Mexborough and Swinton Times January 24, 1936

Record Season
Tributes to Conisborough Club

Mr J.I.Webster, president of the Conisborough Cricket Club, presiding at the annual dinner of the club this week, congratulated the club on a record season with a turnover of £280.

The club be very progressive, as shown by ground improvements and the purchase of a new motor cutter at a cost of nearly £50. A cup had been purchased at a cop of 13 guineas, as an additional trophy for the knockout competition and this should prove a sound investment judging by the interest displayed.

Honour To Conisborough

There had been an innovation last year in local cricket when neutral umpires were introduced, a step which had proved a great success. He regretted the absence of Mr W.P.Kelly, one of the club stalwarts. He was a keen player and worker and wished him every success in his new sphere.

He congratulated E.P.Robinson, the Yorkshire county and local cricket, on the honour he had brought to Conisborough cricket in being selected to tour the West Indies with the Yorkshire county team. Conisborough Urban District Council and also congratulated this young player.

Mr Webster also spoke of the great work done by the club secretary, Mr W Thomson, and the team spirit of the club, and hoped for a continuation of the cooperation of the past years.

Set Him Thinking

Mr Hague’s of Maltby, proposing “The Conisborough Cricket Club,” said he was surprised to learn of the income of £280. It had set him thinking. His own club, Maltby Main, in 1935 had a total income of £87 11s, which included receipts from their knockout competition, but they would finish on the right side. He congratulated club on its success. He could sympathise with the first team in losing their final at Tickhill, but could not understand why the tail end failed.

He was pleased to hear of the appreciation of neutral umpires – as a pioneer he was gratified. He hoped that Mr E.P.Robinson would follow the tradition of his uncles – especially the late Mr Luther Robinson. The new LBW rule, he said, would be introduced by the Doncaster District Cricket League this coming season, and he appealled to all clubs to give it a fair trial. As an umpire in the league he asked the players to take the new rule with good grace.

Mr E.P.Robinson, the Yorkshire County cricket was a guest of the evening, expressed his thanks. Regarding the new LBW rule, he said he hoped it would be “given a chance,” but he also that the players would appreciate the hard task of the umpires.

Neutral Umpires

Mr W Thomson, club secretary, said 1935 had been a good year for both from a financial and a playing point of view. The first team up plate 20 matches, won 16, drawn three and lost one, they won their section and were not disgraced in the final when they were beaten by a better team. Their second team failed despite splendid team spirit. Neutral umpires had cost the club about £4, but this was money well spent. He thanked all players and hoped that all would continue to serve in the future. Referring to the departure of Mr W.P.Kelly, he said Mr Kelly was a man who “lived for the club.”

Mr G.W.Lawton, an old official and player proposed “The Host and hostess,” and Mr J Hanley responded.

An entertaining programme was given by Messrs Higgs, H Toseland, A Carmody, A Rowse and N Goulding