History Lesson

Barry has unearthed some more gems from his recent (and on-going) history searches through old newspapers.

Back to Back Centuries in 1952:

Charlie Underwood grabbed the local media headlines when he became the first and only Keyworth CC player to score centuries in successive innings. On Sunday 10 August 1952 at Hucknall, Charlie made 113 and six days later at Sandiacre on Saturday 17 August he was undefeated on 105. Even the prolific Ian Graham during his record breaking 2006 season when he amassed a total 1006 runs has not matched the feat.

The first recorded century by a KCC player came from Derek Gill in 1947 when he scored 101 not out against Stamford Hall. He was followed by former Nottingham Forest & Derby County footballer Tommy Hinchliffe, current player Stuart Meek's grandfather, who scored 102 not out at Sandiacre on 2 July 1949. The first of Charlie Underwood's three centuries for the club, exactly 100 not out, came on 12 August 1950 also at Sandiacre.

Charlie, the son of Oliver Underwood who played for the club in the 1920's, is a Club Honorary Life Vice President and currently resides in a Care Home in Cotgrave. Derek, a Club Vice President still lives in the village but Tommy passed away in 1978 leaving his widow Mary to provide teas for the players over many seasons.

Bowling Hat Tricks - the first recorded in 1959:

Renowned KCC bowler of the time Ron Armstrong took a hat-trick of wickets in a 1st XI League match against Eastwood St Mary's on 22 August 1959 however earlier in the same season, John Stubbs a member of a very sporting family from Park Avenue which included father Archie, uncle Arthur, brother Brian the notable professional footballer with Notts County and twin brothers David & Mick, achieved the feat on May 9th 1959 in a 2nd XI friendly match against Bingham.

Four bowlers have subsequently taken hat-tricks. Mike Brooks did it in a 1st XI friendly against Barrow-on-Soar on August 30th 1980, Ian Kitchinson did it in a Nottingham Evening League match against Radcliffe-on-Trent on June 21st 1995. Veteran John Beeton also a stalwart of Keyworth Rugby Club, achieved it in a Sunday friendly match against Colston Bassett on September 23rd 2007 and left arm spin bowler Rob Baker did it during a 1st XI League match against Nottingham on June 3rd 2006. Rob commences the 2009 season needing only one more wicket to notch a career total of 450 1st XI wickets in 23 seasons with the club, a long way ahead of the next best - Harry Henson (played 1932 to 1963) with 332 and Ron Armstrong (1948-63) with 330 wickets.

Note: The statistical history of Keyworth Cricket Club (1815-2008) can be found on www.keyworthcrickethistory.co.uk or in the Local History section at Keyworth Library.
The records are incomplete and we are always looking for more facts to be unearthed and welcome any contributions.