As a result the Committee had a relatively easy task. Our hardworking and loyal secretary, Ron Dean, served for thirteen years until his untimely death and Eric Sage, Club Treasurer, for a similar period. With Eddie Seymour leading the lst X1 Sunday side for eight consecutive years and members like Derek Hunt, Tony Dudman and Cliff Davis always to hand it was not surprising that the Club's reputation for cricket and hospitality prospered.

The minutes record the usual problems which beset all cricket clubs and bear witness to long hours of discussions. The problems mostly recurred, one of which was associated with the groundsman. To maintain two squares, a vigorous outfield, and to keep the clubhouse up to scratch is a whole time occupation. Still, with the assistance of a little ale, it was possible to itemise these chores and make an assessment of just how long each would take. For example, if the speed of the Dennis mower is known, and the width of the cut, the area to be mown plus an allowance for starting, any sober person will arrive at an answer. Invariably it seemed to show that we only needed someone part-time yet we all knew that was untrue.

Naturally the squares and the playing area occupied the minds of the members and another bone of contention was the making of the wicket. It was the natural wicket theory fed each year by Surrey loam, against the marled wicket theory which would play more evenly and true. Experiments were done but as always the main aim was to play cricket and after rain the marled square took much longer to recover and bar profits decreed that 'thou shalt not cancel'. This was a hand down from Smithy and long after he had gone the wisdom of his words governed cricket activities.

About 1960 the Club was fortunate to secure the services of Mr and Mrs Williams for the combined duties of groundsman and general caretakers. Now Bill's previous experience as a groundsman was fairly limited and his knowledge of wicket preparation probably more so. Soon he was applying all manner of new techniques previously unthought of at Lord's to such effect that Vandals skippers no longer had to worry what to do if they won the toss — the opposition were always invited to try the new creation first and it was rarely lacking in surprises.

No account of Vandals cricket or that of many other clubs could be complete without a mention of teas. The food has not always been able to match the surroundings and many different ideas have been tried. In the 60s recourse was taken to the employment of outside caterers for a season. This was in fact a lady who provided her own lavish display of appetising goodies. The butter, if indeed that is what it was, was applied with a paint brush and should you have chanced to see the sumptuous tea being prepared then your excuse for not attending was accepted. Our captains on occasions would have to elect to bat according to the state of the teas rather than any intuition as to the state of the wicket. He would then have to supply one of his team to go and buy cakes, two to umpire, two to commence the innings plus a batsman padded up, at least two to erect the sightscreen, one to put the tea urn on and if he was lucky to have anyone else they could start making the sandwiches.

This was all part of the duties of the captain. Once the game had started he had to make sure that each member of his side took some part in the game (because he would be answerable at the end in the bar), collect all monies, check availability fcr the following week, look after the opposition, make sure that the bar was adequately staffed, put the equipment away and of course enjoy the day himself. There can be no game like cricket in the whole world.

The Club, whose aim has always been to play cricket in the true spirit cf the game with the many friendly teams who have come to Brownacres could not have achieved as much without the help of the ladies. They are too many to name but each of them deserves a special place in our Club history as without their understanding, help, guidance and at times participation, much might never have happened.

Passing mention must be made of Bill Evans and his era as fixture secretary. He once arranged a match against a touring West Indian side, when the names of Hall and Griffiths rang thrcogh the land, an many of our batsmen had a restless night. We purchased all our equipment for many years at cost price from Bert Waine and we used the Indian ball at around £1 each. These stood up quite well and it was amazing how some team captains seemed to hoard their allocation and have a carry over for the following year. We secretly experimented with a cheaper ball at 3/6 but the Saturday captain was not too pleased to be presented with a misshapen ball after one over. The dawn of the 70s seemed to mark the end of an era and University Vandals C.C. never reached the same playing strength again.

The rugby and cricket sections had became more integrated but still many club members played cricket elsewhere. Steadily the supply of younger players seemed to decline and it was more difficult to run the 2nd XI each week. The talk was of league cricket and same of the older players were not so keen to play the more competitive game. Fortunately this coincided with the interest shown by Olinda C.C. in an amalgamatian, Meetings and discussions took place over some months and for the Vandals Derek Hunt, Cliff Davis, Tony Dudman and Derek Senior all played a major part.

Eric Sage