Images from left: 1st XI Premiers 1914-15 – Johnny Taylor is sitting second from left; Prefects in March 1915 – Johnny Taylor is sitting on the left. Johnny Taylor – one of Newington’s greatest sportsmen Donald Bradman was taken by his father to see his first first-class match in February 1921 when he was 12. It was the fifth test between Australia and England at the Sydney awarded ‘triple colours’ five times, a unique feat in Newington’s Cricket Ground. In 1976, Sir Donald Bradman wrote to me: ‘No doubt history. In a 1915 school photo, the left side of his blazer is festooned all small boys who aspire to success in sport have their legendary with colours, badges and honour pockets. heroes. I was no exception. I was fortunate to have set up my boyhood hero one who remained greatly loyal and respected by everyone.’ Selected for the NSW Colts’ XI in December 1913, Taylor announced himself with a sublime 226 before he was run out as NSW amassed He used expressions like: ‘modest demeanour’, ‘gentlemanly 548 against the Victorian Colts’ XI. Before resuming at Newington behaviour’, ‘set an example of all that was best in life and sport’, after the summer holidays, he was chosen for NSW for their game ‘transparent modesty’. against Tasmania at the SCG. The man was John Morris (Johnny) Taylor (1895-1971; ON 1915) – Coming to the crease at 2-131, Taylor scored freely until bowled for 1st AIF, 20 cricket tests, two rugby tests, BDSc Sydney University, 83. Back at Newington, he swapped his NSW cap for his Newington hero of the boy from Bowral. cap and continued to dissect schoolboy bowling. What was it about Taylor that entranced young Donald Bradman? On the other hand, his academic record at Newington was modest. His personality, character and charm were endearing qualities much After leaving school, he joined the public service as a clerk in the Water admired by teammates and opponents. The 12-year-old could not yet and Sewerage Board, having made his debut with the Petersham have known those qualities. Club in 1914. There he scored consistently during two seasons before making the decision that would affect the rest of his life. The young Donald may have appreciated Taylor’s style as a cricketer. Taylor had a small, slight, wiry physique. Max Bonnell observes that On 8 October 1916, two days short of Taylor’s 21st birthday, he he had ‘that innate timing and suppleness that characterises so many enlisted in the AIF after presenting written permission from his great batsmen’ (Summertime Blues: 150 Years of Sydney University parents. Posted to the Field Artillery, he left Sydney in February Cricketers, 2006, page 108). 1917 and trained in England before being sent to the Western Front in November. Taylor had been a schoolboy prodigy at Newington College, located near the family home in Middleton Street, Stanmore. He was a Taylor served in the front line near Amiens helping to distribute student at Newington from the age of 10 in 1906 until early 1915. ammunition. He was wounded in the right knee, evacuated to hospital in London, and not released until June 1918. His father was the Reverend JG Morris Taylor, a Methodist minister who was on the Council of Newington College, later appointed Taylor was fit enough to play his first game of cricket for two years President of the Methodist Conference. Taylor’s mother was his when he was chosen for the Dominions’ XI against an England XI in father’s second wife, Lucy (née Moffitt). a one-day game at Lord’s. After the Armistice, he was selected in the AIF side that toured England, South Africa and Australia. Taylor scored 15 centuries for the Newington 1st XI including three double centuries. His last innings for the school was a triumphant In September 1920, Taylor resumed his first grade career with the 293. He played in the 1st XV for five years, represented the athletics Gordon Club and was selected for NSW. On the strength of his AIF XI team for five years and shot in the rifle team for four years. He was performances and his batting average of 84.3 for NSW in 1920-21, 26 | Curiosity | News Autumn 2022 |Stanmore 7–12