Club Life: Long-serving members, notable performances, and Help for Heroes player appeal

The Cricketer dives into a selection of the best stories from around the club cricket scene

60 not out

Peter Williams, who turns 76 in the next few months, is celebrating 60 years of service to his home club of Wilcot in Wiltshire.

Williams, who made his debut for the club in 1961 at the age of 15, has taken on many roles during his time at the club, including star fielder, captain and latterly, chairman - a position he has held for the past 15 years.

Fellow club member, Graham Smith, submitted this tribute to Williams to honour his milestone year.

"Peter first crossed the white line aged 15, and quickly established himself as a regular in the side. [The club] became an integral part of his life, and he could often be found at the ground helping with the myriad of tasks required to facilitate the matches.

"Throughout his twenties, Peter’s natural talent developed and he could be relied on, as a middle-order batsman, to make a steady thirty to forty runs, usually without hanging around.  Indeed speed, particularly between the wickets, was a key attribute of his that was put to the test after a teammate had been run-out, and blamed Peter for being too slow.  The pair settled the argument after the game by racing from the pub to the war memorial and back.  Peter’s recollection is that he was halfway through his next pint by the time his colleague reached the bar.

"In addition to his batting, Peter was a prolific fielder at point or gully, taking 32 catches in one season and regularly winning Player of the Year at the end of season awards night.

^{Peter Williams and his wife Jane; Peter hard at work}

"As with most clubs, players came and went, but Peter remained a constant with Wilcot, eventually being appointed as captain.  His loyalty and determination was unquestionable, and he expected the same from his team.  Upon being told by a player the night before a game, that he had hurt his leg and would be unable to play, Peter asked if it was broken?  'No', came the reply.  'Well, you’re playing then.  See you tomorrow.'

"After a long and illustrious playing career, Peter’s focus switched to roles behind the scenes, particularly with the ground, which has always given him an immense amount of satisfaction.  His business acumen held him in good stead while holding various committee positions, before being appointed as club chairman 15 years ago.  Although his speed between the wickets may have faded, his passion and drive have only grown, and Peter has been instrumental, along with Jane, his wife, in raising many thousands of pounds to develop the club’s facilities.  Thanks to Peter, the club regularly tops the league's end of season pitch markings, and the new pavilion is a testament to his vision and perseverance.

"When asked what has driven his loyalty for six decades he simply replied, 'I love my cricket, and I love my club.' Of that there can be no doubt.  Equally, when asked how much longer he’ll continue to devote his time and energy to the club he replied, 'For as long as I can, I will.'  Amen to that."

From all of us at The Cricketer, many congratulations, Peter, on your phenomenal contribution to life at Wilcot.

Five-for Ted and Nathan’s magnificent seven

Harrogate CC U13 bowler Ted Crossland had a day to remember when his side faced Ripley Bulls in the Ninnerdale Junior Cricket League in June. The youngster took four wickets in an over, including a hat-trick off the last balls, to reduce Ripley to 12 for 4 at the end of the fourth over. He completed his five-for with the third delivery of the sixth over, bowling William Armistead, and finished with figures of 5 for 10 from his three overs – a remarkable performance!

Elsewhere in Yorkshire, Eastrington bowler Nathan Creaser took seven wickets as his side bowled Hillam & Monk Fryston out for just seven runs in Division Four of the Yorkshire & District League.

Hillam’s batsmen hung around for eight overs but they were no match for Creaser and his bowling partner, Harry Dunham. The former finished with figures of 7 for 3 while Dunham collected 2 for 1. Unsurprisingly, Eastrington completed their chase in no time at all, requiring just eight balls to secure a 10-wicket win. James Kendra top-scored with an unbeaten seven.

Surely not 😂

via @SixesANDwickets pic.twitter.com/l7Maf5eOOT

— That’s so Village (@ThatsSoVillage) July 10, 2021

Ex-servicemen and women wanted for Help for Heroes XI

Calling all ex-servicemen and women, Help for Heroes needs you… to join their cricket team!

Over the past seven years, the Help for Heroes cricket XI has raised more than £120,000 for the Armed Forces charity through their on-field activities as well as providing physical and mental support for veterans.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the team was unable to fulfil any official fixtures in 2020. However, they have a full fixture card for 2021, with scheduled matches against the Royal Household CC at Windsor Castle, Long Sutton CC in Lincolnshire, and Hambledon CC at Broadhalfpenny Down.

And now, the team are looking to recruit new members to their ranks, regardless of gender, age or ability for the coming season and beyond, with the long-term goal of setting up regional centres which offer cricket activities for veterans up and down the country.

Explaining the benefits of joining the team, former RAF Group Captain, Barrie Griffiths, who was forced to retire on medical grounds in April 2015, said: "The raison d’être of the cricket team is reflective of what the charity does: sports recovery and fellowship – and the guys get plenty of both. That’s what we say: 'It’s all about the guys', both men and women. We’re not bothered as to gender, mobility or ability: former first-class cricketer or complete novice, it’s really about the participation, not the match result.

^{Help for Heroes Cricket XI}

"One of the big things for veterans upon leaving the service is the loss of camaraderie they feel when they find themselves in Civvy Street and, even if they’re lucky enough to have family around them, it’s understandable they still miss that fellowship.

"The Help for Heroes cricket XI has helped many veterans enormously, both physically and mentally – and all while helping to raise money for a charity which provides that support across the country to other veterans. It also gives the guys a great sense of being able to give something back to an organisation which has done so much for them and their families."

For more details on the Help for Heroes cricket XI, or to participate, contact Barrie Griffith at barriegriff1@hotmail.co.uk.

For further information on Help for Heroes, or to get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk