The Committee Report
The Committee present their Annual Report and Balance Sheet for 1923.
Of the First-class County Matches played, fifteen were won, three lost, and eight drawn. In addition the match with the West Indian Touring Team resulted in an even draw.
The County was again second in the Championship. This result was due to the good all-round batting of the team, very safe fielding, and the work of the four bowlers, Matthews, Richmond, Barratt and Staples. Eight of the team obtained one or more centuries – Mr. Carr, four; G. Gunn, three (including his record score of 220 v. Derbyshire) ; Payton, three (including his record score of 154 v. Kent); J. Gunn, Whysall, Hardstaff, Walker and Staples each having one century to their credit. We were fortunate in having four bowlers in the side who between them took over 400 wickets in the season, Matthews, who has greatly improved, created a Notts. record by taking 17 Northant’s wickets in one match, and each of the others had excellent performances against their names. But for accidents and illness which kept each in turn out of the team, the County would have made an even bolder bid for the Championship. The thanks of the Club are again due to Mr. A. W. Carr who led the side splendidly. His personal success was particularly gratifying.
After twenty-five years’ service Tom Oates had a well deserved supplementary Benefit which realized £730 19s. 4d. But for rain, which prevented a ball being bowled on the first day, these figures would have been much better. His keenness and work behind the wickets show no falling off.
The year has been notable for the publication in September, by Mr. F. S. Ashley-Cooper, formerly Secretary of the Club, of “Nottinghamshire Cricket and Cricketers,’ a history of the game from 1771-1923. All cricket lovers owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Ashley-Cooper, and this very interesting volume should have a wide circulation.
The Revenue Account for the year shows and adverse balance of £309 12s. 10d. The Income must be regarded as satisfactory having regard to the fact that so many matches were interfered with by rain. The deficit is largely accounted for by necessary repairs to the ground and buildings. It would appear, moreover, that active interest in Cricket is not a thing of the past, but it must always be difficult to maintain such a magnificent ground as ours and also provide first-class Cricket without loss.
Home and home matches have been arranged with the same Counties as last year, and in addition there is the match with South Africa. The Committee has pleasure in reporting that we have been awarded one of the Test Trial Matches which will be played at Trent Bridge on May 28th, 29th and 30th.
The Committee has decided to again enter the Minor Counties Championship, and home and home matches have been arranged with Yorkshire and Lancashire 2nd Elevens and with Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. This will entail an expenditure of £500, and a special subscription fund will be opened to meet it.
Mr. Harry Coxon is retiring from the position of Scorer, which he has held for 52 years, and the Committee has granted him as a Benefit the proceeds of the Minor Counties Match v. Lancashire 2nd XI. Subscription lists will be opened in due course.
The President of the Club, Captain Marshall O. Roberts, M.F.H, made a generous donation of £100 to the Club.
By order of the Committee,
G. O. GAULD, Hon, Secretary.