Delph duo hailed at league dinner

Cricket: 

THERE was recognition for the Delph camp at the Drakes Huddersfield League annual awards dinner.

Leading the way off the field was club president Peter Gledhill, who won the ‘Long and distinguished service to their club’ award, the FR Stallard Cup.

Gledhill, now a successful businessman, began his association with Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club in 1957 when he was 16. His loyalty has remained with the club, first as a player and then as the president, a total of 57 years.

He said: “I feel very honoured and proud to have won this award. A few of my colleagues knew beforehand, but they did a great job keeping it a secret. I was quite shocked.”

Delph’s talented all-rounder Arron Lilley picked up two awards on the night, the Clifford Sykes Cup for most catches by a Premiership fielder (excluding wicketkeepers), with 15 victims. The Lancashire-contracted ace also secured the ‘match-winning performance of the season’ prize, the Johnny Hunter Rose Bowl, thanks to his efforts on the opening day of last season. Lilley took four wickets for 64 runs, then smashed 139 not out as the visitors secured a stunning win.

Lilley (23), currently in Australia with Blacktown Warriors, last week helped his side to victory against Western Suburbs, scoring 113 off 93 balls