Club History
Chapter One
The Formative Years
The original Nelson Cricket Club was born late in 1861 when the ‘Phoenix’ CIub joined forces with the ‘Nelson in Marsden’ Club which occupied a meadow behind the Lord Nelson Hotel. The Phoenix Club had played on aground which, in 1969, became the town bus terminus. The Phoenix Club ceased to exist in 1861 and the two clubs became one and used the ‘Meadow’ as their headquarters.
Reinforced by the ‘youngsters’ from the Phoenix Club, the new club began to flourish and threw out challenges to all whom they thought they could get to wage in warfare. It is recorded that Mr. Manley Watson, one of the founder members of the Phoenix Club, was once playing for the second eleven against Colne at Cottontree. He claimed that Nelson was at a great advantage in being able to start off with two round-arm bowlers who quite bewildered the Colne batsmen. The first eleven could not boast of any such bowlers and when they heard that the second eleven had two, the pair of them were included in a first team match to play at Colne. Manley Watson was one of the round-arm bowlers and he reported that, although many of his deliveries were far wide of the wicket, almost every ball which was ‘straight’ claimed a wicket. Colne were dismissed for 50 and Watson and Bob Varley, who had been captain of the second team, hit off the runs.
In 1863, at a meeting held in the Chapel Street schoolrooms, Mr. Thomas Holland was elected President; Mr. James Waddington, Vice- President: Mr. John Crabtree, Treasurer; Mr. James Bannister, Secretary; whilst Dr. ldeson was elected Captain.
Owing to some disagreement about the field, the club had to play at the foot of ‘Starkie Wood’ for a couple of seasons but returned to the meadow ground when the differences with the owner of the land were settled. Matches were played against Higham, Sabden, Worsthorne, Padiham, etc., but due to the lack of funds all these journeys had to be made on foot. The players had to carry their own cricket tackle and many of them also took their own eatables a lunch rarely being provided’ by the home clubs especially if Nelson happened to be victorious.
In 1873 the club moved its headquarters to a plot of land at the lower part of Every Street, then known as Stoney Road. It was about this time that Captain Every Clayton began to take a keen interest in the cricket club. Up to this point in time the club had been unable to permanently establish their habitation and were confirmed nomads, always in fear that the ground on which they might be playing, on any given day, would be next called upon for building purposes, for Nelson at this period was fast casting off the shackles of village life and developing into a busy hive of industry.
Chapter Two
THE BIRTH
Through the kindly offices of Captain Clayton in 1878, their hopes and ambition consummated in the acquisition of Seedhill. It was indeed an auspicious day for Nelson when Captain Clayton took to a liking for cricket, for had it not been for his assistance, interest and concession, the club would probably not have been as well ‘housed’ as it is today.
The club was re-formed into the club we now know and which celebrates its Centenary in 1978. Captain Clayton charged a rent of only £12 10s and the new club soon began to show its relish for its new quarters. With a definite and settled home of its own, the club went from strength to strength. They engaged their own professional – the first of a very long line of internationally famous stars. It was in 1879 that ‘Dick o’ Dicks’, alias Francis Crueze, came to Nelson after having played at the East Lancashire club with the Australian team. The wages paid to the professional for that season amounted to £35 9s, members’ subscriptions brought in £89 13s and the total gate receipts were £61 8s 101d. The club made a profit of £2 18s 4d.
The next year the committee engaged George Gregory Jones of Surrey as professional and the following season Jones re-signed whilst Bill Harry Bower entered into the service of the club as groundsman at a salary of 30s per week.
During the 1886 season the Notts Castle club paid a visit to Nelson and remained at the wicket the whole of the afternoon, scoring 296 for 3. The young gentleman mainly responsible for the Nelson bowlers’ misery was Arthur Paul. He was then only 22 years old and 197 runs flowed from his bat. It was this match which brought Paul to Lancashire County, for at the end of the game he was asked to accept a professional engagement. The Isle of Man giant became a loyal Nelsonian and, in due course, qualified for the county. Paul headed the Nelson batting averages in 1887, scoring 554 runs at an average of 30-14. Heading the bowling averages that season was James Riley, a professional from Nottinghamshire, who took 100 wickets at a cost of 8-98 each.
Joseph Hulme came to Nelson in 1890 from Derbyshire and in the opinion of club officials he was regarded as the best professional the club had ever engaged. Later events seemed to justify their opinions. His previous performances included a 7 for 12 feat against the Australians and a 7 for 14 against Lancashire.
Chapter Three
THE BIRTH OF THE LANCASHIRE LEAGUE
In 1892 the greatest cricket league in the world was born. Thirteen clubs formed the Lancashire Cricket League and from this time onwards Nelson’s fame has spread – mainly due to the enterprise shown in persuading top cricketers of their time to travel from all over the globe to represent Nelson. The Nelson club was the very first winner of the Lancashire League Championship. Nelson’s first seven fixtures were all won; their opponents exceeding 50 runs only once!
As this was the first season of Lancashire League cricket, the leading averages will be of interest, The amateurs only bowled 52 overs between them, S. Bunkum taking four wickets in his 38 overs.
In 1893 Nelson retained Hulme and Cuttell as professionals and the team finished second in the league table, four points behind Burnley. W. H. Bower rose to the forefront as a batsman, hitting 770 runs at an average of 40-53. Only once in 85 years since has an amateur scored more runs in a single season, Chick Hawkwood recording 835 in 1936. Hulme and Cuttell were again responsible for the lion’s share of the bowling, Hulme taking 101 wickets in 496 overs whilst Cuttell took 82 wickets in 468 overs. This time the amateurs bowled 71 overs.
For 1894 Nelson had to engage two new professionals as Hulme decided to return to play for his county and Cuttell decided to stand down and qualify as an amateur – having learnt the trade of a warp-dresser. The two new professionals were Francis Shacklock, a Nottinghamshire County player, and Arthur Wilkinson from the Notts Castle club, and Nelson finished the season in second place again, this time behind Rawtenstall.
Nelson were clear champions in 1895 and 1896, winning the league by margins of seven points over Accrington and five points over East Lancashire respectively. It was during 1895 that Nelson recorded their highest ever League score at Seedhill – 263 for 4 declared, against Burnley. It should also be noted that Burnley were then bowled out for 75.
The 1896 season saw Rishton amass the massive total of 307 for 5 declared in their home fixture against Nelson and this is still the highest score ever recorded against Nelson. The runs were scored from 70 five-ball overs and Nelson replied with 195 for 2 from 64 overs. It is interesting to compare the 502 runs scored from 670 balls with present day cricket.
W. R. Cuttell’s appearances as an amateur were cut short when he was invited to play for the County in 1896. He became a regular member of the County team in 1897 and gave good service until 1906.
Joseph Hulme was signed to return as professional in 1897 but he was prevented from fulfilling his engagement due to personal illness.
He was signed up again for 1898 but was only able to play during part of the season. It was on 23rd April, 1898, however, that Hulme recorded, at Seedhill, the following remarkable analysis: 72 overs, 7 maidens, 0 runs, 7 wickets, and Bacup were all out for 15 in reply to Nelson’s 85.
Two of the most famous amateurs to play for Nelson joined the club in 1899. E. A. Wynne joined after being connected with Tod-morden and Burnley whilst J. E. Brooks joined when he took an appointment as assistant master at Walverden School.
The Lancashire League changed its rules in 1900 regarding the appointment of professionals and each club was permitted to engage only one. Nelson’s choice was Harry Riley, who had taken 108 wickets the previous season but, although he was successful enough to take another 95 wickets, the club slumped to equal tenth in the league table.
Accrington must have enjoyed competing against Nelson in 1901. Their highest scores against Nelson, both at home and away, were recorded. First of all they hit 283 for 3 declared at Accrington and then scored 229 for 7 declared at Nelson. Nelson were not very successful during this season but the professional, Arthur Woodley, did put in one performance which is worth a special mention. Against Enfield at Nelson he took 9 for 28, clean bowling eight of his victims.
Chapter Four
THE FIRST OF THE ‘BIG’ PROFESSIONALS
1902 was both a sad year and also the start of something big.
W. H. Bower, a stalwart of the first eleven for twenty years and captain ever since the formation of the Lancashire League, left the club to join neighbouring Colne. But the new professional was George Turnbull who was to achieve tremendous success during the next five seasons.
Turnbull shattered the club bowling record in his very first season, taking 122 wickets at an average of 6•18. He took eight wickets in a match on no fewer than five occasions and had 9 for 35 against Bacup.
Although not normally renowned for his batting prowess, he shared a fourth wicket partnership of 108 with Wynne at home to Church.
Whilst Wynne was proceeding from 30 to 42, Turnbull hit 95 including one six and twenty fours in the space of twelve overs, occupying the crease for 28 minutes.
The biggest black-spot of that season occurred on 30th August when Accrington visited Seedhill. Nelson were bowled out for their lowest ever total – thirteen !
Nelson finished the season well down the league table despite Turnbull’s wonderful contributions to the cause, whilst Bill Harry Bower was helping Colne to gain their first Championship title. But things began to go right again in 1903 when Turnbull returned to beat his own record and claim 126 wickets. A new name amongst the amateurs was James Crossley and he made headlines when, in four consecutive innings, he scored 87 not out, 105 not out, 62 not out and 46. At the close of the season Colne and Nelson had tied for first place and had to meet at Turf Moor for the play-off.
Nelson won by an innings and 12 runs
Nelson started the 1904 season in great style. Turnbull was virtually unplayable in the very first fixture and Bacup, in front of their own supporters, crumpled to 24 all out in reply to Nelson’s all out total of 55. Turnbull returned bowling figures of 9 wickets for 5 runs.
Although the professional easily passed the hundred wicket mark again, the season’s results were only average and the team finished mid-table. Once again Turnbull showed, in one match at least, that he could handle a bat. In the home fixture with Burnley he shared a second wicket partnership of 146 with James Crossley, establishing a record which stands to the present day. Crossley scored 46 not out and Turnbull hit 99, his highest score for Nelson.
With Turnbull retained as professional, Nelson were runners-up in both 1905 and 1906 but the club decided not to re-engage him for 1907. Frank Howard was the new professional but neither he nor the team met with much success. R. K. Robinson, captain of the first eleven, had retired from playing but remained to serve the club as a committeeman and, indeed, was instrumental in bringing the legendary Learie Constantine to Nelson some twenty years later. The new skipper, E. A. Wynne, was able to achieve better results in 1908 when George Wilson from Worcester County was engaged and the team became runners-up again.
1909 was remembered mainly for its atrocious weather – no less than nine fixtures were abandoned – but professional George Wilson did find time to take 96 wickets – a remarkable achievement in the circumstances. He took nine wickets against Enfield at Seedhill and took 8 for 28 and 8 for 30 in the two fixtures with Colne.
William Bestwick, the professional engaged for 1910, was dismissed after only a few games because of a breach of discipline and, although the club had then to obtain the services of substitute professionals, a respectable sixth position in the league table was achieved.
A. W. Hallam from Nottinghamshire was appointed professional for 1911 and his 89 wickets was a great factor in Nelson regaining the League Championship. A play-off was required as Ramsbottom tied with Nelson on 35 points and this was arranged to be played at Accrington. Ramsbottom took first knock and made 146 in their first innings. When Nelson were dismissed for 90 the chances of a Nelson victory looked very remote. However, Hallam (4 for 22) and J. E. Brooks (5 for 32) put Nelson back in the match and Ramsbottom’s second innings collapsed for 55. The target of 112 was achieved for the loss of only three wickets, W. J. Throup scoring 44 not out.
Hallam’s first impact on the League scene had been felt on 6th May when Nelson visited Todmorden. He took 8 for 13, claiming seven of his wickets in the space of nine balls. Amateur W. Sherman enjoyed his best season and shared in three impressive partnerships.
First of all, he and F. Bewley shared an unbroken stand of 92 for the seventh wicket, scoring 102 not out himself before the innings was declared closed. Three days later, Sherman (61 not out) and James Crossley (71) put together 136 for the third wicket. Later in the 23 season 135 was compiled in a second wicket partnership when Sherman scored 72 and E. Bradshaw made 73 not out.
Hallam was retained for 1912 and his bowling figures were even more impressive. He took 7 for 9 when Enfield were dismissed for 23; took 8 for 22 against Haslingden and then took all ten Rishton wickets for 39. This was the first time a Nelson player had taken all ten wickets in an innings. But Hallam’s total of 115 wickets did not help Nelson to retain the title and the club slipped to fourth place.
Nelson slipped even further – to twelfth – in 1913 and Hallam, who only took 67 wickets all season, was not re-engaged. He had contracted neuritis in his arms and was unable to do justice to himself, bowling well below par.
H. J. Preston of Kent and William Shipman of Leicestershire were the professionals in 1914 and 1915 respectively but neither was able to lift Nelson to any significant heights. The First World War was by now ‘in full swing’ and professionals were not engaged in 1916.
Matters became even worse in 1917 and ‘organised’ cricket was not possible. Although several matches were arranged by the clubs them-selves, the Lancashire League suspended its activities until hostilities ended.
So it was 1919 before the League got under way again and Nelson engaged P. E. Morfee as professional and Alf Pollard registered after having previously played for Colne. Nelson finished the season in second place, mainly due to Morfee, who took a total of 122 wickets at 875, and Pollard whose 112 wickets cost 7-74 runs each. Pollard’s 112 wickets still stands as the amateur record to this day. Nelson bowled their opponents out on 24 occasions out of the 26 fixtures.
Chapter Five
THE TWENTIES
The following season saw George Geary appointed as professional and he, too, was highly successful. Three matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled but he still managed to take 95 wickets.
Alf Pollard created a new League record by securing over 100 wickets in a season for the third consecutive campaign (having obtained 101 wickets for Colne in 1916).
The club engaged a Mr. Fred Hassall of Leicester as coach and groundsman for 1921 whilst Geary was retained as cricket professional. The club’s enterprise, however, was not rewarded with good playing results and Nelson finished the season in eleventh place.
The great Australian fast bowler Ted McDonald was the next target for the Nelson committee and they were finally rewarded for their efforts with a three-year contract. It was reported at the time that the introduction of McDonald to the League was not only to the benefit of Nelson but to every club in the League. Large crowds assembled everywhere and, up to July, he never played in front of a crowd paying less than a three-figure ‘gate’. Unfortunately, McDonald did not enjoy the best of health in his first season and his form suffered slightly.
Success, if third place is considered successful, returned to the club in 1923 with McDonald, back to full fitness, in fine form. Early in the season, Ramsbottom were dismissed for 17 when McDonald took 7 for 4 and Pollard 3 for 9. Then, on 23rd June, McDonald achieved the bowler’s ambition – taking all ten wickets in an innings.
He claimed 10 for 18 against Burnley. Lowerhouse were shot out for 23 and McDonald’s share was 7 for 12 and Enfield could only muster29 when McDonald took 8 for 15 to take his season’s wicket tally to 112.
Nelson finished the 1924 season in second place after some very interesting matches, the most interesting being the one at Church on 3rd May. Within nine overs and three balls Nelson had all the Church batsmen back in the pavilion and only nine runs on the scoreboard- the lowest score ever made against Nelson.
The first innings’ scores decided the result of the match but second innings were played to entertain the crowd and the scores were: Church 44 (McDonald 4 for 23, Pollard 6 for 18); Nelson 46 for 1 (McDonald 27, E. Bradshaw 19 not out).
Alf Pollard headed the Lancashire League bowling averages with 93 wickets at 6:24 whilst McDonald had 99 wickets at 7-78, and it may surprise some people to report that Pollard also headed the Nelson batting averages as well. He scored 268 runs for an average of 19:14 whilst McDonald’s 403 runs produced an average of 18-31.
McDonald was signed for a further two seasons, making five in all, but the Lancashire County asked the Nelson club to release him from his contract to enable him to play for the County. Terms were finally agreed and McDonald joined the County staff. It was difficult to imagine that a worthy successor could be found to replace such a ‘crowd-puller’ but the South African all-rounder J. M. Blanckenberg was engaged.
Nelson were runners-up again in 1925 due mainly to the bowling skills of Alf Pollard and Blanckenberg who both secured 96 wickets.
Pollard achieved his best performance in the home fixture with East Lancashire on 8th August when he took 8 for 18. The great event of the season, however, was when the County played a first class fixture on Seedhill against Derbyshire. This was part of the bargain which had been struck when McDonald was released from his contract.
It was the first occasion that a Lancashire League club had staged a County match and County officials expressed their entire satisfaction with all the arrangements. Visitors expressed their admiration of the ground and its beautiful surroundings. The gate receipts were £970 which easily beat the previous highest gate for this fixture at Old Trafford (£450). Nelson’s share of the profits was £78 and it was announced that Nelson were to be allocated an even more attractive fixture for 1926 – Lancashire versus Essex.
Blanckenberg had a good season in 1926 but the club could only keep a mid-table position. His all-round ability brought him 83 wickets and 701 runs, a record aggregate for a Nelson professional. The club secretary, Mr. E. Ashton, wrote in his annual report, ‘We have had many valuable professionals since the club was established, but it is doubtful if we have had one who has rendered us better all-round service.’
A new name appeared on the team sheet during 1926 – a youngster by the name of Chick Hawkwood. He was to become one of the very few Nelson amateurs to rise to fame as a County player.
The agreement struck with the County following McDonald’s ‘transfer’ had ended but officials were so pleased with the arrangements that the fixture against Worcestershire was brought to Nelson in 1927.
Nelson’s performances in the League were nothing sparkling in 1927 but officials had high hopes for the future. Hawkwood, in his first full season, scored 246 runs for an average of 15-5 – not spectacular figures but they might give encouragement to young cricketers of today.
The County match in 1928 was against Warwickshire – another attractive fixture. The League Championship returned to Seedhill to complete a highly successful season. Blanckenberg broke his own record by accumulating 810 runs and taking 80 wickets into the bargain. The top amateur batsman was, of course, Hawkwood whose 480 runs gave him an average of 30.
Chapter Six
THE CONSTANTINE ERA
After engaging such celebrities as McDonald and Blanckenberg, one would not expect the cricketing public to be surprised at Nelson’s next move. Blanckenberg had decided to move on to East Lancashire so the committee sent a sub-committee comprising T. Morgan (chair-man), J. Hoyle and F. Openshaw to watch L. N. Constantine who was touring England with the West Indians. Let the Sunday newspaper
‘The People’, in their 29th July, 1928, issue, tell the story.
The effort to engage Learie Constantine, ‘the best all-round cricketer in the world’, to play for Nelson in the Lancashire League has been the outstanding sensation of the season. Why do these northern clubs who only play Saturday afternoon cricket require players of this calibre? How can they afford to pay these talented cricketers and pay their return fare to the other side of the world?
Edward Ashton, secretary, reported that ‘exceptional cricketers with magnetic personalities are essential to League cricket. The public will not flock to see amateurs alone.’ Mr. Ashton would not disclose the precise terms agreed but confirmed that, in addition to paying Constantine’s passage, the professional was to receive the most liberal ‘consideration’ ever paid. A factor which helped to persuade the great man to sign was the fact that he would win £1 for fifty runs or five wickets, plus a collection from the spectators.
And so Constantine arrived in Nelson in April 1929, and a new era was born. The first six fixtures were all won easily and in the first home fixture of the season Constantine (87) and Hawkwood (29) shared in a third wicket partnership of 102. One month later the same two players created a second wicket club record stand of 175 which is still unbroken. Constantine made 124 and Hawkwood 73. The League Championship was retained and Constantine finished the season with 820 runs and 88 wickets. There are no figures to show his prowess in the field, his lightning swoops in the covers, his quick eye and safe hands in the slips or his accurate, lengthy throws from the deep, but it was reported that, as a sprinter, he had done the 100 yards in just over ‘evens’.
Nelson kept in the news by retaining the attractive County match, Lancashire v Warwickshire, in 1929.
Nelson were pipped on the post by Bacup for the Championship in 1930 but the title was regained in great style the following season.
Constantine hit a total of 801 runs and took 91 wickets and was ably assisted by Harry Armistead (508 runs), Billy Windle (411 runs), Alf Pollard (47 wickets) and Johnny Greenwood (29 wickets). Clarence Winslow made his debut and Nelson were building was must have been the most successful team in the history of the Lancashire League.
Hawkwood, however, was missing from the team sheet, having joined the County staff. County fixtures were still being allocated to Nelson, Leicestershire being the visitors in 1930 and Somerset in 1931. But the matches had been transferred to midweek affairs and they were not the financial success of their predecessors. And so, in 1932, the Lancashire versus Warwickshire match was the last County fixture to be staged at Seedhill.
Bowlers throughout the League dominated the 1932 season and even Constantine failed to reach 500 runs. But Nelson had the bowling strength to suit most conditions with Pollard securing 51 wickets at 7•94, Constantine 91 at 8•15, Harold Hargreaves 37 at 9-37 and Greenwood 34 at 14-14.
A most exciting season developed in 1933 with Nelson losing the final match and losing the Championship by one point. Constantine scored exactly 1,000 runs, a record which stood for 44 years until Larry Gomes, another Trinidadian, beat it in 1977. Constantine also claimed 96 wickets to give him the best all-round figures ever achieved before or since by a Nelson professional. He was never dismissed without scoring and completed three centuries and seven half-centuries. It should also be noted that Constantine played in only 24 of the 26 League fixtures, substitute professionals being appointed twice. The double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets must have been a great possibility but for those two missed matches. Harry Armistead also made three centuries to create a new amateur record. Constantine and Armistead made 187 for the opening partnership against Rawtenstall when ‘Connie’ hit 136 and Armistead 57. Then Winslow (70) and Armistead (118) produced an opening stand of 153 at East Lancashire. Mr. J. H. Warburton, in presenting his third Secretary’s Annual Report, said that the 1934 season will be remembered as one of the best, full of thrills and record breaking, and becoming League Champions for the tenth time and Worsley Cup winners for the fifth. Constantine missed five matches through a knee injury but still managed to take 90 wickets at 8-28. The first of the thrills came in the second match of the season at Bacup. Nelson had scored 95 and Bacup were 93 for 6. ‘Connie’ then performed the hat-trick and Bacup crumbled to 94 all out. The following week Accrington were the visitors to Seedhill – The feat of taking all ten wickets is extremely rare and to do it for as little as ten runs is phenomenal. No one has come near it in the history of the Lancashire League. Pollard’s achievement of bowling throughout the innings and conceding only one run must also be a League record.
Sixteen days later Lowerhouse were skittled for 27 with Constantine taking 8 for 7 and, in the final fixture, he claimed 7 for 5 when Rishton were shot out for 25.
Five batsmen scored over 400 runs – Constantine (657), Windle (538), Winslow (511), Greenwood (450) and Armistead (405) which showed the strength of the Nelson batting line-up.
The club was without the services of Constantine in seven matches in 1935 and, when he did play, he was not his buoyant self. With a month of the season remaining the majority of people considered Nelson’s chances of taking the League title as very remote – almost impossible. But six of the last seven matches were won (the other being drawn) and Nelson were champions again. This was Johnny Greenwood’s best season and he scored 721 runs at an average of 37-94. He was then persuaded to join the professional ranks with Farnworth. Constantine took nine wickets in a match on three occasions – 9 for 57 against Lowerhouse, 9 for 26 against Enfield and 9 for 35 against Accrington.
Chick Hawkwood returned to the club in 1936 and promptly broke the 43-year-old record which W. H. Bower had held. 835 runs flowed from his bat for an impressive average of 52•18. He shared in four century partnerships, two of them with Clarence Winslow. These two became the recognised opening batsmen for years to come. Constantine scored 632 runs and took 86 wickets to help Nelson to a hat-trick of League titles. Alf Pollard had, to all intents and purposes, retired although he did put in the odd appearance. Alec Birtwell was his replacement and he ended the season with 25 wickets at 15•8. The record-breaking season of 1937 followed when Nelson gained their fourth consecutive championship – a feat which has never been equalled. W. E. Windle gained his eighth championship medal. During the past ten seasons Nelson were champions eight times and runners-up twice and Windle had been a regular member of the first eleven for the entire period. The third and fourth records were registered in the same match at East Lancashire on 2nd August.
Constantine batted for 118 minutes for his record-breaking score of 192 which included 27 fours and five sixes. From one over bowled by the East Lancashire professional, Merritt, he hit 26 (two fours and three sixes). His partnership of 121 for the ninth wicket with Harold Hargreaves is a club record and was scored in 44 minutes. Constantine’s share was 107, Hargreaves’ 10. Nelson received 53 six-ball overs whilst East Lancashire received 55. That was a total of 648 balls – compare that with the 544 balls which constitute a limited overs match under present rules.
Learie Constantine, later to receive the Freedom of the Borough and also a Knighthood, left the club at the end of the season to join the Rochdale club in the Central Lancashire League. He had spent nine highly-successful seasons with Nelson, gaining seven championship medals, accumulating 6,363 runs for an average of 37•65 and taking 776 wickets at 9•9 each.
The successes of those nine years were not entirely due to the brilliance of Constantine for he was surrounded by very good amateurs, some of the best ever to represent Nelson. Constantine’s inspiration was probably all important in bringing the best from players such as Hawkwood, Winslow, Armistead, Windle, Greenwood, E. Bradshaw in., Pollard, Hargreaves, Birtwell and, of course, wicket keeper Freddie Dowden.
Chapter Seven
WARTIME CRICKET
The new professional for 1938 was L. Amarnath, the Indian Test all-rounder, and he impressed supporters by scoring 595 runs and taking 92 wickets. Hawkwood hit over 700 runs again and Birtwell collected 57 wickets, and Nelson were one of four teams that tied for first place. However, after play-offs had been played, Nelson were placed fourth.
Amarnath returned in 1939 and took a further 95 wickets. The first match of the season saw Accrington dismissed for 51 with Amarnath taking 8 for 9. Nelson replied with 121 for 0, Hawkwood scoring 63, Winslow 56. In the away fixture with Colne, Johnny Greenwood (70) and Harry Armistead (102) shared an unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 172 to create a new club record.
The 1939 season was concluded the day before war was declared on Germany. The Lancashire League did not suspend its activities during the Second World War as they did during the First, but clubs did not engage professionals. It was 1945 before professionals were appointed again. Nelson did not gain any honours during that period but several notable achievements were recorded.
On 19th July, 1941, Nelson entertained Burnley and making his debut for Nelson was 15-year-old Roy Pickles. Nelson batted first and made 158 all out. Burnley struggled in reply but appeared to be holding out for a draw when, with just 30 minutes remaining, Pickles was introduced into the attack with the score on 57 for 3. Young Roy performed the hat-trick in his third over and finished with five wickets for seven runs and Burnley were all out for 67 with one minute to spare. Mr. E. Crabtree, League President, presented the match ball to Roy to mark his feat.
On 16th May, 1942, at home to Bacup, W. E. Windle (116 not out) and H. Thomason (78 not out) made 204 for the opening partnership and created a new club record. In the very next match, away to Bacup on 23rd May, the same two batsmen took Nelson’s score to 107 for 0, Windle making 54, Thomason 50.
Then on 29th April, 1944, Nelson were hosts to Accrington. Nelson batted first and made 181 for 6 in 35 overs before declaring. H. Thomason scored 86 not out and batted through the innings. Accrington got off to a disastrous start, losing their first four wickets for one run.
They never recovered and were all out for 18 with Ralph Wood recording the fantastic figures of 5-1 overs, 4 maidens, 5 runs, 8 wickets (including the hat-trick in his third over).
The 1945 season saw the return of professionals although the League did not make it compulsory for clubs to engage one. All but two, Church and Rishton, did and Nelson’s choice was A. E. Nutter of Lancashire. Unfortunately, the RAF made several calls on his ser. vices and he was not avallable for a good many matches. However, he did show his undoubted ability in one match in particular. On 19th May he took all ten Lowerhouse wickets for 13 runs but still finished on the losing side, Nelson being dismissed for 59 in reply to Lowerhouse’s 67.
The Championship returned to Nelson in 1946 with Albert Hartley as professional. Hartley stayed for a further two years and Nelson were third in the league table each time.
On 15th May, 1948, at home to Accrington, Winslow and Hawkwood shared an unbroken third wicket partnership of 129 and Winslow made 127 not out – the highest score made by a Nelson amateur in a League match. The following Saturday at Burnley, the same pair opened the innings and Nelson declared with the score at 198 for 0, Hawkwood making 105 and Winslow 87. The 1948 season was a good one for run-makers and leading the way for Nelson were Chick Hawk-wood with 743 runs (average 39•1), Clarrie Winslow with 730 (average 34.76), a young Cyril Duerden with 507 (29.82) and Johnny Greenwood with 484 (22.0).
Freddie Dowden, who had been a first eleven wicket-keeper since 1927, retired in 1948 after securing a total of 329 victims (213 caught and 116 stumped).
In 1949 the popular Australian Jack Pettiford came to Nelson and, whilst not helping the club to any honours, he impressed club members with his batsmanship. He made the, then, second highest aggregate for a Nelson player, 866 runs. One match during that season deserves special mention. On 7th May, when Enfield were visitors to Seedhill, there were two century partnerships in the Nelson innings of 210 for 2 declared. Winslow (51) and Hawkwood (94 not out) made 101 for the first wicket and then Hawkwood and Pettiford (63) added a further 109. Enfield replied with 30 all out, Arthur Riley claiming 5 wickets for 15.
Chapter Eight
THE FIFTIES
Pettiford scored another 860 runs in 1950 despite atrocious weather – 17 of Nelson’s 26 fixtures ended in draws and a mid-table position was achieved. Hawkwood scored 487 runs for an average of 40.58 whilst Winslow’s 467 runs included another magnificent innings of 125 not out.
Yet another world-class player was engaged by Nelson in 1951. Dattu Phadkar, the Indian Test all-rounder, put in some memorable performances. He registered seven scores of 50 or more and took live or more wickets in a match on 13 occasions. His final batting average of 5361 was the highest ever recorded and his 100 wickets Cost 9.93 runs each. Phadkar signed further contracts for 1953 and 1954 but was touring England with the Indian team in 1952.
Reputedly the fastest bowler in the world at the time, Ray Lindwall was persuaded to spend a season at Nelson in 1952 and he proved to be a great attraction throughout the League. He missed the ‘magic’ hundred by four wickets but his consistent bowling ensured that the team lost only one match and finished the season sharing the runners-up spot. Chick Hawkwood achieved a notable milestone during the season – when he made 65 at Accrington he completed the record of scoring a half century on every ground in the League. He then retired at the end of the season, having accumulated 8,393 runs at an average of 32.79.
1953 was a disaster! Apart from the fact that poor weather made too many matches impossible to complete, Dattu Phadkar contracted pneumonia after only two weeks in our climate. Although some of the best-known names in cricket were engaged to perform substitute professional duties, the team could not settle and results were not as good as expected. Roy Marshall, Frank Worrell and Sonny Ramadhin were amongst several famous substitutes employed.
The weather was bad again in 1954 and the club’s finances took a severe battering. A loss of £867 liquidated the Consolidation Fund and cash in hand and at bank was less than £250. On the playing side, Clarence Winslow retired after notching 7,060 runs during 23 seasons. Like his famous partner, Hawkwood, war service prevented him from accumulating runs for four years at about the time he would have been expected to have reached his ‘peak. Roy Pickles, improving Si the time as an all-rounder, left the amateur ranks to become protes-sional for Stand Cricket Club.
Despite all the bad news, Nelson rallied and results and weather improved in 1966. Geoff Noblet, the Australian bowler, was professional and he took 84 wickets at less than ten each. But the most encouraging signs were the performances of some of the amateurs. Nevile Wood recorded 610 runs and Denis Smith established his first team place with 410 runs. Wilf Horsfield took 71 wickets and Alan Haigh began to stake his claim for a regular first eleven place. In 1956 Neville Wood and Denis Smith both hit top form with 676 (average 37-55) and 673 (average 89-58) respectively but the bowling lacked penetration. Only on six occasions did Nelson take all ten opposition wickets. Johnny Greenwood retired after joining the ‘elite’ who have scored more than 7,000 runs for Nelson. Greenwood’s tally was 7,353 (average 20.25) and he had also taken 439 wickets (average 17.5) to make him second only to J. E. Brooks as the most successful amateur all-rounder to represent Nelson. Brooks, who played from 1809 to 1922, scored 6,378 runs (average 19.21) and took 752 wickets (average 12.97).
The second eleven, under the captaincy of Jimmy Kerrigan, won the championship of the Junior League in 1956 and followed up with two more titles in 1957 and 1958 to become the only club to gain a hat-trick of Junior League Championships.
The professional for 1957 and 1958 was Baloo Gupte, the brother of the famous Indian Test spinner who was professional at Rishton.
Nelson maintained reasonable league positions in both seasons but the general public was restless for a top-class professional again.
The committee obliged and, as soon as Johnny Wardle announced his retirement from the first-class game, officials were on their way to try to persuade him to join Nelson. He accepted and Nelson’s fortune’s improved again.
Wardle took 101 wickets in his first season and also scored 634 runs. The young pace bowler, Colin Madden, chipped in with 59 wickets and Nelson finished as runners-up once more.
Chapter Nine
THE SIXTIES
Wardle returned in 1960 to take 96 wickets and the best of the amateur bowlers was Walter Thomas who collected 50 wickets. But Wally’ found a place in the record books in a different way. On 18th June at Seedhil with Burnley as visitors, Nelson made a disastrous Slart and slumped to 41 for y with Dattu Phadkar (now professional an Burnley) taking 5 for 14. Thomas joined Joe Harrison and. within an hour, put on 65 for the tenth wicket a new club record. Thomas was out when one short of a memorable 50. In reply Burnley were only able to muster 19 all our. Nelson finished the season in third place and improved by one position the following season with Wardle retained as professional.
With Roy Pickles returning from the professional ranks, Nelson were optimistic about their 1962 chances but four of the first ten matches were lost, the rest being drawn. But on 16th June fortunes changed.
Wardle hit 124 in 91 minutes, hitting four sixes and 18 fours. His third wicket stand with Denis Smith (76 not out) realised 174 runs and is a club record. Nelson declared at 224 for 3 and Todmorden were bowled out for 143, Wardle taking 6 for 39.
Wardle was lacking in amateur bowling support and Nelson’s inability to bowl teams out resulted in only four wins all season and a rather poor twelfth position in the league table.
Another Australian became Nelson’s next professional and half way through the 1963 season Des Hoare had 56 wickets to his credit and the team was challenging for honours. But Nelson failed to win a single match afterwards and had to settle for seventh place. Hoare’s final wicket tally was 91.
1964 was not a particularly successful season either but Colne supporters must have wanted to forget their 1964 encounters with Nelson in a hurry. The first meeting at Colne resulted in Colne being dismissed for 55 with Des Hoare recording the marvellous figures of 12-7 overs, 5 maidens, 14 runs, 9 wickets. Nelson replied with 56 for 1. In the return fixture at Nelson, Nelson batted first and scored 142 for 8 declared with Frank Taylor, an ex-Colne captain, making 51.
Colne were then bowled out for 58 with Hoare taking 6 for 8 in 12 overs and Taylor claiming 4 for 9.
Saeed Ahmed, the Pakistan Test player, came to Nelson in 1965 and Frank Taylor was elected first eleven captain. After a shaky start to the season the team began to climb the league table and, in the end, not only did the League Title return to Nelson but the Worley Cup was also captured. Taylor became the first player to lead two clubs to the ‘double’, having led Colne in 1959 when the ‘double’ was last achieved. Saeed had had a very impressive first season, recording 637 runs and 99 wickets.
Saeed returned in 1966 but was not quite as effective as he had been the previous season despite taking 9 for 18 in the season’s first fixture at home to Rawtenstall. The amateur batsmen failed to give the professional sufficient support, only Roy Pickles scoring more than 250 runs. Roy, in fact, had a wonderful season and passed the 800 mark for the first time. Pat Calderbank began to stake a claim for a first team place but the other amateur bowlers had not shown top form.
Another top-class Test player at the peak of his career was the next target for the Nelson Committee. The club was successful in obtaining the services of Neil Hawke, the Australian opening bower.
The committee’s enterprise was soon rewarded when the champion. ship lag was regained in 1967. Hawke was instrumental in recapturing she League Title, his 99 wickets costing only 7.1 runs each. Hawke’s nest performance was at Ramsbottom where he claimed 9 wickets her 18 runs. Rain prevented Hawke from bowling in six matches, which makes his 99 wickets look all the more impressive.
“N. J. N. Hawke was touring England with the Australians in 1968 and the young Pakistani batsman Sadiq Mohammed was engaged as profesional until Hawke could return in 1969. Sadiq’s batsmanship was a delight to watch but the team suffered because of a shortage of bowling power. Only Pat Calderbank was consistent amongst the bowlers, claiming 46 wickets. His 8 for 21 haul at home to Colne was rewarded with the presentation of his first ‘Evening Telegraph’ tankard.
Neil Hawke returned in 1969 and promptly helped Nelson to win the Championship for the seventeenth time. Hawke’s contribution to the cause was 582 runs and 112 wickets and he headed both the batting and bowling averages for the entire Lancashire League. Mike Chapple had joined Nelson after being one of the Ribblesdale League’s leading amateurs and he excited Nelson supporters with his big hitting. He hit the League’s fastest 50 – in 20 minutes – at Rawtenstall, and ended the season with 478 runs, whilst his medium-paced bowling brought him 33 wickets. But his success meant a professional engagement was forthcoming and he joined Darwen in the Northern League.
Alan Haigh claimed 44 victims behind the wickets and collected the wicket-keeper’s tankard.
Results were disappointing in 1970 despite retaining Hawke as professional. The gap left by Chapple’s departure was filled by a very young Roger Tattersall. Under Hawke’s guidance, Tattersall prospered and took 33 wickets at 11.61 to head the club’s bowling averages. Only Hawke (621) and Pickles (406) showed any consistency on the batting side and the two of them were responsible for creating a new fifth wicket record partnership for Seedhill on 13th June. Lowerhouse had Nelson in trouble at 26 for 4 when Pickles joined Hawke at the wicket. When Pickles was out for 32 the pair had added 113 valuable runs and Hawke went on to make 103 not out.
Chapter Ten
THE START OF OVERS CRICKET
Limited overs were introduced into Lancashire League Rules in 1971 but Nelson were unable to benefit and, in fact, had their worst season ever- finishing at the foot of the table for the first time. Events began to go wrong even before the season commenced. The professional appointed, Jim Standen, was unable to fulfil his contract because of professional football commitments and Ghulam Abed, a South African and brother of Enfield’s professional, Was signed at the last minute. Ghulam’s batting was adequate – he scored 669 runs – but he was only able to take nine wickets at a cost of 27.56 runs each. The bowling strength was not able to take sufficient wickets nor keep the run rate down.
The committee was aware that a bowling professional was required at Nelson so Sarfraz Nawaz, the Pakistani pace bowler, was engaged after he had been discarded by Northamptonshire. Nelson followers were pleasantly surprised with the all-round ability of Sarfraz. He took 79 wickets and also made 716 runs, including seven half centuries.
Peter Pickup, who had previously represented Barnoldswick in the Ribblesdale League, joined Nelson and earned 61 wickets with his medium pace bowling and a respectable fifth position in the league was achieved.
Limited overs rules were dropped in 1973 but the change of rules did not bring any change of fortune to Nelson. Sarfraz returned as professional and amassed 894 runs but he received very little support from the amateurs. No batsman reached 300 runs and only Calder-bank (33 wickets) and Pickup (34 wickets) were able to pick up wickets with any regularity. Sarfraz’s 53 wickets were a little disappointing but the team maintained its mid-table position.
A highly-promising young West Indian was the next professional and the cavalier manner in which he played his cricket inspired the amateurs to new heights, the team finishing as runners-up in both Cup and League competitions. Collis King was noted for his big hitting and attacking style and he totalled 751 runs during the season.
Young Chris Hartley had his best season to date, making 311 runs. and Pat Calderbank also had his best season, recording 57 wickets, including a 7 for 17 feat at Church and a 7 for 16 at home to Colne which was good enough to wain him another ‘Evening Telegraph’ Tankard. Collis King returned in 1975 and his enthusiasm spread through the club. The amateurs railed and four batsmen passed the 300 runs mark, Chris Hartley becoming one of the youngest players to total more than 500 runs in a season for Nelson. Pat Calderbank again impressed with 59 wickets and his 8 for 50 feat at home to Rawtenstall won yet another tankard. Comen homeo recorded 709 runs and 40 wokets. Limited overs had been rentnduced in another attempt to tradicate the many stale drawn matches. When a full match was played, spectators seemed satisfied with the new rules but rain-affected matches caused confusion.
Although King was retained for 1976, the West Indies called for his services after he had played in only three matches (in which, inci-dentally, Nelson had impressed). His replacement Harold Gibson, also from the West Indies, was not able to produce anything like a professional performance and Nelson finished at the foot of the league table for the second time.
When Collis King decided to play first-class cricket with Glamorgan the search was on for a top-class professional for 1977, and when Middlesex announced that Larry Gomes was to be released from his contract Nelson stepped in and signed him. In spite of cold, damp weather for most of the season, runs flowed from Gomes’ bat and it was apparent right from the start that Constantine’s 44-year-old record was in danger. Centuries against Church, Bacup and Rishton helped Gomes to reach 1,084 at the end of the season. His bowling performances were not in Constantine’s class but, nevertheless, he did succeed in claiming 39 wickets. The leading amateur players were Chris Hartley who, in his first year as captain of the first eleven, scored 613 runs, and Pat Calderbank who took 52 wickets, including an 8 for 15 performance at Enfield which won a further ‘Evening Telegraph’ tankard. Alan Haigh took his total number of ‘victims’ beyond the 600 mark and, at the close of the season, he had claimed 172 stumpings and 447 catches.
Frank Taylor, renowned for his achievement of leading two clubs to the Cup and League double, announced his retirement at the end of the season. He had become one of only three amateurs to complete 3,000 runs and 300 wickets for Nelson, his exact figures being 4,033 runs (average 15-57) and 333 wickets (average 15-77).
