Spectrum - 1965 - Southgate County School

Miss Cynthia Wheeler was again selected to play
for the Middlesex 1st XI and was also asked to play in
the Festival XI v. The North match at the Easter Festival.
During the summer months, the Cricket Club have
been working hard on the erection of new changing rooms
at Cockfosters, and the Hockey Club are looking forward
to making full use of these during the coming season, for
which arrangements are well under way.
Unfortunately several members have left the district
since the end of the season, so new members will be more
than welcome. Anyone interested in joining is asked to
get in touch with the
11, Elvendon Road,
N.13.
BOW 6257.
Football
Hon. Sec.: Miss D. Monk,
Following last season's success, 1964/65 was
very much an anti-climax and proved to be the worst for
many years. Promotion of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
elevens unfortunately coincided with the loss of a number
of key players and although the ranks were filled by new
members, they lacked both skill and experience which
resulted in a very substantial weakening of our last four
elevens. The only teams to escape relegation were the
Reserves and 6th XI.
The 1st XI, under new skipper Bob Grimmett, did
not make their customary good start and were always
struggling. As so often happens when things are not
going too well in the League we had a good Cup run
being beaten 2—1 by Shene Old Grammarians in a
magnificent Quarter-final match. Of the players two can
look back with satisfaction, namely Tim Law our goalkeeper
and right back Brian Cook. The former saved us
from heavier defeats and generally frustrated opposing
forwards whilst Brian always tried to play football and
his interceptions and intelligent use of the ball were
invaluable in an otherwise shaky defence. The rest of the
team all had excellent matches but lacked consistency
throughout the programme. Brian Bale and Gomer
Pugh were the pick of the forward line.
The Reserves were once again our most successful
side and until Xmas looked as though they were going
to win their Division but the promotion of several
players to the senior side led to a series of defeats and they
finished midway in the League table. A sound defence
where Goalkeeper Dave Hodgson excelled and Pete
Corgan, until promoted, dominated the middle with
good coverage from full backs Mac. Mackenzie and Iain
Walls, was the springboard for the attack prompted by
skipper Gordon Dewhirst at left half and spearheaded
by Brian Toms, centre forward, Dave Cooper and
Graham Penny on the wings.
An abnormal number of "cry-offs" made the
composition of the lower teams a constantly changing
one and of the 80 matches played by these four sides only
18 were won with seven drawn—figures which speak for
themselves. Of the newcomers John Churchill and
Roger Robertson looked the most promising whilst of
the "old brigade" Tony Wright, John Spink, John Cliff,
Ray Harrop, Brian Oliver and Peter Chilton always gave
of their best for the full ninety minutes and deserved
better support.
The Chairman's Cup for the most improved and
consistent player was between Tim Law and Brian Cook
with the former getting the Committee's narrow verdict.
Brian Toms was once again our leading goal scorer with
38, well above Dick Dyer and Dave Cooper who both
scored 26.
The Club was most fortunate to have the services of
several schoolboys on various occasions throughout the
season and we were particularly impressed with the play
of Jerry Heaps, Bill(y) Spiers and Graham Mackenzie.
In the coming season we must endeavour to make up
some of the lost ground and the Club will welcome any
new players—please contact me or any playing member.
18, Park House,
Winchmore Hill Road,
Winchmore Hill, N.21.
Telephone: PAL 2624.
Cricket
Hon. Sec.: A. H. Gudgin,
Both 1st and 2nd XI results showed an improvement
over recent seasons—in spite of the very wet summer.
In fact it can be said that the rain generally was on the
side of our opponents as several games had to be abandoned
when we "had them on the hook"!
Brian Smith, our 1st XI Captain, again had a good
season scoring over 800 runs and taking about 50 wickets.
Cliff Tosh, making a late start to the season, scored
heavily and finished top of the averages. Useful contributions
were also made by Roy Clark, Gordon Wilson
and David Miller, whilst the hard hitting of Jerry Heaps
proved very handy on occasions. Tim Kitching was a
very able wicket keeper and showed considerable
promise for the future.
In the 2nd XI it was again the skipper Jack Spring
who carried the side on many occasions. He scored over
500 runs and took more than 80 wickets. His support
was generally a little sporadic, but Gordon Dewhirst and
Terry Ryan both did well with the bat. The 2nd XI were
very pleased to see the quite considerable improvement
shown by the younger element represented by Michael
Ryan, Keith Campbell, Martin Duke, Peter Scott,
Andrew White and Robert Gyles. Robert in particular
started the season in good form but rather failed to live
up to his high promise. However all the members of the
School who played for the Club acquitted themselves
well and we hope they enjoyed their cricket as much as
we enjoyed having them with us.
The new dressing rooms and showers are now
completed and will be in full use for next season. It is
hoped to have a proper "opening ceremony", full details
of which will be advised to all interested.
It is also hoped to hold winter nets at the Middlesex
Indoor Cricket School at Finchley and any interested
person should contact the
Hon. Sec.: R. H. Ashton,
66, Sheringham Avenue,
N.14.
LAB 7477.
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