Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2026

at the crease SPEAKERS 2024-25 by Andy Pack 5 Wednesday 9 October 2024 Kevin Howells Cricket writer and broadcaster Our speaker confessed he was in a melancholic mood and was aiming to, at least for the night, not allow his usual passion for cricket result in a rant! Our experience of his 20 years or so of visits raised doubts around whether that might even be possible. Or desirable … It started well with a lament that the season had ended and that April was a long way off. The winter round of talks had him worrying about what to say and, afterwards, what he might have actually said! With safety in mind Kevin paid an almost misty eyed tribute to the ability, demeanour and character of our own Joe Root: “We are witnessing now the era of Joe Root, of history being made… truly amazing to have such attributes, abilities and personal traits. This is a wonderful time for English cricket.” In addition, the rising talent of Archie Vaughan and ‘Rocky’ Flintoff indicated that there was also much to look forward to as “we feel the continuation of the game, a connection we don’t want to lose.” There was delight for new Yorkshire coach, Anthony McGrath, sympathy for the departing Otis Gibson and (mostly) Martyn Moxon following the turbulent allegations of racism at YCCC - and a plea for the club to show more humility and good grace. The topics kept on coming and, yes, he became passionate. Phew, he was okay after all then … Wednesday 23 October 2024 Nick Gaywood Minor Counties, Sheffield Collegiate, England Over 60s. Cricket is a time consuming sport, but it seems Nick exemplifies just how much, over more years, than most … essentially as an amateur. The Devon born batsman played Minor Counties with them - getting a 100 at Lord’s - until moving to Sheffield when he was 35 years old. Thinking that his involvement was winding down, things took a different turn when he joined Collegiate CC. Is he the only player to have shared century stands with Matt Root, Joe and Billy? And to play for MCC in the European Cricket Championship in… Denmark? Coaching and teaching PE at Worksop College kept him busy in the game, as did assisting the Roots start their Academy. That expertise was utilised in establishing the fabulous Desert Springs Cricket Academy in Almeria, Spain, which became a training base for England and other professional teams. Nick continued playing, further down the leagues and for Yorkshire Over 50s, Over 60s and, ultimately, England Over 60s. When they beat Australia 3-1 his century at Southport was one of only two in the ‘Grey Ashes’ history. The story doesn’t finish there. He was the Barmy Army tour manager when they went to Dharamshala, India, met the Dalai Lama (‘seems a nice bloke’), and played at Bradford against Pakistan. He said, “There seem to have been lots of once in a lifetime moments and they keep on coming. It all seems ridiculous.” So true, Nick. All’s well with Kev Evergreen Lord’s centurion