Lancashire League West Indians

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Clive Lloyd at Haslingden was something else! The surrounding neighbourhood at Bentgate was not safe when he was batting!

An awesome hitter and a great guy to boot.

[exilecanada]

Costantine and Collie Smith were before my time, but do remember the other West Indians mentioned. I didn’t see Conrad Hunte mentioned, or did I miss something?

I have fond memories of the Lancs League, travelling round the various grounds, watching cricket, supping a few pints. If memory serves, Charlie Griffith had to shorted his run up, Turf wasn’t big enough for his normal run up. Plus, I would think the amateur batsmen were sh*t scared of him

[oldcolner]

Yes Hunte was at Enfield I think, but he wasn't mentioned nor were a few others - Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes were around Wes Halls time as well. I remember he started his run up at the sight-screen. Apparently the amateurs booked holidays when the top pros came!
Collie Smith was a lot later than Constantine who came before the war and I think after Wes Halls time so maybe you missed him.
Lots of stories of folk never having seen a black person before, so some folk felt they were superior.Constantine wanted to go back after his year was up, but his wife liked it and didn't want to go back so he ended up here for over 20 years and became Lord Constantine of Nelson.
Crowds of 7000 at Rishton contrasted with pictures of three men and a dog now.