Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2013

24 The Indoor Season... ...continued Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society In the 2001 season Steve enjoyed his first season at Yorkshire taking 47 wickets and earning him a place in the England Academy Squad in Australia. Steve’s enthusiasm for the game was obvious throughout the evening and he certainly enjoyed the many questions from members which he answered with honesty and good humour. 19th January Society members were delighted to welcome the new President of the MCC Philip Hodson . Former Cambridge Blue and Yorkshire 2nd XI player Philip has had a long connection with the game in Yorkshire and been a member of the MCC since 1979 and has played over 300 games for them. A shrewd business man, Philip is highly regarded at the MCC and told us how proud he was to become only the fourth ever MCC president from Yorkshire, following in the footsteps of Lord Hawke, Sir Stanley Jackson and Sir William Worsley. Philip, well known to our Sheffield Collegiate members,was delighted to see so many of them attending our meeting. Another enjoyable evening. 1st February Our guest tonight, yet another Yorkshire born cricketer to have made a successful career outside the broad acres. Gary Keedy was born in Wakefield and enjoyed a very active and successful time in Youth Cricket playing in 8 Youth Tests. A product of the Yorkshire Academy Gary played only one game for Yorkshire before signing for Lancashire during the winter of 1994. He was awarded his County cap in 2000 and went on to be a key member of the Lancashire side. He told us that he often felt that he was on the verge of International honours and although he was named in the England Squad a few times he never made the senior side. In 2006 Gary was voted by ”All Out Cricket’s“ October edition as the best County Player never to have played for England. Answering questions after the interval Gary showed obvious delight at having helped Lancashire to their Championship win. Having taken 61 wickets in the season, he also was pleased to have helped in the early careers of Lancashire’s young spinners, Stephen Parry and Simon Kerrigan. A final question to Gary revealed that he is currently studying for a degree in Physiotherapy to prepare for his future after his playing days are over. Super evening with a true cricket fanatic we wished him well for the future. Postscript:- October 12th 2012. Gary Keedy has signed a two year contract with Surrey 16th February 2012 Members will recall that for many years we enjoyed an evening in the company of the late Peter Cooper. After some consideration your Committee decided to ask our own member