Richmond Green

Richmond Green is a rather pleasant and historic 12 acre green, behind the High Street and not far from the River Thames. Surrounded by mature leafy trees, expensive town houses, historic buildings and a couple of pubs it has been a venue for cricket matches for over 300 years. Indeed, the first known recorded game was between Surrey and Middlesex, way back in 1730 (Surrey won...), although there is a reference to cricket taking place there in 1666. A few years later, in July 1743, it is recorded that Richmond and Kingston lost to London there.

Fast forward a mere 260 years and Hounslow Leisure played Richmond Teachers five times on the Green, winning 3. Always a Friday evening T20 affair, and often watched by fair few as they enjoyed an end of week drink in the summer sun.

Despite the glorious surrounds, the wicket was poor and changing facilities were around the back of a tree. The Green has paths that cut across in all directions, and play would often be stopped as oblivious pedestrians walked too close to play. Elsewhere, others would be milling about, minding their own business as balls hit for 4 and 6 whizzed by. I wonder how many bystanders have been hurt over the years, we were certainly fearful the day Wendel hit a rather brutal 60 odd, including a few 6's over the trees. These paths were relaid a few years ago, creating a raised curb. Deemed too dangerous by the Teachers for fear of tripping or a nasty ball rebounding, games were moved to nearby Old Deer Park, until the Teachers team disappeared without trace a couple of years later. Despite the historic Cricketers Pub overlooking the square, we tended to retire to the Sun Inn for post match refreshments. Cricket is still played on the green, the Cricketers and Princes Head pubs have teams. Thanks to the internet for some of the info above.

February trivia. Can you name this 'Gang of Four', from the world of politics and music? Taken at a 1987 WWF charity event....

January seems to be the month for many cricket teams to have their AGM's and Hounslow Leisure CC and Magdalen CC have been no exception.

Skippering duties for HL to be shared between Swainy, Ian, Wendel and Paul. A full mid week fixture list beckons. Ian won the bowling cup for top wickets, Wendel the batting cup for top runs. Swainy the combined JB Memorial and Champagne Moment *.

Imran is Magdalen Sunday skipper for a second year, and the tour is planned for Bournemouth. Subs to be reduced to just £5 for under 25's, to try to encourage a few younger players (perhaps a couple of fast opening bowlers?). Midweek evening cricket nets are being booked for March/ April soon to be confirmed. Steve won the coverted Player of the Season Trophy for all round keeping and batting performances.

Just after 8.20pm this evening, for just 1 brief second, the time will be 20.20.20 02.02.2020.

* The JBM Award. Originates from when Jim was knocked over fetching a ball that had just been hit for 6 in to a dual carriage way and awarded each year for 'play, going beyond the call of duty'. Swainy wins this one, combined with the champers moment.

Whilst Swainy was skippering his first game for HL, early in the game broke his finger attempting a catch, exited the game, taking our best batter to drive, visiting 2 hospitals, only then for HL to go on to suffer our worst defeat of the season (by 120 runs), and him then missing the next 6 games.