Terry Kent (circled in picture above) played at Sandilands during the sixties and early seventies. In the modern idiom he would be classified as a 'bowling all-rounder'.

He bowled orthodox left-arm spin, quite quickish, a little like Derek Underwood (watch some classic ‘Deadly Derek’ action). He was also a fine middle-order batsman good enough to top the averages for Essex’s 2nd XI in 1960. As well as this, it is widely agreed that he was probably the best fielder ever seen at Sandilands.

Terry was initially on the Lord’s ground staff (now the MCC Academy) where many of the most talented youngsters in the country went to hone their skills. From there Essex CCC gave him a contract. Unfortunately, he all too soon found himself in competition with the former Surrey and England legend Jim Laker who had also been signed for Essex. Despite this, Terry made 10 first-class appearances between 1960-62.

As well as his cricket, Terry was also an accomplished footballer. In the 1958-59 season he played for Southend United and then was signed by Millwall. He was one of the very few sportsmen who was both a professional cricketer and footballer at the same time.

Terry came to join Addiscombe CC because, completely by chance, he moved into a flat underneath our 1st XI keeper Mike Every. Mike got to know his new neighbour and cajoled him into joining Addiscombe without knowing much of his sporting prowess. Terry joined up and immediately made a great impression on everyone.

Terry wanted to just bowl and bowl and bowl. It was hard for any captain to prize the ball out of his hand! In 1963, he completed a remarkable ‘double’ of 100 wickets and a 1000 runs in the season. Together with the off-spin of Mike Burrows, they formed as formidable a spinning partnership as there was in club cricket at that time. Their bowling played a major part in the success of ACC's ‘golden era’.

In 1966, he did the main damage in the final of the Evening Standard Challenge when he got 5-17 as we bowled out Edmonton for just 118 and then strolled to an 8 wicket victory. It meant Addiscombe could claim to be the best club side in Greater London. (see the picture of the victorious team above)

When the indefatigable Les Pullen stepped down from the 1st XI captaincy, Terry was voted in. The new skipper was known as RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) or 'Reggie' for short, due to the strict and demanding approach he had in exhorting his team forward. Even now, as he brought himself onto bowl, I can hear him saying “As for me”. We all knew which was our square yard of the outfield that we should field!

After 10 years, Terry moved to Crawley in Sussex. He continued to play for the club for one more season after his move. We got used to hearing him say “I’m in trouble” as he left the bar at close to midnight!

Along with Roy Swetman and Clive Dring these ‘three Musketeers’ regularly make an appearance at our Past Players’ Lunch and it is always fantastic to see them. Just as with Roy and Clive, Terry Kent served our club with distinction and was one of our finest ever players.

Chris Whitehouse - former ACC 1st XI opening bowler (also pictured above standing next to Terry Kent!)