Maurice Fitzroy

In the years immediately following the First World War the fortunes of Northamptonshire suffered through lack of a captain who could devote his full time to the game. In 1925, therefore, the committee made a bold move in appointing as captain J. M. Fitzroy, a recently retired naval officer qualified by birth and residence for the county but with no previous experience of first-class cricket. The move proved fully justified and with nine victories in the County Championship that year the club had its most successful season since the war.

Blessed with a large pair of hands, Maurice Fitzroy was a safe and extremely energetic fielder in any position and his personal enthusiasm in this department of the game did much to revitalise the side. By nature an attacking batsman favouring the straight drive, he sometimes attempted this shot too soon after reaching the crease, resulting too often in an early dismissal. This was reflected in his batting figures for the county, for whom in 101 innings he scored 1373 runs, average 14.45. He also took six wickets for 82 runs.

Unfortunately a knee injury in mid-season 1927 brought about his retirement from the game and the tall figure of this popular skipper topped by an I Zingari cap appeared no more in the county side. In later years he took the additional name of Newdegate. He was the son of Capt. the Hon. E. A. Fitzroy, a former Speaker of the House of Commons.
The Cricketer, July 1976