James Gooden
James Gooden | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Brentford, England |
| Died | 17 July 1913 (aged 67) |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, real estate agent, publican |
| Years active | 1861–1896 (club cricket), 1872–1893 (first-class cricket) |
| Known for | Australian cricketer who played for South Australia |
James Edward Gooden (born 23 December 1845 – died 17 July 1913) was an Australian cricketer who appeared in ten first-class matches representing South Australia from 1872 to 1893.
Originally from Brentford, England, Gooden relocated to Adelaide in 1848, where his father established himself as one of the earliest basket makers in the colony.
Club cricket
Known as "a capable batsman and fielder," Gooden began his senior club cricket career in Adelaide in 1861 with Eastern Suburban before transferring to Norwood Cricket Club. Over his tenure there, he amassed 3,427 runs at an average of 23.63, retiring from club cricket in 1896. He acted as Norwood's representative at the first meeting of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Committee in 1871 and participated in SACA's inaugural organized match the following year.
Gooden played a significant role in nurturing emerging players; notably, Australian Test cricketer George Giffen credited Gooden’s guidance as instrumental to his development.
Remarkably, Gooden recorded his initial district centuries at age 45, including a standout innings of 147 against North Adelaide, during which he shared a 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Giffen. He secured a record sixteen premiership titles with Norwood and captained the team for many years until a contentious leadership transition saw Giffen replace him.
First-class career
In December 1872, Gooden was one of three South Australians selected for a combined colonies side—comprising New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania—that faced Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This encounter is classified as first-class, positioning Gooden among the earliest South Australians to compete at this level, predating South Australia's own first-class debut by five years. He scored three runs in his sole innings during this match.
He captained South Australia on six occasions and continued playing into his forties. His highest first-class score was 39 against New South Wales during the 1890/91 season. Gooden’s last first-class game occurred against Western Australia at Adelaide Oval on 27-28 March 1893. At 47 years and 95 days old, he stands as the second oldest cricketer to represent South Australia, surpassed only by Clarrie Grimmett. In that match, he scored four runs in his only innings.
Gooden’s bowling achievements were modest; he was notably called for throwing while representing a SACA XI against Northern Yorke Peninsula in the 1877/78 season.
Personal life
Outside of cricket, Gooden pursued various professions including real estate agent and employee of the South Australian Gas Company. Alongside his brother Charles, he co-held the license for the Napoleon Hotel on King William Street, Adelaide. Additionally, he excelled as a rifle shooter and captained South Australia in interstate competitions.
His community engagement extended to membership in the Norwood Voluntary Fire Brigade, serving as Secretary of the Norwood Working Man's Club for many years, and holding the position of Master within the Emulation Lodge of Freemasons.
In his later years, Gooden faced health challenges such as a nervous breakdown and heart ailments, coupled with financial hardship that led him to reside in a dilapidated boarding house. A testimonial fund was organized by former cricketers shortly before his passing. He died on 17 July 1913 and was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Cricketing connections ran deep within his family: brother Henry Gooden and nephew Leslie Gooden also represented South Australia, while another brother, George Gooden, served as Adelaide Oval’s inaugural curator and fulfilled duties as Town Clerk of Kensington and Norwood.
See also
Sources
- Harte, C. (1990) The History of the South Australian Cricket Association, South Australian Cricket Association: Adelaide. ISBN 09587980 3 6.
- Page, R. (1984) South Australian Cricketers 1877–1984, Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians: Retford, Nottinghamshire.
- Sando, G. (1997) Grass Roots: 100 years of Adelaide District Cricket 1897-1997, SACA: Adelaide. ISBN 9781862544352.