Now that I am officially retired from reporting on national and local cricket, I can cheerfully and honestly say I am just as enthusiastic about the incoming one, as much as any of the 27 years I had in harness in the North East.
For starters my mobility after a knee replacement last December is greatly improved, enabling me to resume the good relationships I like to think I enjoyed with clubs in the area. I will also be free to attend some of grounds I neglected when reporting.
But be aware, I am not entirely without a mission, as I still intend to make comment in whatever periodical will allow me the space and freedom to make observations, which might just help develop the game. An objective I always held dear when I first made my way in the Journals in 1997.
Prior to that I was a misplaced Scottish Borderer, just seeking an opportunity to watch the game which has always been my first love, since my father introduced me to the great game in 1948. A year for local enthusiasts to recall in which Sir Don Bradman led his ”Invincibles” to a thumping 4 – 0 Test series win in England.
It did not escape my notice, even as an eight year old in the same year, he brought them to Aberdeen to play Scotland in late September for a game which attracted 21,000 spectators over two days. But then you need no reminding, especially by an incomer who in fairness has probably met and chatted to all at Mannofield over those two days, all of 77 years ago.
I am just surprised more was not made of the occasion, particularly at the time of 50th and 75th anniversaries of the game
I just know Mannofield was one of the first places I rushed to visit when I came from London to work in the area in 1971. I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the location, regarding the ground as one of the top three in Scotland, but mortified that more was not made of the Bradman pavilion, and it’s place in the history of the sport.
For the younger players who now grace the game, I can only tell you the ”Don” was an icon of world sport in the 1940’s, up there with all the greats of any sport you can name.
My view of local cricket was certainly coloured by his presence. I only regret that I didn’t take my late father to the ground before he died in 1974.
From that time on I was a devotee on all things cricket in the North East, drinking in your fine traditions and history.
Even in Ellon where I now reside I am mindful of the fact of Ellon Gordon being one of the oldest teams in the area.
Formed in 1843, I feel privileged to be an Hon. President of this noble organisation, but sad to see them languishing in the lower leagues of the great Grades set up.
Perhaps now I am retired, time might be on my side to enable them to hit the heights again by the promotion of juniors to their ranks where they can join Johnny Barrett, one of the greats of any era in the region, turn their fortunes around.
I have also put the culture shock of coming from London to Longhaven behind me, but am mindful of the words of Ian Botham when I interviewed him in 2009 at Mannofield. When asked what Scotland needed to do to get into the higher reaches of international, the legend said:”Get some better weather.”
And while I can’t guarantee you an improvement in the elements, I can assure you of my occasional presence at the various locations where cricket is played in the North East.