Lives in Cricet No 33 - Jack Robertson and Syd Brown

14 The Priory’s last match of the season, against Indian Gymkhana at Osterley, would be one of particular significance for Jack. Middlesex and England fast bowler Jack Durston, who had just come to the end of his first-class career, was also in the side. He might perhaps have already heard of Jack’s promise, but had not yet had a chance to see him play. Priory batted first and Jack batted brilliantly. The local press says he made 56, though other sources give a different score. Whatever he made, it so impressed Durston that he persuaded Jack’s father to send him during the following winter for coaching at the indoor cricket school that he ran at nearby Acton. 11 His emerging talent was brought to the notice of Pelham Warner and in 1934, after a trial, he joined the Middlesex staff. 12 He was paid the groundstaff rate of £2 per week, plus £1 per day and expenses if selected to play in trial or club matches. Looking back years later Jack remembered how inspired he was on his first day at Lord’s as he entered through the North Gate and saw the green of the practice ground and the rear of the stands. Many probably still get that same buzz today as they enter the ground. 11 Another school opened locally in 1938, the Chiswick Indoor Cricket School. It was accessed at the top of Devonshire Road very close to Jack’s birthplace. 12 According to the minutes of the Middlesex CCC Committee meeting held on 18 April three other young players were engaged at the same time: two bowlers, Haverson and Turvey, and an allrounder Sharp (no initials were recorded). We shall read more about Harry Sharp. Beginnings: Jack