He joined with a group of friends, Johnny Long, Pete Cocklin, Cliff Chard, Will Miller and Frank Hassett who were all in the ATC that, fittingly, had their meetings in the same hall as Grenfell House
Youth Club. This group was the springboard for the revival of the cricket club that had been
dormant during the second world war years and not all of whose members were to survive
the war.
It’s impossible to overstate Frank’s influence in the establishment of the club that still exists
to this day. His role is well documented in the club’s history by Harry Pearce’s “The Years of
Transformation 1955-1964” on the club’s website (www.grenfellcc.co.uk.). Take a read.
As a cricketer Frank was a top order batsman, with varying spells as an opener, a wicket-
keeper and occasional leg spin bowler. First choice ‘keeper in the ‘40s he gave way to John
Strelley in 1951. He was not an elegant looking batsman, extraordinarily tall (for his
generation) at 6’ 4”, the bat often seemed too small in his stance but he knew how to use it.
He was a prolific runscorer with most runs in a season 406 (av.20.30) in 1953 and 404 (av.
14.42) in 1951. His highest score was 71 not out v United Dairies 26.07.1953 with ten other
scores over 50. His most successful season with the gloves was 1950 with 13 dismissals
(10 ct 3 st.). He had something of a renaissance in 1969 when he topped the batting
averages for the first time with an average of 33.75 and won the single wicket contest. He
last played in 1972 and failed to score in either of his last two innngs. Modest about his
overall achievements, whenever his long career was brought up it prompted him to declare
that he played two matches too many. When he finally retired his career run aggregate,
4,555 runs (av.13.97) was the fourth highest. He still stands at a very commendable 17 th .
He was Club captain for three years, 1950, 1951 and 1952. By his own admission he felt he
lacked the flair of Bill Ash or Ron Stevens and considered himself only ordinary as a skipper
but he was regarded well enough to be elected three times. He was much more at home as
secretary, a position he took on in two lengthy spells 1953/54/55/56 and
1960/61/62/63/64/65.
He was meticulous in keeping records which is why we still have so much information
available today. He was elected to life membership when he stepped down as secretary and promoted to
Vice President when Ron Stevens was appointed President around 1985. He has continued
to support the club financially and his family made a donation on his behalf just three months
ago.
Career Record:
363 Matches
Cap Number:
4555 runs (av. 13.97)
25 wickets (av. 15.56)
86 catches (46 as wk) 5 stumpings
Single Wicket Champion: 1969

At 6’4” tall he was a commanding centre-half and played soccer 14 seasons for his
company, Alliance FC 1948-1962.

A keen pianist Frank was popular after matches whenever a piano was available. There
wasn’t one at our home ground and one memorable moment came when he decided we
needed one. John Strelley was persuaded to lend his and Alan Wild and I transported it in
Alan’s parents’ Ford Anglia. If that was a highly unlikely enough proposition there were still 4
or 5 steps down from the entrance gate to negotiate and then a couple of steps up onto the
pavilion verandah. It took a lot of manhandling and still can’t believe we managed with only
two of us. Frank was pleased, though.
If there’s a piano in heaven it won’t be long before Frank starts a party.
Rest in Peace, Frank – and thankyou.
His funeral is to be a private affair with his ever enlarging family. Our thoughts are with his
daughters, Sue and Carol and son, Paul.
The picture of Frank is a delight. Taken only a couple of years ago it is a classic. 94 Years
old and still enjoying his beer. It’s how I will remember him.