Two of the greatest professionals in Heywood CC’s – and the CLL’s – history are down at Crimble this weekend.
First up is the legendary all-rounder Colin Lever, who will be down for both games this weekend. Colin was professional from 1968 to 1976, and was the man behind unquestionably the finest era in the club’s history.
During this period, Heywood lifted the CLL title three times, in 1968, 1974 and 1976. As well as this, Heywood won the Wood Cup in 1970 and 1971, the Aggregate Cup in 1970 and 1976, and the Subsidiary Trophy in 1973.
And Lever’s stats are rather stand-out to. In nine seasons, he took 771 wickets at an average of 10.76, and scored 6439 runs at just over 31 in an era dominated by high-quality bowling pros.
Colin, born in Todmorden in 1939, was the brother of England fast bowler Peter Lever, but at Crimble, he is the only Lever that matters.
On Sunday, West Indian great Sherwin Campbell returns to the club. Although known as a great party-animal and rum lover, Sherwin was also part of one of the greatest eras in the club’s recent history.
He set the record for runs scored in a season for Heywood, scoring 1479 at an average of 64.3 in 2006, when he led Heywood to a league and cup double for only the fourth time in the club’s history.
Great memories talking to Colin and Sherwin on Saturday. Colin the best all round pro we’ve ever had ? Sherwin the best batter ? Discussion time !
Hands down Sherwin is the best batsmen i’ve ever had the priviledge to play alongside (current skipper exempt) !!
He could, and regularly did, take games away from teams in a matter of minutes and balls !!
Two knocks standout more than any others !! Monday night at home in the Wood Cup against a very strong Littleborough side and the Wood Cup Final game at home against Unsworth !!
Words probably won’t do his Monday night knock enough justice but to be able to shake his hand as a team mate as he came off was an honour !! He clawed a hugely important game back from the brink in a manner that made it look like he was just having a net !!!!
His knock against Unsworth demonstrated why clubs pay pro’s to play for them !! His 80 odd in no time took that final away from Unsworth before the drinks had even been taken out at 25 overs !! Even with Wayne Madsen on fire that day, what Sherwin set up took all the pressure of the rest of the lads in the side who subsequently bowled well and fielded like a professional outfit !! Any nerves the lads have evaporated after about 30 minutes of sitting watching an absolute masterclass of batting !!
Suggie, Botha and Johan Louw are up there as guys i’ve played with but Campbell was in a different league !!!!
Still won’t admit he was hungover away at Milnrow though in his first season !!!!!!
HELLO
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR PETER LEVER
HE WAS MY PE TEACHER IN 1962-65 AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH
THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP IN CONTACTING COLIN
REGARDS
MIKE COLE
Mike. Colin occasionally puts comments on this website and hopefully may read yours. I’m not sure if anyone has an email address for him at the club, but if there is, we will try to put you in contact.
Following the death of an umpire in south Wales after being hit on the head whilst standing in a match I am promoting a scheme to have umpires wear helmets you help would be appriciated John Revington
Replying to Mike Cole’s entry. Peter doesn’t do email! His phone number is 07957 605382. He is slowing down and suffering a degree of memory loss so be prepared for a long call.
Good luck to the first team in their bid to get back into the top flight. Please give my regards to Faisal.