The Lynxes Cricket Club was founded in 1947 by Frank (generally known as "Joe") Evans, who was master in charge of Cricket at the School for over thirty years aided by another member of staff, Tony Congreve.
The inaugural match was played against Old Suttonians, who have been our opponents in every year since. The fixture list was developed with games against Cranbrook Town, Bluemantles and other Old Boys sides (such as Old Merchant Taylors and Old Roffensians).
"Joe " was elected President of the Club in 1965 and held the position until shortly before his death in 1980. He was succeeded by Peter West who held the position for over 15 years. In 1980, The Frank Evans Memorial Trophy was presented for the first time to the winners of the match against Cranbrook Town. In 1990, the Lynxes won the "Cricket World" Cup knock-out competition for Old Boys teams. Other Cups awarded for performances during the Week include the David Winterbottom Cup for bowling and the Andrew Bond Cup for batting.
Celebratory Dinners were held to mark the Club's 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th Anniversary years.
The fixture list has altered somewhat over the years and a complete week's cricket is now considered too demanding (a Golf Day now takes place on the Monday) but the aims are still the same: to bring together O.C.s of all ages (especially recent leavers) to enjoy cricket in familiar and friendly surroundings and at a reasonable cost. Social events during the week have included barbeques and restaurant outings but many more hours have been spent in the pub, which has been an important fixture every week since the very beginning! The Club has been grateful to the School for the use of Bigside and for the services of a succession of excellent groundsmen. If you are an Old Cranbrookian and are interested in cricket, please come and join in.
Jeremy Barham