almost unseen. Those few who saw or knew were as
staunch as he and never openly divulged his identity.
Near to where the Recreation Ground now stands, there was at the
time a cricket-pitch played on by W. Radford's XI. In 1891 the
Club had its Home Game with Staley rained off and the players
moved over to watch the juniors who were about to commence a game
against opponents considerably their seniors. Harold Trevitt made
the suggestion that the visitors should not be allowed to trample
on the Hayfield youngsters and as a result George Woolley and the
Stayley professional, Tom Poynton, were drafted into the juniors'
Eleven to season it. These redoubtables opened the innings and
the visitors did not succeed in dismissing them, although they
did much retrieving of the ball from every corner of the field.
Charles Whitehead joined the Club in 1883. Now the doyen of the
Club, in his 71st year he has to his outstanding credit
fifty-five years unbroken membership-thirty-nine of them spent on
the playing-field and the remainder as a Committeeman and as an
Honorary Life Member.
For the Grand Concert at the end of that year, tickets were
printed and sold in advance and the Secretary, John Fox Gee, took
the precaution of superimposing his monogram on every ticket to
counteract any spurious tickets being tendered.
By 1884 the Club was strong enough in numbers and in playing
capabilities to support two Elevens.
During the Eighteen-Eighties, County players occasionally
strengthened sides opposed to the Club and they did not always
display their County prowess.
In 1888 James Bowden became a playing Member and has maintained
his membership ever since, although he has long left the village.
The Colours of the Club were not now uniformly worn; but for the
reader, impressed by the Sartorial Decree which came into being
in 1866, the Collector could still be seen at his post with his
title of office emblazoned across his cap-band, if not so boldly
through the ravages of Time at least as dignified as when first
assumed.
The Club had, right from its inception, played only Friendly
Games and in 1892 the changeover, when it joined the North
Cheshire League, to League Cricket was greatly welcomed. Although
in the preceeding thirty-two Seasons certain Matches had been
fought out year after year with a ferocity which no League could
accentuate, the new atmosphere gave a fillip to players and
spectators alike, especially as old antagonists were to continue
as opponents.
The Club and New Mills shared a distinction which has never
fallen to any other neighbouring club, before or since in anv
League, although, strangely, the 2nd Elevens of both clubs
figured in a similar situation many years later. They finished
jointlv at the head of the North Cheshire League and they were
ordered to stage the play-off at Strines on September 11th, 1897.
Strines that afternoon saw more visitors than it bad seen for
many a year. Supporters from both competing villages attended in
force, as well as spectators from other clubs in the League. New
Mills were dismissed for 32; but, alas, the Club could only
muster 29. Gone were the Glory and the Medals. A Memorial Card
mourning the sad demise of Hayfield was on sale on the ground two
minutes after the finish. The parcels containing the Cards
deploring the tragic passing of New Mills were stealthily taken
back to Hayfield, unopened.
During the following year the first century was scored on the
Club Ground; but a batsman of the Club did not have the honour.
It fell to a player of the Compstall 2nd XI playing against the
Club's 2nd Eleven.
In 1900 the Club avenged its defeat of 1897 by be coming
Champions of the North Cheshire League. For this success Medals
were awarded to the players. Cordial relations existed between
the Club and the various authorities and those with the
Superintendent of Police were unusually good. The President made
a formal request to him for P.C. Hill to be given leave to play
in the Club's matches. This was graciously given and the summer
of 1902 saw the village constable making the Cricket ground his
Saturday afternoon beat.
Transportation caused some difficulties. For games as far away as
Macclesfield the players had to charter a waggonette, leaving the
village at 11 a.m. Yet other grounds which were reached by train
presented hardly any more trouble than to day. Team sheets
frequently bore the instruction: "Train 1-35 p.m."
-identically the same as to-day's departure.
The Club was rich in its possession of a horse-roller, mower and
horse-boots. Neighbourly requests were often received from clubs
for the loan of these implements. The fee for this friendly
accommodation was usually 1/- and the proviso made that the a
Club's groundsman should be employed on the work.
In 1902 the Club was without League Cricket once more as the
North Cheshire League was disbanded and a reversion to Friendly
Games was begun. But after the lure of League Cricket the Club
soon had a desire to return to its competitive sphere and it
became the instigator in the formation of the High Peak League.
Invitations were sent out by the Club to the following clubs to
attend a Meeting at Hayfield on August 28th, 1903, to discuss the
prospects of forming a League: New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith,
Compstall, Marple and Buxton. After this preliminary discussion
the project was soon carried through to result in League Cricket
in 1904 for the Club's 1st and 2nd Elevens. The 'birthplace of
the High Peak League was Hayfield although this infant left its
home at a very tender age and migrated to New Mills to found its
headquarters.
The spirit of optimism, that definite "superiority"
which has, previously been recorded, came very much to the fore
now. A full month before their first game was due to be played in
the newly-formed League, the Committee passed a Resolution which,
whilst not exactly breathing defiance at all and sundry of the
prospective opponents, left no possible room for doubt as to
their own estimate of their ability: "That in the event of
the Club winning the Championship -1st and /or 2nd Division - the
money available be spent on Medals." This proved
well-directed optimism, which only misfired by one year. In the
light of afterevents it might appear that the Club's primary
ambition to found the High Peak League was based on its intention
to become its top dog.
At the end of 1904 domestic worries arose. The Kinder Waterworks,
situated near to the Ground, had to be fed by supplies brought on
a Light Railway, which was laid around the outer edge of the
Ground. The Club had to erect railings around the boundary edge
to prevent the workmen from encroaching on the turf.
Colin Leech, whose batting has been held up to succeeding
generations of Hayfield players, made his first appearance with
the Club in 1905 with the 2nd Eleven. He was soon promoted to the
1st Eleven and in his first Season won a 1st Division
Championship Medal.
On April 29th of this same year Mr. James Kellett opened a new
Pavilion with a Silver Key which was afterwards presented to him.
He did valuable service for the Club and, amongst other things,
made improvements to the Ground at his own expense.
At the opening of the Season an order was placed with Gunn and
Moore for the delivery of a truck of Nottingham Marl and the
wicket was "doctored" for the first time.
The railings which had been placed around the boundary- edge in
1904 were set back at the entrance end to give a larger playing
area in 1906.
The Championship of the 1st Division was again won by the Club in
1906 and the 2nd Eleven completed the "double" by
finishing at the head of the "A" Division and winning
the "Reekie" Shield the first year of its presentation.
The following year the 1st Eleven completed the
"hat-trick" of lst Division Championships, an
achievement gained in the first four years of the life of the
High Peak League. This has not been emulated by any other club in
the League to this day. The Club's friendly rivals, New Mills,
have been the nearest to this achievement of three successive
leaderships by winning in two successive years on two distinct
occasions, so the early predominance of the Club and its
meritorious Championships cannot be regarded too highly.
The Club decided that Colours were again desirable. The old
Colours of 1866 lived for about twenty years and gradually ceased
to be part of the players' uniform. Players had been appearing in
oddly assorted colours and shapes and the Committee felt that the
prowess of the Club on the Field should be suitably enhanced by
the adoption of Maroon Caps with Gold Monograms. The Collector
was omitted from legislation on this occasion and was left free
to provide his own headwear.
Still in that year, an Inter-League Match versus the Glossop
League was inaugurated and the Club was invited to provide four
players. They nominated R. Sidebotham, J. Vernon, J. Handford and
C. Leech.
The Light Railway gave the club more trouble in 1908. There was a
threat of it being laid right through the field. Influential
overtures to the local Member of Parliament and other efforts
brought about a happy conclusion to this possibility of invasion.
The Annual Fair, which was held adjacent to the Ground, had long
been a source of worry to the Club. Encroachment and trespass on
the Ground needed drastic safeguarding and the Captain and
Vice-Captain were deputed to act as guardians of the Club's
property. The following year the recognised custodians of Law and
Order played their proper part in this work and in return Police
Constables Tipper and Costello had conferred upon themselves full
privileges of Membership, as a mark of the Club's appreciation of
the constables effort to restrain the youthful populace from
using the Ground as a Public Playground.
Although, week after week during the seasons, wickets had been
selected and prepared it had not suggested itself to those in
authority that the using of alternate ways of the Ground would
make easier the selection of suitable wickets. But the Committee
became alive to this possibility in 1909 and initiated it to good
and lasting advantage.
The breaking of windows in houses overlooking the Ground was
naturally not uncommon; but fortunately it did not often lead to
really serious differences of opinion between the Club and the
residents. However a slight misunderstanding arose when one owner
of a window, which had just been smashed by a good hit, took the
Law and the ball into his own hands, invoking the former and
confiscating the latter. The Club, by paying, was able to pacify
this irate resident.
After an interval of many years, another association with Park
Hall was recommenced in 1910, when S. Hill-Wood (Cambridge and
Derbyshire), son of Sir Samuel Hill-Wood, became a playing Member
of the Club. Another name, which was destined to figure so very
prominently in the future of the Club and whose playing days
were, alas, all too few, was added to the membership
-"Bill" Duncan, probably the best bowler which the Club
has ever had.
One individual performance stood out in 1910, when the Club once
more won the League Championship. In the New Mills Match, R.
Gibson took all 10 wickets at a cost of 25 runs, a feat all the
more remarkable in view of his having to bowl with a greasy ball
during drizzling rain. He was presented with the ball mounted
with a silver tablet on, which was inscribed a commemorative
description.
The next Coronation year -1911- found the Committee better fitted
than their predecessors did to cope with a request for the use of
the Field for the Coronation Festivities. The request was granted
subject to the central portion of the Ground-30 by 40 yards-being
fenced off and any damage being repaired.
In 1912 Duncan received a presentation for taking 9 wickets for
20 runs against Rusholme and a youth of 16, whose name has
appeared on Team Sheets Season after Season until the present
day, became a Member. Ernest Rangeley was then on the threshold
of a cricketing career which has given his Club 26 years of
playing service-a praiseworthy achievement made all the more
meritorious by the consistency which he has maintained right
through. [The reader will observe how the History of the Club has
gradually undergone a change. Events of the earliest days were
principally concerned with management. As the Club has progressed
all the happenings that were previously noteworthy have now
become matters of routine and the Committee had found itself in
the happy position of being free to concentrate on the
developments of playing achievement].
In 1914 another youth joined -a flaxen-haired boy, whose
performances and appearances for the Club have run parallel with
those of Ernest Rangeley and whose cricket has been admired by
foe as well as friend. Twenty-four playing years have left Arnold
Bennett as flaxen-haired and as able as he ever was.
The Championship of the League was again won by the Club, for the
fifth time.
The Great War did not immediately affect the Club. The Season of
1914 was completed with practically the full Elevens and the
first real indication of this catastrophic upheaval, which was to
play havoc with Hayfield as with every other club throughout the
land, did not arrive until the following Season. Towards the end
of 1914, S. Hill-Wood brought an Eleven to play against the Club
in aid of the War Relief Fund.
We hasten with saddened hearts through thew War years. The
anxiety and the misery, which they brought to the whole Country
naturally, affected every community and the small village of
Hayfield was not immune. As was to be expected the Club yielded
up its players for a sterner contest and its own affairs were
sunk into comparative obscurity until the last over of the all
important four-years' Match was called and stumps were drawn in
November, 1918.
The High Peak League carried on with the lst Division and the
Club raised an Eleven each year until the commencement of 1918
when it had to cry a halt. There were many new forces seen in the
Field in the Club's Eleven during these years. The Annual Dinner
was temporarily dropped and a Smoking Concert was substituted,
with the proceeds given, in the form of presents, to Members of
the Club serving with His Majesty's Forces. In 1917 the Committee
was re-elected en bloc from the previous Season as a new Election
was farcical and by 1918 the Club was practically at a standstill
and the landlord made the gesture of foregoing the rent for the
season. A few Friendly Games were played and players had to be
recruited from outside sources to bring the Eleven up to
strength.
With the strain of the War years gone and the return of those
Members who had not been "given out" and were still
able to continue their Innings of Life, the Club started in 1919
to re-find and almost re-found itself. The Great Umpire had given
his decisions and there were many whose wickets were lost and who
were not granted a Second Innings. To them, in memory of their
sacrifice the Club erected a Memorial, which was unveiled in 1922
by J.Vernon. A Memorial Service was held on the Field on August
22nd, 1919.
And so to the re-founding. The year 1919 was opened with a Dance
and every effort was made to resume the ‘as-you were’.
Players and Members drifted back and by the commencement of the
Season the Elevens were almost back to normal and competitive
League Cricket was resumed.
By 1920 the Club had resumed its former position of superiority
and finished at the head of the League that year and the
succeeding year. In celebration of the fifth win of 1920 a new
Flag was presented by the President's wife-Mrs. Norman Slack.
A record of the Presidents in office from 1919 shows these
gentlemen to have played a great part in Hayfield's re-building:
Messrs. Walter Bowden, Norman Slack, Ralph Sidebotham, J.
Davidson, Edwin Hadfield, F. Bowden, A. Young, and F. D. Hoyle
have all occupied the President's chair for more than one year
and have all toiled for, and rejoiced in, their Club's successes.
Lest the reader imagine, from the continued references to New
Mills and the incidents arising from Matches played against them,
that it is intended to portray them as the bete noir of Hayfield
we would intersperse for a short space. New Mills have figured
prominently throughout this History and would inevitably appear
with the same prominence in any future History of the Club, which
may some time be written. They cannot be kept out because they
refuse to be kept out. They appear so frequently in this volume
because by the very nature of the contests, even before their
commencement, the atmosphere is so charged with electrical
keenness that episodes worth the recording have been bound to
arise. Hayfield to New Mills is just what New Mills is to
Hayfield. There is feeling on both sides; but a lot of that
feeling is of reciprocal affection for one worthy antagonist from
another. A Season without New Mills as opponents would be drab.
And on the subject of affection for opponents the day, too, is
unfortunately drawing nearer when the Club will cease to see in
the centre of its Ground that grand old warrior from
Chapel-en-le-Frith-Alf Lomas.
Little did the brothers Shaw realise how their discussion, at the
conclusion of the second Match of the Season of 1920 against New
Mills, would give birth to the most colourful episode in the
Club's History. Although New Mills had beaten the Club on both
occasions that year the Club still possessed a strong partisan
Mr. Frank Shaw who strongly maintained that Hayfield could beat
New Mills at any time. His brother William, as has often happened
throughout the Ages with brothers, did not see eye to eye with
him and, what is more, having the evidence of the two previous
defeats to support his contention, said so. Aided by several
gentlemen, who had equally strong views on the subject and who
were all individually convinced of the infallibility of their own
opinions, the discussion proceeded to the point of indefiniteness
until the wagering of real money was mooted. "If only it
were possible for the same teams to meet for a third time,"
thought Frank Shaw, "I'd back Hayfield for £25." His
brother was not backward in supporting his previous statements
that New Mills could beat them any time and as promptly expressed
himself willing to cover the bet. With such a golden hammer good
order was soon rapped out from the impromptu meeting. After
protected proposal and amendment each brother agreed to put up
his wager as a stake of £50 to go to the winning club-if the
clubs could be persuaded to play this extra Match. The clubs
accepted and a mid-weak Match was arranged on the Club's Ground.
The village was en fete. The Wood Print Works was closed for this
particular Wednesday afternoon. There was hardly point in keeping
it open for there would not have been enough manpower to answer
the bell, let alone to run the machines. Every person in the
village who knew anything about cricket intended to see that Game
and most of them were as firmly convinced as Mr. Frank Shaw that
Hayfield could beat 'em any time. 'The Ground was packed. Word of
the progress of the Game was continually being carried from the
arena by those who had business in The Royal to those whose
business detained them in The Royal. The House-windows and the
Brook-side were well-patronised points of vantage.
The Match terminated just as Mr. Frank Shaw had told all and
sundry it would. Hayfield avenged their two previous defeats. The
hero that day was Jack Metcalfe with a valuable innings of 43. J.
Vernon, the Captain obtained 32 and Bill Duncan 22, contributing
to Hayfield's total of 169. New Mills could do no better than
107. The Eleven netted the £50 for the Club's funds and an
enormous sense of personal satisfaction over their victory in
that particularly sharp needle-match-thanks to the brothers Shaw.
The equipment of every well-conducted club should always include
the possession of a Chain. Probably few cricket enthusiasts in
Hayfield were aware that the Club had such an implement. This
Chain, to the uninitiated, is not for the purpose of fastening
unruly spectators to the roller or the railings nor to leash any
unaccompanied dog, which may stray on to the Field. It must be in
the possession of the Club for a good reason-to be produced upon
demand. The demand had never been made before for that reason
History was made on the Club's Ground in 1921 when the Club was
playing its inevitable foe. One particular bowler of New Mills
could not find a length. He was consistently pitching too far up
the wicket and in perplexed desperation appealed to his captain
to have the matter put right. The wicket was surely too short. It
must be. His captain was not as certain as the bowler; but he
eventually yielded to, what by then had become, agonised entreaty
to have the wicket adjusted to its proper length to vindicate his
bowler and to enable him to pitch the ball more in keeping with
everyone's idea of a good length. The captain lodged an official
protest, doubting the accuracy of the measurement of the wicket.
After some discussion which was not understood or appreciated by
the spectators they witnessed the extraordinary sight of the
Cricket Chain being produced and laid alongside the wicket. They
tallied as two peas with not so much as the fraction of
difference represented by a leguminous skin. So the reader will
understand why, although it may only be requisitioned once in a
lifetime, a Cricket Chain must always be on the Ground in
readiness to be produced upon demand.
Around 1922 improvements to the Ground were the subject of
consideration. It was necessary to find £60 to complete this
project which was carried out in 1924. The money was raised on
loan guaranteed by individual Members and was repaid as result-of
special efforts made to raise this no mean sum. Finance formed a
considerable portion of the Club's thoughts and a Ground
Improvements Fund was opened. Friendly Games were arranged and a
Gala was held on the Ground.
In the years 1923-4-5-6 the Club won the lst Division
Championships-four successive years which carried them further
away from their opponents. Mr. Davidson had the satisfaction of
presiding over the Club in its second series of
"hat-trick" of Championships and his Presidency was
further enhanced by the victory of the 2nd Eleven in 1924. Truly
remarkable years. Caps were presented to the 1st Eleven in 1926
in appreciation of their victories.
Only one year elapsed before the lst Eleven lifted the trophy
again. This, to some, monotonous regularity was broken for 6
years before the Club again started its victorious march, but the
2nd Eleven kept the Club to the front by winning the
"Reekie" Shield in 1929 after a play-off with New
Mills.
During his period of Captaincy Duncan was taken ill and retired
from cricket. The Club showed its appreciation and affection by
making him a testimonial presentation. At the instigation of
Romiley and Blackley Matches were arranged against the Club and
the proceeds were devoted to swell the total.
To celebrate the four successive annual Championships a Victory
Dinner was held early in 1927.
Colin Leech was elected a Vice-President of the Club in 1930.
At the close of the 1931 Season the Club suffered the most
shattering blow which it is possible imagine. During a terrific
deluge the Brook, which had previously been famed only for the
number of times it had swallowed a well-hit ball at the top end
and disgorged it into the ever-ready net at the bottom end,
unable to carry the weight of its newly-swollen importance,
overflowed, burst its banks and broke right through the boundary
wall on to the Field. A considerable portion of the boundary wall
and the seating accommodation was washed away. The groundsman's
hut was demolished and the motor mower, the hand mower, the 3cwt
roller and all the ground implements were caught up in its
torrent. Very little was recovered. The roller was dragged back;
but even after that salvage the damage was about £100.
To remedy these losses a fund was started. The boundary wall was
rebuilt by voluntary labour, Messrs. Tom Robinson and Chas.
Whitehead spending days and days over their task. These two
stalwarts later received from their Club the conferring of Hon.
Life Membership, in recognition of their services. Players bore
their share by voluntarily foregoing their talent money, which
went to the Fund. The High Peak League made a donation and a
Match against the Rest of the League was played which yielded
£9. Sympathisers in the district sent donations and eventually
the Club was able to purchase a new motor-mower, repair and renew
the seating and replace the lost implements. Old friends in the
Chapel-en-le-Frith C.C. lent the Club their spare mower. Six
Committeemen loaned £5 each free of interest to enable the 1932
Season to be started.
The Club won the "double-event" for the third time in
1934. Another Victory Dinner was given and Caps and Badges were
presented to players of both Elevens.
To Herbert Hadfield fell the honour of scoring the highest
individual innings in the High Peak League; He scored 172 not
out, playing for the Second Eleven against Romiley Second Eleven
in 1935. Enormous hitting, which included 33 boundaries,
characterised his exceptionally quick innings, occupying only 95
minutes.
Revisions of the Rules were made and the memory of 1859 was in
the Committee's mind in retaining the Rule forbidding vulgar
expressions and Members being obnoxious on the Field -only it was
phrased in modern language.
Frank Drury was the recipient of a sporting and pleasing gesture
by the Club's nearest neighbour-Birch Vale-who presented to him
the ball, inscribed with the details of his feat, which was used
in the Match on their Ground on June 23rd, 1934, when he
performed the "hat-trick" against them.
Playing honours were coming fast. The Ist Eleven won the
Championship in 1935 and again in 1936. They thus completed
another "hat-trick" of Championships for the third
successive time-the "hat-trick" of
"hat-tricks," which placed the Club on a pinnacle of
achievement almost beyond the reach of any of its League
competitors. No words could extol too highly this magnificent
record of cricketing endeavours and its just reward. The Club
held its head high-and rightly so-at this proud moment of its
career. Another Victory Celebration Dinner followed, with
congratulations showered by partisan and opponent. Each member of
the Eleven was presented with a miniature Silver Cup-a replica of
the League Trophy.
By the death of Walter Drury in 1936, the Club lost one who bad
served it with infinite devotion as Secretary for a great number
of years. He discharged the duties with the thoroughness and
earnestness, which only one who is heart and soul in the game of
Cricket can do. On relinquishing the position he still remained
an active Member despite his failing health, and became a
Vice-President and Hon. Life Member.
At the close of the 1938 Season the Club maintained its
distinction of never having had to apply for re-election to any
League. This pride is tinged with regret at the thought that
Ernest Rangeley had probably finished his playing career.
It had been felt for several years that the Pavilion
accommodation was inadequate and generally unsatisfactory. It was
certainly not in keeping with the Club's wish to extend good
hospitality to its visiting opponents and spectators. By 1937 the
Committee had definite schemes in hand for the erection of a new
Pavilion which would be worthy of the Club. Sub- Committees were
appointed to promote and deal with events and festivities, all of
which had at heart one object-the raising of sufficient funds to
achieve this ambition. That year and the present year-1938-have
seen the most active and willing co-operation by Members in this
great effort to raise a really large sum of money, culminating in
a Bazaar, which is to be held coincident with the publication of
this book.
Whether it will prove completely successful can only be seen in
the near future. Whatever the outcome, to them and to the
thousands of others of Hayfield who over a period of eighty years
have played their parts in the establishment of the Hayfield
Cricket Club-whose names may not appear in this volume; but whose
service and enthusiasm have made possible the Club's History-to
them all this History is dedicated.
[Reproduced from the original ‘Red Book’ of November
1938 priced one shilling]
The history of Hayfield Cricket is well documented up to the start of the Second World War. Cricket limped on during the war years enlived by a notable character captaining the 2nd XI - Lieutenant Brading.
The end of the war saw the prominent members of the all-conquering 1930s sides retired and the 1st XI once again returned to winning ways in 1947. Anno Domini caught up with the team and the club become wooden spoonist for the first and only time in 1955.
1956 saw the start of five decades of success. The arrival of Don Smith and John Reynolds provided the experience & impetus and the 1st XI won the league in 1957 and were joint Champions in the 1960s and the first and 2nd XIs won their respective leagues in 1967 and 1968.
The 1970s proved to be the most important in the clubs history. On the field the 1st XI won the League once and the Blissenden Cup for the first time, whilst the 2nd XI won their league and the Hawke Trophy twice. The club received the Senior Aggregate Trophy in 1973 and again in 1977.
It was however the arrival of John Dean as President, who with a stalwart of the 1930s 'Billy' Winterbottom as Chairman, decided to buy the ground and build the new pavilion. This was achieved due to the support of the village and the 'old boy' Arthur Lowe and his Dad's Army Team!
The 1980s saw the finalisation of the pavilion in 1983 and a decade where a senior trophy was won every year, an achievement our new President Monty Eyre was never afraid to tell our local rivals. In this period the 1st XI won the league 3 times, the 2nd XI their league once and the Club recieved the Aggregate Trophy four times. In the Blissenden Cup the 1st XI achievement of a record run of three consecutive wins and the 2nd XI also won the Hawke Trophy three times. The 1990s continued to be successful and the1st XI completed a run of four consecutive Championships and the 2nd XI won their league three times.
As we enter the new Millennium our youth policy progresses with the 1st XI fielding a side almost all coming from our junior teams and with a continued emphasis on youth the future looks as ever bright.