Wendy Roberts
February 2018, updated April 2019
The discovery of the sporting prowess of the Trumpington men who served in H.M. Services during World War I led to research into the history of cricket in Trumpington, including the story of Trumpington Cricket Club.
The major source of information has come from items published in Cambridge Independent Press (CIP) up to the end of 1920 and an incomplete set of Independent Press and Chronicle (CC) issues published in 1939 (on the British Newspaper Archive ). Many of the phrases used in this account were penned by the sports correspondent ‘Vigilant’.
We are keen to learn more about Trumpington Cricket Club and hope that there are readers who could tell us more about it and perhaps provide us with copies of team photographs.
Copies of the source newspaper accounts are in separate files, see the links at the end of this article.
1874
The earliest account of Trumpington Cricket Club was dated 1874, when Trumpington met Orwell Cricket Club at Orwell on Tuesday 1 October and the match resulted in favour of Trumpington.
Trumpington team: A. Gentle, Matlock, Constable, Norris, Nightingale, Peck, Hutt, D. Gentle, Scott, Speed, Moore.
1875
A year later, on Tuesday 3 August 1875, Trumpington beat the Orwell team at Trumpington.
Trumpington team: Peck, Tofts, Constable, Sayle, Nightingale, Hutt, Gentle, Scott, Moore, Gentle, Matlock.
1878
In 1878 Trumpington played Perse Grammar School at Trumpington twice and both times the home team won.
1879
In 1879 Trumpington played Stapleford at Stapleford and Trumpington won the match.
*** see footnote
1889
There appeared to be a gap of ten years before the next Trumpington cricket report was published in the newspapers. However the village team had amalgamated with Grantchester. In the 1889 fixture list of the Old Higher Grade Club, matches were to take place with the Trumpington and Grantchester Cricket Club in May and August.
On August Bank Holiday 1889 Chesterton played the Grantchester and Trumpington team on Trinity ground and the game was reported to have been won easily by Chesterton.
Grantchester and Trumpington team: A. Gentle, Cowell, C. Ling, E. Gentle, Lenison, Peck, E. Ling, James, Creswell, Pettit, Utteridge.
1890
At the Anchor Cricket Club annual supper in October 1890, Mr C. Peck, of the Trumpington and Grantchester Cricket Club, responded to the toast of ‘Kindred Clubs’ and he remarked that his Club had beaten three of the Clubs which played in the Cup Tie matches and that they meant to do their best the next year to win the cup.
1891
An 1891 fixture list indicated that the Grantchester and Trumpington Cricket Club would play Old Higher Grade in September on Parker’s Piece.
1893
A fund raising concert for the Grantchester and Trumpington Cricket Club was held in Grantchester in April 1893. At the close of the event, the Vicar, Rev. E. Godfray, in the name of the audience and the Cricket Club, thanked the performers for a very pleasant evening, and for the practical sympathy which had been shown by the villagers for the Cricket Club.
Trumpington and Grantchester Cricket Club played Sawston away in June 1893 on the Spike Ground resulting in a nine run victory for the Trumpington and Grantchester team.
Trumpington & Grantchester team: S. Haddow, C. Peck, C. Ling, G. Frost, F. Berwick, A. Gentle, F. Tomson, E. Waltham, F.J. Utteridge, Goodyear, M. Pratt.
1898
In 1898 Trumpington was no longer amalgamated with Grantchester. The Trumpington Cricket Club held its annual meeting in March 1898. The club officers were: President, Mr Mansfield [Mr Stephen Mansfield of Gilmerton?]; vice-president, Mr Porter; captain, Rev. J.T. Collins; vice-captain, Mr G. Pamplin; captain 2nd XI, Mr A. Forbes; treasurer, Mr J.A. Sturton; secretary, Mr D.E. Cowell; committee, Messrs. Gentle, Forbes, Harvey, Hatcher and Salmons.
During 1898 there were accounts of Trumpington matches against Fowlmere, Little Shelford, and Grantchester. Trumpington Cricket Club was a newcomer to the Cambridgeshire Junior Cup Competition but it was knocked out in the first round by Histon.
Trumpington team: Ling, Dann, Utteridge, Cowell, Forbes, Garton, Gentle, Seekings, Collins, F. Peters, C. Peters
The Trumpington Cricket Club annual supper in September 1898 at the Tally Ho public house marked the close of a very successful season – out of 14 matches, they had won 10, drawn 1 and lost only 3.
1899
In 1899 Trumpington got through the second round of the Cambs. Junior Cup and scored practically two to one against Old Chesterton Juniors. However the cup holders, Rodney Club, visited Trumpington to meet the village team in the third round. Cambridge Independent Press ‘Vigilant’ reported Rodney’s was a rather fortunate win as the decision of the umpire in giving the Rev. Hamilton out seemed to influence the rest of the Trumpington team and the wild throwing in of the villagers had something to do with the result.
Trumpington team: W.W. Robinson, Rev. C.J. Hamilton, Shuckburgh, Dann, C.H. Robinson, Utteridge, Ling, Cowell, Peters, Gentle, Dalsley.
The Trumpington Cricket Club annual supper in October 1899 was held in the Tally Ho and the secretary, Mr D.E. Cowell, reported another successful season – out of 16 matches played, 11 were won, 2 were drawn, 1 was abandoned in consequence of rain, and 2 only were lost. The presentation bat for the highest average runs was secured by Mr F. Utteridge, whose average for 10 innings was 17.5, while the ball went to Mr C. Ling for a remarkable bowling average, he having bowled 156 overs for 306 runs and 61 wickets, an average of 5 per wicket.
1900
In 1900 Trumpington Cricket Club survived the first round of the Cambs. Junior Cup.
A large number of interested spectators were said to have assembled at the Histon cricket ground in July 1900 to witness the encounter of Trumpington and Histon. It proved a very evenly matched game resulting in Histon winning by 15 runs. Five of the Histon wickets fell to the Rev. C.J. Hamilton (the county player) for 10 runs.
1901
In May 1901 Trumpington Juniors played Shamrock Cricket Club at Trumpington and the match resulted in a win for the home team.
Trumpington Juniors team: W. Wilson, C. Lloyd, F. Peters, H. Oakham, H. Smith, F. Smith, R. Wilson, E. Wilson, J. Kefford, P. Mansfield, A. Chapman
In June 1901 it was noted that Trumpington was one of the absentees from the Cambs. Junior Cup Competition but in July 1901 ‘Vigilant’ reported that Grantchester and Trumpington clubs had amalgamated. The resulting cricket team had been expected to go a long way in the Cambs. Junior Cup Competition. However, in the second round, Bottisham, on their own ground, had proved too good for them in a low scoring game, viz. 62 to 50.
1902-1906
A non-amalgamated Trumpington Cricket Club played University Press in 1902 and 1903, and Great St Mary’s II in 1905 and 1906.
1911
In May 1911 Trumpington played the newly-formed St Paul’s Cricket Club at home and were defeated by 27 runs on the first innings. Scores: St Paul’s 66, Trumpington 39.
Trumpington Cricket Club did not appear to have joined the Milton and District Cricket League (set up in 1910?) in 1911 [Source: CC 16 June 1911, p.3].
1912
The Trumpington Club entered the Milton and District League in 1912. It met Over Cricket Club at Trumpington at the end of June and was victorious by 12 runs.
Trumpington team: J. Kefford, A. Wilson, S. Peters, E. Benton, S. Mayle, S.J. Hutt (captain), E. Muggleton, R. Wilson, F. Chamberlain, W. Trigg, G. Rayner
In an August friendly at Trumpington with Histon & Impington, Trumpington gained an easy victory. Going in first the visitors were all dismissed for the rather small score of 47, the wickets being taken by F.G. Peters (5 for 17), and J. Kefford and Pratt. On Trumpington going in matters livened up considerably, as in less than half an hour the visitors’ score was passed with only one wicket down. The total score for Trumpington was 204 of which Mr S. Peters made 103 by forceful cricket.
The last match of the Milton and District League in which Trumpington was engaged was against Coton. Trumpington were successful by 64 runs to 43. For the winners, Mr R. Wilson took 6 wickets for 19, J. Kefford 2 for 11, and Mr. S. Mayle made 21 runs. There was a delay in the fixing of the date of the deciding match between Trumpington and Milton, the leaders of the two divisions of this League. It was suggested this was possibly due to a wait for the harvest to conclude. Trumpington had finished with 18 points out of a possible 20.
The deciding League match was set for 7 September but, before that game, Trumpington Cricket Club held an ‘Old ‘Uns v. the Present Team’ match. In an earlier encounter in the year, the younger players had been disappointed by losing to the elders and so had arranged another match. This time the present team managed to win rather easily by 90 runs to 48. For the elders G. Dann made 13 and F. Peters took 5 wickets. For the younger team, S. Mayle made 23 runs.
The final of the Milton and District Cricket League, with Trumpington v. Milton, was played on the Corpus Christ ground. Trumpington started well and continued to gain a victory by an innings and 23 runs. In Milton’s first innings, the bowling of Trumpington bowlers, E. Muggleton and H. Pratt, was described as practically unplayable and, in Milton’s second innings, Trumpington bowlers, R. Wilson, H. Pratt and F.G. Peters, worked great havoc. It was reported that Milton had had high hopes, and their hearty captain, F.K. Robinson, fully expected his side would make a better fight of it than they did. After the match, the cup was presented to the winners by Mr T.W. Dunn, a vice-president of the League. A vote of thanks, was passed to Mr Dunn for his kindness, on the proposition of Mr Hutt, captain of the Trumpington team, seconded by Mr Robinson, the Milton captain.
The Chronicle sports’ correspondent reported that the ‘jubilation’ felt at the success attending the efforts of the Trumpington cricket team in winning the Milton and District League Cup and Championship was manifest on that Saturday evening. “Great satisfaction was expressed at the “clean” game and decisive victory gained on Saturday last. This success, it is thought, will tend to keep the club together. It is notorious that nothing exists long in Trumpington. Why it is difficult to understand.” [Source: CC 13 September 1912, p.3]
Trumpington team: E. Muggleton, A. English, A. Wilson, S. Mayle, S. Hutt (captain), S. Peters, J. Kefford, E. Benton, F.G. Peters, R. Wilson, H. Pratt
The cricket club held a dinner in October at the Men’s Institute. Nearly 60 sat down to a most enjoyable repast, served by Mr C.H. Hering, of the ‘Green Man’. Mr A.F. Edwards presided, and he was supported by, in addition to the members of the club, Messrs. C. Forbes, T. Harrington, P.R. Robinson, D.E. Cowell, H.W. Gray, A.C. Hacon, A. Allgood, J. Kefford, senior, and many others. Canon T.P. Pemberton (president) attended for a short time. The proceedings after the repast were most enjoyable, and were kept up until mid-night.
1913
At the annual meeting of the Milton Cricket League in April 1913, Trumpington Cricket Club was reported as heading Group B in Division II of the League in 1912. In the final, playing Milton, head of Group A, Trumpington had proved successful. They would be playing in Division I in 1913.
In May 1913 in the Milton and District Cricket League, Division I, Trumpington Institute met Cottenham at Cottenham, ending in a win for Trumpington. R. Wilson bowled splendidly for the winners, taking 6 wickets for 11 runs.
Trumpington team: E. Muggleton, S. Mayle, E. Benton, R. Wilson, S. Hutt, S. Peters, J. Kefford, G. Rayner, H. Mayle, F. Chambers, P. Utteridge.
Other Milton League matches were played against Ainsworth, Histon Institute and Willingham. In the latter match in June 1913 it was reported that Willingham did not fare well due to excellent bowling by R. Wilson – his bowling “being practically unplayable. It was a case of ‘Centre, please!’ and then – marching orders”.
In the first round of the Cambs. Junior Cup Competition, Trumpington Institute played St Andrew’s the Great at Trumpington and the home team won by 43 runs. R. Wilson took seven wickets for 22 runs.
‘Vigilant’ noted that, in the second round of the Cambs. Junior Cup, Trumpington gained a surprising victory over New Cherryhinton, one of the favourites for the cup. This was their second win in the competition gained over strong teams. “We may find them competing in the final if they can only keep up this form”.
Trumpington team: J.R. Kefford, S.J. Hutt, S. Mayle, E. Benton, E. Muggleton, C. Robinson, R. Wilson, H.R. Pratt, F. Papworth, C. Peters.
However, Trumpington met Ainsworth in the third round of the Cambs, Junior Cup. The match was played at Corpus Christi ground. J. Kefford made a splendid innings – still scoring when the last wicket fell. His 45 included several boundaries. The game towards the close proved quite exciting but Ainsworth won with 20 runs in hand.
In the Milton and District League, Swavesey secured the headship of Division I by defeating Trumpington away from home. If Trumpington had won, three clubs would have tied for first place, with 10 points apiece. The googly bowling of Mr J. Kefford (Trumpington skipper) was noted in the match report. The game was decided on the first innings, scores Swavesey 94, Trumpington 48.
Trumpington team: H. Pratt, H. Mayle, E. Muggleton, S. Hutt, J. Kefford, S. Mayle, R. Wilson, S. Peters, C. Peters, G. Rayner, P. Utteridge.
In September 1913, Swavesey, the champions of Division I, of the Milton and District League, were defeated by a team ‘the Rest’ representing the pick of the League clubs. The Rest’s innings was conspicuous by the brilliant batting of J. Kefford, of Trumpington Institute. Kefford reached 124, and was caught out a few minutes before the finish. His splendid total included ten 4’s, a 5 and a 6. The Rest scored 192 for the loss of six men.
Trumpington members of the Rest team: J. Kefford, S.J. Hutt, S. Peters, H. Mayle.
1914
At the Annual General Meeting of the Trumpington Institute Cricket Club held in March 1914, the following Officers were elected: President, Canon Pemberton; vice-presidents, Dr Bury, the Hon. E.S. Montagu, Mr A.W. Bishop, Dr T.B. Bumpstead, Mr J. Collin, Mr G.R.C. Foster, Mr D. Munsey, Mr A. Gentle, Mr R. Lewin, Mr W.H. Martin, Mr G.D. Newton, Capt. F.P.C. Pemberton and Mr H.S. Vinter; captain, Mr S.J. Hutt; vice-captain, Mr J.R. Kefford; treasurer, Mr C. Peters; secretary, Mr S.J. Hutt; committee, Messrs. E. Benton, E. Colbourne, C. Fordham, G. Harvey, H. Mayle, S. Mayle, G. Rayner and C. Robinson. It was decided that the club should enter the Cambs. Junior Cup Competition, the Milton and District League, and, if possible, the Papworth Cup.
Milton and District League
1st round Trumpington Institute beat Histon Institute
A win for Trumpington by 45 runs, the score being 121 to 76. Trumpington top scorers, Mr F.P. C. Pemberton 24 and Mr P. Utteridge 22.
2nd round, the Semi-final, Trumpington Institute beat Landbeach
Trumpington was successful by 60 runs, the score being 108 to 48.
Trumpington team: E. Muggleton, R. Wilson, S. Peters, P. Utteridge, C. Scott, J. Kefford, S.J. Hutt, S. Mayle, E. Benton, G. Rayner, C. Peters
3rd round, the Final, Bottisham versus Trumpington, played on Magdalene College ground. Bottisham were the victors.
Trumpington team: E. Muggleton, S.J. Hutt, S. Mayle, J. Kefford, C. Scott, H. Mayle, S. Peters, E. Benton, P. Utteridge, M. Morrell, G. Rayner
Cambs. Junior Cup
1st round Trumpington Institute beat Histon Institute
2nd round Trumpington Institute beaten by New Chesterton Institute
By a very narrow margin Trumpington Institute lost their claim to compete in the 3rd round for New Chesterton Institute beat them on their own ground by three runs.
Trumpington team: E. Muggleton, S.J. Hutt, J. Kefford, F.P.C. Pemberton, S. Mayle, S. Peters, E. Benton, H. Mayle, R. Wilson, R. Rayner, G. Rayner
1915-1918
At the 1915 annual meeting of the Cambridgeshire Cricket Association it was reported that New Chesterton Institute had won the Cambs. Junior Cup for the second time in three years.
The decision was made that, due to the war, there would be no league matches in 1915. The Cambridgeshire Cricket Club ‘Official Handbook’ later recorded that there were no matches 1915-1918.
Members of the Trumpington Cricket Club were actively involved in serving their country during WWI. Several of the men were killed in action, including Robert Wilson “a well-known cricketer, being one of the best amateur bowlers in the county” [Source: CIP 1916]; Sidney Ilett Peters “a good all-round sportsman, being formerly a member of the Institute Football and Cricket teams, in which he showed conspicuous ability. He assisted to win the cricket cup in the Milton and District League, and was prominent in all contests in which Trumpington was engaged” [Source: CIP 8 Dec1916 p.5]; and Francis Percy Campbell Pemberton “a fine all- round sportsman, a splendid cricketer, a keen huntsman, and an extraordinary good shot. He was a member of the County Cricket Club, a vice-president and member of the Trumpington Cricket Club. Shortly before the declaration of war he played for the village club in their county cup tie with New Chesterton Institute” [Source: CC 30 Oct 1914]. Other members had sustained wounds and Joseph Robert Kefford had a partial amputation of his right leg.
Card produced in memory of Private R. Wilson: “For King and Country, Pte R. Wilson, Trumpington (Suffolk Regiment), killed in action July 1 1916, card produced in his memory with portrait and verse”. Cambridgeshire Collection. Cambridge Central Library, Y.Tru.K16, 23429.
The portrait was possibly cropped from a cricket team photograph.
1919
In June 1919 Trumpington Cricket Club was included in the list of Cambs. Junior Cup Competition entrants.
3rd round Trumpington Institute played Discharged Soldiers and Sailors on Parker’s Piece. Trumpington reached 105 runs and Discharged Soldiers and Sailors made a total of 51 runs.
Trumpington team: R. Cousins, Taylor, S. Harvey, G. Smith, A. Haggis, S. Mayle, P. Utteridge, S. Hutt, R. Lydd, R. Rayner, A. Wilson
Semi-final Trumpington played Laurels on Parker’s Piece. Laurels were the victors.
1920
Trumpington Cricket Club held its annual meeting in April 1920 in Trumpington Institute.
The elected Officers were: captain, Mr S. Mayle; vice-captain, Mr P. Utteridge; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr R. Rayner; committee, H. Stearn, J. Kefford, A. Wilson, C. Fordham, A. Mynott, E. Stiggles, A. Haggis.
It was agreed the Club would enter the Camb. Junior Cup Competition and the Milton and District League.
Milton and District League
Trumpington played and won games against Haddenham, Swavesey, Cottenham, and Willingham. G. Harvey and S. Mayle were the best batters for Trumpington and Kendall took seven wickets for ten runs and did the ‘hat trick’.
Trumpington were the champions of the Milton and District League in 1920.
In September, Trumpington, the Champions, played the Rest and they won the match.
Trumpington team: R. Lloyd, B. Porter, P. Utteridge, G. Harvey, C. Smith, S. Mayle, A.G. Haggis, G. Smith, H. Mayle, R. Rayner, A. Wilson
The President of the League, Mr H. Bull, presented S. Mayle (captain of the Trumpington team) with the League Cup and each player of the winning team with a medal. Mr Bull also presented 2 bats to the players with the highest total score during the season in the 1st and 2nd divisions. These were taken by G. Harvey (130) in Division I and R. Halls (176) in Division II.
Cambs. Junior Cup
1st round Trumpington beat Burwell
2nd round Trumpington beat Ickleton
3rd round Trumpington beat Stapleford
Semi-final Trumpington beaten by University Press.
The University Press won the match comfortably, having 6 wickets in hand when the winning hit was made.
Trumpington team: R. Lloyd, B. Porter, P. Utteridge, G. Harvey, G. Smith, S. Mayle, C. Smith, S. Hutt, A.G. Haggis, R. Rayner, A. Wilson
The University Press beat Bottisham in the Junior Cup final.
In October 1920, to celebrate the winning of Division I, Milton and District League Cup, the Trumpington Cricket Club held a most successful dinner, when upwards of 70 sat down to an excellent repast. The dinner was arranged by the Cricket Committee, with the assistance of lady friends, and reflected great credit on those concerned. All appeared to enjoy themselves to the utmost, and regret was expressed that these functions were not more frequent. Mr A. F. Edwards presided and he was supported by, amongst others, Messrs Bull (president of the Milton and District League), Ballard (hon secretary, Milton and District League), W. L. Hagan (captain, Pitt Press C.C.), W. Campbell (Cambridge), S. Mayle, G. Harvey, C. Fordham, P. Utteridge, J. Kefford, C. Forbes, E. E. Kendal, E. J. Smith, R. Rayner (hon. secretary, Trumpington Cricket Club).
After the dinner, and the loyal toast had been honoured, an excellent programme of music, interspersed with toasts. Mr Kefford gave the “Trumpington Cricket Club”, and Mr S. Mayle and Mr P. Utteridge ably responded. Mr C. Fordham, in a few well chosen words, gave the “Milton and District League” to which Messrs Bull and Ballard suitably responded. Mr G. Harvey gave the toast of “Kindred Clubs” (our opponents) to which Mr W. L. Hagan, in a happy little speech, responded.
Regret was expressed that the Trumpington Club had not two cups instead of one to show, but the hope was expressed that they might be fortunate enough to give a better account of themselves next season and bring the Cambs. Junior Cup to Trumpington. For the last two seasons Trumpington had managed to get into the semi-final round, and they hoped, with good luck and steady progress, to see themselves in the final the next year.
Mr W. Campbell, in an excellent speech, gave “The Visitors” to which Mr C. Forbes responded. Mr E. Colbourne asked those present to stand for a moment or two in silence, in memory of those of the Club who would never more be with them. This tribute to the fallen having been paid, Mr C. Forbes proposed “The Chairman” which was accorded musical honours. Mr Kefford proposed “The Ladies” who had assisted to make the evening the success it undoubtedly was, and this was greeted with acclamation.
Those contributing towards the musical portion of the evening were: Messrs Kefford, Geeson, Cambridge, White, Utteridge, Hagan, Sewell, Edwards, Parker, Pamplin, Steggles, Kendal, Smith, and others. Mr A. H. Sewell (Cambridge) ably presided at the piano. The National Anthem concluded the evening, one of the most enjoyable passed in Trumpington for a considerable time [Source: 8 Oct 1920 p.3 CIP].
The Cricket Club Secretary’s report, reproduced in the October issue of the Trumpington Parish Magazine, noted that Trumpington had played 27 matches, won 24, lost 2, drawn 1; that Mr G. Harvey was top of the batting averages with an average of 16, R. Lloyd was second and S. Mayle third; and that Mr G. Harvey was the winner of two prizes, one given by H. Bull, Esq., President of M.D.L., for the top score in Division I, with 130 runs for 7 innings, and the other given by the Hon. E.S. Montagu, M.P., for the best batting average in Trumpington Cricket Club.
1921
Trumpington Club was certainly in the finals of both the Milton and District League (Division 1) and the Milton and District Challenge Cup in 1921 but how far it progressed in the Junior Cup Competition has not been found.
It was Trumpington v. Willingham in the final match of the Milton and District League (Division 1). The newspaper reported that rarely had there been a more exciting finish to a match than witnessed when the teams resumed their game on the Monday evening with Willingham requiring 27 runs to win and had three wickets in hand. Their batsmen succeeded in their task and Willingham won by seven runs.
Trumpington Defeated By Seven Runs!
Cambridge Chronicle and University Journal , 21 September 1921, p.7.
Left to right:- Standing: G. Smith, Lloyd, E. Benton, J. Haggis, C. Smith, Mayle, J. Kefford
Seated: R. Rayner, A.H. Porter, P. Utteridge (captain), H. Hicks, A. Haggis and (on the ground) R. Edwards (scorer)
In the final of the Milton and District Challenge Cup, played on the Magdalene College ground, Trumpington defeated Bottisham by 3 wickets. Bottisham led on the first innings by 22 runs, but batting a second time were dismissed for 41 leaving Trumpington 64 runs to get to win. Six wickets were down for 51, but, with the brothers Haggis associated, the necessary runs were knocked off. After the match the cup was presented by Miss Muriel Bull, daughter of the donor, Mr Horace Bull, of Waterbeach, to Mr P. Utteridge, the Trumpington captain.
1922
In August 1922 Trumpington met Lode on Magdalene College ground to play the final of the Milton and District Challenge Cup. Trumpington, the cup holders, were on top all the way through the match. A.G. Haggis batted well for the victors, scoring 28 in the first innings and 40 in the second. G. Smith took 2 wickets for 14 runs, R. Lloyd 4 for 13, and R. Cousins 2 for 3, in the first innings; and C. Smith 3 for 14, G. Smith 3 for 18, and Cousins 2 for 4, in the second innings. It was a sporting encounter and played in the best possible spirit. After the match, the teams adjourned to the pavilion, where the Trumpington captain, A.H. Porter, received the cup from Mr H. Bull, the President of the League. Mr Porter said he thought they had won the cup on their merits. They had had to meet the best club in the League and there had been no doubt about the game. These cricket competitions made very good sport in the villages, and there were several cropping up in various parts of the county.
Duke Cup – knock-out competition – Grantchester League
There was an indexed reference in the Cambridgeshire Collection at Cambridge Central Library to a photograph of the Trumpington cricket team playing a match in 1922. It was annotated as Trumpington v. Gt. Shelford, July 15th/22. The photographer was Mr. Ted Mott. A search through the microfilm of Cambridge Independent Press issues for 1922 revealed that the photograph had been taken during the Duke Cup semi-final. Trumpington put up a creditable performance at Little Shelford on 15th July by defeating Great Shelford by four wickets.
Trumpington team: A.H. Porter (the captain), Lloyd, Cousins, C. Smith, A.G. Haggis, A.J. Haggis, Hicks, Mayle, Wilson, Rayner, G. Smith
Duke Cup semi-final, match played at Little Shelford, 15 July 1922 .
Cambridgeshire Collection. Cambridge Central Library. Photo – Mott, Y.Tru K22, 29354. [Wale Recreation Ground.]
An exciting finish was reported to the match between Trumpington and Newton in the final for the Duke Cup. The game was won by Trumpington by five runs. It was commenced a week previously, but owing to inclement weather only a few balls were bowled. Trumpington, however, lost three wickets for four runs. There was a large attendance of spectators when the game resumed at Great Shelford. Trumpington made 51 runs in their first innings, and Newton responded with 53. The Newton bowlers sent Trumpington back for 35 in their second venture, but in turn Newton went down for 28. The bowling of the brothers Smith was the decisive factor.
Trumpington team: R. Lloyd, A.H. Porter, R. Cousins, S. Mayle, A.J. Haggis, C. Smith, H. Hicks, A. Wilson, G. Smith, R. Rayner
Grantchester and District League
On 9 September 1922 Trumpington played Grantchester at Trumpington. This was a match of the Grantchester and District League. The homesters batted first and put up the quite respectable score for 93. The visitors were soon disposed of by the Smith brothers for a paltry 21 runs: C. Smith taking 8 wickets for 7 runs, and G. Smith 2 wickets for 13. This victory secured Trumpington their position at the head of their division of the Grantchester and District League. They then had to meet the winners of the other division to decide the holders of the League trophy.
A second photograph indexed in the Cambridgeshire Collection was of the Trumpington cricket team and it had been published in Cambridge Chronicle, 4 October 1922, p.7. The caption gave the following information: Winners of their respective groups, Newton and Trumpington met in the final of the Grantchester and District League on Saturday, when the former Club, created a surprise by winning the match by an innings and some runs to spare. In August the same teams met in the final of the knock-out competition run in connection with Grantchester League; Trumpington on that occasion proved the victors… The Trumpington team, whose fine all-round display throughout the season made them one of the most formidable of the local elevens.
Grantchester and District League final, Trumpington v. Newton
Cambridge Chronicle , 4 October 1922, p. 7.
Standing: A.F. Edwards (Hon. Treasurer), C. Smith, E. Benton, E. Peters, S. Harvey, R. Cousins, and G. Smith. Seated: S. Mayle, H. Stearn, A. H. Porter (captain), R. Rayner, and H. Hicks. Seated in front is the son of the Club’s Hon. Treasurer, R. Edwards, who acted as scorer.
Trumpington Recreation Ground
Trumpington home matches were played on Trumpington Recreation Ground. The location of the recreation ground and cricket pavilion was marked on the 1925 Ordnance Survey map. It was on the east side of Trumpington High Street. On the opposite side of the High Street, where the Shell petrol station currently stands, were the premises of the carpenters and wheelwrights, Mr Edwin Smith and his sons, Gordon and Clifford. The brothers were outstanding cricketers and Cliff was a county player. It was said that “at village matches he was expected to hit at least one ball onto the roof of the carpenter’s shop from the recreation ground across the road” [Source: Trumpington Past & Present, by Trumpington Local History Group: Stroud, Sutton Publishing Ltd., 2003, p.83].
Ordnance Survey Map 1925. Trumpington Recreation Ground and Pavilion.
A Norvic Mill Real Photo postcard, dated circa 1920s, of London Road, Trumpington, showed the recreation ground on the right and, on the left, the carpentry business with the Smith’s name board attached to the tree.
Source: Cambridgeshire Collection. Cambridge Central Library, Y.Tru K2, 24687, Norvic Mill Road Real Photo, J9950, date c.1920s.
Trumpington from the Air. Aerial view from the North East.
Cambridge Chronicle , 6 August 1919, p. 9.
Trumpington Recreation Ground located in centre of photograph, possibly with a suggestion of the cricket pitch in the middle of the grass area.
1926
A 1927 reference in the photograph index in the Cambridgeshire Collection led to a search of the microfilmed local newspapers for the previous year, to trace details of Trumpington winning the 1926 final of the British Legion Cup. However this year turned out to be a bumper year for the Trumpington Cricket Club, as they won not only the British Legion Cup but also the Cambs. Junior Cup and the Cambs. Junior League; and also reached the final of the Grantchester and District Challenge Cup.
British Legion Cup
Trumpington easily defeated Bottisham in the final of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cricket Cup Competition on Fenners. The competition was confined to County branches of the British Legion and Trumpington fielded six members of the team which were in the eleven which won the Cambs. Junior Cup. A.G. Haggis was the top scorer with 57 including a 6 and seven 4s among other hits. For Trumpington, Plummer took four wickets for 2, Cousins 1 for 5, G. Smith 3 for 22, and Haggis 2 for 15.
Legion Trophy for Trumpington
Cambridge Chronicle and University Journal , 8 September 1926, p. 7.
Photo 1- Standing: Umpire Ballard, R. Rayner, H. Plummer, A.G. Haggis, S. Mayle, W. Osborne, C. Cousins, A. Godsalve, Umpire. Seated: A. Wilson, Capt. Plumb (organising secretary), G. Smith (captain), R. Cousins, H. Pamplin, Mr Stimson (vice chairman County Committee). On ground: G. Rayner (scorer).
Photo 2- Gordon Smith, the Trumpington captain, receives the trophy on behalf of his club.
Photo 3- Three cheers for Bottisham.
Cambs. Junior Cup
1st round Trumpington beat St Giles’ II
2nd round Trumpington beat Cambridge L.N.E.R.
3rd round Trumpumpington beat Old Chesterton
Semi-final Trumpington beat Stapleford – Century by L.A. Unwin
Final Trumpington beat Great Wilbraham
For the first time in the history of the club, Trumpington won the Cambs. Junior Cup, defeating in the final Great Wilbraham by over 130 runs.
Trumpington’s Triumph. Trumpington defeated Great Wilbraham
Cambridge Chronicle and University Journal, 1 September 1926, p. 7.
Standing: R. Rayner, L. Unwin, A. Haggis, L.R. Truelove, A.J. Haggis, J.J. Wilson.
Seated: F.W. Osborne, A.J. Wilson, R. Cousins, A.G. Haggis, Gordon Smith, H. Plummer
Cambs. Junior League
Semi-final Trumpington beat Willingham
Final Trumpington beat Y.M.C.A. – Century by L.A. Unwin
Grantchester and District Challenge Cup
Semi-final Trumpington beat Grantchester
Trumpington team: L.A. Unwin, L.R. Truelove, J.J. Wilson, A.J. Haggis, A.G. Haggis, R. Cousins, H. Plummer, A. Wilson, G.M. Smith, A. Haggis, W. Osborne
Final Trumpington v. Coton – match played in May 1927
A company of nearly a hundred attended the dinner held by the Trumpington Cricket Club in October 1926 to celebrate the achievements of the past season. The President of the Club (Mr W.W. Pemberton) was in the chair, and he was supported by Mr Harry Richford (Hon. Secretary, Cambs. Cricket Association), Mr W. Campbell, Major C.W. Stanley, and the club officers. After the company had enjoyed the ample dinner, and the loyal toast had been honoured, the Hon. Secretary (Mr L.R. Truelove) gave a report of the accomplishments of the past season.
The club had entered three competitions, namely, the Cambs. Junior Cup, the Cambs. Junior League, and the Grantchester and District Challenge Cup. For the first time in the history of the club the Junior League and Junior Cup had been won. (Applause.) In the final of the former the Y.M.C.A. had been defeated by six wickets, and in the final of the Junior Cup Great Wilbraham were beaten by 135 runs. Trumpington had also reached the final of the Grantchester and District Cup, in which Coton was to be met, but this would not be decided until the commencement of next season. Two centuries had been scored, both by L.A. Unwin (102 not out and 135 not out), and the hat trick had been done by A.G. Haggis. The Secretary, on behalf of the club, heartily congratulated the Trumpington British Legion on their success in the Lord Lieutenant’s Cup. During the season the club had played 22 matches, winning 18 and losing 4; they won every match from June 5th to the end of the season. (Applause.)
The toast of ‘The Cambs. Cricket Association’ was proposed by Mr. W. Campbell, and with it he coupled the name of its Secretary, Mr H. Richford. “Clubs such as Trumpington,” said Mr Campbell during the course of an interesting speech, “Owe much to the Cambs. Cricket Association, and to Mr Richford, for the work they have done in the interests of Cambridgeshire cricket,” (Applause.) Mr Richford made a suitable response, and mentioned that there was at least one player in the club who was highly thought of by the County authorities, namely, A.G. Haggis, a left hand bat. The County Member, Capt. R.G. Briscoe, arrived during the evening and was enthusiastically received. Mr F.W. Bunn proposed ‘The Trumpington Cricket Club,’ and in an amusing speech described his emotions at the final of the Junior League. He congratulated the team on the way they had stuck together throughout a very trying season. In responding, the Captain (Mr A.G. Haggis) thanked the team for the support they had given him, and expressed the hope that before long the Senior Cup would make an appearance at Trumpington. (Applause.)
A presentation was made to Mr G.M. Smith, a prominent member of the team, who is shortly to be married. The gift took the form of a handsome clock, and was the joint gift of the Trumpington Cricket and Football Clubs.
The health of the Chairman was proposed by Mr R. Cousins, and was enthusiastically drunk. Mr Pemberton expressed the pleasure he felt at the wonderful success of the club, and hoped that the Grantchester Cup would come safely to Trumpington. Capt. Briscoe was heartily applauded on rising to respond to the toast of ‘The Visitors.’ He wished the club every success. Mr Robinson thanked the helpers and artistes for the work they had done. [Source: Cambridge Chronicle 20 October 1926, p.7]
1927
The 1926 final of the Grantchester and District match for the Walston Cup, Trumpington v. Coton, took place at Grantchester in May 1927. This was because Trumpington had been unable to play it the previous year. Coton won the match by six wickets.
Trumpington team: S. Truelove, A.G. Haggis, G. Smith, A.J. Haggis, L. Unwin, J.J. Wilson, A. Wilson, H. Plummer, W. Osborne, A. Haggis, E. Peters
Walston Cup: Winner – 1926 COTON. sold at auction , November 2005.
The third index reference at the Cambridgeshire Collection was to photographs which had been published in Cambridge Independent Press , 19 August 1927, p.10. One was of the Trumpington cricket team, winners of the British Legion Cup, and the second was of Lady Blenkinsop presenting the Cup to G. Smith, the Trumpington captain. The match had been Trumpington, the holders of the British Legion Cup, playing Cottenham in the British Legion (Lord Lieutenant’ s Cup) final at Fenners in August 1927. Trumpington won by six wickets. It was mentioned in the match description that G. Smith was a Town footballer.
Trumpington team: A.G. Haggis, R. Cousins, G. Smith (captain), H. Pamplin, H. Plummer, F. Hart, A. Wilson, S. Mayle, E. Benton, W. Osbourn, P. Noble.
British Legion (Lord Lieutenant’s Cup) final at Fenners, Trumpington v. Cottenham. Cambridge Independent Press , 19 August 1927, p. 10.
1939
Independent Press and Chronicle issues for 1939 in the online British Newspaper Archive gave details of matches in the Cambs. Junior League. Trumpington Cricket Club was entered in Division II of the Eastern Division of the League. A match against Fordham, in which Trumpington won by one run, led to Fordham, Landbeach and Trumpington ending the season with equal points and resulting in them meeting again. Landbeach beat Fordham and the decider match between Landbeach and Trumpington was to take place on 2 September 1939 on Parker’s Piece.
Trumpington team was named in advance: G. Chapman, G. Smith, M. Aves, W. Dring ***, B. Read, B. Austin, J. Plummer, C. Galley, E. Haynes, T. Mansfield, and A.N. Other.
The Declaration of war by the United Kingdom and France was given on 3 September 1939, after German forces invaded Poland on 1 September.
The winner of the Trumpington versus Landbeach match was to play the winner of the Western Division, the Over Cricket Club, to complete the Cambs. Junior League, Division II, competition. The Cambridgeshire Cricket Association ‘Official Handbook’ recorded that the 1939 Junior League was not completed.
There were no more references to photographs of Trumpington Cricket Club team members in the Cambridgeshire Collection index to act as guides to further significant events in the club history. However the Cambridgeshire Collection held an incomplete set of the Official Handbook of the Cambridgeshire Cricket Association from Season 1952 to 1993. It was hoped that this would be a useful tool to discover details of more recent club information. This proved to be the case. The Handbook listed details such as contact details of the club secretary, competition registrations with Junior League Division members and Junior Challenge Cup Draws, where relevant, plus there was a cumulated list of Cambs. Cricket Association winners.
New Location of the Trumpington Home Matches from the 1950s
The 1950 Ordnance Survey map of Trumpington marked the recreation ground with the Foster Road/Paget Road Estate built behind it. In the 1954 map the ground had been developed with the shops and housing. However King George V Playing Field had been purchased in January 1951 and it became the new home for the Trumpington Cricket Club.
Aerial view of Trumpington from the North, 1955. Mr W. Stanion.
King George V Playing Field bounded by Byron Square, centre left of the photograph.
Entries for Trumpington in the incomplete set of Cambridgeshire Cricket Association Official Handbooks , held by the Cambridgeshire Collection, Cambridge Central Library, class C.38:
1952
Club Secretary: W. Tipper, 65 Byron Square, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Division IV (South)
Atlas Sports (Meldreth), Bottisham II, Fowlmere, Haslingfield, Melbourn & Meldreth II, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round, 6- Trumpington v. New Chesterton Institute II
1956
Club Secretary: D.G. Spalding, Trinity Farm, Long Road, Cambridge
Competitions:
Junior League Div. IV (North)
Chippenham, Cromwell Park II, Marshalls Sports I, Wilbraham II, Wilburton, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
First round, 29- Trumpington v. Witcham
1960
Club Secretary: D.G. Spalding, Trinity Farm, 103 Long Road, Cambridge
Competitions:
Junior League Div IV (North)
Lode II, Simplex, Waterbeach, Witchford, Oakington or Willingham II, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round, 2- Trumpington v. Oakington
1971
Club Secretary: G.S. Timms, 77 Foster Road, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Div III (South)
Caldicote, Eastern Electricity (Cambridge), Eversden, Grantchester, Harlton, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (A), 9- Arrington & Wimpole v. Trumpington
1974
Club Secretary: P.A. Jolley, 1B Anstey Way, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Div IV (South)
Dry Drayton, Elsworth, Horseheath II, Great Shelford, Shepreth, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (A), 9- Trumpington v. Chesterfords
1975
Club Secretary: P.A. Jolley, 1B Anstey Way, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Div V (South)
Arrington & Wimpole, Balsham, Chesterfords, Fen Drayton, Spike (Sawston), Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (A), 10- Trumpington v. Dry Drayton
1977
Club Secretary: T. Flint, 38 Foster Road, Trumpington
Competition:
Junior League Div VI
Broughton, Linton Village, Stretham I, University Computer Laboratory & Library, Whittlesford Lawn, Trumpington
No Junior Cup entry for Trumpington
1978
Club Secretary: T. Flint, 38 Foster Road, Trumpington
Competition:
Junior League Div VI (South)
Foxton, Newmarket Town II, Pye Group, University Computer Laboratory & Library, Whittlesford Lawn, Trumpington
No Junior Cup entry for Trumpington
1979
Club Secretary: G.S. Timms, 77 Foster Road, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Div VI (South)
Elsworth II, Newmarket Town II, Pye Group, Spike (Sawston), Whittlesford Lawn, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (A), 1- Trumpington v. Little Thetford
1980
Club Secretary: G.S. Timms, 77 Foster Road, Trumpington
Competitions:
Junior League Div IV (South)
Audley End & Littlebury II, Burrough Green II, Cherry Hinton II, Foxton, Harlton, Horseheath II, Wilbrahams II, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (B), 10- Trumpington v. Longstowe II
1981
Club Secretary: R. Anstee, 58 Minerva Way, Cambridge
Competitions:
Junior League Div V (South)
Comberton II, Elsworth II, Eversden II, Harlton, Longstowe II, Spike (Sawston), Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (B), 2- Trumpington v. Somersham Town
1982
Club Secretary: R. Anstee, 58 Minerva Way, Cambridge, CB4 2UA
Competitions:
Junior League Div IV (South)
Cherry Hinton II, Hardwick, Horseheath II, Longstowe II, Newmarket Town II, Wilbrahams II, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (B), Winner of Shepreth I v. Stretham v. Trumpington
1983
Club Secretary: R. Anstee, 58 Minerva Way, Cambridge, CB4 2UA
Competitions:
Junior League Div III (South)
Babraham, Burrough Green II, Cambridge Telephones, Horseheath II, Longstowe II, Newmarket Town I, Stapleford II, Trumpington
Junior Cup draw
Preliminary round (A), 1- Wilbrahams II v. Trumpington
There were no entries for Trumpington in the Handbooks for 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992 or 1993. This would suggest that at some point between 1984 and 1986 Trumpington ceased to take part in Cambridgeshire Cricket Association competitions.
Trumpington Cricket Club may have continued to be active after 1983. The team may have arranged to play in other league competitions or friendlies.
Cambridgeshire Cricket Association Official Handbook , Season 1983, p. 16-19.
Winners of Competitions
1926 – Trumpington – winners of the Junior League and the Junior Challenge Cup
*** Addenda
Several early items were published in the Trumpington Parish Magazines
1879
June. At a meeting of the Cricket Club, the officers and committee of the past year were unanimously requested to serve again, with the exception of Mr C. Peck, who desired to retire, and was replaced by Mr A. Gentle.
1879
July. Trumpington Cricket Club played Stapleford on the ground of the latter, on 28 May, resulting in victory for Trumpington.
Players: Aves, Collier, Gunnell, Pearce, Aspinall, Grain, Dunn, Rawlinson, Headley, Crisford, Anstead, I.G. Owen, H.G. Owen, H.F. Norris, Barton, L. Norris, Sheddon, Baines, Bagnall, A. Gentle, W. Sayle
August. A match was played at Cambridge, Tuesday. 15 July, between Whittlesford and Trumpington. Time not allowing a conclusion of the 2nd innings, the match was decided by the 1st, resulting in a ‘tie’.
Trumpington team: Anstead, Owen, Peck, Nightingale, Bagnall, Norris, Shedden, Harrington, Jones, Gentle, Smith, Hayward,
September. The Cricket Club played three matches during the month: against the Perse School, the Cambridge Alexandra Club and the Stapleford Club. Owing to the unavoidable absence of the captain and several of the best players, the Club was beaten in all three matches. “We hope for better luck next season.”
October. A cricket match was played on Parker’s Piece on 11 September, between the Trumpington and Alexandra clubs. Trumpington 295: Alexandra 129. “It is to be hoped that another season we may be more fortunate in the presence of our regular eleven, and so be less dependent upon foreign aid.”
Trumpington team: A. Gentle, Diver, Day, Peck, Whitaker, Boning and Harrington, Thurston and W. Gentle, Odams, Stearn, C. Rayner, Dawson
1880
August. On 29 June, a match was played at Trumpington between the married and single members of the village club. A few gaps among the married men were filled up from the ranks of the single. The Singles were victorious.
On 22 July, a match was played between Trumpington and Shelford on the ground of the latter club. The match resulted in a victory for Shelford.
September. A very good cricket match was played on the Trumpington ground with the Cambridge Alexandra Club. After an exciting finish, the home team won by one run.
1883
July. “It would be most desirable if the Cricket Club could be revived. If a field can be obtained, Mr George Sayle has kindly undertaken to be Secretary.”
1884
August. “Through Mrs Sayle’s kindness, cricket has been pursued with vigour by the young men in her field. The boys still content themselves with a patch that should be grass, and is not in the middle of the road, and they much want a piece of ground for play. We hope it may be possible to arrange it another summer.”
W.E. Dring’s Reminiscences of Trumpington in the 1920s
http://www.trumpingtonlocalhistorygroup.org/subjects_reminiscences_Dring1.html
.. Newell’s, the cycle repair shop. The owner of this [Mr Harry J. Newell] also ran a taxi service with a venerable but capacious Daimler into which we used somehow to pack the whole cricket team for away matches.
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As noted earlier, we are keen to learn more about Trumpington cricket and Trumpington Cricket Club and hope that there are readers who could tell us more about it and perhaps provide us with copies of team photographs.
Copies of the source newspaper accounts are in two separate files (Word files, 15 MB each)