A new book published provides a fascinating insight into the history of a unique cricket ground in rural Northamptonshire created and nurtured by two generations of one family.
A Short History of Cricket at Everdon Hall is written by David Owen and tells the story of “a truly special cricket ground”, created and nurtured by members of the Hawkins family.
It was established on rich pastureland in the Edwardian era before the First World War, with cricket continuing there, on and off, until about 15 years ago. Across the decades, matches at Everdon Hall took place on Sundays and occasionally in midweek, and were all-day affairs with lunch and tea taken at long tables in the white-walled pavilion adorned with old photographs, crests and cartoons. For lovers of all things cricket, this was country house cricket at its best and the rural tranquility offered by the ground and setting never went out of fashion.
Commenting on the book and his short time playing at this wonderful venue, Owen said,
“I had the good fortune to enjoy four summers of playing there in the latter years of its existence. Its story represents a small slice of England at its best.”
As well as hosting several local village teams, the annual fixture list over the years saw the likes of the MCC, University College Oxford, St John’s Cambridge, The Gentlemen of Leicestershire, Warwickshire Gentlemen and Leamington Cricket Club all tread the hallowed turf and capture the picturesque surroundings that Everdon Hall afforded its visitors.
Opponents each year also arrived in the form of two or three foreign touring parties, usually Australian. One notable fixture goes back to August 1980 and a “1950s Reunion Test Match” between Old England and Old Australia. It brought together the likes of former England fast bowlers Frank Tyson and “fiery” Fred Trueman, Denis Compton, Australia’s Doug Walters and Neil Harvey to Everdon for a game which was won by Old Australia.
Owen added,
“I had always promised myself that I would attempt to set down its history for posterity, and this year’s lockdown due to the pandemic afforded the perfect opportunity to actually get on and do it.
“This was only possible because of the scorebooks and memorabilia carefully salvaged by former team-mates Rob Williams and Dennis Cadd”.
Copies of A Short History of Cricket at Everdon Hall are available for only £5.00 (+ £1.50 for postage and packaging) from David Owen by contacting him via email at davidowen58@aol.com or by telephoning on 07771 898116.
The Landlocked Traveller 