NORTHAMPTON CLARENCE v BURTON LATIMER

The feature of the early cricket in the game between the Clarence and Burton Latimer was the free hitting of P. Walker, who rattled up 63 out of 87 before he was out, third wicket down, to a catch in the long field. He hit two 6’s and nine 4’s.

While Burton Latimer were in the field Perkins, one of their bowlers, was summoned to the telephone at the pavilion. The call had come through from Burton Latimer, and was a request for information as to the best method of dealing with a swarm of bees that had alighted in the cricketer’s garden. Mr. Perkins, who is an expert beekeeper, gave the instructions desired and returned to continue the game. Perkins, it will be remembered, was the Cobblers’ capable goalkeeper a few years ago. With nine wickets down and the score at 173, the Clarence captain declared. Burton Latimer: 77 for one wicket. Game drawn.

Comment: It would be helpful to learn where Northampton Clarence played their matches. I was surprised to read that a cricket pavilion was equiped with a telephone as early as 1910.

In 1910 'Billy' Perkins was still unmarried and living with his parents in Alexandra Street where, presumably, he kept his bees. At this time he was a partner in Fox & Perkins, with a shop at 100 High Street, making, selling and repairing boots. He married in 1915 and went to live at 63 Station Road. After service in the First World War he worked at Buckby Brothers, boot & shoemakers. It is not known whether he continued to keep bees.