Open Writing

While working at Readheads, the years 1955-57 were full of unexpected major developments in my cricket and football careers.

My form for Durham County and South Shields hadn't gone unnoticed by some first class county clubs during the 1954 cricket season. Northamptonshire and Kent were the most enthusiastic. The connection with the former was via David Smith - an old Shields footballer and cricketer who now managed Northampton Town's football club. I think he had hoped if I came to Northampton's County Cricket Club I might also sign for his football team.

In April 1955 I had a trial with Northamptonshire, playing in a friendly against Leicestershire Second XL I managed four wickets for 39 runs in 21 overs and the county wanted me to sign for them there and then. They even offered to make arrangements for me to complete my apprenticeship with a local firm in Northampton. I hesitated because of my growing connection with Newcastle football club, my apprenticeship with Readheads and National Service, which was just around the corner. Perhaps I was too cautious?

However, in October 1955, after much thought, I finally signed for Northamptonshire. The county were good about it and agreed not to start my qualifying, residential period with them until just before my National Service in May 1957.

In 1955 Sunderland and South Shields again waged a private war at the top of Durham Senior League. It was the Wearsiders' turn for revenge when they won the Championship. They emphasised their superiority by beating us three times in four days to win the Echo Bowl and Coronation Cup in addition to the League.

One game I recall from 1955 was when we played Seaham at Wood Terrace. It was one of the very few games C.S was absent due to injury and we certainly missed him. Shields were all out for 115 and we lost by 9 wickets. To add insult to injury the only wicket we got was a run out. C. S had an amazing effect on our team. I scored 52 of the 115 and the Sunderland Echo praised me for "some immaculate strokes, including a beautiful sweep for six as I romped towards a half century."

When playing for Durham County there was always more competition against neighbouring Northumberland. I recall the two games in 195 5. At Jesmond I scored 50 and 30 not out, and also took three wickets for 55 runs. This game was memorable because at the end of the match I was awarded my county cap by new captain Don Hardy.

I receive congratulations from my South Shields team mates on gaining my Durham county cap in 1955.

In the return fixture at Ashbrooke in August, our first four batsmen were out for a disappointing 98 runs when I joined Don Hardy at the wicket. Against some first class bowling we put on 170 together before I was caught out for 49. Don scored 132, the final 5 wickets adding only 37 runs in our total of 305. At the end of the season, I finished top wicket taker for the County with 32 wickets at 21 runs each.

Don Hardy was also captain of Boldon Cricket Club and I got to know him very well during the 1955 season. In a match against Boldon he once "called me back" after being wrongly given out. However, I was shocked, yet honoured, when he asked me, at 19 years of age, to be their professional for the 1956 season. My father and I considered the proposal at length. Boldon was a club I enjoyed visiting, and opening batsman Norman Dunn was a good friend of mine, but being their professional?

The Press got hold of the story and Bill Bawden the Gazettes' Sports Editor wrote "He didn't think the move would have the blessing of the Shields Club." The following day, H. WHardy, a Boldon committee man, former captain and father of Don Hardy, phoned the Gazette and strongly disagreed, saying "Wherever Scott went he would have the blessing of all sportsmen in the town."

I left my decision until just before the start of the 1956 season. I then thanked Boldon for the offer but declined their invitation. The rationale behind my decision was loyalty to South Shields Cricket Club who had done so much for me.