Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2026

at the crease SPEAKERS 2024-25 by Andy Pack 7 Wednesday 4 December 2024 James Taylor Former Leicestershire, Notts & England batsman Undeniably the majority in attendance were as interested in hearing about the tragedy that almost befell the speaker, as they were in the burgeoning England cricket career that ended so suddenly at only 26 years old. By understanding that was the case - and why - James responded to questions with such clarity and depth that we were absorbed, carried along by hearing a real-life drama unfolding before us. That it had been, for him, made it even more remarkable he could discuss it so openly with no self pity. A multi-talented sportsman, Taylor quickly established himself at Leicestershire, regularly ticking off county and personal milestones, including England Test and One Day recognition. Joining Nottinghamshire was proof of his ambition as he continued to force his way into the International teams, earning an incremental ODI contract in 2015. Continued success in the limited overs format was backed up by playing all four Tests in a historic 2-1 series win over SA. He was finally regarded as having cemented his Test place. Then, in Spring 2016 during a pre-season friendly, he was taken ill with dizziness and vomiting plus, at times, a heart rate of around 260 beats per minute. A delay getting to hospital could have been fatal as he was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. It meant immediate retirement, an internal defibrillator, and a careful lifestyle. No wonder he impressed with his positive attitude and personality. Friday 13 December 2024 Ashley Metcalfe Former Yorkshire & Notts opener Our Christmas Lunch guest was engaging, modest and so proud to have been a Yorkshireman who represented his county. As a 19 year old on debut he partnered Geoff Boycott, both scoring centuries with barely a word between them. On a later occasion the senior partner - frustrated by Ashley’s propensity to score 20s and 30s quickly but not capitalise - offered a comment that taught the youngster the value of scoring heavily to win matches. “I’ve been thinking about you and what you remind me of … got it … a lighthouse in a desert. Brilliant but bloody useless!” It was a lesson well learnt and a prompt for other very humorous stories, but the most telling was really a tribute to Boycott as ‘a phenomenal batsman’ and, perhaps less well known, a thorough, unique and helpful team-mate when responding to a request for cricketing help and advice. A keen appreciation of YCCC’s tremendous history and legends fired Metcalfe’s ambition to join them. Although International recognition just evaded him, he admired team-mates upon whom it was bestowed - Michael Bevan, Darren Lehmann, Richie Richardson and the 17 year old Sachin Tendulkar: “He had immense ability and you just knew he was going to be a top player”. Having Ray Illingworth as father in law could have been tricky as well as handy, but Ashley’s only regret was not asking for his advice earlier when he was playing. The fittest survive.. Inspired by legends