Alan Maylin

Without doubt Alan Maylin will feature at the top of the list in any history of Preston Cricket, not only for his prowess on the field of play but for his transformation of the ground – from a basic unkempt facility to the much admired and beautiful setting that the club currently enjoys. Alan originally played for the Kings Arms who played Sunday cricket that was run by Barry Furr, the local Turf Accountant. They briefly tried to take over a field at the top of Charlton Hill but Alan’s connection was made with Preston through a double fixture in the late fifties. On joining Preston, he made a big impression as the team was very much of the young variety under the guidance of Ron Whitby. Opponents were beaten often by his fierce fast bowling and he was no mean batsman as his record shows.

His greatest contribution to the club was made on improving the ground and wicket, however. It must be remembered that we had the use of very basic equipment by today’s modern standards. Our first motorized roller was purchased from the defunct London County Council for the grand sum of £350, more suitable for a museum and how he kept that going was a work of art. Alan was a perfectionist, never taking short cuts and offering useful advice when I assisted
Dickie Jenkins in building the original score-box, the longest day of my life. Alan sieved soil from Wain Wood, rolled and after several seasons our wicket became superb with visiting sides seeking his advice. The Centenary Year of 1982 saw him retire as a player; he continued as Groundsman until 2002.

His playing record stands alone,. He regularly captured over 90 wickets a season; in 1975 took 103 only to be bettered the following season with 141. This feat will never be beaten. His top score was 111 against Hunting Aviation from Luton. Skippering the side for many seasons in the formative years of the Hertfordshire Competition, in 1970 Preston became the first village side to win the Ralph Oliver Midweek Trophy beating Vauxhall Motors from Luton who included several Bedfordshire County Players en route to the final. So from a Club that formed in 1882 as Temple Dinsley CC to its current position as a leading club in North Hertfordshire, his legacy is for all to see.

TONY SMITH