The West of Scotland branch of the Cricket Society is holding its Annual Dinner at Titwood, home of Clydesdale Cricket Club, on Monday 12th March 2018. With an iconic speaker, the Society is extending an open invitation to all cricket-lovers, whether or not they are members of the Society.
The guest speaker is Derek Randall of Nottinghamshire and England fame. He is probably best remembered for his first Test Match century, a magnificent 174 in the Centenary Test in Melbourne in 1977 when England were set the unlikely target of 463 to win. That they came within 46 runs of achieving an amazing victory was largely due to man of the match Derek Randall. He could play shots that were seemingly impossible and make them look easy. Scintillating as his batting could be, he was also responsible for what was then the slowest recorded hundred in Ashes tests when he made his second Test century on his return to Melbourne in 1979. In the second innings Geoff Boycott was out first ball and Gower, Botham and Willis were variously ill or injured. Randall’s 150 occupied almost ten hours, was played in blistering heat, but was the innings that effectively won the match for England and secured the Ashes. Derek was a notoriously nervous starter, and that, combined with the England selectors’ predilection for moving him up and down the order, meant that he never quite fulfilled his early promise with the bat at the highest level. Nevertheless, he played 47 Tests for England between 1977 and 1984, scoring just under 2,500 runs with seven centuries and twelve fifties.
If Derek Randall’s batting could sometimes be described as inconsistent, his fielding was always mercurial. Arkle, as he was nicknamed, is probably the best fielder England have ever had at cover which was the region he patrolled throughout his career. He would gallop in as the bowler approached the crease, his long arms and large hands ensured slick and safe pick-ups, and he then frequently threw down the stumps. With the combination of Randall at cover and David Gower at mid-wicket there were very few short singles to be had in front of the wicket.
Derek Randall played for Nottinghamshire from 1972 to 1993 and his irrepressible character meant that he was always a favourite with the crowd wherever he played. He was a great entertainer and his presence on the field always brought great enjoyment to the spectators. His contribution to English cricket did not end with his playing days – as a coach at Bedford School it was Derek Randall who first recommended Alastair Cook to the ECB National Academy!
We’d love to have you join us for an evening of good food (three courses and coffee), excellent company and an iconic after dinner speaker. Reserve your place (no later than Monday 5th March), at a cost of £33 per head, by contacting Ewen McConville, Secretary, The Cricket Society of Scotland:
Email: ejrmcc@gmail.com for more information
Cheques made payable to “The Cricket Society of Scotland” should be sent to Ewen at:
1322 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 3RF
