Lives in Cricket No 49 - Enid Bakewell

22 Grammar school Midlands based side. In this game Enid did not bowl and was out for 2, but at least people knew that she was around. The WCA Autumn annual for 1958 took notice: ‘Just 17¾ years old, and already a member of the Midlands XI, and reserve for an England XI v The Rest this year, this player looks like being in the forefront before long. Enid’s first strokes were made at the age of about nine on the local recreation ground at Newstead. Since then she has received coaching at the hands of some of the leading Midland players, becoming a member of the Nottingham WCC in 1956 7 , and being selected to play for the Midlands just two years later. In her very first match for her Territory she knocked up 31 runs against the South II XI. Some of her batting and bowling figures for her club are: 56 not out v Derby ; 42 v Edgbaston ; 4 for 24 v Mansfield (Enid’s first match) and 5 for 3 v Grantham. After attending Newstead Primary School Enid went on to Brincliffe Grammar School to study History, Maths and French at advanced levels. She hopes to take up Physical Education at the Dartford CPE. When not playing cricket Enid indulges in hockey, tennis, badminton, rounders and netball. She also enjoys listening to classical gramophone records and talking politics. To the question ‘Have you any suggestions to make regarding cricket for women?’ Enid replied: ‘That much more publicity should be given to women’s cricket in sporting publications and the press to interest spectators and to recruit budding cricketers who as yet are not aware that cricket clubs have been formed by women.’ At this time she had another year of school to go. Her A level year would see her take a step towards international recognition when she was picked for a young team to go to the Netherlands in July to celebrate the silver jubilee of the Netherlands Women’s Cricket Association. In May it was announced that the party would travel by sea (a slightly grand description for the Harwich to Rotterdam ferry) at a cost, according to the WCA of seven guineas apiece (but in 1958 ‘abroad’ was an adventure in itself). Enid recalls that seven guineas was also the price for a pair of suitable shorts and her mother was really shocked by this, but Hazel Sanders, a former England player, gave Enid an old pair for when those were in the wash. Molly Hide, just retired after a distinguished career, would be the WCA representative to look after the team. ‘All new members of this year’s district teams and reserves’ were asked to put their names forward by the WCA OnMay 23 Enid played for Nottinghamagainst the Mansfield Shoe Company and fairly dominated the game, making 54 not out as Nottingham made 116 for four declared and then taking four for 19 as the Shoe Company folded for 53. Still in form on June 13, she scored 38 when the county scored 138 for five against Leicestershire. Leicestershire were all out 47 7 It seems more likely this was the year of her match debut and that she had joined a year or two earlier.