Ian Jackson, the highly respected and much-loved left-arm pace bowler and a 1st XI regular for Hartlepool Cricket Club for many years, sadly died in 2016 aged 47 following a battle with Cancer. Ian helped to lay the foundations for the coaching which is delivered by the Junior Section. In memory of Ian, and to recognise his contributions to cricket at Hartlepool Cricket Club, two events were established in Ian’s name.

The Ian Jackson Double Wicket Memorial Competition is held annually at Park Drive. The Competition was first scheduled to be held in 2017, but unfortunately had to be cancelled due to rain. The inaugural event was held in 2018, which was won by George Relton, (then aged 16 at the time), and Elliott Hogg. The pair edged home in a thrilling Final against Jack Wilkinson and Aaron Feroz, both 1st XI regulars at the time. The event attracted a large crowd, including Ian’s wife, Louise, his daughter, Martha, and several other members of his loving family. Ian’s son Max, (a fine young cricketer himself), competed in the event.

Club Chairman, Alan Jackson, commented : “Ian came to the Club at a young age and progressed from the Under 13s to become a fine 1st XI player for many years. He also represented Durham and Northumberland County Cricket Clubs at senior level. The Double Wicket Competition is a great tribute to Ian, who was a lovely lad and extremely popular in the dressing room. I am really pleased that we are able to continue remembering him by organising this specific competition”.

The 2019 Ian Jackson Memorial Double Wicket Competition was equally exciting, with Max, (aged just 12 at the time), triumphing in the Final with playing partner Will Boyd, defeating the then Hartlepool Professional, James Lowe, and the previous year’s winner, Elliott Hogg, along the way. The keenly contested Final against Jake Richardson and Darren Peek was initially tied, with both teams scoring 39 from their allotted four overs. The Final had to be decided by a “super over”, bowled by Max, as deployed in the recent World Cup.

Club Member and organiser of the Double Wicket Competition, Chris Cawson, said at the time of 2019 event : “It was a fantastic day and an amazing achievement for Ian’s 12-year-old son Max to be in the winning team. The victory demonstrates what a huge future he has in the game”.

Ian’s wife, Louise, is very grateful for the support that Hartlepool Cricket Club has provided to the family since Ian’s passing. Louise said : “Hartlepool Cricket Club has been very supportive of the whole family and it means so much to us. Park Drive was Ian’s second home for many years and it’s fantastic to see everyone coming together to remember him in this way”.

Unfortunately, the Double Wicket Competition was not held in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but will hopefully resume in 2021.

The Ian Jackson Memorial Junior Cup was first held in 2017, when Hartlepool Under 12s beat local rivals Seaton Carew at Park Drive. The concept for the Cup is that each year a Hartlepool Junior team will play against a local side in Max’s age group. Once Max reaches the age of 18, Louise and Max will jointly decide how to proceed.

In 2018 Hartlepool Cricket Club again got the better of Seaton Carew, this time at Under 13 level. Hartlepool were the victors by 26 runs.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to hold the match in 2019 due to ground unavailability. As with the Double Wicket Competition, a match was not possible in 2020 because of Covid-19. It’s hoped the Ian Jackson Memorial Junior Cup will be competed for again in 2021, when a match is due to be played at Under 15 level.

Club Member and match organiser of the Memorial Junior Cup, George Sayers, said : “Covid-19 permitting, we are aiming to organise a match this year and look forward to celebrating the game that Ian loved so much. I am sure Ian will be looking down on Park Drive when these matches take place, so proud of what his son, Max, and other young cricketers are achieving. Max has already played for the Club’s senior sides several times. He’s Captain of Cleveland Schools and represents Durham County”.

Information about the past winners of the Double Wicket Competition and the Memorial Junior Cup can be found in the Information Section of the Cricket Club’s website.

Finally, many thanks to Alastair Rae for preparing this excellent article.