Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

failed to win a competition he finished second in a couple of tournaments and lost in a couple of finals. He also hit 171 for Free Foresters against Devon Regiment; the local press described it ‘as a brilliant innings’. This would be the last known century made by him. His son Henry was also reported in a number of tennis competitions and played a few games of cricket for Devon Dumplings, although he seems not to have been much of a cricketer. He made only six runs in four innings, and also played a game with Lionel for the Free Foresters, bagging a pair. In December Lionel’s stepmother Charlotte passed away. It was also reported that Lionel’s father was giving up all his committees due to failing health; he apparently had a heart condition that was rapidly affecting his health. On March 20 the following year his father died, and was reported in most southern ‘papers. Although playing less competitive golf during the year Lionel still turned out for his county. In May, Devon beat Cornwall at St Endoc 9-6. He lost both of his matches quite easily. At Sidmouth later in the month, Devon romped to a 10-2 win over Somerset. This time, in better form Lionel won both of his games. In his third appearance in the year, in October at Burnham, Devon won a good match eight and a half to six and a half in the return against Somerset. He lost his singles badly to AJ Palmer (five and four), but won his foursomes with Kenneth Fradgley at the last hole. By now his handicap had gone up to three; he again failed to win a tournament. He did however enter some home-grown vegetables in a local competition, winning first prize for his potatoes. His administrative skills in promoting and organising golf meant that by February 1924 he was elected vice-president of the newly formed South Western Golf Union; this looked after all counties in the region. His standing within the golfing world made him one of the best known people in the game. His wife was also busy as she was chaired the Local Unionist Association. Lionel had also joined the Liberal Party but by the end of the year was back as a loyal Conservative supporter. On the cricket field he made his usual handful of appearances, making a useful 57 for Free Foresters against the Devon Regiment in July; and the following month 48 for the Devon Dumplings Committees and playing for Devon 110