Val Romney

Valentine Romney (1718 – December 1773) was an English cricketer who played during the 1740s. A top-class player, he made numerous appearances in historically important matches, both eleven-a-side and single wicket. Apparently a specialist batsman, he was mainly associated with Sevenoaks and Kent, but he also played for England teams. Information about his career is limited by a lack of surviving data, although he is known to have made 11 single wicket and 14 eleven-a-side appearances between 1743 and 1751. Romney was noted for his leadership, and described by James Love as a "mighty" player.

Cricket career First mention The first definite mention of Val Romney is dated 11 July 1743, when he took part in a single wicket "threes" match at the Artillery Ground, and the six players were stated to be "the best in England". They were William Hodsoll, John Cutbush, and Romney playing as Three of Kent; and Richard Newland, William Sawyer, and John Bryant playing as Three of England. Hodsoll and Newland were the captains. Kent won by 2 runs. The London Evening Post estimated a crowd of 10,000. A return match was arranged at Sevenoaks Vine on 27 July, but "it did not come off". This poem was written to commemorate a celebrated match between Kent and England at the Artillery Ground on 18 June 1744, in which Romney was the captain of Kent.

In August and September of the same year, Romney played for the London Cricket Club in three matches against Surrey. They first met at Moulsey Hurst on Friday, 24 August, and London won. Robert Colchin and Romney played as given men for London. The stakes for this match were reported to be "£50 a side". On 5 September, there was a "threes" game at the Artillery Ground billed as "Long Robin's Side v Stephen Dingate's Side". The teams were Robert Colchin, John Harris, and Romney against Stephen Dingate, Richard Newland, and Thomas Jure. It was played for sixty guineas per side, and the players were especially chosen from those who had played in the two Kent v England games.

Last known season 1751 is Romney's last known season although there is a possibility he may have continued for a few more years. Surviving data about matches in the 1750s is scarce, and there was a general reduction in matches, caused initially by the deaths of key patrons, and then compounded by the impact of the Seven Years' War. Romney made two appearances in May 1751 when he played for Kent against England. Kent, weakened by the recent death of Robert Colchin, were defeated in both games.

Personal life Romney lived mostly at Sevenoaks, and was employed by the 1st Duke of Dorset as head gardener at Knole House, a post later occupied by John Minshull. By 1768, the Sackvilles continued rewarding him with a Christmas gratuity of two guineas.