Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 20 March 1903

Conisboro’ Cricket Club

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of this club was held in the Red Lion Hotel, Conisboro’, on Tuesday night, when Mr. W. Norwood, supported by the hon. secretary, Mr. G. W. Laughton, presided over a large and enthusiastic attendance of members. Last season the club finished at the bottom of the Mexboro’ and District League, with 10 points for 19 matches, and fourth in the Doncaster and District League, with 17 points for 16 games, and hopes are entertained that better results will be attained in the coming summer.

The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and passed, and then Mr. G. W. Laughton read the annual report, and said that, thanks to the railway pavilion, Mr. J. Hall had given an estimate for £10, and Mr. Saville had supplied seats to seat pavilion and seats, and agreed to erect the floor of same. The break, however, had not yet been found. The charity match between the club and Wombwell resulted in a net gain of £18, which was handed over to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families’ Cricketers’ War Fund. Mr. Nesbitt had promised to give 5s. to the first man who got 50 runs in any match, and this was won by G. Hardy. Mr. Mosby’s prize of a pair of boots, to the value of 10s. 6d., was won by the same player. G. Hardy also won the bat for the best batting average, which was given by Mr. Nesbitt.

The best bowling averages were as follows:—G. Hardy, 6 wickets for 13 runs; W. Wadsworth, A. Moody, 5 for 7; v. Denaby, P. Parker, 6 for 11; v. Hexthorpe, T. Mills, 5 for 6; v. Cantley.

Two special meetings had been called to decide about keeping J. Fosse, but he refused to stand if elected, and, after advertising, Mr. Harrison was elected as professional. At a meeting held last September, G. Hardy stated he would play for Conisboro’, if in the district, to be paid 7s. 6d. per league match.

Proceeding, Mr. Laughton read the averages given below, and expressed the hope that the club would have a good season in the coming summer. Commenting on the club’s new scorer, he read the following extract from an old issue of the “Mexboro’ and Swinton Times,” which caused hearty laughter:—

“Our local team were successful on Saturday, beating Swinton by the narrow margin of eight runs. Such an occasion must not be passed lightly over. Let us invoke the muse library.

The batsmen sat languid o’er
The Pigott’s grassy plain,
Strong men were seen with faces set,
With stern, determined mien.
Two points we want, two points we’ll have,
With the accord be very;
And Swinton’s team we’ll beat to-day,
If every man will try.
Hushed was the breathless multitude,
As keenly there they fought,
As Hardy, Felde, and Tomlinson,
Their deeds of valour wrought.
’Tis done! The victors’ hands we clap,
Loud plaudits rend the air,
For Conisboro’ team has won a match,
In honour of our desire.”

Mr. W. W. Norwood read the financial statement, which showed receipts, including a balance in hand of £56 8s. 5d. from the previous year, amounting to £121 15s. 8d., and expenses £111 15s. 2d., leaving a balance in hand of £28 0s. 6d. The decrease at the gate was based in attendance to several extra expenses, and the fact that the professional had been called out of the general fund. The regrettable strike had been answerable for a falling off in gates, and had adversely affected the club in many ways. He was pleased to see so many members present that night, and hoped they would do their very best in the coming season to ensure the welfare of the club. (Applause.)

The report and balance sheet were adopted, on the proposition of Mr. Norwood, seconded by Mr. Farrell. A discussion arose as to the advisability of running a second team this year, seeing that several old players had announced their intention of not playing again, and their places would have to be filled by the best of the second eleven; but it was ultimately resolved to again run a second eleven.

The election of officers was then proceeded with, and the old president and vice-presidents, with a few exceptions, were re-elected, with power to add to their number. Mr. Norwood was re-elected treasurer, and Mr. Laughton hon. secretary, the latter being accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for the great services he had rendered the club. Mr. Clark was elected assistant secretary and special scorer to the first team. Mr. J. Ives Firth, captain of the first team; Mr. Martin, captain of the second team; and Mr. J. Norwood, captain of the Thursday team. It was decided to run teams in both the Mexboro’ and District League and the Doncaster and District League.

General business was then proceeded with.

Averages – Batting

First Team

Second Team

Thursday Team

Bowling

First Team

Second Team

The first team played 22 matches, won 6, lost 12, and drew 4; second team, 18 played, 8 won, 6 lost, 4 drawn; Thursday team, 13 played, 4 won, 9 lost.

Prizes

Mr. C. Farrell’s prize for most wickets in any one match was taken by T. Mills, who had taken six wickets and 11 runs and twice five. G. Crowcroft’s score of 36 v. Cantley on July 18th secured Mr. W. Apple-yard’s prize for most runs in a league match, and Mr. Webster’s prize for most catches in the season went to T. Mills, with a total of 10, F. Ibbetson being a very good second with eight.