Open Writing

In my earlier days with South Shields Cricket Club I soon became aware of a formidable character who lived in Wood Terrace just opposite the ground. He was Foster Coulson, a man who followed in his Father's footsteps and played cricket for Shields from 1919 to 1944. He was an opening batsman, captained the side for 14 years, then an administrator, chairman and president. He was also a Durham County selector, and good friends with their captain and fellow committee man, Laurie Hanby of Gateshead Fell.

Looking back, I have a great deal for which to thank Foster. I am sure he used his influence in my initial and continued selection for Durham County and also possibly that of Ken Land, Benny Taylor and Ken Thompson. I believe he was also responsible for bringing county games to Wood Terrace and recruiting professionals like C.S Nayudu and Alec Coxon. He was a good man to have in your camp.

I didn't get to know Foster during my early days with the Club because young players were expected to be seen and not heard. He seemed a very gruff and brusque old boy and reminds me today, in looks and mannerisms, of Avril Grant - the ex-Chelsea manager. They told me Foster was slow to praise and could be a stern critic.

As I became a first team regular and playing for Durham, I saw much more of Foster's true character. He showed his pleasure when we were doing well. If not, he said 'nowt', I guess I knew I was in favour when he invited me onto the Pavilion balcony—which was his domain—for a drink and chat.

Durham played all over the North of England in the 1950's, and Foster and Laurie Hanby would take it in turns to take us in their cars. They certainly enjoyed their gin and tonics when they arrived.

Ken Land and I would occasionally kid Foster that his old Wolsey car was' getting on' and it was time he invested in a new one. Our comments were totally ignored, of course, until an end of season game versus Cumberland at Keswick gave him second thoughts.

On our journey along the A69 Military Road to Keswick, we travelled through rain and thunderstorms until somewhere between Haydon Bridge and Barden Mill, we ran into a great ford of water on the road. The underside on the passenger side of the car broke away completely and water gushed in soaking me from top to bottom. Foster and Ken Land were untouched and the sight of me aroused much mirth, which I didn't think funny at the time Fortunately, Foster found a grand old pub further on, with a roaring fire where I was able to dry out.

In the game the weather played its part in another incident which didn't go down well with Foster and Durham Secretary, Jack Iley. The next morning, after much rain, we were to field first but the umpires decided to delay the start until probably after lunch. Most of the two teams stayed in the pavilion, doing what most cricketers do when rained off - playing cards. However, Ken Land and Ron Aspinall decided to wander off just down the road into Keswick, thinking, no doubt, there would be no play for several hours. However, the sun came out, hot and strong and it must have been a fast drying ground because we were on the field in less than an hour, minus two of our players. Jack Iley was furious because there were no travelling reserve and he had to get changed and play. He was even more put out when he missed an easy catch while fielding at slip.

At the end of that over, strolling through the gates, came our two tourists, each shocked to see the game had started so early. Both were given an earful by Jack and Foster.