Hugh
Friend, who died on November 18th aged 82, played several games for the
Ramblers in 1949-51 period. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School just after
Mike Gauntlett, but established a connection with him by being a member of the
Old Shastonians who played at Brook on tour in this period. Hugh was a founder
member of the Dorset Agrarians, now allegedly defunct, who did annual battle with
the Ramblers at Hampshire's then County Ground, Northlands Road, Southampton.
Thirteen matches (all but 1 at Northlands Road) were played (1948-70) producing
some fiery cricket. The Agrarians included several Dorset county players in
their side and in 1968 declared at 293-9 - the then highest score against the
Ramblers (which remained a record for 5 years). Ramblers retaliated in the
final match in 1970 with 308-9dec and only won by 21 runs.
Hugh Friend, an egg farmer by trade, was an active member of Dorset Rangers, XL Club and M.C.C.