Reginald George Quinlan | 18th March 1939 - 8th March 2005 - A Tribute
Article Date: 10th March 2005
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Reginald George Quinlan - 18th March 1939 - 8th March 2005
Members of Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club and the local community were saddened to hear of the passing away of Reg Quinlan. Reg was very well known in the locality, latterly as licensee of The Squire, Chipping Sodbury and The Buthay, Wickwar.
He was, however, best known for his exploits as an all-round cricketer at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club. His lengthy commitment to the club spanned over 40 years.
His involvement with the club started at a young age and his talents were soon recognised by Gloucestershire Cricket Club, for whom he made appearances for the 2nd XI. He will always be remembered in the local game as a prolific run maker and wicket taker.
A Remarkable Beginning
In 1955, Reg Quinlan joined Chipping Sodbury at the age of 16 and in his very first match against Harris's XI at The Ridings on May 14th 1955 he performed a remarkable bowling feat by taking five wickets in seven balls (including a hat trick) without conceding a run and finished with 7 for 22.
In that same year on June 25th against Oldfield Park at Bath, Reg claimed 7 for 17 in 10.4 overs. Reg certainly made an impact in his first year as he finished among the leading averages. A fine effort from the young lad.
Bigger Things
In July 1957, Reg attended a weekend cricket course, sponsored by the Gloucestershire Youth Cricket Council at Cowley Manor, Cheltenham where he created such a favourable impression with the MCC coaches that the Club subsequently recommended him to Gloucestershire CCC.
In 1958 he made a number of appearances with the County's Club and Ground XI and in the CSCC Centenary Year, at the age of 21, he was regularly appearing with the Gloucestershire 2nd XI.
On June 21st 1958 Reg gained figures of 7 for 28 in 16 overs for the 1st XI against King's Stanley. A week later, Reg scored 85 not out in a total of 117 for 7 against Fairway, making the winning hit with a six.
A True Cricketing All rounder
Along with Graham Greenaway (850 runs) and John King (606), Reg Quinlan (662) was the leading run-getter in 1958. Remarkably Reg also took the most wickets (70).
He continued his success that year when he nearly took ten wickets in one innings when he finished with 9 for 16 in 21 overs (12 maidens) against St. Philip's (Bath) on August 10th 1958.
An Early Glimpse
For many years the name Reg Quinlan was synonymous with Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club, both for the cricket played and the hospitality extended to visitors; a legacy that the club continues to maintain.
Those cricketing feats above provide us with an early glimpse of Reg Quinlan's time at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club. His many other achievements lie within the cricket club's scorebooks and also within the memories of those who played and watched. Hopefully sometime in the future the scores and figures from those books will be collated and will enliven us once more.
Reg and his Family
Reg was always strongly supported by his wife, Lyn, and family; who also took an active part in the life of the cricket club. The club extends its deepest condolences to Lyn and family on their sad loss. He will be much missed by all those who knew him.
