South Yorkshire Times, August 4th 1933
Shortage of First-Rate Wicketkeepers
There is a shortage of first-rate wicketkeepers in the district this season. Many of the local teams are losing twenty-five per cent. of their power because they lack sureness in that vital position. It is not an easy one to fill, and the old of the game declare that none but a madman will ever devote himself to “the gloves.” Let us hope there are one or two young “madmen” coming along.
At the moment, apart from, such “tried and trusted” men as Hickling, Machin, Shaw and Allen, and the more capable among the younger men, such as Capstick, the work we have seen behind the wickets this season has not been impressive or encouraging to bowlers.
Rawmarsh have had to recall from retirement Hanson, a veteran who twenty years or so ago was keeping Lilley, the subsequent Notts. stumper, out of the Dinnington senior team; and Hickleton—who have suffered shortcomings in this position ever since McReynolds departed—have gone to Darfield and persuaded Birkinshaw to join them. He has played for Darfield in the South Yorkshire League for several seasons.
Young men with ideas about taking up this “thankless” job (which has its own charm for those who acquire merit at it). may take encouragement from the fact that there is plenty of scope for their talents—and will be more next season.