Lives in Cricket No 52 - Schooled in Cricket (2nd edition)

131 Wakefield would surprisingly dispense with Johnny’s services after he had taken 329 wickets in three seasons for less than nine runs apiece and helped the club to such great success in this period. In a letter of appreciation from the club, secretary Peter Hodson says “I am certain that we would not have looked elsewhere for a professional had not our League taken the step of playing Cup Matches on Sundays when you were not available.” Hodson lists Johnny’s wicket-taking for Wakefield: 1964; 130 wickets average 8.6 1965; 128 wickets average 8.4 1966; 71 wickets average 9.5 He states that this is an amazing personal record but that it does not however “show the keen spirit and enthusiasm in which you played the game, and for all this we owe you a debt of gratitude.” As it happens Sonny Ramadhin who had been such a star bowler throughout his career was still huge value as a replacement for Johnny and Wakefield would continue with some success for a while yet though they never again reached the heights of 1964 and 1965. Johnny rescued a heavily pregnant rabbit that ran on the pitch at Headingley in his time at Leeds. Johnny’s family is pictured looking after the new family. Stephen's cot appears to be an old cricket bag. A star again in league cricket