South Yorkshire Times, Saturday, August 6th 1949
“Derby” Day Indeed!
All the thrills of the Swinton—Mexborough “Derby” on Tuesday came in the last half hour. Swinton were seemingly well placed for victory with Mexborough dismissed for 133 (K. Hempstead 50, J. Kerry 6 for 29), then the unexpected happened, Bob Hydes causing some remarkable fluctuations in Swinton fortunes.
From 76 for 2 they slumped to 78 for 6, then Ward came in to stop the slide. He opened cautiously, sliced a tentative four, then lapsed into occasional singles. Shocked into action by a three wicket maiden feat by Hydes, which sent Butler, Colton and Spenceley back to the pavilion, he opened out, and in 25 minutes had 40 to his credit, including a six and six fours. He was caught by Graves off Hydes and victory was Mexborough’s—by 12 runs.
It was a memorable evening for Bob Hydes. Ward’s wicket was his 50th of the season.