Stuart Pollock profile by Edward Liddle

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Player:

JS Pollock

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DateLine: 15th February 2017

 

Stuart Pollock, technically and by reputation, was probably the best batsman in Ireland for some 10 years after the Second World War. Right handed and quick footed, he delighted in taking on pace bowlers, excelling in the hook shot. However he was equally at home on the front foot, coming down the wicket against spin at the first opportunity, his cover driving being a sight to behold. Thus, he was often a dominating force in club cricket, helping make his side, North of Ireland CC, to be one of the most dominant in the Northern Cricket Union area. For example a brilliant 138 against the formidable North Down side in 1948 in the NCU Cup , set up a 243 runs victory, while in 1959, in the same competition, he struck a superb , undefeated 111 against Waringstown, an innings which still lives in the memory of those who saw it.

 

However his record for Ireland - 1506 runs at 21.51 with only 1 century 129 v Scotland in 1951- even allowing for the fact that he was a Saturday afternoon cricketer often taking on Test or County opposition - shows a poor return for one of his ability. Critics suggested that he was too impetuous, that he came down the wicket too often and had over much bottom hand in his shots. He did, however possess a flair for rising to the big occasion. For Ulster against Derbyshire on a green top at Ormeau, Belfast in 1948 he made 58 out of a total of 102, facing an attack of Les Jackson, Bill Copson and Cliff Gladwin. He also showed his talent against high quality spin. In College Park Dublin in 1949 a Norman Yardley declaration left Ireland chasing 438 in 240 minutes against Johnny Wardle and Ellis Robinson. Pollock took the attack to the enemy scoring 89 in 70 minutes before Wardle had him stumped. Wardle's 5 wickets cost him 105 runs, Robinson's 4 came for 104! Pollock also belied his reputation with patient defensive half centuries against South Africa at Ormeau in 1951 and India at College Park in 1952.

 

Away from cricket he was a successful businessman and, in his younger days a fleet footed centre threequarter, capable hockey player and squash international. In retirement he was a much travelled and popular President of the Irish Cricket Union, having the same qualities and reputation when President of the wandering side the Leprechauns. At the time of his death, he was Ireland's oldest living player, he is their second oldest of all time. giving way only to RH Fowler, father of R St L. Pollock was also the last survivor of Ireland's pre war teams. 12th man against the Australians in 1938, he made his debut in a first class match against Scotland in 1939.

 

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2017 Edward Liddle)