Throughout the season, we’ll be having a look back 100 years to see how the Midland Bank 1st team of 1926 got on. Regular match reports will be published throughout the year, close to dates these fixtures were played. Hopefully you’ll enjoy a look back at how the Club was getting on a century ago.

To add a bit of context: The Club's first season (in the guise of the London Joint Stock Bank Cricket Club, LJS) was in 1871.

The LJS Bank had played, along with the Union Bank of London and the National Provincial Bank of England, since 1898 at The Three Banks Athletic Club in Copers Cope Road (now Crystal Palace Football Club's Academy Ground). However, following the merger of the Union Bank and National Provincial Bank in 1918, LJS had its share of the ground bought out and so was on the lookout for a new home.

The Club (now known as London Joint City and Midland Bank following a merger - becoming the Midland Bank in 1923) moved to the current ground on Lennard Road, which was first used in 1920, although the purchase of the freehold wasn't completed until 1921. Following the completion of the pavilion, the ground was officially opened on 18th June 1921. Over 5,000 people attended the opening ceremony. There is a photo showing the opening ceremony hanging in the bar downstairs.

By the beginning of the 1926 season, the Club had grown and was fielding 5 Saturday XIs & a Sunday XI each week. The 1st XI had had a decent 1925 season, winning 14 and drawing 5 of their 27 games. 5 were lost and 3 were abandoned. The team was captained by J.R.F. Williams, known simply as “The Skipper”, as he led the side in 13 of the 16 years from 1920 - 1935.

Hopes were high for the 1926 season, with star all-rounder H.T.O. Smith available for the whole season. His fast bowling and hard-hitting batting were rightly feared and admired by opponents and teammates alike.

Unfortunately, rain ruined the start of the season, with the 1st match not able to be played until 22nd May!