‘Harry, Lord Reserve Carnegie’ – Kate Birrell
Reading the newspaper this morning, I saw a memorial notice for Jack Lihou. The name struck a chord. Didn’t he play cricket for Queensland way back when I was a kid?
So, of course, I went to ‘the bible’ of cricket stats, espfcricinfo.com, and yes, there he was – a leg spinner and (presumably) lower order batsman who represented his State on and off for a decade from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. The numbers suggest a modestly performed player but, hey, he played first class cricket while the vast majority of us did not! See Jack’s career stats here.
Next I checked out en.wikipedia.org to see if I could find out any more and, again, there he was. Read that bio here. He must have been ok as a leggie, knocking over Test players Neil Harvey and Sam Loxton in his debut match and, later on, the great Gary Sobers in a tour match against West Indies. Enough to retire on for mine!
Is there anyone out there in Almanacland who can tell us any more about Jack?
It got me thinking about other names from those times – Des Bull, Bill Buckle, Graham Bizzell, Lew Cooper, Bob Crane, Des Hughson, Bob Joyce, the other Dennis Lillie, John Loxton, Sandy Morgan, Bob Paulsen, Ray Reynolds, Ian Seib, Keith Ziebell, Don Secombe. ‘Lesser’ names but sufficiently significant to stay in the back of my mind for over half a century. Names from childhood and adolescence. Whatever became of them?
And that’s just in one sport, cricket. I could do the same in rugby league, my other favourite. And then you go on to think about all of those people who have made important contributions to your life – parents, family, relatives, friends, teachers, work colleagues and on and on.
When I retired eight years ago, I thought I might try to write a book. I even knew what it would be about – those very same people who have enriched my life, who they were/are, how they made a difference to me and how I treasure them. I wanted it to be a book of thanks. I started thinking about who to include and it became a bit like Ben Hur because it had a cast of thousands!
I have yet to write a word!
Perhaps as I get closer to 70, it might be time to make a start.
Although I didn’t know him and, indeed, know very little about him, my condolences to the Lihou family. RIP, Jack.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
Yes, an interesting idea, IJH