Statistics hunt sets ball rolling for epic Leycett publication
IT is more than a decade since James Hopkin delved into the history books to answer a question about his father’s cricket career.
Hopkin was intrigued to find out the career run-tally for his dad, Chris, at Leycett Cricket Club - and that started a time-consuming, but rewarding, project.
The answer to the question is that Chris Hopkin - the current chairman - scored 7,044 runs for the club, which now forms part of a 615-page book ‘150 Not Out’ charting Leycett’s history.
And the timing couldn’t have been more apt. In a year which has thrown up plenty of challenges, Leycett have still had cause to celebrate as they mark their 150th anniversary.
James, who is second-team captain and secretary, writes: “I started writing this book just over 10 years ago and what started out as a small quest to find out how many runs my father had scored in his career at the club soon had me comparing his record to that of others.
“Before I knew it, it has snowballed in to a complete history of the club resulting in a record of every player, every game and every performance.
“Many days have been spent trawling through the archives at the Sentinel and library as well as dozens of scorebooks that I have located over the years, following up every possible leads I was given and knocking on stranger’s doors.
“A couple of things became clear over the years from speaking with people. That was how fondly they remembered the club, the village and its people, but there was also much sadness at the demise of the village and the place they grew up and called home.
“A book written in 1992 to celebrate our perceived centenary was found not to be totally accurate, as I found more and more evidence that the club was formed well before 1892, playing friendly cricket and games between themselves.
“When I discovered we were founded in 1870, producing a book to coincide with the 150th birthday of Leycett CC seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
“Unfortunately, Covid-19 has played havoc with our celebrations.
“Planned commemorative games have been abandoned, as has a celebration dinner due to be attended by both Dean Headley and Bob Taylor.
“However, fortunately, ‘150 Not Out’ whilst delayed for longer than I wished, did survive.”
The meticulous attention to detail explains the decade-long project, with a huge range of chapters covering all aspects of the club.
Career averages and profiles of all players are included, as well as club records and individual achievements throughout the 150 years.
There has been a host of well-known cricketers play for Leycett over the years, none more so than former England international Headley.
He joined Leycett in 1990 after his firstclass career at Worcestershire stalled through injury and helped the club to a memorable campaign.
His performances for Leycett - and Staffordshire - presented another professional opportunity with Middlesex.
Headley, in the foreword to the book, said: “Leycett had an ambitious captain in Gordon Thorley and an opening bowler in Richard White who was forging a reputation at local league level.
“There were several other very good young cricketers, opening batsman Rob Heath and wicketkeeper Dave Redfern to name but two.
“But not forgetting a stalwart at the club, Dennis Elliott, a rotund figure at the time, but boy could he catch at slip.
“I was delighted to help the club gain promotion to Division One of the league that year, a first I believe for the club and also to become the first team outside of Division One to win the Talbot Cup.
“Whilst my contributions helped the club to achieve promotion, I also recognise the boost they gave my career.
“I have kept in touch with the club ever since.”
The book is on sale for £15.95 with postage and packaging an additional £3.95, making it £19.90 through the post.
Anyone interested in a copy should send cheques, payable to Leycett Cricket Club, to James Hopkin, The Paddock, Station Road, Onneley, Crewe, Cheshire, CW3 9QQ or email jimmy_83@hotmail. co.uk.