50th Anniversary Sheffield Shield 1967/68
Martin Chandler |Published: 2018
Pages: 24
Author: Unknown
Publisher: Western Australia Cricket Association
Rating: 4 stars
Had this been one of those many souvenirs that gives the impression of being hurriedly cobbled together to celebrate a cricketing anniversary, it certainly wouldn’t have been the first of its ilk to disappoint collectors and enthusiasts alike. As it is however it avoids all the pitfalls, and the result is a fascinating reminder of a remarkable achievement.
The cause of the celebration is the fiftieth anniversary of Western Australia’s first Sheffield Shield win as a fully fledged member of the Australian cricketing fraternity. They had been in the competition for twenty years and, whilst on probation, won on a reduced programme at the very first attempt* in 1947/48, but this second win was a very different kind of victory.
The main part of the book is the 16 pages devoted to each of the men who played the major roles. The contributions of each of them to the team’s success is summarised in between 100 and 150 words, and press archives have been plundered to obtain some excellent photographs. That apart there is a brief introduction, a couple of pages from John Yarwood, who covered the last match for the Perth Daily News, and then the scorecards of the eight matches. Bringing up the rear are a couple of photographs from a reception held for the team at the end of the campaign.
Of the 16 men featured as many as nine had or would play Test cricket, but this was one of those teams that was far greater than the sum of its constituent parts. Of the nine there was one top class pace bowler still close to the peak of his powers, ‘Garth’ McKenzie, but of the others only batsman Ross Edwards, whose twenty Tests were all in the future, and the veteran English left arm spinner Tony Lock are names that would be widely recognised today.
The Sandgropers won both their contests with Victoria, despite the latter boasting a batting lineup that contained Bill Lawry, Ian Redpath and Keith Stackpole. They had Alan Connolly with the ball as well. Also downed twice were the powerful New South Welshmen, their side containing Bob Simpson, Brian Booth, Doug Walters and Johnny Gleeson. Only South Australia, fortified by two Chappells, Les Favell, Ashley Mallett and Neil Hawke defeated Lock’s men.
Although there are only 24 pages to this splendid publication, and it only takes a tea interval to read, it is highly recommended. The contents are bookended by three splendid photographs. On the front cover is the squad posing at the airport before they fly off for their eastern tour, and on the back ten of the fourteen who are still with us. Inside the front cover is a contemporary aerial shot of the WACA, and inside the rear cover a poem from the pen of opening bowler Laurie Mayne.
Where I am unable to assist is with any advice as to how anyone interested might be able to source a copy. Mine was sent to me by a good friend who is well aware of my fondness for such publications. I did, once I realised how good the brochure was, email the Western Australia Cricket Association to endeavour to find out how copies could be obtained but, sadly, they did not reply.
*The story of that one is told in a biography of Keith Carmody that we reviewed here
Leave a comment