I have in my possession a small book published in 1906 entitled “Don’ts for Cricketers”. Under the section on captaincy it includes the entry ‘Don’t Appoint as a captain a man from these three classes: a) nervous and excitable men; b) dull and apathetic men; c) bowling captains, with an aversion to seeing anybody bowl but themselves.’ Knowing this Marcus J.E. Baker asked Rob Lankester if he fancied a go leading the Sunday friendly eleven. What was to come was one of the best captain’s knocks ever seen for the club.
Lankester had won the toss and inserted the opposition, Outlaws. A fantastic opening spell from Joe Graves saw him remove two early wickets. A third wicket partnership between C. Scutt and G. Saffery fought back and both men looked settled at the crease. Both had the potential to hang about and make big scores but an edge from Saffrey (48) was gladly accepted by Baker at first slip. Graham Stuart having broken this partnership followed up by bowling the number 5, second ball. C. Scutt continued at the same tempo having got passed 50 but Lankester was able to remove him trapping him in front for 74. Baker bowling at the other end took two wickets, one bowled and one caught behind by Rhodri Hughes. Outlaws finished on a competitive 205 for 7.
In response John Kershaw and Rhodri Hughes attacked the opening bowlers with positive results. Kershaw (18) in particular looked in good form but a top edge saw him removed followed shortly after by both Lloyd Bowman and Hughes (10). Coming in at number 5 Lankester found his side on 35 for 3. Lankester himself must have looked at my book and taken note of another entry. ‘Don’t expect to be a successful captain without a combination of good qualities, of which not the least are resourcefulness, judgement, good temper, pluck and nerve.’
Lankester proceeded to play an inspirational innings all the more impressive considering his age. Taking the lead he played shots all round the park whilst a succession of batsman tried to support him. Picking the right balls to hit Lankester found the rope time after time as Outlaws started to sweat. Despite closing in on a personal landmark he turned down singles to keep the strike playing the innings best for the side. With eight overs remaining Reed still needed another 54 runs but Lankester was in unstoppable form and with one of six maximums over the rope brought up three figures.
With two overs to go Reed still required eighteen. Lankester hit a huge six. Then a single, a return journey decided against. Then a single leg bye. Back on strike for the last ball of the 39th over Lankester saw the field come up to stop them running. So he put it over the top for four.
Seven needed from six, however Under 15 Ed Kershaw was on strike. The now sizable crowd drawn to the ground by the good weather were on the edge of their seats willing Kershaw to find the gap giving Lankester the chance to win. Kershaw however, had self-belief in himself and showed his own genuine ability with the bat. He put two over the top making the spectators raise to their feet as Reed won by 3 wickets. Lankester ending his truly great captain’s knock undefeated on 127.
Report submitted by MJEB.
