Keith Wilkinson
Author: Old Hill Cricket Club
Date: 24/02/2023
Everyone at Old Hill Cricket Club has been truly saddened to learn of the passing of former captain, Keith Wilkinson, at the age of 73.
Keith was born in Fenton, Staffordshire in 1950 and as a young player was on the books at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. He represented the county at first class level between 1969 and 1975, scoring two centuries and four fifties, as well as taking one five wicket haul.
Keith combined his county career with league cricket at Stourbridge before joining Old Hill in 1977. He showed a flair for captaincy at Haden Hill during the truly golden period of our history, leading the club to the last of our Birmingham League title wins in 1983. This was followed by consecutive National Knock Out title wins in 1984 and 1985 at Lord's with a further victory in 1987. In the first of these, it was Keith's vital contribution of 76 not out that rescued the game from a perilous position to defeat Bishop's Stortford with 3 balls to spare.
Keith often led from the front with his batting, passing 500 runs in a season six times for Old Hill. He also notched up six centuries for the club, with a best of 162 not out against Mitchell & Butlers in 1977.
After leaving Old Hill, Keith moved to Kidderminster CC, where he continued as captain until the late 1990s and leading a resurgence in fortunes at Chester Road.
As ever, though, cricket is about more than the numbers and the victories. Keith is remembered as a great competitor and an inspirational leader who could raise the very best from every player under him. He was a mentor to many, both in club cricket and as a coach at Worcestershire, and always had time to seek out individuals to pass on praise and advice. Off the field, Keith was great company with stories to tell, a man of great humour and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by his many friends across the West Midlands and beyond, and his memory will always be cherished by us here at Old Hill.
We extend our sympathies to Keith’s wife, Wendy, and to his family at this sad time.
Keith was born in Fenton, Staffordshire in 1950 and as a young player was on the books at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. He represented the county at first class level between 1969 and 1975, scoring two centuries and four fifties, as well as taking one five wicket haul.
Keith combined his county career with league cricket at Stourbridge before joining Old Hill in 1977. He showed a flair for captaincy at Haden Hill during the truly golden period of our history, leading the club to the last of our Birmingham League title wins in 1983. This was followed by consecutive National Knock Out title wins in 1984 and 1985 at Lord's with a further victory in 1987. In the first of these, it was Keith's vital contribution of 76 not out that rescued the game from a perilous position to defeat Bishop's Stortford with 3 balls to spare.
Keith often led from the front with his batting, passing 500 runs in a season six times for Old Hill. He also notched up six centuries for the club, with a best of 162 not out against Mitchell & Butlers in 1977.
After leaving Old Hill, Keith moved to Kidderminster CC, where he continued as captain until the late 1990s and leading a resurgence in fortunes at Chester Road.
As ever, though, cricket is about more than the numbers and the victories. Keith is remembered as a great competitor and an inspirational leader who could raise the very best from every player under him. He was a mentor to many, both in club cricket and as a coach at Worcestershire, and always had time to seek out individuals to pass on praise and advice. Off the field, Keith was great company with stories to tell, a man of great humour and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by his many friends across the West Midlands and beyond, and his memory will always be cherished by us here at Old Hill.
We extend our sympathies to Keith’s wife, Wendy, and to his family at this sad time.