Lives in Cricket No 38 - Lionel Robinson

57 chances of his team winning seemed small as a delayed declaration meant that Hall only needed to bat for 110 minutes to force a draw. However, Falconer (with six for 28) and F Hale (with four for 50) bowled unchanged to dismiss Hall for 84 in less than 20 overs and only 64 minutes. The match thus ended with plenty of time to spare and would have vexed Robinson considerably, especially as CEYMS were not out of the top-drawer of sides to visit Old Buckenham. Commenting on the game, the Eastern Daily Press reported: ‘Lionel Robinson’s fine ground presented an idyllic picture ... sylvan beauty ... A good easy paced wicket had been prepared by Porter, a Somerset man, till recently engaged on the Headingley ground staff at Leeds.’ A return to normal winning ways took place in the following two days when a much stronger Old Buckenham Hall side defeated the Incogniti by an innings and 28 runs. Although groundsman Porter failed to break his ‘duck’ batting at number eleven, the three players with Test experience all contributed significantly: Archie top-scored with 74, Jack Mason hit 64 and took five wickets in the game whilst Sid Pegler made 30 and finished with match figures of nine for 83. It was a classic piece of overkill committed upon hapless visitors, orchestrated by Archie to keep his employer happy and himself in a job. On 13 June Pegler again demonstrated why he was such a popular guest at Old Buckenham by striking 144 and taking six wickets in a Saturday afternoon thrashing of Carrow. This game was also notable for another appearance by Lionel’s nephew, Lionel Frederick Robinson, who made little impression in scoring just four runs when asked to bat at number eight. The highlight of the season was the visit of Oxford University for a first- class fixture at the start of July. This was the first time that the university, who were playing their last fixture before the Varsity match, had played a first-class match in the county. The wicket was described in the press as ‘plumb’ and as ‘capital’ and Oxford had no doubts about batting first when they won the toss. After Donald Knight and Miles Howell had batted well to put on 112 for the first wicket, their final total of 339 was slightly disappointing; Pegler, with a return of seven for 113, being largely responsible. Oxford would have felt much happier at the end of the first day’s play because they dismissed both of Hall’s openers, Archie and Kenelm McCloughin, for ‘ducks’ before the close. Then rain interfered with proceedings; only 110 minutes of play were possible on the second day during which Hall collapsed from nine for two to 129 for nine. Only Sir Timothy O’Brien, at the grand old age of 52, looked at all comfortable; he ended the day undefeated on 74, with his batting receiving rave reviews in The Times . Having made 144 in his previous innings at Old Buckenham, Pegler must have wondered why he had been put down to bat at ‘jack’ and had yet to go in. As it turned out the weather was much warmer and drier on the final day and the wicket rolled out well; O’Brien advanced his score to 90 before becoming Charles Rucker’s fifth victim. He had taken only 100 minutes to compile his score and hit 14 fours. As Hall had conceded a deficit of 192 runs, it was no surprise that they were made to follow on. With Archie having been called away to Harrow on business, Further Successes At Old Buckenham