Famous Cricketers No 63 - A.O.Jones

Bedford Modern also had a strong tradition of playing rugby football. He was part of the 1st XV during the two years, 1889-90. His entry in The Eagle states, “A.O.Jones, 11st - Probably the best back we have ever had in the School; his kicking and picking-up being as good as could be wished. Collars low very well. Is also a very good place-kick, especially in front of goal, and gained the Challenge Kicking Cup.” Arthur Owen was a member of the 1st XI for five seasons, from 1886 until he left in 1890. In a review of the 1886 season, The Eagle describes him as a “steady and sound bat, a difficult wicket to take and a useful wicket keeper.” He was captain of the 1st XI from 1888, taking 136 wickets during these three years. In 1889 the School played 14 matches, winning 8 and losing 4. Playing for the School against the Old Modernians, he made the second highest score in the match and led his side to a victory by 9 wickets. During the season his top score was 92 and he took 54 wickets at less than 10 a piece. The following year the results were 8 wins and 2 defeats out of 14 matches. The Eagle says, “A.O.Jones (captain), - A good all-round cricketer; bats in good style, with strong defence, his late cutting being especially good; useful slow bowler, with puzzling break from leg; good field, and has been very useful behind the wickets this season. A competent captain.” His greatest achievement with the bat for his school was one of his last there. In June 1890, for West House against School House, he scored 81 out of a completed innings of 84. His knock included two 6’s and twelve 4’s. Arthur Owen scored one century that year, 108, against Mill Hill School. He scored 499 runs and took 43 wickets, again at less than 10 runs each. Their other main opponents during this time were:- Bedford Grammar School, Wellingborough School, Elstow School, Leys School, Bedford Town and the Old Modernians. Many great sportsmen are blessed by having a good coach and being part of a winning team. This is certainly true here. The coach in question was Richard (Dick) Rogers, 1852-1947, who was the School’s professional and groundsman for 43 years. Besides coaching Arthur Owen in cricket, rugby and fives, there is evidence that Rogers encouraged him to take up rowing. Dick Rogers laid out what is now the Old Field in Clarendon Road, or Street, Bedford, as well as Wardown Park Cricket Ground in Luton, Elstow School Ground, which used to be on the Kempston Road, and many other grounds in Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties. He also laid out bowling greens and tennis courts all over the country. Rogers played for Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire and then became a Minor Counties umpire. Many notable sportsmen were coached by him. A.J.Taylor played cricket for Essex, Bedfordshire, Gentlemen of England and Free Foresters. T.M.C.Hunt played cricket for Berkshire. F.C.W.Newman played cricket for Bedfordshire and Surrey. He was also secretary to Sir Julien Cahn and organised his overseas tours. A.B.Poole played cricket for Bedfordshire, becoming captain and subsequently President of the club. H.L.V.Day played cricket for Bedfordshire and Hampshire as well as rugby for Leicester and England. Dick Rogers, and subsequent Bedford Modern coaches, encouraged members of the cricket team to play fives as an aid to quicker footwork. His legacy was the hundreds of Old Modernians who played sport, such as cricket, rugby, fives and rowing, all over the world at every level. The jewel in the crown, though, was Arthur Owen Jones who attributed his success to his old School and its devoted coach and mentor. Books of biography and statistics should stick to known facts and this one will endeavour to do just that. However, no account of the life of A.O.Jones would be complete without some reference to the fielding position of gully and the assertion that he “invented” it whilst a pupil at Bedford Modern School. Alan Gibson reports it in his book The Cricket Captains of England and says that the strategy was copied by E.H.D.Sewell, who played for Bedford Grammar School at the same time. Sewell later played for Essex. Earlier, E.V.Lucas wrote, “At third-man close in, (or ‘gully’ as he named this place), he was unique.” Wisden for 1893 refers to him as fielding at “extra slip”. 6