1948 Cricketers

This group shot was submitted by Phyl Bestley, who writes: "Attached photograph is of a works outing ( possibly pre-war ) and I want to know if anybody can identify the men in the picture for me please.
"My father, Albert C. Carley, is the man in the light suit ( first row left) steadying the chap crouching down.
"Was it a work's outing ? or a sports fixture? Many appear to wear medals or badges. The coach/bus looks pre war at the back. I think the men are all Sidley men. Can any readers recognise any fathers, brothers, uncles friends?
"The photo has always intrigued my sister and I as we think we recognise somebody and then ...we don't.!
"We don't know why our Dad was there as he wasn't a cricketer or footballer! Maybe he was on a day out trip!"
Observer deputy editor John Dowling took a look at the photograph and immediately spotted two of his late father's old pals - Bert Pearson (fourth from left, back row) and Cyril Barlow (fifth from left). A swift glance along the row and he spotted his own father, Perce Dowling, second from right.
All three worked for the Corporation Gas Department (SEGAS after nationalisation). But, for him, the mystery remains. Bert and Cyril were well-known local cricketers but Perce was not. Perce taught Bert to play bowls - but Cyril wasn't a bowler.
Tony Dadd, of Constable Way, names Bert Pearson, Cyril Barlow, Fred Morris, Len Humphrey, George Hall, Fred Penfold and Vic Noakes plus Eldridge and Lillicrap whose first names now elude him. He says: "The year is a little earlier than my joining SEGAS as it was (previously Bexhill Gas and Light Company) in 1948!
"I was in fact interviewed by the gentleman in the centre of the picture, Len Humphrey.
"I am also in the dark as to the venue.
"Some of the men actually worked at the old gas works in Ashdown Road.
"I joined the fitting side and our workshops were in Jameson Road."