Over 200 Years of Cricket in Horley
In 1991 Horley Cricket Club celebrated the 200th Anniversary of its foundation.
Congratulations were received from HRH Prince Philip, the Prime Minister, John Major, Sir Donald Bradman and many other notaries of the day.
The Club published a commemoratory brochure from which this short history is an extract.
HLHS is delighted to add this to our website as another memory of Horley.
Doug Cox
2025
200 Years of Cricket in Horley
The Bicentenary History
Cricket has been played in Horley since just prior to the year 1800.
The first headquarters was the famous Chequers Hotel and the playing field was in the then open common, near the Brighton Road end of what is now Oakwood Road.
No crease was marked out, of course, the game being played single wicket — and the method of scoring was by cutting notches in a stick. The scorer sat in a line with the wicket near where the umpire now stands and acted in both capacities. The only ways of getting out were bowled, run out, or caught.
As regards dress, everyone would be in their ordinary clothes, which were mostly tight knee breeches, blue worsted stockings, and round frocks, Some rather dressier players wore top hats, others soft felt hats, known then as billycocks.
After the common was taken, the landlord of the Chequers gave his permission for the field at the back of the hotel — now the garden — to be used for play. The title of the Club at this time was Shab Green. There was also a rival club known as the Clutterpouches, having its headquarters at the Station Inn, and its pitch in the field between there and the White Swan. Most of its members here were Railwaymen.
It was a local Derby when the two teams met, and matches were played after the day’s work was done. In those times, half days — even on Saturdays — were unknown.
When, in time, these clubs died out, the late Mr. J.B. Bridges of Langshott Manor, seeing the need for the provision of health recreation for the increasing number of young men in the Parish, fathered a scheme whereby a Cricket Field was prepared at the back of the Kings Head Hotel in the Balcombe Road. The name adopted by this club was the Horley Star.
A short while later the Horley Club was formed by leading residents and as this club, in addition to playing matches, arranged half day Saturday fixtures, the Harley Star died a lingering death, most of its members transferring to the town club.
Cricket at the present ground started in 1879 when a meeting of townspeople, anxious to have a cricket ground worthy of the name, was held. Among those attending were Messrs. W. Kelsey, A. Densham, A.E. Jennings, Fred Jennings, H. Webber and Edward Blundell. The result of this meeting was the decision to form a Town Club, and to accept the liberal offer, from Mr. S.J. Knight, of the field at Horley Row. This field had, at that time, a row of oak trees running almost north to south, commencing near the east side of the present pavilion, where one oak still stands. For many years the owner refused to have those trees cut down, and it is said that the Club had a local rule that a catch was deemed to have been made if the ball was caught before touching the ground, after hitting any part of the trees.
The first officials, as far as can be ascertained, were:
Captain — H. Webber,
Secretary — W. Kelsey,
Committee — F. Kelsey, Alfred Densham (of Mazawattee Tea fame),
A.E. Jennings, Fred Jennings (Wicket-Keeper), A.G. Ireland (of the Plough, Smallfield), W.B. Wood and G. Bray.
The Club had a good fixture list, among the names being M.C.C., Incogniti, Reigate Hill, Ockley, and Holmbush.
The Chequers Hotel, Brighton Road, where cricket was played for a short while in the field behind.
In 1888, the Club numbered among it’s members Walter Dorling, W.R. Dagnall and A.A. Stacey. In 1895, such names occur as F.H. Stevens, H.D. Hall, L Roberts, Batty Smith, L.R. Church, F.G. Glover, A Pickard (Toby) and F.G. Nightingale.
Famous players have been seen on the ground, among them being W.W. Read (Surrey), C. McGahey, H.G. Owen and Carpenter (Essex). It is believed that the last named player holds the record for the ground with an innings of 217 not out.
A 1905 Horley team.
From the commencement of the present century the Club has continued its career with varying fortune. In the early part the playing strength was considerably increased by the advent of the three Nichols brothers, namely C.D. and his twin brothers, who were so much alike, that to aid the scorers in identifying them, they wore distinctive bands when at the wicket. Other prominent players at that time were C.D. and A. V. Cheston, Captain Dewhurst, and Toby D. Collard, a fast left arm bowler. Later followed by G.H.S. Parsons, probably one of the hardest hitters in the history of the Club. Playing from the North end of the wicket, one of his drives cleared the trees by the side of the Pavilion, the ball being found in the hedge at the side of the road. Another Parsons, viz. George, to whom the Club owes a deep debt for his services on the ground, also carried on playing in fine style.
Among those serving the Club as captains were G.H.S. Parsons,
G.J. Martin, P.Jones and B.A. Eyres.
Among the secretaries of the Club during this time were R.S. Tobey, J.K. Church, and R.F. Strawson. J.K. Church played a large part in keeping the Club alive over difficult periods.
Another undated photo of Horley cricketers – perhaps from about the 1930s?
It is perhaps interesting to give a few additional details of the history of the present ground. Mention has been made previously of Mr. S.J. Knight as owner. On his decease, and the consequent winding up of his estate, the ground came onto the market. To save it for cricket, Mr. Joseph Flint of the Post Office, Horley Row, purchased it and accepted the Club as tenant at a low rental. When Mr. Flint passed away, the Club found another generous helper in the late Mr. G.C. Oliver, who bought the ground and rented it to the Club, also at a very low figure. At Mr. Oliver’s death the Club found a good friend in Mr. G.H.S. Parsons, who in his actions to buy the field, saved it from the builders.
Mr. Parsons, who followed in a line of worthy benefactors to the Club, was to become Club President for 35 years and some of the present membership are deeply conscious of the debt they owe to him.
The development of Wednesday Cricket in Horley is deserving of a place in this record. When the town began to stir, the tradesmen felt the need of a club to cater for half-day mid-week games. They appear to have started play in Havelock field, the property of Mr. G. Barnes. This field eventually came into the building market but, at about that time, Mr. E.J. Ongley came to Horley. He was an ardent cricketer and was partly responsible for inducing the Town Club to run a Wednesday side. He filled the captain’s position for at least sixteen years. Among those who have played for the Wednesday team are noted: E.P. Cleather, the Rev. C.J.M. Godfrey, Rev. Cheeseman, G. Read (G.R.), G.R. Edwards, G. Rance, W. Cooper (of Weatherhill) and H. Noble. Mention should also be made of Mr. W. V. Wickens who, as a bowler of considerable note, played for this team for in excess of twenty years, skippering the team throughout World War Two.
At this stage mention must be made of the Club’s Groundsmen. The first of which our record speaks was Goff, a good bowler in his day. In addition to his unequalled care for the Ground he served as a player with the utmost credit, and among his records is the feat of taking all ten wickets in an innings at Cuckfield. Among those who followed were Payne, Brickett, Flint and Peter Parsons, who served the Club faithfully for nearly forty years. The ground is now in the very capable hands of Mr. Bernard Wright, who has played for the Club and tended the ground during a span in excess of forty years.
As previously mentioned, the Club continued to function throughout the hostilities of World War Two under the guidance of the then President, Mr. G.H.S. Parsons, and the captaincy of Mr. J.H. Hunt and Mr. W.V. Wickens. In 1940 an “Old Timers” match ensued with the Clutterpouches taking on the Townites.
Also taking place amongst many of our traditional fixtures in 1941 were the games against the forces: R.A.F., Artillery, Bomb Disposal Units and the Derbyshire Yeomanry. Such matches were indicative of the pleasure and recreation gleaned to enhance the morale of the troops.
Annual Meetings during this time were held in the assembly rooms at the Chequers Hotel. in 1949 the meeting was told of the annual turnover of the Club which amounted to £303. 3s. 8d, and included a Bar Profit of £17. IOs. 11d. A major change occasioned that year with the introduction of Sunday cricket.
In 1951 the venue for A.G.M.s changed to the offices of our current solicitors, Messrs. Ross & Sons of Albert Road. During this time the Wednesday Xl came under the Captaincy of Mr. A.B. (Archie) Burton. He was a regular scorer of runs, opening the batting and also the taker of many a wicket with his beguiling flight. He remains a Vice-President of the Club.
1951 was also an important landmark inasmuch as during this year
Mr. G.H.S. Parsons presented the ground to our trustees for the benefit of Cricket.
Over the next few years the social aspect of the Club was to blossom with fetes, carnivals and dances taking place. The ladies had their own catering committee and it is believed that the Club was much indebted to the family Wilkinson at this time.
1958, the beginning of Six a Side, witnessed a unique final played between two Horley sides.
This competition was to run for almost 30 years, raising money for charity – and Horley have had their share of success in this venture.
1959 saw the advent of new showers and toilets as part of a Club improvement programme. “Johnnie Magnay” was thanked for his efforts in this regard and to this day we continue to be grateful for his services.
1960 saw three more England players take the field in a benefit, via a Sussex County X1, for Rupert Webb. A draw ensued with Horley in a strong position at stumps.
The foundation of the Club through the 60’s and 70’s was built around J.S. Harris, E.A. (Fergie) Ferguson and T Rhoades, as captains of the respective sides, plus Pat Reilly and Bill Roper. Pat was to die suddenly during the compilation of this brochure and will be missed for many years. Both his and Bill’s records stand unparalleled in taking almost 2000 wickets apiece during their playing careers. Fred Marshall too, as 1st XI captain for many years, was a stalwart with the bat and continues to play for the 2nd XI.
The late 60’s saw a change of president, with Mr. Bob Bunkell taking over the helm. He was best known as the town’s fishmonger, but to us a collator of a fine colts side. Bob’s spell as president saw the opening of the current pavilion on 26th September 1969. He was to be followed into office in 1973 by Mr. A.E. (Aubrey) Stapley. For years Aubrey too was a stalwart with the bat and the ball in the Wednesday XI. He remained in office for thirteen years and the Club is indebted to him for a donation via legacy which provided funds to. assist in the erection of the new scorebox, which is admired by many of our opponents.
1977 saw the introduction of League Cricket. The Sussex Championship brought success to both Xl’s and then in 1981 the Club transferred its allegiance to the Surrey County Cricket League, where the pinnacle of our success was the victory in the League Cup competition.
1992 saw us elected to the newly formed division three of the Surrey Championship.
During research for the issue of our brochure the following letter was discovered — Mr. G.B. Hextall writes:
….“Some years ago I was present at a match played at Horley against a team from Dulwich. Playing for the latter side was an old friend I had known for many years.
Horley went in first and scored about 130. In the interval I asked my friend when he was going in, and he replied, “We have a very good batting side and it is necessary to put down only three or four names to make this little lot — so I shan’t be wanted” This confidence appeared to be justified when the third wicket fell only about seven runs short of the Horley total. Then began an inspired period for the Horley bowlers and wickets fell fast without addition to the score.
My friend went in fifth wicket and joined the procession of ducks. I noticed that he made no attempt to catch my eye as he returned disconsolately to the pavilion. In the end the last seven wickets fell for a duck, and Horley had won the match.”