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

50 Miles’s father was an accomplished concert organist, and Miles – like Johnny – was to become a highly proficient church organist. They both held similar views on life – and particularly the folly of war – and this led them to become conscientious objectors. They played cricket together at Spen Victoria, Salts and Bingley during wartime when they worked together in the Forestry Commission. Miles is mentioned in Peter Pickup’s The history of the Bradford Cricket League – in particular scoring centuries in both of his seasons at Spen, 1940 and 1941 and one for Bingley in 1945. His first 50 in that innings came in two eight-ball overs and only time spent looking for the ball stopped it from being the fastest ever 50 in the Bradford League. He scored another fast 50 – in 13 minutes – while at Salts in 1950. In 1946 Miles returned to Salts, who now joined the Bradford League as Johnny started with Somerset, and he must have then moved to Leeds CC and then it was in good part Johnny’s influence through a specific recommendation of Bill Andrews that enabled Miles to join him at Somerset in 1947. A close friendship develops Miles Coope, Bill Andrews and Johnny enjoying net practice.