The SCCL are delighted to announce that we have a new Patron for our League.
We are pleased to say that former England, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Sussex player, Bill Athey (pictured against New Zealand at Lords) has agreed to become our patron.
Bill began his career in 1976 at his home county of Yorkshire, before moving to Gloucestershire in 1984, eventually captaining the county in 1989. In 1993 he moved to Sussex and passed over 25,000 first class runs, before he moved to Worcestershire as a coach between 1997-2000.
Of course, the highlight of Bill's career came when he was selected to play for England, where he made his debut in 1980. He played 23 test matches and was involved in the famous England winning Ashes series of 1986/87, where he opened the batting with Chris Broad. His England career spanned 8 years and also included ODI games. In the ODI arena, Bill flourished, his most famous knocks came in 1987 in the Cricket World Cup where he scored two half centuries and top-scored for England before being run out in the final against Australia at Calcutta.
Bill took his coaching skills from Worcestershire and was part of the team at Dulwich College, where he coached cricketers such as Chris Jordan. Bill now resides just outside of Ludlow and his coaching skills were utilised by the south Shropshire club, this coaching, culminated in Ludlow winning the SCCL Premier Division in 2022, 25 years after their maiden league victory of 1997.
SCCL Chairman Gordon Smith stated "having a man of Bill's calibre as our patron is such a great asset to the league, and we look forward to working with him over the next few years"
Bill takes over the role from Robin Onions, Smith went on to say "we want to thank Robin for all his hard work, he has been a credit to the SCCL".
Bill has already stated that he plans to attend our SCCL Meadons Premier 100 Finals Day on the 7th of July at Allscott CC.
You will also see Bill at the league AGM on Tuesday the 26th of November, where he will present the trophies following our 2024 season.
Bill can also regularly be seen at Ludlow CC, where he often turns up to watch the SCCL Premier Division games that are held there.
We formally welcome Bill to the SCCL
SCCL Secretary - Matt Porter
