However, Addiscombe might not have seen much of Mike because Gillingham FC tried to sign him as a goalkeeper. But he spurned the opportunity, saying “I get bored in goal and anyway I only want to play football for fun!”

He certainly enjoyed himself on the cricket field and in the 50s, 60s and 70s was one of ACC’s finest players. Mike was a seriously good all-rounder, scoring big runs in the top order and bowling superb off-breaks. He also took countless sharp catches in close, aided by his goalkeeping reflexes.

As a batsman he knew his strengths and played to them. In his first match for the 2nd XI he batted for over an hour for just 3 runs which was hardly auspicious. But the following week he scored a superb 97 and went straight into the 1st XI where he stayed.

When we batted first, he would often be brought on early in the opposition innings to bowl his off breaks back when just one new ball was used per match. Mike got bounce and on the Sandilands pitch of that era, plenty of turn! Mike got over 1500 wickets for ACC and in partnership with Terry Kent, they formed the most potent spin attack in club cricket.

In Peter Williams’ history of the club, barely a page goes by during this era without seeing Mike recorded as scoring a century or getting 5 wickets. He frequently achieved 1000 runs in a season and often secured between 70-80 wickets as well.

In 1953, against Surrey Club and Ground he got 5-17 against very high quality batsmen. Also that season he put on a then-record of 192 with Mike Woodhouse for the first wicket. In 1958, against Roehampton, the two Mike’s went beyond this to record an opening stand of 275 v Roehampton (see picture). In 1960 he scored 5 centuries in a single season and when England brought a team to play Addiscombe that season, he top scored with 75 against international bowlers.

Mike was fortunate that he had a cricket loving boss who encouraged his cricketing development and allowed him to play regularly in mid-week. His success saw him in the Surrey 2nd XI in the early sixties and he also played for the MCC. He went on an MCC tour of the Channel Islands under Mickey Stewart and was the only non-professional on board. He also played for the Stoics, Surrey Association of Cricket Clubs along with HE ‘Joe’ Peirce’s distinguished XI.

He played to the end of the Seventies and continued supporting once his playing days were done. He would regularly be found recounting old times in the bar.

Mike was also a very accomplished musician on both saxophone and piano. So often, after a match, when a good crowd stayed behind, he would be enticed after a few pints to roll up his sleeves and play the ‘Old Joanna’. He would play with panache and we would sing along (normally out of tune). ACC was a pioneer in karaoke, and Mike provided a live backing track!

Following the death of Michael Woodhouse, Mike took over as President. One event he initiated was the Past Players’ Luncheon, an almost unique event which is still running and enjoyed by many.

Sadly, Mike’s health has been poor for some time now and consequently is rarely seen at his beloved Addiscombe Cricket Club. We all wish him well.

Chris Whitehouse

Read the rest of Chris Whitehouse's Past Player Profiles

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