OLD AZURIANS

Old Azurians Cricket Club

Notes by Don Goward

 

Unfortunately much of the pre-war information about the club was lost when officials failed to return from the war and the records they had held were not retained. What is known is that The Old Boys played the school twice in 1933 and in 1937, and that in 1939 the Club reached the finals of the Herald Cup.

 

After the war the club reformed and soon became a force to be reckoned with. The home games were played at the Rotary ground in Worthing, and the Cricketers Pub in Broadwater was the after-match venue. The team went from strength to strength and in 1955,1956 and 1958 appeared in the Herald Cup Finals, always attracting large crowds.

 

The annual match between the school and the Old Boys always took place on a Wednesday afternoon at the Manor Ground in Broadwater and was watched by the school. Players had lunch and tea with the headmaster.

 

It was not long before a second XI was formed ,which was a mixture of young and old .

 

The club held a number of social events including an annual dinner which was hosted by Mr “Johnny “Johnson,the club president. There were many splendid trophies donated in memory of former Old Boys which were awarded at the dinner. The club also ran monthly whist drives in the school hall to raise funds for  the club.

 

Following the changes in the education system the intake of players faded away and it was decided at a specially convened meeting to close the club on a “high” rather the stagger on.

 

Ed: If anyone has more to add, or photos they would like to contribute, please let me know.