Lives in Cricet No 33 - Jack Robertson and Syd Brown

13 beating every man, slipped as he kicked the ball and it went behind’! As the school won 8-1 it didn’t matter too much. Cricket wasn’t forgotten, however, even in the winter, and in February the school debating society carried by a majority of four votes the motion ‘That the bowling tactics adopted by the MCC in Australia are to be commended.’ Father and son started the 1933 season well, Jack making 85 for the school against Temple College and his father a century for the Turnham Green Thursday XI. Young Jack was playing as much cricket as he could, not only at weekends but on weekdays, and he twice reached the coveted three figures for the Thursday Second XI. He also had a taste of playing with first-class cricketers when he was selected (together with his father) for A.E.R.Gilligan’s XII against Chiswick for the annual charity match played at Chiswick House. As well as former England captain Gilligan, his team mates included future Middlesex colleague Joe Hulme, Patsy Hendren, and Jim Cutmore of Essex. Jack also occasionally guested for Chiswick Priory. Late in July the Robertsons both made 30s for them at West Drayton, but were outscored by a promising 15-year-old, Denis Compton, of whom more would be heard. They then went on Priory’s tour to Hampshire, Jack performing with some success and making 90 at Newport, Isle of Wight. 10 10 Touring with Priory again three years later he took six for 67 against Hampshire Club and Ground in their opening match at Southampton, although the wicket of England footballer Ted Drake, who top scored with 49, eluded him. Beginnings: Jack Devonshire Road, Chiswick in 2013. Jack was born at a house in this street in 1917.