Lives in Cricket No 8 - Ernest Hayes

His efforts at Cradock seem to have been appreciated. On the eve of his departure a smoking concert was held in his honour at which he was presented with a ‘purse and contents’. The local newspaper reported that ‘Mr Hayes in response regretted the fact that he was no orator but would compromise by giving another song, at the same time assuring the company present that he was very grateful to the people of Cradock for the kindness extended to him during his stay among them.’ His coaching duties had not been extensive, working from 4.30 to 6.00 daily with a club he reckoned to be the equivalent of a second-class London one, though with decidedly inferior practice facilities. His own playing performances seem to have been highly satisfactory: playing mostly for the Standard club, he scored 485 runs at 40.41, with a highest of 161 not out, and took 73 wickets at 5.06. Surrey: 1899 At last the years of spasmodic appearances and erratic selection were over and this year Hayes, now 22, was able to settle down to regular cricket with the Surrey first eleven. He writes with some satisfaction: ‘Feeling thoroughly strong and well after my recent South African trip, I started this season with every confidence in Coaching in South Africa and then a County Stalwart 28 The cricket ground at Cradock, Eastern Cape, ‘bare of turf’, in Hayes’ time. Note the umpire’s parasol.