History of Bucks CCC

Vincent Flynn, a product of Aylesbury Grammar School and former YA captain, who had spent three seasons on the books of Northants, was given games as a wicket-keeper. High Wycombe’s Bob Dell, better known for his skills on the football field, played several matches, Aylesbury’s Nigel Farrow made his first appearance and opportunities were given to Andrew Herrington of Gerrards Cross, Stuart Renshaw and Jon Potter, later to earn fame as an Olympic hockey player. The captain played in every match. He could usually call on the experience of Turner and Lyon while Milton, Mehar and Humphrey all played in a few matches, as did Hames, but too often places were taken by youngsters still to find out if they could cope. Though scoring runs was seldom a serious problem, wickets were taken more expensively than ever before. Moreover, there were problems in getting a balanced side onto the field with the finger pointed at Perrin for occasionally grabbing the first man he could find to fill a vacancy without reference to others on the selection committee. David Smith recalls arriving at the Morris Motors ground in Oxford for the first championship match and finding a total stranger sitting in the dressing room. Perrin had signed up a new opening bowler – and agreed that he should be paid – without any reference to the captain. The team were unimpressed and the newcomer played just two matches. Was it fair to blame the captain for the lack of success? David Smith found himself under pressure to resign. He chose not to do so and those who played in his team ensured that he was re-elected. In 1983 his luck would change. 88 The North Circular team: Brian Poll and David Smith