This Season

Les Bateman who has died aged92 was a long serving member of Clifton Cricket Club who contributed muchduring the transformative years of the 1970’s and 80’s.

A middle order batsman andslow medium bowler Les played in the second team notably being part of the sidewhich won the Hardcastle Shield (BDCA 2^nd XI Championship) in 1966and again in 1967. His bowling speciality was, as he described it, “my 23yarder to kid ‘em”. He was 2^nd XI Captain for a season in 1974 andretired from playing in 1975.

In the late 1960’s he joinedthe General Committee and became more involved in the Club and as a localbuilding contractor he was given the job of constructing the all-new clubhousewhich opened in 1972, and with a new bar and lounge began to generate fundswhich furthered the rapid development of the Club.

Les also worked on the ground duringthis time preparing the wickets on the square. He was also the BDCA Leaguerepresentative for the Club for several years and perhaps the role he enjoyedmost was as Cricket Secretary during the 70’s and 80’s which saw the Club winboth Cross Cup and Championship to Les’ great satisfaction and pride. Lesrelished the role of talking many good cricketers into playing for Clifton.

He then stood down from theGeneral Committee to successfully take on the role of Steward along with hiswife Barbara.

Les was made a Life Member in 1986for services to the Club and in his later years continued to watch the cricketat Clifton taking a keen interest in the players and their performances, alwaysready to offer advice. In the last few years he would regularly be seen everyThursday evening quietly enjoying the company of friends in the Cricket Clubthat he loved.