Cambridge Granta Cricket Club: Celebrating the Legacy of Alan Hobbs
A Journey of Success and Dedication
Alan Hobbs' remarkable journey with Cambridge Granta Cricket Club began more than five decades ago, and his contributions to the club’s growth and success are nothing short of legendary. A stalwart in the club’s history, Hobbs' involvement has spanned numerous roles, from player to captain and leader, driving Granta forward both on and off the field.
Born into a cricketing family, Hobbs' father, Ernie Hobbs, was the groundsman at Clare College for 40 years. Alan grew up in what is now known as the pavilion at Clare, where cricket was already a major part of his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a career as a groundsman himself, working at prestigious venues like Fenner’s and Edgbaston before setting up his own business. However, it was his dedication to Granta that would cement his legacy.
Taking the Helm: The Captaincy Years
Hobbs took over as captain of Cambridge Granta Cricket Club in 1976, a turning point in the club’s history. His leadership style was bold, characterised by an aggressive approach to field placements and on-pitch strategies.
“I would describe my captaincy style as quite aggressive. I was quite aggressive with field placings and behaviour. That’s just the way I am. I took over the captaincy and I did the job the way I wanted to do it,” Hobbs recalls.
Under his leadership, the club saw immediate success, winning the prestigious Millman Cup. Hobbs had a keen eye for talent and took a novel approach by lowering the average age of the team, giving younger players a chance to shine. This shift led to a golden era for Granta, with the club lifting the Cambridge Premier League title in 1979, 1981, and 1982.
More Than Just a Captain
Hobbs didn’t limit his leadership to the first team. He also captained Granta’s second team and touring squads, bringing his expertise and winning mentality to different levels of the club. In 1984, he led the Cambridge League side to glory in the Inter-League Conference Cup, adding yet another trophy to his collection.
Beyond the victories, Hobbs has always been proud of the camaraderie that developed within the team. “We had a great run on the field and we were also a very sociable side. It was great fun for those years, and we took the club forward. It was really good progress,” he says.
A Lasting Legacy
Looking back on his time with Granta, Hobbs reflects on the many years with a sense of pride and accomplishment. “When you stop to think about it you think ‘bloody hell, that’s a long time!’” he says, astonished at how quickly the years have passed.
While the years have flown by, Hobbs’ influence and dedication have left an indelible mark on Cambridge Granta Cricket Club. His 50 years of service is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to the club's success.
Whether you’re a longtime follower of the Cambridge Granta or a new fan, the history of Granta is one of tradition, progress, and the dedication of people like Hobbs who continue to contribute to its success.
