Hyde Celebrate Memorable Season

Hyde Cricket Club held their annual awards on Friday but it was the captain of the fourth team who was rightly the star of the evening. 

Stalwart Lee Brown has finally called time on his distinguished playing career that has seen him serve the club for more than 50 years. 

Lee joined in 1971, making his debut in the same year and has represented all Hyde's teams with distinction from that day. 

He broke in to the first XI in 1972 whilst also running the u18s team and his commitment to the Werneth Low club has been unwavering ever since. 

His career has seen him score well over 12,000 runs and take more than 150 wickets, but it's his influence on many of the youngsters, who have gone on to play for the club, which will be greatly missed. 

His belief in giving youth a chance has seen many go on to have long and illustrious careers at Hyde and that's why, when he took to the field for the last time in September, so many players, past and present, turned out to give Lee the guard of honour his efforts truly deserved. 

He was a pugnacious and brave batsman, who led from the front and he would often set the innings up for the middle order to play expansively. 

In recognition of his 51 years of service Lee was presented with a special cap as players, members and supporters rose as one to give Lee a standing ovation. 

It was somewhat fitting the presentation evening saw many of the players Lee has captained, over the years, receiving awards of their own as Hyde celebrated a great season for all its teams including the junior sections.