Deando in the 1980s
The following was written by Neville Rainford:
1980
The new decade opened with familiar problems. Although the Council had doubled their pitch hire charges and Deando were still allocated to King George’s Field, the season’s first two home games were transferred to Alexandra Rec and Beverley Park due to the Council advising the Club that King George’s was ‘unfit’. The General Secretary was instructed to write a letter of complaint to the Council, settlement would only be made for bookings till the end of June and Committee Members will actively strive to find an alternative Home ground for the rest of the season. Epsom Council confirmed that they had vacant pitches from July onwards if necessary. The only further action on this was to approach Epsom Council to see if they could provide Deando with one ground for 1981 and, at the same time, to canvas other cricket clubs currently letting at King George’s to support a petition about the poor state of King George’s wickets. The Committee also asked the General Secretary to write to Epsom Council requesting sole use of Ewell Court for 1981. Relations continued to deteriorate with the Council with incidents relating to an evening game overrunning and poor communication with the groundsman relating to weekend fixtures being called off (when Deando CC had 2 Home fixtures at King George’s). Graham Lees sent a detailed response but the Council threat was that if there were any further complaints against Deando all further games will be cancelled.
At this time the Surrey Cricket Association (SCA) was formulating a new regional structure for monitoring cricket at all levels throughout Surrey, were holding a local regional meeting on 7th July and the Club was sending representatives along. The county of Surrey was divided into 10 Regions and Tony Hodgson was the area Regional Manager. It turned out that Deando was not alone in complaining about Kingston Council’s cricket facilities and Tony Hodgson promised to take the matter up with Kingston Council and wrote copying the General Secretary in. Harry Brind, the groundsman at The Oval, was also commissioned to visit and report back on the state of the local pitches. The Council did respond, were too seeking an improvement to the wickets plus the help of Harry Brind to make two visits to advise Council groundstaff on the maintenance required. However, due to staff leave, this could not happen until late in the season.
The SCA was also hoping to organise winter nets in Tolworth Recreation Centre for local cricket clubs and organise ‘A Question of Sport’ type quiz competition: Deando noted their interest in both.
The Sunday 2nd X1 was struggling to survive and one fixture had already been cancelled early season due to poor availability. There weren’t enough members to support the two Sunday X1s but the shortfall was being made up by members' friends. The Club now needs to increase its membership then go to the Cub Cricket Conference for emergency fixtures. These initial worries were not borne out by this side’s playing record:
F21 P18 W6 D8 L4
Indeed, the season’s cricket was largely successful, winning far more games than were lost with one notable exception. Pete Stevenson amassed 1,272 runs (a Club record incl 141* in a team score of 265-5 v. Southern Rail Croydon) and took 75 wickets ably assisted by Graham Lees 772 runs & 89 wickets. The exception was the Decca Cup, a midweek evening 15 8-ball over competition. Due to the local nature of this draw, each season Deando was drawn in a 4 team League with Surrey Championship teams Malden Wanderers and Old Emanuel and generally lost to them, sometimes heavily. Deando usually performed well against the fourth side: Kingston Methodists one season, Surbiton Town another, but by then the damage had usually been done.
The Dinner & Dance was successful with 127 attendees and made a small profit. Club members and friends also enjoyed a day trip to France. In Indoor Cricket, Deando’s League comprised Chessington, Esher, Hersham, Merrow, NPL, Olinda Vandals & Stoke D’Abernon. Deando’s application to join the Slazenger League was also rejected and further applications wouldn’t be considered until 1982 (for the 1983 season).
On 28th November Tony Hodgson in his role as SCA Regional Manager updated Kingston Region member clubs on the full range of SCA liaison and activities but also updated on the latest action to Kingston Council cricket grounds. Both Harry Brind & Tony Hodgson visited Council grounds on 18th September. Following the inspection Mr Brind sent a full report to Kingston Council which was very critical of many of the grounds. He also made recommendations to remedy the situation. The letter continues
‘I am pleased to be able to inform you, since the Council received this report, they have commenced remedial work at all grounds, and are currently ploughing up the worst ground in the area, Latchmere Recreation Ground. This table will be relaid during the next week or two under the supervision of Mr. Brind. The expertise imparted during this work will enable the Council to later on tackle other grounds also requiring such drastic treatment. At this point I would like to thank Kingston Council for their assistance and co-operation, and for recognising the problem and their willingness to put matters right. I should also add that the Council are sending their staff on a training course, and we shall be preparing a trip for them in the spring to the Oval, to study the pre-season preparations carried out by Mr. Brind and his team.’
1981
In early 1981,there were quite a lot of things happening. Kingston Sports Council were aware of the condition of wickets in Kingston and were monitoring the progress of repairs recommended by Harry Brind in his Report. Deando managed to enter 2 teams into the Sports Quiz and Epsom Council had come back with suggested pitch allocations although it wasn’t quite what the Club wanted. Additionally, Epsom Council’s charges were considerably higher than Kingston Council’s, double on Sunday, with add-ons for hot water for showers and the use of a kitchen with hot water. For once, the disco organised in mid February at Merton NALGO in Wimbledon failed to sell and was cancelled.
During the previous season the Club had received initial notification from Maurice Webb of Coombe Manor CC of their proposal to start a local midweek evening competition, along similar lines to the Decca Cup, but for local non-league Clubs. In early February the inaugural meeting was held: the competition would be sponsored by a local engineering firm and called The Galbird Trophy, and Dave Kaill was appointed as Chair of the organising Committee, Colin Wood as Press Secretary.
In indoor cricket Deando qualified for the semi finals of the main competition but lost to Epsom CC.
In the February 1981 General Committee Meeting, the issue of holding Team Selection meetings was raised and led to a heated discussion. The Selection Meeting consisted of the General Secretary as Chair, the three Captains and the Team Secretary. The Saturday Captain only played on Saturdays and requested a Saturday selection meeting and could not attend Sundays. The compromise was Monday but that would mean everyone travelling, some members a considerable distance. The chosen compromise was a meeting on Saturday to pick the Saturday Team and a meeting on Sunday to pick the Sunday Teams. At this, the Team Secretary resigned as Team Secretary. Pete Munday volunteered to act as Team Secretary and was appointed by the Committee.
Following on from ascertaining Epsom Council’s pitch hire arrangements and charges, Deando’s Committee decided to rewind and find out if King George’s was still available. At the March Committee Meeting (bearing in mind the imminence of the 1981 cricket season) the Home ground went to the vote, between Epsom and Kingstom, the vote was tied and the Chairman cast his casting vote for Kingston. At this time Bill Byford said he thought the changing rooms behind The Cricketers on Fairfield South, Kingston, currently used in the winter by Cambridge FC, would be available if we were able to book the Fairfield and play there. At this time there were two main cricket teams who played at the Fairfield - Kingston Methodists and Kingston Workmen - and, as there were two squares, Deando CC could be fitted in alternating with the existing clubs. And that was that, Deando CC had a new home ground, with changing rooms + showers behind The Cricketers and, for the first time, a very local Bar to drink in. Cambridge FC were thanked for permitting the use of the changing rooms which made the whole move possible.
In other respects, life went on. An ad in the Surrey Comet for a ‘tea lady’ had brought a good response. Summer outdoor nets in the Borough were at Norbiton Rec, Kingston Road, and Victoria Rec, Surbiton. However, it was hard to attend the nets when the midweek cricket matches started but, in any event, the net facilities were to prove unacceptable. Decca Cup games were arranged and the inaugural Galbird Trophy fixtures were arranged. The Team Secretary was disheartened that games had had to be called off due to lack of availability but membership was increasing.
The President’s Game was a great success although there was more of a ‘do’ utilising the upstairs room in The Cricketers in the evening and the day’s expenses included hiring bar staff. The Galbird Trophy too had a very successful inaugural season. 8 teams entered, Deando were drawn in Group B with CEGB, Hogsmill & Kingston Methodists and won all three of their group matches relatively comfortably to top Group B and meet Bradbank, the runners up in Group A, in the semi final. In that semi final at Bradbank, Bradbank were 61ao and Deando made 64-7, winning by 3 wickets off the last ball. This then led to the Final on Wednesday 15th July again at Bradbank v. local rivals Coombe Manor CC. Deando rallied all its Vice Presidents, members and family and friends but in the event Coombe Manor posted a winning score of 101-6 off its 15 (8 ball) overs and Deado were all out for 76 off 13.2 overs to lose by 25 runs.
At season end the Council agreed to store sightscreens. The confusion and delay had arisen due to the nature of different sightscreens but when Deando confirmed these would be canvas so could be rolled up and stored, that was all right. At the AGM, Colin Wood took over as General Secretary. The total Club membership now is 53 of which 31 are playing members. The Dinner & Dance attendance was 126 but Bill Atkinson as organiser wrote to Sandown Park detailing failures in their service. In any event, the Club is likely to lose up to £100 and Sandown Park is getting more expensive. Sandown Park did respond and offered 6 free bottles of wine. Committee Members are reminded and encouraged to scope alternative Dinner & Dance venues. Winter nets are Tuesday evenings 8-10pm at Gover’s. An application to join the Morrant Wey Valley League was rejected as the Club is outside their catchment area. In The Cricketers Brian & Joan the landlord and landlady are moving on.
But as 1981 bowed out there are several important issues bubbling under which are likely to affect Deando CC: potential new ground in North Kingston, new licensee(s) at The Cricketers and Brewery plans for development of the courtyard to the rear of The Cricketers affecting the changing area and, finally, extending the Somerset Tour.
Bill Byford had made a point of going in to The Cricketers to meet the new Landlord. At this stage it was a temporary relief couple who did not see any problem with the Club’s continued use of the changing rooms and showers - there was a separate, secure access in any event - though gaining access to the pub’s upstairs room, particularly on Sunday afternoons at a time when the pub is closed may cause problems. To try to develop a relationship with the new Tenants it was agreed to suggest to Club members to meet in The Cricketers on the last Saturday of the month starting in January.
In late 1981, Deando had got wind of land at the top end of Park Road, Kingston, near the Borough Boundary with Richmond, which had potential to be developed as a new sportsground with a cricket pitch. After notification from The Club Chairman, Doug McKenzie, in January 1982 the General Secretary, Colin Wood, wrote to Richard Shepherd of the Park & Tudor Residents Association to confirm our interest in the project and explaining cricket ground requirements including layout. The Chairman and General Secretary then visited the site to meet with Richard Shepherd. Mr Shepherd had already received a letter from Mr P Woods, the Council’s Borough Valuer: it may be possible for an umbrella organisation of stakeholders to lease the land from the Council for 10 years at a nominal rent. At this point, Colin also wrote to The Oval to commission an expert Report into the state of the proposed ground and its suitability as a cricket ground. Jack Hesketh had already written to Mr Shepherd confirming an interest on behalf of his football club Park Rangers FC.
1982
In the meantime, at the start of 1982, life at the cricket club still went on. The Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Walton-on-Thames was causing problems - double bookings, hall not ready, fixture changes at very short notice and not getting the Centre winners for the Surrey Finals decided in time - so the Surrey Cricket Association were notified and Graham Lees was offered up to take over the organisation of Elmbridge Leisure Centre for winter 1983-4. A 10-pin Bowling event at Charrington Bowl, Tolworth, took place on 6th March. A joint Disco at Kingstonian FC with Coombe Manor was a sell-out and a complete success. The Club was also seeking a grant towards sightscreens at the Fairfield, storage had been arranged and, by agreement with the other Fairfield Clubs, any excess cost would be shared. In due course, a grant of £300 was received. The Galbird Trophy Organising Committee added two teams for this year and 2 groups of 5. Deando were drawn with CEGB, Raynes Park OB, Strenue & Wimbledon United. Deando also entered the Warwick Wright Motors (formerly Decca) Cup. Finally, through the auspices of the SCA, outdoor nets were arranged at The Oval, 5 Deando members attended a 2-hour spot. England Test players Pat Pocock & Graham Roope were also watching with some light touch cricket coaching.
The 1982 Fixture Card is reproduced here. On the reverse are the Club details, Vice Presidents and Officers plus Tour, Bank Holiday and Midweek Fixtures.
There were concerns, early in the cricket season, about the standard of the cricket pitches and the general condition of the outfield at the Fairfield and the General Secretary was instructed to write a letter to the Council. However, in August the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council to congratulate the Groundsman on the excellent standard of the Fairfield wickets.
The President’s Game, on Saturday 12th July, was a 12-a-side 40 over game with each bowler limited to 8 overs. The President, Frank Gaisford, played and Captained his X1 v. a Club X1. The local MP, Sir Nigel Fisher, and the Mayor were due to attend and the festivities went on into the evening in the upstairs room at The Cricketers with refreshments and a buffet and culminating in the 100 Club Grand Draw.
In the meantime, in an unusual turn of events, West End Esher went to the wrong ground and failed to turn up for a Deando 2nd X1 Fixture at the Fairfield. The players decided to use the pitch and also approached 4 youngsters who had set up their own impromptu game on the outfield. They not only acquitted themselves very well, they also received Application Forms and became members in due course. Deando CC did well in their Group Games in the Galbird Trophy but lost to Hook & Southborough in the Semi Final. They also exited the Warwick Wright Motors Cup with defeats to Malden Wanderers and Old Emanuel.
Deando were also invited by Wandsworth Council to trial a newly laid artificial wicket at their Putney Bridge Road Sports Ground. This did not progress through the Club though grants may have been available.
1982 was another successful season on the cricket side. The highlights were Pete Stevenson’s ‘double’ of 1263 runs and 151 wickets, Graham Lees also contributed 1137 runs. Deando would continue with winter Indoor Cricket - 10 matches minimum in total, 7 matches in the main competition towards the Surrey Finals then 3 in a local competition February to April running to the outdoor season. Graham Lees was now Committee Chair at the SCA for Cricket Competitions, Neville Rainford running Elmbridge Leisure Centre.
The Club also underwrote a day trip to Boulogne which was, in general, very successful but the Tea Lady and her daughter somehow were left behind. The meet was at the Toby Jug at 6.30 am, there were just under 8 hours of eating and drinking time in Boulogne and the coach arrived back at the Toby Jug at 1.15 am early the next morning. However, the prognosis for the Dinner & Dance was gloomy with only 94 tickets sold and the Club likely to stand a large loss.
While a sub-Committee will explore all available and suitable options, it was agreed to stay at Sandown Park and increase the ticket price. Before Deando booked their winter nets at Gover’s, the SCA advised of a new Indoor Cricket facility opening at Imber Court and Deando booked 1 2-hour net session at Micky Stewart’s Cricket School from January.
A new couple had taken over as licensees at The Cricketers. Colin Wood arranged to meet the Landlord, though Cub members were also encouraged to continue to meet there on the last Saturday of the month. The Club was advised that there were plans afoot to redecorate the upstairs room at The Cricketers with a view to holding regular functions and lettings which might jeopardise cricket tea arrangements.
1983
Deando had continued to pursue their interest in the potential new ground in north Kingston, looking at initial scoping and viability issues. Through The Oval a Report by Barrie Legg on the ‘Proposed Site of Sports Ground’ was commissioned. [Can publish copy of Report, if required.] The ground was feasible: level with good grass cover, but a fair amount of weeds, a cricket square may already have been prepared but was at a lower level which could affect drainage. The cricket square could be put into play the year after summer and early autumn works took place to establish the square. Initial estimated costs (at 1982 prices) were:
Equipment & tools £12,700
Materials £535
Plus labour, some of which would have to be bought in, prices, particularly materials, would increase as works take place over a 3-year period (only 1 game could be played per weekend until the square increased in size) and up to £15,000 for a proper ground drainage scheme, though cheaper options would be available by cutting back the specification. And, finally, this does not allow for hard standing, portacabins and water hydrant adjacent to square.
Meanwhile, at Kingston Council, the Finance and Lands Sub-Committee had approved the site for use as a sports field, final confirmation to be granted by Full Council. At a meeting with Park & Tudor Residents Association, Richard Shepherd advised that he is waiting for a draft of the Lease from the Council’s Borough Valuer (by the end of January) and a meeting was set up to form the Association of residents and interested sports clubs. In the meantime, Deando donated £50 to the Association towards administration costs. The steering group continued to meet. It was felt that a larger winter sports - football/rugby/hockey - club would be needed to share facilities and an ad was drafted for the Surrey Comet. A copy of Sports Association Rules, which would form the Constitution of the Association when formed, was circulated to all General Committee Members. The Club President, Councillor Frank Gaisford, whose electoral Ward was Tudor in north Kingston, attended the February 1983 General Committee Meeting to advise further on the approach which needed to be taken. The next stage would be to form a Management Committee to negotiate with the Council and Colin Wood, Dave Kaill and Bill Byford were appointed as Deando’s representatives. The President concluded with this is ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity for Deando to acquire its own ground!’.
By March there was still no progress on the new ground: the Council hadn’t forwarded a draft Lease. On a positive note, two well-established football cubs had responded to the newspaper ad. The steering group held a meeting with John Woodland (Head of Outdoor Facilities at Kingston Council) and Andy Such (National Sports Council) who both pledged to help as much as possible with this project. After not hearing anything for 2 months, Colin Wood spoke to Richard Shepherd who stated that Kingston Council had written to him 6 weeks ago recommending the rent at £1,900pa and that he would be calling a meeting shortly to meet John Woodland and representatives of Ham FC and discuss finances.
In the meantime, other developments could have an effect on the ground. The present Youth Leader at the adjacent Barnfield Youth Club had resigned and the Council had no plans to replace her. Richard Shepherd had then approached the Borough Valuer to ascertain if the Youth Club could be leased in addition to the sports ground.
Sadly, however, this seemed to signal the end of the potential of the new ground. Stakeholders stopped contacting each other and the housing development went ahead. Looking back with hindsight post development it is clear that there would not have been sufficient land for a full size cricket ground and, beyond that, errant cricket balls would have led to serious objections from residents.
Meanwhile, Deando made the Final of the Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge, but lost to Epsom. In the ‘local’ competition, Deando entered a 2nd Team who lost their 3 games but enjoyed the competitive cricket and, of course, extended Club members’ experience. The Firsts lost to Sunbury in the semi final. Another successful Disco was held in partnership with Coombe Manor and raised £111.50. The ‘Surrey Cup’ group consists of Malden Wanderers, Old Emanuel & Tolworth. In another innovation for the President’s Match, an attempt was made to raise an opposition team from members of clubs who had a close association with Deando, but this failed and the Home game v. Kingston Methodists in early July would serve as the President’s Match. And after Deando played a fixture at King George’s and the wicket was described as ‘virtually unplayable’, the Committee agreed not to use it as an alternative for Home games. Deando beat Coombe Manor in the Galbird Trophy Semi Final only to lose a close and hard fought Final at Racal Decca Sportsground, Tolworth, to 54th OCA/COCC by 2 runs.
Interestingly, in this season an opportunity arose to arrange a fixture with Norbiton CC which included Tony Hodgson and Derek Guppy, who were responsible for founding the Slazenger League, but the wicket did not play very consistently and Deando did not bat that well so it didn’t do much to support the Club’s repeated applications. The Fairfield wickets were deteriorating and the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council. There were problems getting midweek Surrey Cup teams out and also the Saturday X1. At this time, Deando also arranged the refurbishment of three of the showers and the unblocking of the toilet area as a goodwill gesture to Cambridge FC and The Cricketers.
Socially, a Barbecue & Disco was arranged at The Police Social Centre, Imber Court, followed by an end of season meal at The Hogsmill. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was booked for The Wolsey Suite, Sandown Park in November but was cancelled. The Club opted for a Presentation Dinner: at Heather’s Restaurant in Stoneleigh in March, while alternative Dinner & Dance venues were sought.
At the AGM, Neville Rainford took over as General Secretary and Saturday Captain and Pete Munday was confirmed as Team Secretary. Pete Stevenson as Sunday Captain and Mike Goldfinch as Sunday 2nd X1 Captain.
With a vacancy arising, the Club now entered 2 sides in the Indoor Cricket, both sides acquitting themselves well and extending the number of players with experience.
1984
Winter nets started at the new facility at Micky Stewart’s Cricket School. The booking was on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm, the facilities were rated as excellent but attendance was poor. Interestingly, there was a price hike for each two hour period from booking to Invoice from £14 to £19. In Indoor Cricket, Deando qualified for the Surrey Finals at Woking by winning the Elmbridge Leisure Centre competition. They lost there to Blackheath (of Guildford).
In the meantime, rumours of the new build pavilion on the Fairfield were becoming real. At this point the General Secretary wrote to the Council to ask if it would be possible to influence the internal layout of the new pavilion particularly for provision of teas and changing facilities but Mr J Woodland of the Council replied to say no, it would not be possible, the Council is limited in its budget and finalised plans 4-5 months previously (though it was date stamped 3 Dec 1979).
Jack Hesketh donated a trophy to the Club - The Jack Hesketh Cup - and agreed that it be awarded for the season’s ‘outstanding individual performance’. Neville Rainford took over from Dave Kaill as Fixture Secretary while Dave was away on holiday for 2 months, not an onerous task during the season. However, in June Pete Munday resigned as Team Secretary and Neville took over until the end of July when Will Warner would become acting Team Secretary. Pete Munday continued as Committee Member. In the Galbird Trophy, Deando were drawn in a League with Kingston Methodists, London Fire Brigade, Strenue and Tolworth. Again Deando got to the Galbird Trophy Final but lost badly to Coombe Manor at Hook & Southborough CC. During this season’s competition the Selection Committee was criticised for picking a member who still owed his subs.
During the season, Deando decided to experiment with 2pm starts (4.45 pm teas and 20 overs from 6.30), which was deemed a success. This did lead to a Committee discussion about games starting late, members cutting it fine and sometimes turning up late plus the need to look after Club kit, throw or otherwise abuse it by sitting on it on the wet outfield. And the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council congratulating them on the standard of the Fairfield wickets during the season. In August, Deando were challenged to a softball game by a ladies’ team - the Sloane Rangers - sponsored by Slick Willy’s a new American Sports shop in Fife Road, Kingston. Deando won 35-9.
Deando again applied to join the Slazenger Surrey League and, in due course, was rejected and the Morrant Wey Valley League who, on a positive note, asked their Executive Committee to make an inspection of Deando’s ground and facilities, asked for a Fixture Card when one became available and will make a recommendation to their clubs meeting in June 1985..
On the cricket field, Pete Stevenson led the way with 965 runs and 88 wickets, Graham Lees 869 runs, Pete McKay 906 runs including his maiden century and Pat Devaney 852 runs and 82 wickets.
The Presentation Dinner & Dance is booked for The Stoneleigh Inn on Saturday 17th November.
1985
Indoor winter nets proved to be a problem. Due to the success of Micky Stewart’s Indoor Cricket School, Deando was unable to get the right evenings at the right times so they were cancelled.
Letter from Micky Stewart introducing ‘Australian Style Indoor Cricket’ for 8-a-side teams to be played in the Surrey Cricket Centre, East Molesey from May. However, in June the Club was invited to attend and watch a game of ‘Kracker’, Neville Rainford and Pete Munday went along and reported back to the Committee who agreed not to pursue the Kracker League further. After successive interim managers at The Cricketers it was due to have a full licensee couple. The new Fairfield pavilion was nearing completion. Neville Rainford had tried but been unable to access it: Kingston Methodists spoke to Dave Kaill, said it consisted of one big changing room with 10 lockers and had written to the Council to complain and advise that they would not be using it nor would Kingston Workmen. When the season started, and Deando realised the new Pavilion’s shortcomings, it was agreed that the General Secretary write to the Council and that the Club continue to use the pavilion for a trial month. In indoor cricket, Deando 1sts beat Chessington in the Final at Elmbridge LC, qualified for the Surrey Finals at Woking but played badly and were beaten by Farncombe, the eventual Surrey qualifiers.
When a Sunday opposition cried off at very short notice, too late to go to the Emergency Bureau at the Club Cricket Conference, Deando approached Capital Radio who broadcast the request on the Saturday and acquired a fixture v. Kew: a high scoring game (their 226-4 beat Deando by 56 runs) in an idyllic setting at Kew Green. Deando wrote to thank Capital Radio and offered a contribution to their Help A London Child charity.
Around early June time, the Morrant Wey Valley League inspected ground and facilities but were informing their clubs that they were unable to recommend Deando be elected - the pitch was not up to the standard that their member clubs were seeking.
In the Surrey Cup, Deando was knocked out after the group games, and in The Galbird Trophy did not progress beyond the League games. The Somerset Tour again went ahead successfully.
Reviewing the season, in his AGM notes Dave Kaill made the interesting point that this season he had had to arrange 80 fixtures. In cricket, Pat Devaney top scored with 1133 runs including his maiden century v. Oakwood Hill, Graham Lees made 1062 including a century v. Grange Park but the wickets were much more evenly spread around. On Pete Wallis’ retirement after 21 years, Morris Palmer became the new Treasurer.
The Morrant Wey Valley League clubs rejected Deando’s application. Due to Micky Stewart’s being unable to accommodate Deando’s winter nets requirement, the Club returned to Gover’s. The Annual Presentation Dinner & Dance was again booked at The Stoneleigh Inn on Saturday 30th November.
1986
The Club now stated liaising with the Council. On the one hand, there was again concern that Fairfield cricket pitches were declining in standards but, on the other hand, in the light of Deando’s possible expansion, did the Council have pitches (preferably one ground) for hire?
The Club Trophies were valued at £345 (a lot of this was due to the cost of engraving) and the Insurance cover was increased to take account. A pre-season disco was organised at the Berrylands Hotel. A concerted marketing campaign, in the Surrey Comet plus the local free papers the Guardian and Informer, led to 15 new applications for membership. This led, for a time, to a Deando Sunday 3rd X1 who played their first fixture on 29th June. 3rd X1 kit was hastily assembled and Bill Atkinson appointed as Captain. This was followed by other fixtures, all away games due to the lack of availability of Kingston Council pitches. The first game was lost at Reigate Rugby Club 63 ao - 48 ao, the second was a 6 wicket win v. Running Horse and the third a very good 2 wicket win v. Midland Bank chasing 116.
On 16th July, Deando finally won The Galbird Trophy. Having gone through the League Games with three notable but comfortable wins v. The Oaks, Hook & Southborough and Tolworth (Tolworth 28 ao, Ellyatt 8-13), Deando beat Murray 64 ao in the Semi Final by 6 wickets and qualified to face Thames Ditton in the Final.
Despite a good start, Thames Ditton were restricted to 85 with tight bowling, catches taken and run outs to add to the pressure. Deando raced to an 8 wicket win off 13.7 overs (out of the maximum 15 8-ball overs) with all the batsmen reaching double figures. The umpires at the Final were John Guinnard and Glyn Pilsbury who both, in later years, went on to play for Deando. This was a great prelude to the first Yorkshire Tour.
The players’ performances this season were again led in the batting by Pete Stevenson, 787 runs at 37.48, Pat Devaney led the runs scored with 953, ahead of Ian Doyle 907 and Simon Smith scored his maiden century 116* v. Surrey Grove. In bowling, Steve Ellyatt led the way with 26 wickets at 8.42, Kamlesh Shrimanker 15 @ 11.67. The season’s top wicket tears were Neville Rainford 72 and Pat 69.
By AGM time, the Club had 62 members of whom 46 were playing members. Pete Francis took over as Chairman after Doug McKenzie’s retirement. Nets were again booked at Gover’s on Tuesday evenings from January to April. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was again held at The Stoneleigh Inn with 120 tickets sold. Doug McKenzie received a Presentation Clock, presented by Arthur Jones, Doug’s old Robert McHew CC team mate.
In a strange twist, as the year came to an end, Deando received notification of the possibility of two grounds becoming available. The first ground was at Ham Riverside and was the old Tudor School ground. Tudor School was closing but being replaced by Tiffin Girls. At this stage Deando noted its interest. The other possible ground was at Wimbledon Rugby Football Club, Beverley Mead, end of Barham Road, Copse Hill, Raynes Park. At this stage the ground had its own recently modernised Clubhouse with full facilities but was utilised exclusively for Rugby. After an initial discussion, the General Secretary wrote to Harry Brind at The Oval for a feasibility report on this ground for cricket.
1987
In Indoor Cricket, Deando won all their League Games, won through to the Final but lost there to Egham CC. In the ensuing Local competition, again Deando won all their League games but lost to Egham this time in the Semi Final.
In March 1987, the Council (John Woodland) speaks with Deando updating on the Ham Riverside ground. Norbiton CC have been relocated there after the loss of their ground at Norbiton Sportsground, Kingston Road, New Malden, hints that there may be a lease available from Summer 1987: on a positive note Deando welcomes the test there for the playing of cricket and asks to maintain its interest in the project. In an interesting aside to this, Kingstonian FC’s ground in Richmond Road, Kingston, had been sold for development. Norbiton Sportsground was then developed as a replacement football ground plus an athletics track and facilities, a sports centre and hard standing for extensive parking. The adjacent Kingston Road Recreation Ground plus Searchlight Youth Club were separate and unaffected. But another consequence of this was that local rivals, Coombe Manor CC, also lost their home ground and players, through connections, joined East Molesey CC. Thus the Club Deando not only shared discos with but also had a great sporting rivalry in the 80s no longer appeared on the Deando Fixture Card.
Deando again apply for membership of the Slazenger Surrey Cricket League and the Morrant Wey Valley Cricket League. The latter promptly respond, will send two of their Executive Committee members to inspect the ground and facilities on receipt of the Fixture Card and will then make a recommendation to their clubs’ June meeting. The Slazenger League swiftly followed with a rejection (from the clubs’ Spring Meeting) and the return of the deposit. A conversation with the League confirmed the rejection was based mainly on the condition of the square(s).
In the Surrey Cup Deando draw Malden Wanderers, Merton, Putney and Old Emanuel and failed to progress through the League stage, losing 3 games but winning a memorable game v. Merton. In the Galbird, the group stage matches were against Electro Sport, Murray, Hook & Southborough and Oaks, Deando won them all but were eliminated in the semi final by Thames Ditton.
Deando made no progress with the Beverley Mead ground inspection through The Oval so approached Mike Booth of Old Emanuel to see if he might be able to help. Mike promptly inspected and reported back: there was no evidence of a cricket square, Mike provided a site plan with his suggested location for the cricket square (avoiding the rugby pitches), ground preparation and costings - just under £6,000 with no provision for on costs. Mike did conclude with ‘it may be more beneficial for the club to acquire a field that has a square already available.’ The next step was a meeting with Wimbledon RFC.
On a very sad note, Dave Tomassi, a regular with the Sunday 2nds and a very good batsman and fielder, suffered horrific injuries when a car mounted the pavement and hit him. He was visited by his fellow players during a prolonged stay in hospital and when he was able to return home. The Club and individual members sent cards and the Club sent a copy of Wisden for Dave’s recuperation.
After a Saturday game v. Thames Ditton, one of their players suggested Deando approach the Morrant Thameside Cricket League. The League Secretary wrote back ‘your club would be ineligible to join the League under our present rules in that all member clubs must provide two teams.’ Ominously he continued ‘There are also a number of other requirements which might also exclude your club.’
On the Beverley Mead ground a meeting was held at the Clubhouse on 28 July. While there was a lot to commend the Rugby Club facilities, Deando was concerned to protect itself from just being subsumed and the Club would need security of tenure for its capital investment. Club Treasurer, Morris Palmer, presented loan repayment projections to the August Committee Meeting. The General Committee instructed the General Secretary to write to Wimbledon RFC stating our position clearly for review by their Committee.
Bearing in mind Deando’s continuing lack of success with its League Membership Applications, following a conversation between Dave Kaill & Neville Rainford, the General Committee agreed that in addition to the formal Application, a personalised letter be written to each of the Slazenger League Clubs’ representatives making the case for Deando Cricket Club. On 11th November, Deando received notification from Alan Smith, the General Secretary of the Slazenger Surrey Cricket League, of Deando’s admission to the League along with BBC CC to commence playing in the League in 1988 and Neville Rainford replied by return accepting League membership and offering Home fixture dates to assist them in allocating Deando’s Saturday League fixtures.
On the cricket side, Deando had another very successful season. Individually, Pete Stevenson amassed 1238 runs including centuries on successive Saturdays, 160* v. Hamm Moor, a Club record score, followed 125 v. Trinity Battersea. Ian Doyle, too, enjoyed an excellent season with the bat: a maiden century v. Long Ditton, 98 v. Hamsey Green, 992 runs for the season and a share with Pete Stevenson in the Club record stand of 232* v. Hamm Moor.
The landlord at The Cricketers, John Hodgson, was appointed as a Vice President. The Presentation Dinner & Dance went ahead at The Stoneleigh Inn with 84 attendees, nets were booked at Govers, Tuesday evenings from January.
Aware that the League cricket will put the spotlight on the Fairfield and particularly its pitches, Deando continued to pursue other avenues. Rumours persisted that Wibbandune CC may be folding so could be open to amalgamation or takeover and they had their own pitch and Clubhouse at Wimbledon Common Extension. And there were rumours too that there may be plans afoot to restore the land in front of Woodies Public House, off Thetford Road, New Malden, to sports use including cricket.
1988
The January Newsletter had full details of Deando’s fixtures for their new Slazenger Surrey Cricket League Season.This was swiftly followed by an Invoice for the League subscription and postage charges and an order form for the balls which must be used in League matches. It was also agreed to appoint Pete Munday as League Captain, Gerry Fowler as Vice Captain, and Neville Rainford replaced Pete Munday as Sunday Captain. Awards were also agreed for League Batting, Bowling and Fielding and The Jack Hesketh Cup for the Best Individual Performance. John Hodgson, Vice President, offered to sponsor the League cricket balls. The Indoor Cricket campaign, while still competitive and enjoyable, did not lead to the final stages.
Deando had still heard no further about the Beverley Mead ground so, to also keep the Club in mind, Wimbledon RFC were approached for hiring their Clubhouse for a pre-season Disco - it would be free but there would need to be 120-150 attendees. However, this disco did not go ahead and at this point communications with the Rugby Club ended so, again, this ground was not an option for Deando CC.
The General Secretary was also canvassing re this year’s Tour: 9 definite, 1-2 probable so far, by February. The Committee decided to go ahead and organise the Tour. The sightscreens, being canvas, were now showing signs of aging and, although the Club approached the Council for possible grants, it was decided to go ahead and replace them. There was also, now, a lot less enthusiasm for The Galbird Trophy - four teams including Coombe Manor and Hook & Southborough had withdrawn. Deando just failed to qualify for the semi finals and could not get a team out for the Surrey Cup so scratched.
By May, it was becoming difficult to get three Sunday sides out of sufficient strength and the May Committee Meeting agreed to stop running the 3rd X1 and cancel their fixtures. Deando also try to make a big ‘do’ of their first League game home at the Fairfield on May 7th v. Battersea Ironside ‘A’, inviting Vice Presidents and members. In the League Cup, after beating Morden Spartans CC in the first round, by a strange quirk of fate, Deando CC was drawn away to Norbiton CC at Ham Riverside and won by 5 wickets. From the point of view of what could have happened, and could still happen, the wicket, though wet, was safe and slow and Norbiton had rigged up a marquee with a makeshift bar which was quite acceptable. However, there was no update from the Council or other interested parties and, in the fullness of time, it became known that the land of the Ham Riverside ground had been sold to the nearby Ham Polo to extend their equestrian facilities. Shortly after this Norbiton CC also folded. By July, Deando are again writing to the Council re the state of the Fairfield wickets, which are not always roped off during the week, the sightscreens are not being safely stored and the main showers were not fully working.
At the end of June, Frank Gaisford resigned after 12 years as Club President. This led the way to Doug McKenzie becoming President at the AGM, Frank Gaisford returning as Vice President. Frank also donated The A & F Gaisford Trophy which the Committee decided would be for the best young (under 30) player voted by the Captains, and Frank if he so chose.
The Tour again returned to Yorkshire playing 4 fixtures plus an evening game.
Deando had a very creditable first League campaign finishing 7th (out of 15) in Slazenger League Division 3 winning and losing 6 matches. In late May, Mark Bryan scored Deando’s first League 50 with a 60* in a win v. Bank of Credit & Commerce. Mark and his wife Sue had also just had twin boys. Doug Kuit followed this up mid August with the first League Century, 108* v. Old Westminster Citizens.
For the overall season, Pete McKay led the way setting a new record of 1507 runs, including 125* v. Milford where Doug Kuit also scored 104* and the pair put on 237 unbroken for the opening partnership, another Club record for any wicket. Pete Stevenson also made 1146 runs. Wickets were again spread access the bowlers, Pete Stevenson reading the way with 77 including a hat trick at Milford.
Morris Palmer stood down as Treasurer at the AGM. Dave Kaill took over.
The Presentation Dinner & Dance is going ahead (84 attendees) in November in The Stoneleigh Inn, the Indoor Cricket games are scheduled as per usual and nets are booked at Gover’s from January.
As a sign off to 1988, Deando writes to the Council about the unsatisfactory state of the pitches and also enlists the support of Kingston Methodists and suggests a meeting with representatives of the Council.
1989
Deando did not apply to the Surrey Cup. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was now booked to return to Sandown Park.
In his Report to the AGM, outgoing Treasurer Morris Palmer highlighted how much money was owed to the Club by its members plus 100 Club members. By the start of 1989, Dave Kaill now illustrated that the debt had grown to £1.600. The main headings were 100 Club - the last 3, including the one just finished - Club Jumpers and Shirts, etc., Match Fees (for last season), Dinner & Dance tickets and Pitch Refunds. This led to investigation of the possibility of Direct Debits to assist members to spread subs, 100 Club and other outgoings over the year. Dave had prepared individual statements to go out with the January Newsletter and Committee Members will be issued with receipt books. By April, debts from members were down to £427.
The Club did not progress out of the group stages in Indoor Cricket. New Newsletter Editor Pat Devaney spiced up the Newsletter with a Quiz spread over 4 months. The meeting with the Council re the state of the Fairfield had been booked in for 29 March and the other two cricket teams advised. At the meeting the Council noted the clubs’ complaints, advised they were aware but had had staffing problems and would do what it could before the cricket season started. However, an inspection in mid-April showed little had been done.
In The Galbird Trophy, Deando is drawn in the group with Electrosport (the holders), Surbiton Sports and Thames Ditton. The other League comprises Murray, The Oaks, Tolworth and Wimbledon Village. Despite losing to Thames Ditton, Deando qualified for the semi finals, beat Murray there off the last ball. Deando lost to Thames Ditton in the Final.
In April, to give the Club’s major fundraising activity a shot in the arm, it was decided to extend the 100 Club to 2x25 week periods per annum and increase the value of the main prize in each draw to £1.000.
During the season, Deando approached Old Emanuel, known to have outdoor nets, to ask if Deando members could use them. They were very obliging, Monday evening became nets night and Deando would make a donation to Old Emanuel at season’s end. That season, the Club went on a curtailed tour to Devon. The Yorkshire Post CC came to Kingston for a weekend in September and played Deando on the Sunday.
There were problems with the Fairfield but this time with staff attendance: turning up late and on Bank Holiday Monday with both teams present and ready to play not turning up at all. The Council were slow in responding to complaints.
The 1989 season was a reminder of how fickle sport can be. Not only did the Deando sides have poorer playing records than we had come to expect, the League X1 were relegated in their second season. Batting was led by Ian Doyle’s 1295 runs well supported by Pete Stevenson and Pete McKay. Pete McKay managed two centuries, both 100* including one on the first Sunday game of the season, and Ian Doyle top scored with 102* v. Bentalls. Pete Stevenson had a very good season with the ball (81 wickets) but his support then fell away. Gerry Fowler managed season’s best bowing of 8-39 v. Hawkers. In the League, the batting was no longer so solid - only Pete McKay averaging over 30 and top scoring with 71* v. Copthorne, Pete Stevenson was way ahead with 39 inexpensive wickets but lacked consistent support from the other bowlers.
At the AGM, Neville Rainford agreed to add Team Secretary to his ongoing General Secretary duties. The Club’s return to Sandown Park for the Presentation Dinner & Dance was deemed a success. There was a very late change to the band as the booked band had folded. After the Dinner & Dance there was a Committee discussion about the quality of the Club Award Trophies. The Club was also notified of the closure of The Gover Cricket School. Alf Gover had been ill and had been recommended to retire on Doctor’s advice aged 82. The Cricket School had opened in 1928 and Alf had been teaching cricket and running the shop for 44 years. The land was sold off and developed. Meanwhile, Deando returned to Micky Stewart’s Cricket School, which had undergone changes, for Tuesday night nets from January. And the Club re-entered the winter Indoor Cricket competition at Elmbridge Leisure Centre.
So as Deando CC entered the 1990s, they needed to organise the Club’s 40th (Ruby) Anniversary Celebration and plan their campaign to get promoted in the Slazenger League.