Updated: May 3, 2021
We are sad to report the death of Peter Land in February this year at the grand age of 93. Peter became a member of the Jesters in 1973 and played regularly for us until his retirement, aged 60, after the 1987 season.
Peter was an elegant wicket-keeper batsman who often opened the innings. At the best of times this can be an exhausting task. But with our spin-dominated attack of the 1980s it involved a great deal of standing up to wicket with all the extra concentration that demanded. In his final four seasons Peter claimed 75 victims, as many as 33 stumped.
He saved the best for last, winning the Arnold Woods Cup in his final season with an outstanding all round performance against Reigate Pilgrims. Having kept wicket for 44 overs (three stumpings, one catch, one bye) Peter carried his bat for 39 overs for 88 not out.
Peter enjoyed his cricket with style and conviviality. Few who played during those years will forget the sight of Peter and his wife Dorothy arriving at games in their mustard coloured MGB. While their team lunches before the Checkenden fixture, near their Marlow home, were a highlight of the season. Dorothy was a neat and efficient scorer for us for several seasons.
Indeed, there was something of a Land cricketing dynasty. Peter's son Patrick played for us for several years, as did his son-in-law Chris Gidman. But not (yet) Chris's two sons, the first class cricketers Alex and Will.