Three Feet but Only One Foote

Always slick, clean cut and immaculately turned out, he fits his role as a city of London bank employee very well. This also applies to his appearance on a cricket pitch where he is equally well attired. Without doubt if Rainham Cricket Club held a ‘Best Turned Out Member’ competition he would almost certainly be hands down winner.

Resembling an everlasting teenager, a smiling Daryl Foote has deceiving looks as he has already become a veteran of Rainham Cricket Club. Having been involved in senior cricket since the mid 1980s he has played his part very well following the legacy of his father George who started playing for the club in the mid 1970s and retired during the nineties.

Unlike his father who was nicknamed ‘The Rotweiler’ because of his short fuse, Daryl is a more passive individual who sees the funny side of everything and is hardly ever seen with a serious expression on his face. The only exception being against Belnor in 1995 when a short delivery from him struck a bump, turned into a bouncer and hit the facing batsman full on the forehead. Before Daryl could finish his intended apology the batsman took off down the wicket towards him, bat above head threatening to beat the living daylights out of him. Fortunately, the Belnor umpire and non striking batsman restrained their fuming team mate until he had calmed down while Daryl stood aghast and speechless. This is the only serious and shocked Daryl Foote I can remember.

After a period in the Colts Daryl appeared for the Second XI in the mid 1980s under the influence of Colts manager and Second XI captain Ken Newton. Considered to be an all rounder, Daryl made his first impression with 61 against Boughton Monchelsea in 1987. The following season he hit a magnificent 86 against Meopham Second XI and this put him in the limelight.

Very soon the happy and broad smiling teenager with the Hollywood teeth found himself turning out for the First XI and became known as ‘Dasher’ or ‘Smiler’ for obvious reasons. This didn’t detract from his performances as the boy from Wakeley Road made periodic contributions with both bat and ball. He hit 35 against Ashford in 1990, 38 against St Lawrence & Highland Court, 39 against Lamorby Park and 40 against Old Gravesendians in 1991. In 1992 he took 4-24 against Bexley Hospital and scored 57 against Higham & Mockbeggar but his first big bowling success for the First XI was against Dover Rangers in 1993 when he took 5-32.

Daryl has never been considered a regular First XI match winner but in 1994 there was an exception in a match against Holmesdale. Needing five to win off the final two deliveries with Daryl facing Holmesdale looked favourites to win but the determined youngster unleashed an uncharacteristic hefty blow off the penultimate delivery and the ball soared over the boundary for six to the cheers of an amazed Rainham team. Daryl was definitely a hero.

After scoring his first half century for the First XI with 62 against Teynham & Lynsted in 1995 and a series of other useful scores he became a First XI hero for the second occasion in 1996 when he helped to bowl out Lordswood for 72 in the semi finals of the Gillingham Ashes Competition with 4-19. He was partnered by Nick Plumridge 4-13 to help Rainham record an historic victory and to take them on to win the competition against Chatham Nomads.

During the late 1990s he didn’t appear with great frequency as he took on a more regular role with Gills Travel on Sundays. However, he was reported being seen in numerous City of London bars with ex Rainham cricketer and renowned guzzler Steve Hughes. Maybe this had a temporary effect on his condition and availability as he toured the city bars with his friend.

Daryl hit the Rainham cricket scene again in 2001 with a series of fine performances taking 4-17 against Mersham, 4-37 and scoring 32 against High Halstow II, 6-31 against Tonbridge II, 43 against Clarion and 4-24 and 28 against Gore Court IV. This form continued for the Second XI in 2002 with a stunning performance against High Halstow Second XI when in combination with Roger Triggs 5-11 he took 5-16 to dismiss his opponents for only 28. With 44 against Sherwood II and 3-21 and 26 against Upchurch II his good form continued until the end of the season.

In 2003 his concentration was affected by a new girlfriend he met at a social event. Very small but with a smile uncannily similar to Daryl’s, she appeared at the club on a regular basis. Although Daryl took 5-17 against Hythe he was unable to continue his previous form as his personal life took priority and he spent more time wooing his new mate. In 2006 Daryl was forced to retire from the game after seriously damaging his knee while bowling.

Remaining a familiar figure on the Rainham scene Daryl maintains his famous smile, continues to laugh at everything, even the most appalling of jokes, still retains that teenage look and dresses with that characteristic clean cut and neat Paris Mode style.

Dave Wood