A Photograph

Approaching 2 trillion photographs are estimated to be taken each year.  It may be that current restrictions will reduce that number this year, as hordes of tourists will no longer stampede through museums madly snapping everything in front of them.  But images of cats and dogs doing lovable things probably will make up much of that number.  Shots of cricketers practicing in inappropriate locations are also on the rise.

In this context, it is hard to imagine that at one time the average lower league cricketer could go through his or her entire career without so much as a Kodak Instamatic being pointed in their direction.  They might feature in that once in a season team shot, proudly standing in the back row, arms folded, cap askew and face mostly obscured by the player in front.  But that is it.  Action shots were confined to the pros.

So, as the rigours of lockdown forced him into some overdue spring cleaning, Fantasy Bob was charmed to discover the photo above - it is the only pre-digital image of him in action (to stretch the meaning of the word to its limits). 

It shows him in pre-delivery stride in an evening match some time in the early 1990s.  He is playing for SHHD (Scottish Home and Health Department) against Edinburgh University Staff at Peffermill.  FB turned out for SHHD week in week out for many years.  He is one of a handful who achieved the double for the club - 1000 runs and 100 wickets.  Loyal readers will realise that at his slow rate of success he must have turned out for many many years to accumulate such figures.

At that time, there were several teams affiliated to various parts of the civil service, including DAFS (now amalgamated with Murrayfield), RBG and the Forestry Commission.  Not all who played had residential qualifications for the teams and ringers were regularly encountered. Rivalries were strong and the Civil Service Sports Ground at Muirhouse had two grass wickets.  But every Thursday during the season - and some other days too, there were fixtures.  Good times.

To his shame, FB does not know if SHHD CC is still in existence - things were changing even then. If FB recalls correctly, the photo was taken for an article in the office newsletter inviting new members.  It is not clear who bears responsibility for thinking that an image of FB was likely to do anything for recruitment.  The files may never be opened.  Clearly it had limited impact.  Shortly after this photo was taken FB could be found turning out of an evening for Currie and Balerno CC.   His association with Carlton was still some years away - it took them sometime to accumulate the cash for the transer fee. 

Edinburgh University Staff CC continue to play and were it not for current restrictions, FB would expect to be playing against them this season.

Cricket is no longer played on that part of Peffermill, which is now a 3G rugby and football pitch.  At that time there were two high quality squares at Peffermill.  Rumours abound that  the remaining cricket pitch will no longer be available, as the University seeks more lucrative activities. Another cricket venue lost. They may be richer, but we are all poorer.