Lives in Cricket No 15 - Michael Falcon

broadcast. The new ball was given to George Pilch, who came from the same family as Fuller Pilch, 52 but not thought likely to pose many problems for a Test star. He ran up and delivered his first ball which Bill, to everybody’s horror, glided straight into the hands of Rodney Rought-Rought, at first slip, who didn’t think quickly enough to drop the ball. Bill returned to the pavilion to general consternation, his part in the game over before the BBC had swung into action. Shortly afterwards rain caused the abandonment of the game. Rev A Shilleto had sold £70 of tickets before the day and, despite the weather, over £100 was raised in total. Bill’s grandfather made a speech ‘expressing his pride in his children and grandchildren and his appreciation of Mr Michael Falcon’s readiness to assist in the upkeep of the Recreation Ground.’ This wasn’t the only testimonial paid to Falcon in 1938, the year of his fiftieth birthday. He received a telegram: ‘All members of Norfolk County Cricket Club send you heartiest congratulations on your fiftieth birthday, and their deepest gratitude for all your magnificent services to Norfolk cricket, which they hope may be long continued.’ The Eastern Daily Press added to the general approval of the county captain: ‘Mention should be made of Michael Falcon’s skilful captaincy and especially of the way in which he managed to get the best out of the somewhat limited bowling at his disposal.’ 1939 Norfolk finished in mid-table again in the final pre-war season made notable by David Walker and Harold Theobald setting a new record for a Minor Counties Championship first-wicket partnership. They put on 323 against Northumberland, largely due to Walker who scored 217. 53 The batting of Michael Falcon was also remarkable; in an Indian summer of strokeplay, Falcon passed fifty on no fewer than six times, a feat he had achieved in only two seasons before. Although he made no score of more than 79, he racked up 552 runs, quite an achievement for a ‘veteran’. His batting once more earned good reviews all season, consisting of ‘skilful leg glances and clean leg hitting and driving’. The press Elder Statesman: 1930-1939 91 52 Although later Pilches who played for Norfolk (R.G., G.E. and D.G.) are sometimes described as direct descendants of Fuller Pilch, they are not, for Fuller Pilch died childless. 53 This remained a record for this wicket in the Minor Counties Championship until Carl Rogers and Carl Amos, also of Norfolk, put on 335 against Hertfordshire at Hertford in 2002.