Memories 7 - Brentham v G W R

22nd May 1960

The start of the all-day game against GWR was delayed due to drizzle in the morning
and the prospects were not promising. The players retired to the bar and an early lunch 
was taken. The rain cleared and a play commenced at 2 p.m. GWR won the toss and 
Brentham were asked to bat.

David Vincent, the captain, decided that he would adjust the normal line up, relegating himself from his usual opening bat position to No 7. He made it clear that the pre-lunch session in the bar had nothing to do with this decision.

As was inevitable in these circumstances the innings did not start well. Horace Brearley, 
Paul Swann, Mike McCarthy, David Bloomfield, and Ken Bushell were all dismissed 
cheaply by Brian Reid and Tony Cook, both of whom subsequently joined Brentham.
Thus, when Roy James and David Vincent came together after an hour’s play -considerably earlier than had been anticipated -the score that had been 29-2 was a disastrous 29 for 5.

Vincent recalls that his first ball went high off the edge straight to Tony Cook, who failed to catch it. This turned out to be crucial as David proceeded to play a scintillating innings. He was ably supported by Roy James playing the anchor role, taking singles and giving the strike to Vincent.

David completed a stunning hundred in 83 minutes, including 13 fours and 3 sixes and, when he was dismissed by Brian Reid (and yes, caught by Tony Cook), the score had been transformed to 171. The declaration came after 51 overs at 177, with James 45 n.o.

GWR started quietly with the first 10 overs producing only 14 runs. David Norman then replaced Brian Waters and immediately took 2 wickets in his first 2 overs. Brian Mead at the other end was his usual accurate self and contributed 2 wickets in his 11th and 12th overs. Norman added his third and suddenly GWR were 49-5 off 24 overs.

Turnbull and Brian Reid threatened to stabilise the position with a stand of 46 but both were dismissed with the score at 100 (Reid being bowled by Roy James) . Despite bowling 56 overs, Brentham were unable to conjure up the last 2 wickets and GWR held on for a draw at 116 for 8. Brian Mead had the impressive figures of 22 overs, 11 maidens, 3 wickets for 28 runs. Maybe the lesson, on days when rain delays the start in all-day matches, is to bat first but not too early in the order!

Brentham  177-6   D J Vincent  103   R A James  45 n.o.       B J Reid  5-52

GWR  116-8   D Norman  3-21   B J Mead  3-28

by Roy James
Life Vice-President
Captain 1967-1969