Club History Part 1
HISTORY OF
HYTHE & DIBDEN CRICKET CLUB
1948-1972
The club as it is known today was formed in 1948 after two clubs amalgamated. - The Hythe Club which was formed in 1860 and in those days played in a park belonging to the President a Mr.J..Selmes. The Dibden Purlieu Club originated in Watermans Lane 1919 and moved to Langdown Lawns in 1934.
After the war they had to move to the Power Boat Ground because of bomb damage to their own ground in Langdown Lawns. But soon they were approached by by Hythe & Dibden Sports Club to amalgamate. The newly formed Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club moved into its home in Jones Lane after the amalgamation in 1948 with Mr.A.Curtis appointed their first Captain with Mr.Renyard Captaining the 2nd XI.
The biggest expenditure for the club in those days was the purchase of 4 bats @ 50p each.
The 1949 season saw Phil Pick join the club - little did he know then that he'd be still heavily involved fifty years later. By 1952 Picky was heavily involved and took on the role of Sunday Captain whilst David Bowler captained the First XI. The club entered the Stone Cup for the very first time. and at the agm secretary Mr.W.Berry announced that there was £35 profit in the kitty. Harold Longman was a key player for Hythe with his left arm spin - he later went onto join the Hampshire groundstaff.
There was uproar in 1953 when David Bowler was stuggling to get fixtures because of the state of the Hythe wicket. To make things even worse the football section wanted to turn their football pitch round right through the cricket square. Needless to say Phil told them where to go.
The 1954 season saw Phil Pick take over the captaincy of both weekend First XI sides and in an impressive season Hythe won 24 off 33 games played. Phil himself took 92 wickets @ 7.9. So keen to get to his 100 wickets a touring side came down to Hythe but the weather started raining heavy just before the start of the game. Phil called Exbury to see if it was raining up there and it wasn't so he got everyone on a bus upto Exbury.
1955 saw Hythe win their first ever trophy - The Crossley Cup proving that they were one of the strongest outfits in the area at the time, with Pick and Harry May one of the most frightening bowling attacks around. 24 wins out of 44 games played with only 2 defeats. But sadly for Hythe David Bowler snr hung up his whites after many years with the club.
1956 Season - 1st XI - Pld 43 -W21 - D2 - L19 -2nd XI - Pld 23 - W7 - D4 - L19. The season started on a low with the news that Chairman Mr.A.Curtis had sadly passed away during the winter. A letter was sent to Mr David Bowler jnr asking him if he would like to take over which he gratefully accepted. Phil Pick continued to run the First XI though not such a good season 21 wins out of 43 with 19 losses, mainly due to Picky not being able to bowl. John Adams topped the bowling averages taking 48 wkts @ 7.7 including 10-53 against Hyde. Bernard Wilson topped the batting average 36.3 with Phil Pick second 19.8. Phil Pick did however score his maiden ton for the club 107 vs Eastgate. Walt Bell continued his fine service to the club running the Second XI with Norman Burgess as his vice captain. Tony Woodhouse topped the batting averages 17.03 with H.Clasby 14.05 and Norman Burgess 12.50. Mick Clasby took 65 wickets @ 7.07 with Norman Burgess 20 @ 9.01 and Jack Smith 24 @ 10.02.
At the end of the season though John Adams left the club after declaring it was because of the lack of loyalty and responsibilities by some club members.
1957 Season - Another legend joined the club that year by accident - Tony Woodhouse. Tony was going out with Mary whose dad was the Second XI Captain. Tony had no interest in cricket but not wanting to upset his father in law he played a game because Walt was short and soon got the bug. The game was played at Shore Road on a cut wicket which resulted in more injuries than high scores. Mr.W. Berry resigned as secretary after many years in the role.
1958 Hythe were struggling to field two sides on both days at the weekend and were asking RAF Calshot for players on many occasions. Alan Wiltshire joined the club (another great servant over many years and the founder of colts cricket at Hythe) from Exbury. Two brothers also joined the club and proved a great success - Richard & Garth Thomas. Richard a useful bowler in his younger years until a back problem stopped him bowling. Garth was an accomplisehd bat who went on to score three centuries for Hythe.
Alan Wiltshire gave us some insight of the leading players in the 50's & 60's :
David Bowler was an excellent wicket keeper plus useful opening bat, there was also John Brough another useful batsman who was more well known for always being dressed for the part. Bill Berry who as well as being a useful bat was secretary for a while and Eric Chambers a useful left arm spin bowler.
Norman Burgess a long serving batsman and bowler mainly played for the Seconds. He later went on to become an umpire for many years played for the Second XI and Stan Daniels also played at this time and one of the biggest attributes with the bat was Tug Wilson from RAF Calshot. He was a right handed batsman who scored many runs including several centuries for the club. His claim to fame was playing for the RAF and hooking a certain Freddie Truman for four. Mind you he was out shortly afterwards.Tug was also a useful left arm pace bowler. At the time Hythe used the RAF base at Calshot to make up their numbers quite frequently.
Walt Bell ( Tony Woodhouse's father in law ) did a great deal for the club during the fifties and early sixties keeping the ground together and also turning out for the Seconds. Also in the fifites Eric Chambers served the first team as a leg spinner, Stan Daniels turned out for the seconds though he was better known for his footballing skills, and
Cyril Duro a rigger from Esso started with the club playing mostly seconds but a useful bat. Mike Clasby and his cousin Bert joined the club in the fifties. Mike was medium pace off cut bowler who played mainly second team whilst Bert Clasby ( claud ) played for many years in the seconds till he emigrated in 1976. Claud was a batsman who could bowl and in his later years wicket keeped. Not a patient person with the colts if you put down a catch he would tut for 10 minutes.
Ron Quibell a fine leg break bowler who provided a fine variety to the bowling attack.Played for the club for over 10 years. Walt Drodge too was an attacking batsman for the first team. Later years did sterling work as first team umpire.
John Edsall also joined the club in the late fifties and went onto play well into the seventies, mainly in the first team.
First Teamers:
Duncan Cragg - could play a bit though Garth Thomas called him a lounge cricketer. Duncan responded by saying he knew Garth as a god cricketer because Garth told him so.
Dave Blaxall briefly played for the club in the 60's as first team wicket keeper. Dave Carr an excellent opening batsman moved down from Yorkshire to work in the refinery and joined the club.
Dudley Barrett was a menacing fast bowler from Lincolnshire who once took 10 wickets for Hythe in a match over at Flamingoes. He played a few seasons before turning out for Lymington.
Ken Munday started playing for Hythe at this time - an accurate slow left arm bowler who also got useful runs down the order.
John Ashton joined the club from Exbury and was a huge part of Hythe's success in the middle 60's through to the middle 70's as an opening bat always trying to get on top of the bowling
Quinton Hedley first team wicket keeper with a very dry sense of humour. Bit of a sterling moss as well.
Ron O'Kill off the pitch life and sole of the party but although he was a very good slip fielder the rest of his game was so so.
Brian Parrish useful all rounder who got both wickets and runs for the club.
Tim Pollit - always happy to make up the numbers. Malcolm Teasdale - a Scottish County Cricketer he was unorthodox but an effective cricketer.
A.Rumsey - A seam bowler with Parks experience. He bowled right arm outswing.
Second Team Players during the mid sixties included
Brian Mainwaring - a stalart second team batsman who also kept wicket.
Cliff Wheeler - arrived as a teenager who became one of the most feared bowlers in the area. Sadly gave up cricket early to take up sailing. R.Wheeler a seam bowler who played for a few seasons.
Bob Corneby - good for a few runs if he connected and a good fielder.
David Greenland - Useful opening bat form Brockenhurst Grammar School
Dave Hall - All Rounder. Chris Lukk, and Terry Oliver a useful wicket keeper batsman who fluctuated between first and seconds.W.S.Wheeler - batsman very difficult to get out. Dick Sign was a reliable second team batsman.Eric Clapham played briefly for the seconds as a bat bowler until later going onto play professional football for Exeter.
1960 Alan Wiltshire took over as groundsman a job he did so well for nearly twenty years, escaping from the Echo office by the pier in the afternoons to water the square. He also took on the Fixtures Secretary role which in those days as quite a challange - two sides playing friendlies from the third week in April to the end of September.
1961 with David Bowler captain of the Saturday First XI Hythe W8-D2 -L4 whilst Phil Pick ran the Sunday First XI W11-D4-L8. Tony Woodhouse now run the Saturday and Sunday Second XI. Brian Smith a fine all rounder arrived at the club as a 14 year old - He rapidly established himself as a number 5 batsman and persevering seam bowler with immense stamina.
The 1962 season saw Hythe win 23 of 42 games played. Garth Thomas cracked 116 vs Milford on Sea amongst his 408 runs for the season. Another newcomer Mike Swanton took 75 wickets in his first season for the club. Mike (a hall of legend member) went onto play for the club for 30 years. Cliff Wheeler & Phil Pick both took 50 wickets a piece.
Brian Smith at 15 scored 614 runs with a top score of 91 vs Exbury.
1964 proved a good season for Hythe where they W23-D13-L8 but also reached the final of the Alderman Stone Cup before going down to Minstead by 1 run.
Minstead 105-7 (R.Thomas 2-18, D.Barrett 2-20, I.Robinson 1-21)
Beat
Hythe 104-6 (P.Pick 27*, J.Ashton 22, M.Swanton 20) by 1 Run
Hythe's team on that occasion
- Hythe Team : P.Pick (Capt), J.Ashton, M.Swanton, R.Thomas, B.Parrish, D.Barrett, J.Edsall, A.Woodhouse, I.Robinson, K.Munday, D.Bowler
Richard Thomas hit 944 runs that season & Phil Pick 759 yet neither scored a century. Cliff Wheeler took 73 wickets for the Green Caps.
1965 saw Hythe recruit a terrific batsman in Dave Carr who scored 1554 runs in 31 games inc 131* @ Boltons Bench. Garth Thomas had a good season as well - 906 runs and two centuries. With the ball it was Cliff Wheeler (68) & Phil Pick (58) who topped the averages whilst Dudley Barrett took 10-6 at Eastleigh Corinthians where the opposition was all out for 17. The poor old number 11 was to scred to come out and was happy to give Dudely his 10th wicket.
1966 sadly saw David Bowler retire due to ill health though he remained as Chairman for a few many years. These were decent years for Hythe and what a shame there as no league cricket in those days.
The 1967 season again was a good season where Hythe won 25 of 44 games played losing just 4. Mike Swanton scored his maiden debut 102* vs Old Dartfordians, Garth Thomas scored the seasons only other ton - 107* vs Lyndhurst. Phil Pick took 7 for 7 vs Old Tautonians and Cliff Wheeler 7 for 12 @ Poole O.G but Dudley Barrett bettered it with 9 for 44 vs Southampton Touring Club.
1968 saw Dennis & Micky Longhorn join the club. Micky was a useful wicket-keeper batsman who later helped form Exbury whilst Dennis was a top batsman. Sadly for Hythe his appearances were few and far between because he was also a professional footballer. A youthful Brian Marwood (the clubs president) also joined in 1968 as a very promising bowler. Football again took over. Not so strong season for Hythe 16 wins in 42 games. Brian Sexton scoring 705 runs @ 23.50 and John Ashton 626 @ 16.10. Picky and Dudley Barrett again took 50 wickets a piece.
Phil Pick's ability to attract good players again came into view in
1969 when a young off break bowler David Brown joined the club and took 80 wickets in his first season at 15.63. Dennis Longhorn topped the batting with 648 runs @ 34.4. Brian Sexton also scored 604 runs. Brown may have taken the most wickets but Pickie topped the averages after taking 73 wickets @ 13.16. Midweek games Phil always managed to call in guest players & they always did well - C.Dunning took 8 for 34 vs Calmore Sports.
It was said that during the sixties Phil Pick only ever missed one game quite an achievement - poor Mrs Pick. Even a call from his relatives in his native Northampton to put together a side containing of all Picks couldn't stop him playing for Hythe. Phil and Mick would have made up a team of 11 Picks but when Phil was asked to turn up for this great family occasion, his beloved Hythe took preferance.
Into the seventies some excellent young talent was coming through - Mick Pick (Phil's son) Steve Leggett (a uaeful off spinner) & Hedley Wooldridge who went onto become a fine wicket keeper for Hythe for many years. Brian Buck also joined the club and made an immeadiate impact with the bat - 960 runs inc 144* vs Burley. John Ashton topped the runs that year - 907 runs in total inc 107* vs Old Parkstonians & 101* vs Bournemouth Wayfarers. Paultons veteran John Harris guested one game for Hythe and made 133 vs Castle. Three players topped 50 wickets for the season Brian Sexton 61, Ken Munday 53 & Phil Pick 51. Brian Sextons 8-35 vs Burley was the seasons best. For the Second XI 4 players took 7 wkt hauls - Tony Woodhouse 7-20 vs Ferndown, Malcolm Rumsey 7-25 vs Wellow, Brian Marwood 7-26 vs ISR & Ron Maidment 7-32 vs Ferndown. Malcom (326 @ 20.4) & Walt Drodge 223 @ 24.8) topped the Second XI Averages with the bat
Other players to join the club in 1970 - Nick German a first team player who looked seven feet tall. A useful bat who also had a useful dog called William who use to retrieve lost balls from the hedges. Paul Wastell - first team off break bowler and great team man. Then there were the Taylor brothers - Peter Taylor was a useful first team bat whilst Doug Taylor was a slow medium bowler for the seconds who had one of the longest run ups on record. Could swing a ball though fairly late.
Alan Wiltshire resigned as Fixture Secretary to be replaced by Richard Thomas who did the job for the next 26 years.
1971 saw Phil criticize his side for poor fielding. Brian Sexton was praised however for his fine all round performances - 575 runs & 73 wickets inc 8-28 vs Trojans. Dennis Longhorn hit the highest score of the year 143* vs Andover Banks. Hythe scored 289 for 2 and then bowled the Bank out for 45. Brian Buck hit 104 in the same game as well as another ton 107 vs Basingstoke SC. The Second XI's batting was dominated by Alan Wiltshire 674 runs @ 22.5 yet his highest score was only 57*. Tony Woodhouse topped the bowling with 36 wkts, Doug Taylor 30. Kevin McTaggart performed well for the 2nds. Wait for it - Match Fees were 30p in those days.
1972 and the buzz around the club was Hythe & Dibden had been accepted into the newly formed Hampshire League for 1973. As for the 72 season it started badly after losing Brian Buck & John Ashton with work committments however by the end of it they had won Alderman Stone Cup and were beaten semi-finalists in the Echo Trophy vs Old Tautonainss.
H&D winners of the Alderman Stone they beat New Milton in the final
Hythe 82 for 8 (P.Taylor 32, K.Smith 12, P.Pick 12)
New Milton 53 all out (C.Beer 3-8, M.Pick 3-12, P.Pick 2-10, B.Sexton 2-12)
Hythe Won by 29 Runs
Team: K.Smith, P.Taylor, G.Knights, B.Sexton, P.Pick (capt), H.Wooldridge,
M.Longhorn, C.Beer, V.Garrett wkt, M.Pick, A.Ramsbottom
Weekends Hythe 1st XI had a mediocre season winning 11 of 32 games whilst the 2nd XI won just 3 of 23. George Knights had joined the club as well as several new young players inc Andrew Ramsbottom ( a good young bowler) Colin Fensome & Bob Skerry also joined and flucuated between the 1's and 2's. Knights hit the highest score of the season with 97 vs Wimbourne. Tony Woodhouse took 66 wickets for the 2nd XI. Mike Rice topped the batting.
So were Hythe ready for league cricket - Phil thought so. The Second XI continued to play friendlies.
1973 - 77 Early Hampshire League Years
1973 - Hythe's first season in the new County 1 ended with Hythe finishing a respectable 9th - winning 6 and losing 6. Hythe proved strongest in the bowling department - Brian Sexton taking 29 wickets @ 17.2.George Knights topped the league batting averages with 307 runs @ 27.90 well supported by Brian Sexton 218 runs @ 16.8.
George Knights, Brian Sexton and Kevin Smith received praise from their captain for good seasons and newcomer David Hoy strengthened the competition for the wicket keeping position. David became a very good clubman over the years.
The Second XI continued to play friendlies and had a good season. Alan Wiltshire scored 681 runs @ 27.2 whilst Tony Woodhouse had a good all round season - 76 wkts & 227 runs. Richard Thomas brought agression to the batting whilst Colin Fensome (290 runs) was his solid self. Neil Roddis 23 (wkts) & Martin Doel (33 wkts) proved a strong opening bowling attack. . A young Dave Reynolds was started to make his mark as a batsman.
1974 - Hythe reached two cup semi finals but felt they had a disappointing season in the league (7th) which was expanding and getting stronger all the time. Six wins and 8 defeats - Brian Smith (262), Brian Sexton (258) & Nigel Muston (214) a local PE teacher also put in some good performances with the bat. Terry Rawlins had a good first season for the club 141 runs & 13 wkts) Brian Smith also excelled with the ball 50 wkts @ 8.90. Brian Sexton took 37 wkts @ 13.5.
For the Second XI vice captain - Colin Fensome had a good seaon for the seconds with the bat as did Dave Cronin whilst Fred Wastell also stepped in with some useful knocks and wickets with his leg break bowling and Vic Garrett also put in some good performances with the bat. Captain Tony Woodhouse again topped the bowling averages.
The First XI on Sunday continued to do well with Stuart Hearn having a good season with the bat. Phil & Mick Pick formed a strong opening bowling partnership whilst Hedley Wooldridge received praise by Pick for his work behind the stuimps. Brian Sexton scored the seasons only ton - 108 vs Trojans.
At the end of the season it was the end of an era - Phil Pick stepping down as League and Cup skipper though he would still run friendlies. Brian Sexton would now captain the side in 1975.
1975 - and Jack Smith resigns as Chairman but Hythe under the new captaincy of Brian Sexton had an excellent season in the Hampshire League finishing 3rd. Hythe Second XI joined the Hampshire League for the first time in the regional divisions. Brian felt that the improvement this year was down to the batting though he was disappointed to go out of all three cup competitions early.Sexton himself took 82 wickets in all competitive matches at 10.34.
Alan Williams scored 519 runs @ 34.90 inc 103* vs Hayling Island. Fred Wastell was his opening partner who also scored 284 runs @ 22. George Knights (274), Terry Rawlins (256) & Brian Sexton (201) also contributed with the bat. Mick Pick started the season well with the ball but then got Brian Sexton (32), Terry Rawlins (29) & Phil Pick (27) performed well with tha ball.
Alan Wiltshire once again was praised for producing good wickets at Jones Lane with minimum equipment. The Second XI finished 14th in their first league season - Colin Fensome (304 runs) & Alan Wiltshire 206 runs had good seasons. With the ball Bill Palmer took 21 wkts @ 12.3, Martin Doel 19 @ 12.5 & Neil Roddis 15@ 11.4. Noadswood pe teacher Roger Moyle was praised for his all round performances and a guy called Bob Kinney came on the scene for three games during the season and hit 91*, 68, and 38 averaging 98.5 with the bat.
David Hoy performed well behind the stumps and Martin Doel and Ken Munday also bowled well.Gerry O'Dwyer was also a useful bat but had the tendancy to be very laid back. Once got run out at Hudsons field, Salisbury walking to the bowlers end when a long throw came in and hit the stumps.
The chairman criticised Alan Wiltshire's youth policy on Sundays yet the side averaged 138 per match playing with sides that included 7-8 colts. They finished W4- D4 - L8 record. Alan hit back praising Stephen Doel, Colin Goodhall, Steve Chiverton and Graham Longman for their batting Jimmy Antczak and Pete Vicarey for their fielding. A Hythe colts side was formed for the very first time and they won all five matches assisted by the experience the guys had gained on a Sunday.
The sad news for Hythe was that John Ashton had suddenly passed away.
1976 - Not only did Saints win the cup this year but Hythe enjoyed their finest season to date. The First XI won Hampshire County Division 1 by 24 points 7 won the Sydney Wyatt Cup.
Brian Buck had returned to the club and enjoyed a massive season with the bat 301 runs @ 25.9. George Knights (436) , Brian Sexton (505) and the all round skills of Terry Rawlins (545 & 47 wkts) were big factors in Hythe's success. Terry scored the seasons only league ton - 100* vs A.W.R.E (inc 10x4's & 2x6's) Hedley Wooldridge had an excellent season behind the stumps taking 43 wickets and Phil Pick also had another good season with the ball.
Off the pitch Phil Pick (38 wkts @ 9.82) had taken over as Chairman from Jack Smith.
28th June - Vs LYMINGTON
Lymington 80 for 6(R.Moyle 2-10, T.Rawlins 2-17, M.Pick 1-5, B.Sexton 1-17)
Hythe 82 for 2(B.Buck 25, G.Knights 21*, H.Wooldridge 20, T.Rawlins 5*)
Hythe Beat by 8 Wkts with 2.1 overs spare
Team : B.Sexton (Capt), B.Buck, H.Wooldridge, G.Knights, T.Rawlins,
S.Hearn, M.Swanton, R.Moyle, M.Pick, P.Pick, K.Munday.The Seconds improved on the previous season finishing a respectable 14th in South West Division 2 with Alan Wiltshire (184 runs) Colin Fensome (179) & David Hoy (171) performing well with the bat. Tony Woodhouse (47 wkts) & Ken Munday (38 wkts) perfomed well with the ball. Alan Wiltshire praised youngsters Colin Goodhall and Roy Biles who were also starting to make their marks in league cricket. Sadly 1976 was to be Richard Thomas last season as a player due to back problems though he continued as secretary for many years.
1977 - The side couldn't repeat their historic of the previous year and finished 8th. They did manage to get to the Sydney Wyatt Cup Final before losing to .
Phil Pick said the highlight of the season was centuries in consecutive days by Brian Sexton 101 vs Paultons in the league and next day 106 vs Castle in a friendly. Brian Buck also scored a friendly century - 107 vs Alton. George Knights 427 runs & Brian Sexton 278 were the main of the league batting whilst 26 wkts from Mike Swanton & 20 from Sexton was the pick of the batting.
With Hythe preparing for the newly formed Southern League skipper Brian Sexton said that the side needed strengthening before their new adventure.
The Seconds XI had a difficult season but managed to finish 15th with 3 wins. Skipper Tony Woodhouse felt at times the fielding left a lot to be desired. David Hoy (211), Stuart Campbell (198) & John Alderman (190) were the pick of the batting. A youthful Wayne Effeny had a good seson (153 runs & 10 wkts) Tony Woodhouse praised the peformances of Bill Palmer (28 wkts).
During the winter of 77 the changing rooms & tea hut were demolished and the new clubhouse was built - ready for a new era in the Southern League.
3. Southern League Years 1978-1988
1978 - Saw the Club with a New Clubhouse - New League - Hythe & Dibden now in the Southern League & Hythe did not disgrace themselves even tough they were hampered by a long term injury to Terry Rawlins. They won 4 of 14 matches with Brian Sexton scoring 271 runs @ 22.6 & George Knight 262 runs @ 18.7.
The bowling saw 30 wkts from Brian Sexton and 21 from Terry Rawlins before his injury. Phil Pick took 19 wkts.
The Seconds not surprisingly struggled in the Southern League reserve league winning only 2 games. David Hoy held the side togehter with 245 runs @ 20.4. The impressive Wayne Effeny dominated the bowling taking 32 wickets @ 13.96. inc in his first full season for the Firsts.
The Chairman - Phil Pick stated that new players would need to be found. Skipper Tony Woodhouse said the season was a disaster as the batting was very weak and the bowling inadequate.
Dennis Longhorn returned to the club briefly to play a few friendlies scoring 105* vs Old Parkstonians & 101* vs Trojans.
The season was also tarnished by the news that promising young player Peter Vicarey was badly injured in a car accident.
1979 - Hedley Wooldridge captained both First XI's for the first time and found the role very frustrating at times as Hythe lost several games that went close to the wire. A 15th place finish winning just 5 games. The batting was inconsistent though on Sundays the side performed better with several young players coming through.
The season was a success however for several individuals. Terry Rawlins was selected for the Southern League Representative Side whilst Wayne Effeny and Julian Breeze represented the NFCCA Side. Paul Whitlock represented the Under 25 XI. With the bat Brian Buck (331 runs) batted well throughout the season with George Knights (225), Julian Breeze (246) & Terry Rawlins (230) batting well at times.
With the ball Terry Rawlins equalled the Southern League Wicket Taking Record taking 9 wickets in an innings - 9-16 vs Poole inc 7 clean bowled.
The 2nd XI did well to stay off the bottom - 15th winning 3 games. Phil Pick said the Seconds were badly let down by the batting whilst the bowling on the whole was good. He praised youngster Paul Whitlock for a fine season including 6-42 on debut against Winchester, and good support roles by Bill Palmer, who was an effective seam bowler who could also get runs down the order and veteran Ken Munday.
The batting throughout was inconsistent only 3 players scored over 100 runs all season. Paul O'Driscoll (140), David Hoy (143) & Nick German (134). Bowling Paul Whitlock (23 wkts) inc 6-42 vs Soton Uni II's & Phil Pick (20 wkts) were the backbone. On Sundays Fawley stalwart Lawrence Read took 7-39 vs Lymington.
Stuart Campbell captained the Sunday Seconds for the first time and said that considering the side was made up of mostly colts - the side did as well as could be expected. Young lads like Mike Garner, Mark Adams, Graham Roberts and wicket keeper Ian Keats were begining to make their mark.
1980 - Skipper George Knights was upbeat after a 7th place finish saying he felt his side could have done better. Terry Rawlins 336 runs & 26 wkts, Wayne Effeny (28 wkts) and David Price (435 runs) all had good seasons and Knights who scored (369 runs) was optimistic Hythe would do well in 1981. . David Price playing in his first season for the club scored 781 runs in all matches at an average of 41.10. Wayne Effeny took 8-27 vs Old Tauntonians
Hythe also finised Runners up again in the Sydney Wyatt Cup losing to Calmore in the final.
Vs CALMORE
Calmore 82 for 7 (D.Price 2-12, T.Rawlins 1-16, B.Sexton 1-22)
Hythe 69 for 5 (D.Price 18, T.Rawlins 14, G.Knights 13)Calmore Won by 13 RunsTeam: G.Knights (capt), D.Price, T.Rawlins, B.Sexton, M.Swanton,
H.Wooldridge, T.Jerrim, P.Pick, M.Pick, W.Effeny, P.Whitlock
Hythe 2nd XI finished 7th - their best ever finish in the Southern League. Skipper Phil Pick (27 wkts) once again praised Paul Whitlock (31 wkts) for his performances for the Seconds which was the highlight of another disappointing season. Pick said the batting needed to improve greatly if the Seconds were to get better. Keith Goulding topped the run scoring - 160 in 11 innings. Brian Buck who only played the first half of the season scored 106 vs Hyde Ramblers. Paul Whitlocks 7-10 vs New Milton 2nd XI was the best league figures of the season.
The old brigade were back in charge on Sundays with Phil Pick and Alan Wiltshire again proving their committment to the club. Phil Picks First XI had a decent season winning more games than lost.Pick again praised the efforts of Paul Whitlock and Wayne Effeny who took 81 wkts in all competitions. David Price scored 107 vs New Milton inc 17x4's & 1x6 & Brian Buck 109* vs Trojans.
Alan Wiltshire said that his young side had done ok but thanked Dave Morgan and Tony Woodhouse for their committment when the side were being thrashed around the field. He also praised Colin Goodhall for his consistent performances with both bat and ball and Steve Chiverton for a fine season with the ball which included 8-29 against Old Bournemouthians - one of only 3 wins during the season.
1981 - A fine season for the club with their best finish (4th) in the Southern League and the Sydney Wyatt Cup Winners beating Lyndhurst at Boltons Bench. A great bowling performance speard by Man of the Match Terry Rawlins with good assistence from Wayne Effeny, David Price, and Paul Whitlock led to wild celebrations into the early hours.
LYNDHURST
Hythe 113 for 5 (T.Rawlins 50, D.Price 32)
Lyndhurst 90 for 4 (T.Rawlins 4-2-6-1 Man of the Match)
Hythe Won by 6 Wkts
Hythe were also losing semi-finalists at Hampshire County Ground in the Echo Cup.
In the league captain George Knights praised outstanding performances from Wayne Effeny (37 wkts inc 7-34) vs Old Tauntonians, Terry Rawlins (22 wkts & 274 runs) and David Price (18 wkts & 437 runs) for their success. Wayne Effeny was nominated the Southern League Young Player of the season. Paul Whitlock was promoted to the First XI but unfortunately excellent spinner Trevor Jerrim left the club.
After a bad start the Seconds picked themselves up to finish 7th. Richard Poskins playing his first season for Hythe scored the fastest fifty in the Southern Reserve League with 78 vs Trojans. Brian Buck who came out of retirement and scored a century 105* vs Lymington. In the same game Phil Pick took a hat-trick. John Verity put in a fine performance vs Petersfiled with 76* & 6-40.
Young colt Steve Pinder spent the season representing Southampton Schools.
1982 - Not such a good season in 1982 - Hythe finished in 8th place this season and lost in the final of the Sydney Wyatt Cup, and losing semi-finalists again in the Echo Cup.
David Price scored over 600 runs for the league side and 1200 in all. This included 3 centuries - 130 vs Poole (lge), 105 vs Lymington (lge) 125 vs Bournemouth (lge) inc 4x6's & 14x4's. Price also took 7-27 vs Petersfield. Former England star Robin Smith played at Jones Lane for Trojans and Former New Zealand test man A.Jones scored 114* for Lymington.
For the Seconds who finished 15th - Phil Pick singled out Jeff Dick for special praise after he won the leagues bowling award with 30 wkts inc 7-18 vs Winchester & 6-79 vs Trojans. Trevor Vaughan joined the club at this time and proved to be a good middle order batsman and a handy bowler. .
Alan Wiltshire stated that he was going to run a third side from 1983 playing just friendlies with a view of bringing on the young colts. As for his Sunday Seconds they were reliant far too much on Alan Wiltshire himself and Nick Hine to get the majority of the runs. Unfortuantely though Nick was very hard to get out he wasn't the quickest of scorers.
1983 - Hythe Finish Second in Southern League
After losing three of the first four games. Hythe then went and won nine of their last ten to finish second to Lymington. Mel Hussain joined the club and contributed greatly as an opening partner with David Price - the pair scored 1500 runs in just 14 matches.Hussain hit 584 runs in the league inc 160 vs Alton where Hythe hit 321for 4. Hussains innings inc 10x6's & 11x4's - 5 of the 6's were in one over. Price did even better scoring 676 runs inc 120* vs Old Tauntonians.
Terry Evans 234, George Knights 231 & Terry Rawlins 231 also played their part with the bat. With the ball Mel Hussain took 33 wkts inc 2-5 wkt hauls & Terry Rawlins 28 wkts inc 8-48 Vs Poole & Poole OG and Wayne Effeny took a hat-trick vs Southampton University.
The lethal Hythe battings also scored 293 for 2 against Old Tauntonians and 292 for 3 against Southampton University.Trevor Russell performed well behind the stumps after an injury to Hedley Wooldridge and finished second in the league wicket keeper stakes.
Phil Pick said his Second XI had a bad season largely due to unavailability and illnesses to key players. Paul Wastell (295 runs) & John Symes (221 runs) were the only exception. Mike Pick was the leading wicket taker with 11. Alan Wiltshire said his Third XI had fought a number of close games but only won once.
On Sundays Jeff Dicks captained the side and praised Trevor Russell who scored his maiden century 123* Vs Old Parksonians, whilst Paul Denton scored 86 in the same game. David Price turned out to score 113 vs tourists Swindon B.R. Mike Kelloway also put in some useful peformances scoring his maiden half century 58 against Wimbourne. George Knights hit a Sunday best for the season 76 against Trojans whilst Dicks also praised his bowlers saying that Steven Pinder showed that he was one youngster for the future.
Jeff Dicks himself bowled well and gained a sixer against Northwood taking 6 for 60 and 5-21 against Alton. Unfortunately it was to be Dicks due to work committments. Steve Pinder also did well in the reverse fixture with Northwood taking 5-32, whilst Dave Price enjoyed himself against Wayfarers 5-11 and Paul Denton 4-53 against Cormorants.
The Sunday Seconds had a much better season, winning 6 games. Alan Wiltshire praised the patient batting of Nick Hine, Wiltshire himself scored 303 runs. Mike Garner showed that he was going to be a very good allrounder whilst Tony Woodhouse 44 wkts, Steve Chiverton 32 wkts & Garner 20 wkts - did well with the ball.
1984 - George Knights the Hythe captain was left disappointed after the side could only finish 5th. David Price had a massive season scoring 775 runs and taking 23 wkts. This inc 104 vs Petersfield, 118* vs Soton Touring Club & 103 vs Alton. Mel Hussain scored 481 runs 7 took 26 wkts. His batting inc 205* vs Soton University. Terry Rawlins wasn't going to be outdone - he scored tons against Winchester 106 & 113 vs Trojans. Hussain also took 7-21 vs Alton.
The side was though hampered with Terry Rawlins being unable to bowl for part of the season, leaving Effeny (21 wkts and Price to lead the attack with the support of Hussain spin and Paul Whitlock (9 wkts).
Hussain's 205 not out against Southampton University at the Wellington Sports Ground set a new Southern League individual record surpassing England's Robin Smith's previous record of 204.
Hythe's side in 1984 read : David Price, Mel Hussain, Terry Rawlins, Terry Evans, George Knights (Capt), Trevor Russell, Mike Kelloway, Headley Wooldridge, Steve House, Wayne Effeny, Paul Whitlock.
The Seconds had a better season, with the side becoming more settled with fine consistent performances from Mark Wiltshire, Brian Sexton and Paul Wastell.
The Sunday side under the captaincy of Trevor Russell had had a good season benefiting from good form from Paul Whitlock, George Knights, Steve House and Mike Kelloway - losing only once.
Jones Lane saw two big innings on a Sunday as Mel Hussain scored 167 against Southampton Touring Club in 245-7 but Hythe lost by 9 wkts. David Price did much the same against Krakatoa hitting 151. George Knights couldn't quite get to three figures as he hit 92 against Bournemouth and 92 at Broadstone. Mike Kelloway hit 71 at home to Calmore and Trevor Russell himself scored half centuries against Purbrook 61 and Northwood 77. Other half centuries included Terry Rawlins 76 against Wayferers and 75 at Andover. P.Chappell 48 had a good knock at home to Poole whilst A.Ball got 44 against Alton.
On the bowling side P.Weaver claimed the top figures of 7-39 at Fordingbridge whilst a young Mike Garner claimed 5-5 at Andover. Wayne Effeny also claimed a five against Castle 5-20 and Steve House 5-53 against Alton. Steve House claimed the Sunday batting award with an average of 34.54 from 18 innings though George Knights scored the most runs 612. Paul Whitlock claimed the bowling award bowling 245 overs for 44 wickets at an average of 17.86. Only Steve House with 30 wickets got close to Whits.
Even the Sunday Seconds enjoyed their best season for decades winning more games than losses. Kevin Glass, Steve Chiverton, Graham Ricketts and Tony Woodhouse all put in good seasons.
1985 - Unfortunately the season was going to be struggle after both David Price and Mel Hussain moved away from the area. Price moved abroad with his work whilst Hussain left the area once Hampshire made the decision not to retain his services anymore. It was the view of many that Hampshire saw Hussain as a off spin bowler and failed to recognise his batting potential.
No new players came in and with an illness to Brian Sexton it was left to several second team players to fill in.
George Knights skippered the side and was hampered early on by a series of bad weather on Saturdays. Then results went against Hythe and they never recovered finishing 16th. The pick of the 1's wins - a 7 wkt victory over Soton University. Terry Rawlins 52 vs Trojans was the highest individual score of the season for the Firsts. With the ball Wayne Effeny & Terry Rawlins both took 25 wkts a piece. Paul Whitlock also contributed well.
This lack of players filtered down made things hard for Mike Swanton who was captaining the Seconds for the first time. Swannie's team also finished 16th winning 3 games. John Symes had a decent season with the bat
On the positive side the Sunday First XI played the whole season undefeated again under the captaincy of Steve House. Paul Whitlock starred in a 50 run win over Calmore Sports scoring 51* & taking 5-24. George Knights had a good season on a sunday scoring two fifties and a maiden club century - 104 vs Farnborough.
John Wandless, Tony Woodhouse and Steve Eaton starred for the Sunday Seconds in a mixed season. Three colts sides were run during the season with Mike Swanton, Colin Fensome and Alan Wiltshire running the sides - once again showed improvement.
1986 - Hythe hit rock bottom both sides finishing 18th with one win each. George Knights continued to run the First XI and Mike Swanton the Seconds.The 3rd XI entered the Southampton Parks League for the first time. The side was skippered by Tony Woodhouse.
George described the season as very poor yet there was a small margin between losing and winning games on several occasions. He once again praised the opening bowling partnership of Wayne Effeny (30 wkts) and Terry Rawlins (25 wkts).
Hythe's solitary win came against Bournemouth by 5 wkts. George Knights scored 270 runs inc 59* vs Bournemouth. Terry Rawlins - 51 vs O.T's & Steve House 65* vs Petersfield were the only other batsman to hit a score of 50+ .
Mike Swanton also said that the Second XI season had been poor with the team continually struggling. Younger players had come in but failed to make contributions. Swanton & Mike Kelloway performed well with the bat whilst young Richard Knights looked a first teamer of the future. Mike Swanton also did his best with the ball - 5-44 vs Waterlooville. The thirds had a mixed season winning 6 of 12 games.
The Sunday XI again had a good season but were finally defeated for the first time in nearly two seasons. Steve House & Andy Bull with the bat and Paul Whitlock with the ball both having good seasons. Whitlock took 6-15 vs Northwood & 6-21 vs Alton. Mark Wiltshire hit 96 vs Fanborough in a fine end of season which saw him hit 3 consecutive half centuries..
Tony Woodhouse captained the Saturday 3rd XI and the Sunday 2nd XI - Tony said the 3rds had had a pretty good season, winning 6 of their matches.
Bowling and fielding was strong but the batting was weak. He commended the efforts of John Wandless who was playing his last season for the club and Kevin Glass. John Price performed well with the ball. George Harris was praised for his work on the ground.
One consulation from a demoralizing season was Hythe's win over Andover in the Echo Trophy 1st Round. Hythe made 121 for 5 (T.Evans 36*, T.Rawlins 33, S.Locke 32) then reduced Andover to 119 for 9 (W.Effeny 3-20, P.Whitlock 2-36). Hythe Won by 2 Runs
1987 - Another difficult season for all three sides with only one new player coming to the club, fast bowler Rob Swallow and Hythe's continuation in the Southern League was coming under serious threat. With no relegation Hythe were losing support from the other clubs in the league, and questions were being asked if Hythe were good enough to stay in the top flight..
One guy who deserved better was skipper George Knights who once again skippered the First XI well, but couldn't stop them finishing 17th (winning just 2 games). Terry Rawlins again was a class act winning the Southern League player of the month in June & July. Terry scored 569 runs & took --- wkts inc 6-38 vs Havant. George Knight scored 298 runs.
In the bowling department - with no Effeny to lead the attack Paul Whitlock, Rob Swallow and Steve House did a lot more work. Grant Smith was emerging as a potentially fine bat and a young Richard Knights looked a great prospect.
The Second XI finished bottom despite winning two games. Mike Swanton's side with a blend of youngsters and old guards just didn't have the batting strength despite the efforts of Swanton & David Hoy. Steve Pinder 51* got his maiden half century in the league - in a fine win against 3rd place South Hants. David Wright performed well with the ball as did George Harris who took 5-13 vs Bournemouth II's.
The 3rd XI in their first season in the Southampton Parks league finished mid table. Graham Roberts hit 70* in a defeat against the West Indies A ssociation, Nick Hine (mr. go slow) hit 70* against the same opposition earlier in the season. Graham Cavill took 6-50 vs Gardners Arms & Tony Woodhouse took 7-19 vs Hendy Fords. In one of the craziest games I can remember Hythe III's played Vospers B. Hythe batted first scoring 147 thanks to Steve Chiverton 55. Vospers were 23 for 9 with half there side gone home when Woodhouse 6-13 & Chiverton 2-8 had finished their 10 overs. Vospers won by 1 wkt after the last pair added an unbeaten 125 - crazy.
In a strange season Hythe III's (bottom at the time) also beat top of the table Rubber Cables after bowling them out for 74. Trevor Butterfield took 3-31, & Nigel Weeks 3-19. Hythe then knocked them off losing 4 wkts in the process. Kev Glass made 40, Simon Parsonage 17, Alistar Campbbell 16.
On Sundays George Knight scored 492 runs & Stuart Tinson 338. The only century for the club that year was 103* from Adrian Bull vs Merlin. George Harris & Steve House took 24 wkts a piece, Bob Swallow topped the averages taking 17 wkts @ 17.11.
Sadly Phil Pick's playing days were over 1949 to 1987 quite an achievement only bettered by Tony Woodhouse.
1988 - Probably the clubs darkest hour. George Knights, Terry Rawlins, Paul Whitlock, Steve House, Hedley Wooldridge and Rob Swallow had all left or retired following a meeting at the club about the future for Hythe & Dibden.
Harold Longman joined the club as First XI captain in the hope of bringing new players to the club. Harold was a well know and experienced player but very blunt and tempremental, and it was questionable if he was right for our club. The new players didn't materialise and both the first and seconds finished bottom of their leagues. The First XI were also on the receiving end of the Southern Leagues second highest batting total at the time - when Old Tauntonians hammered the Hythe attack for 340 for 5.
Both sides finished rock bottom failing to win a game - At the league agm all the other clubs elected for Hythe to stand down from the league. During the past three years of the 88 games the two Hythe sides had played in the Southern League, they had only won 6 games between them. Also of the 14 games the Hythe 1st XI played in 1979 nine of them resulted in defeats of 100 runs or more.
The Southern League asked for the Hampshire League to find a gap for Hythe in the Hampshire pyramid and it was suggested to set up a County 5 for them to go into. The Southern League objected and Hythe were found a place in Hampshire County 1.The Second XI were placed in South West Division 1.
Mike Swanton back in the First XI topped the batting averages 207 runs @ 14.8. No other player reached the 200 mark. With the ball Harold Longman took 21 wkts, Terry Azor 17 wkts & David Wright 15 wkts. For the Second XI - Simon Pasonage 56 was the highest score of the season. Phil Pick forced out of retirement took 5-30 vs Deanery.
Hythe 3rd XI won 2 & lost 9 - Kevin Glass topped the batting - Martin Bailey the bowling including 5-11 vs Mansbridge.
Sundays - Richard Knights scored 330 runs whilst Stuart Tinson hit 105* vs New Milton. George Harris took 24 wkts, Mike Swanton 22 wkts. Hythe Colts Richard Markham was voted New Forest Colts League Batsman of the Year.
