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

58 that there were more paid players than ever.” He cites John Kay who played for Middleton and became another cricket historian mentioning that in one match Crompton fielded nine players who had Test or first-class experience. Kay pointed out the irony that Crompton still only won half of their matches. But now the war was over cricket was greatly celebrated at this time and the guest players were allowed to continue until the end of the season. Heywood had only won the Wood Cup once previously and did not have the tradition of teams like Middleton, Werneth, Rochdale and Littleborough but 1945 was a special year for them. Nevertheless they nearly missed out on the Central Lancashire League title and only won it when Milnrow were docked points for incorrect registration of players. Heywood’s opposition, Crompton had tried and failed to secure Learie Constantine to play for them for this match. Meanwhile when Heywood’s regular professional was not available and then Pope (presumably the more famous of the two brothers, George) was also not available they turned – almost reluctantly, it seems – to the Bingley professional. Batting at number four, he scored 18 in 65 minutes as Heywood ground out 144 for five on a flat track on the first day when the rain came. On the second Saturday spectators patiently watched as Heywood suspended their innings on 150 and then Crompton reached 74 for none when again rain came – the spectators still lingering in case play resumed. Yet on October 4 the Heywood Advertiser writes: “then came Saturday [September 29] and with it a wicket which responded to spin – and Heywood had as deputy professional J. Lawrence of Bingley, who knew how to exploit such a wicket.” Johnny removed opener Norman (Buddy) Oldfield but “not till [Jack] Iddon was caught off a ball from Lawrence which behaved very strangely after pitching did Crompton’s difficulties become apparent.” Naylor then took the vital wicket of Dick Pollard. Then: “Lawrence removed all doubts, and if he had had the ball One interesting match