Farnworth Grammar School

1949 Cricket Report

From a copy of Lumen lent by Bill Clarke

"The cricket teams have had another successful season, and it is pleasing to note that whilst the 1st XI particularly has relied mainly on the more experienced players, the new members of the teams have acquitted themselves well. The batting has been more impressive than the bowling, much of which has lacked length and direction, and the fielding has often been uncertain; vital catches being dropped, though some excellent ones have been taken.

Special mention must be made of Crossley and Johnson for their record opening partnership of 151 against Canon Slade Grammar School ; of Finlay for his 8 for 7 against Manchester Faculty of Technology, of Haslam for his splendid fielding.

Thanks are due to the groundsman, Mr. Lloyd, for his loyal co-operation and to the girls who, under the supervision of Margaret Jones and Dorothy Smith, have prepared refreshments."

CROSSLEY, S. (Capt.) An alert and intelligent player who has led the side well, despite the lack of bowling strength. A good batsman and sound wicket-keeper.

MATTHEWS, D. A forceful and attractive batsman, but with a weakness for not taking the trouble to play himself in.

FINLAY, B. A. His all round play has made him into one of the leading members of the team. The hard wickets at the beginning of the season did not suit his left arm slow bowling, but on the softer wickets of late, he has done remarkably well. Should curb a tendency to bowl wide of the leg stump.

JOHNSON, E. A reliable opening batsman, with several useful scores to his credit. Good in the field.

WILLIAMS, B. T. Bowling has improved on changing from fast to slow. A useful batsman and keen in the field.

HASLAM, D. Batting much improved this season, and has been promoted to opening batsman. An excellent slip fielder.

HODSON, R. E. A fast bowler who would do better to sacrifice some of his speed in order to get length.

PENNINGTON, W. B. Has had few opportunities to bat, but has done well in the field.

BARNES, G. A useful all-rounder. Has batted well at times, having a sound style, and has been a steady change bowler.

RADCLIFFE, E. P. Did well with the 2nd XI as a batsman, and has shown promise with the 1st XI. Has recently replaced Crossley as wicket-keeper, and has been quite efficient

STAFFORD, P. Has done well with the 2nd XI, but had few opportunities on promotion to the Ist XI. A keen fielder.

HOLT, F. A promising all rounder. Has played with both XI's and been a useful change bowler. Did little with the bat for the I St XI, but has done well in the 2nd XI.

HOWARTH, G. Has played with the Ist XI on Saturdays, and proved a welcome addition to the bowling strength.

Summary of Results

1st XI Played 10 Won 6 Drawn 1 Lost 3         2nd XI Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 2 Lost 0

1st XI Matches (Home Team first)
F.G.S. 195 for 2 dec. (Crossley 109 n.o., Johnson 37) v. Canon Slade 80 Won
F.G.S. 83 (Haslam 32) v. Hulme Hall 153 Lost
F.G.S. 69 for 5 (Johnson 33 n.o.) v. Leigh 63 for 2 dec. Won
F.G.S. 82 (Haslam 29) v. Salford G.S. 88 for 3 Lost
F.G.S. 110 for 4 (Crossley 27, Finlay 24 n.o.) v. Thornleigh 54 for 6 Won
F.G.S. 61 v. Bolton County G.S. 62 for 4 Lost
F.G.S. 130 for 4 (Matthews 53, Crossley 47) v. Bury High School 56 for 8 Won
F.G.S. 44 for 1 (Johnson 22) v. M/cr. Faculty of Technology 43 (Finlay 8 for 7) Won
Bolton County G.S. 47 (Finlay 7 for 11) v. F. G. S. 34 for 7 Drew
Thornleigh 44 for 8 v. F.G.S. 78 for 3 (Crossley 39 n.o., Finlay 22 n.o.) Won

Leading Averages