This book was the result of a collision of souls. It wouldn’t have been possible but for the generosity of the many people who took time to contribute, none more so than the late Rod Nye, who was cruelly taken from us at a point when he’d almost completed his research on Sutcliffe, and was about to write the first chapter. Likewise, nothing can convey the respect felt for his dear widow Vivienne, who somehow summoned the courage to turn his life’s work over to a complete stranger in order that the achievements of a New Zealand champion could be properly celebrated. If medals of valour were to be handed out, she would be the first decorated.
It is a measure of the goodwill Sutcliffe engendered that so many were prepared to play a part in this publication. Some names will undoubtedly be missing here, but rest assured no slight is intended. The author and publisher wish to formally salute: Sutcliffe’s family, from brother Mervyn, to son Gary and daughters Christine and Lynn for their ongoing support, and for the access to Bert’s personal scrapbooks and memorabilia, not least the wonderful, carefully captioned photograph album featuring snaps from the 1949 tour. Also, Takapuna Grammar School for the stream of archival information that helped recreate Sutcliffe’s phenomenal schoolboy record.
Wellington international umpire and cricket statistician Evan Watkin, who volunteered to crunch and check the numbers, and then went beyond the call of duty to research names and overseas records while proving himself one of the best closet sub-editors in the business. Sutcliffe’s old friend and Otago ally, former New Zealand Cricket president and broadcaster Iain Gallaway, who was a constant inspiration, not only proof-reading the manuscript for historical context but revealing a keen eye for the split infinitive. The great Australian all-rounder Alan Davidson, who didn’t even know he was writing the foreword but supplied a tribute so fitting and gracious that it was too good to pass up.
The Otago Cricket Association, and in particular its chief executive Ross Dykes, for access to photographs and scrapbooks, and for its general enthusiasm for the project. The New Zealand Herald for permission to reproduce selected extracts, Dunedin’s Otago Daily Times newspaper for use of its resources, and Fairfax Media for the use of the cover photograph.
Author Wesley Harte and the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, for permission to use the comprehensive statistical review contained in their publication, Famous Cricketers Series – No.23, Bert Sutcliffe. The web address and contact details of the ACS are included at the end of the book.
Sutcliffe himself, for his candid interviews before passing away, and also his permission to call on accounts contained in his autobiography, Between Overs, published by W H Allen & Co in 1963. David Higham Associates for permission to use a verse from the Herbert and Eleanor Farjeon poem ‘The Game That’s Never Done’ and, finally, all those who were interviewed or provided information for the project.