It is with profound sorrow that the Club mourns the passing of its esteemed Club Captain, Tony Foster. To merely label Tony as a Club legend would be an inadequate portrayal, considering his monumental career achievements of 31,564 runs, 2,893 wickets, and 605 catches.
Tony made his debut for the 1st XI at the tender age of 17 on Sunday, 8 July 1956, against Northampton Polytechnic in the Park. His inaugural innings of an unbeaten 53 marked the beginning of an illustrious journey, during which he reached the half-century mark an impressive 154 times. Recognized for his talent, Tony was selected to represent Hertfordshire County Colts against Bedfordshire in 1957, becoming the first Hatfield player to do so since the nineteenth century.
Over the years, Tony’s prowess on the field was duly acknowledged with numerous accolades. His exceptional batting skills earned him five Batting prizes, with the milestone of surpassing 1,000 runs in a season achieved on five occasions. Notably, he amassed 6,014 runs during the prolific six seasons between 1972 and 1977.
As a bowler, Tony’s slow left-arm deliveries left an indelible mark on the club’s history. He claimed seven Bowling Prizes, reaching the pinnacle of his bowling career in 1973/1974 by securing 105 and 101 wickets respectively. This remarkable feat was complemented by his batting prowess, as he also achieved the rare 1,000 runs/100 wickets double, a feat unmatched by any other Hatfield CC player.
In addition to his prowess as a player, Tony made significant contributions off the field. He served as the club’s Fixture Secretary for seven years, oversaw the club’s transition from Hatfield Park to Ascots Lane as Chairman of the Development sub-committee, and held various administrative roles, including Chairman of the General Committee and Team Secretary.
Tony’s dedication extended beyond the confines of Hatfield CC, as evidenced by his appointment as Hon. Secretary of the Herts Competition in 1974. Even in the twilight of his career, he continued to represent Hertfordshire across various age groups, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.
Tony’s legacy is not merely defined by his statistical achievements but by the indelible mark he left on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Sixty years after his debut, he retired as the club’s highest wicket-taker, a testament to his enduring impact and legacy within the cricketing community. His memory will forever be cherished, his contributions revered, and his spirit immortalized within the annals of Hatfield CC’s history.
