100 Years Ago: 5 October 1924

Northamptonshire's tale of unfulfilled potential

The next in the ACS’s planned series of auctions takes place this month, commencing at 08:00 BST on Saturday, October 12, and closing at 10:00 BST on Monday, October 21. It will be of particular relevance to those of you with an interest in cricket in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The auction also contains some statistical material, a small selection of narrative books by EW Swanton, and a tranche of 35 lots on women’s cricket. Register now to avoid missing out.

1924 County Review

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE — 16th place

Like Essex, Northamptonshire had rather more depth of talent than Glamorgan or Worcestershire, but failed to win more than two matches.  At least they pulled themselves up from bottom place.  They had some near misses, and forced both Yorkshire and Kent to work hard for victory.  They had four good bowlers, with Woolley a useful change bowler, and their returns would have been even better had the team’s fielding been even moderately good.  Possibly they were the weakest fielding team in the championship, and one source estimates that Jupp had 55 chances dropped off his bowling.  Thomas was the best of the bowlers and many felt he was England class, although Wells enjoyed an Indian summer with the ball, and also played some very useful innings.

The acquisition of Jupp was a great boost to the team, as he was the best and most consistent of the batsmen, as well as doing a good job with the ball.  It was usually the batting that let the side down, although Denton returned to do a sound job at the top of the order.  On the other hand Woolley had a disappointing season with the bat, after his great deeds early last season.  These three did at least give some stability at the top of the order, but the middle order was very unreliable, and it was unfortunate that Timms was available so rarely.  But the team is not devoid of talent, and if they put it together they should be able to rise a few places in the table, at least.

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