Lee Brown, joined Hyde Cricket Club, in 1971, making his debut in the same year.
He retires, as 4th team skipper, a role he has made his own in the last few years, having played in every season since his debut. He is easily Hyde's longest serving player, having represented all our senior teams, including some of Hyde's greatest. Teams from the seventies, including players of the calibre of the great West Indian, Jim Allen, and the 1979 team, led by Pete Hardman, that claimed the Lancashire & Cheshire Division 1 Championship.

During the 1980's and early 1990's Lee was captain of our second team, where he watched on as many of Hyde's finest young players emerged. In this Lee made perhaps his greatest contribution, as the one responsible for the developement of young players, many of whom went on to enjoy long careers in the game.
My first memory of Lee, was when I played for a visiting Stalybridge Under 18s team, in 1981. Lee managed the Hyde team, containing such players as David Butterworth, Graham Torkington and a very young Mike Bolger...
The game was very close, and by the last ball both teams believed they had won!
Tempers frayed; even Butty was incensed, given the 'Bridge umpire had played a prominent role, as the game descended into chaos.
I remember how calm and dignified the Hyde manger remained, when others were loosing their heads.
It was strange game, but notable for the kind manner Lee displayed.

It should also be remembered that Lee has done almost every job at our club.
Committee man, captain, coach, table tennis pro, bar man, keeper of records and countless photos, and, teller of tall stories...
Another vivid memory is of him trying to cut the grass on the banking with his fly-mo. He cut an interesting figure, as he slipped up and down the bank, cursing the sheer stupidity of his incompetent machine! His late wife, Brenda, watching on, sipping at her glass of red wine, muttering something both cutting and sanguine.

It could be debated which was his greatest attribute - his batting, unconventional at times, was pugnacious and brave, his bowling often drew wickets more from the batsman's poor judgement, but was always combative, his fielding enthusiastic.
But more likely Lee's greatest legacy, the one he ought to derive greatest pride from, was his humility and self sacrifice. In this, we should remember how long he has been with our club, hours upon hours helping others, whether as captain or coach, and his sheer commitment as a one club man, with all that entails...including endless hours of voluntary "labour".
Not that the latter ought to stop any time soon.
Lee, there is plenty of decorating for you this winter...

Over more than 50 seasons Lee Brown has been a giant of Hyde Cricket (and ping pong, a sport he has single handedly maintained during the dark winter months.)

He is the scorer of over 11,000 runs. Taker of over 150 wickets. Catcher of probably 100 dollies!
Much more he has been, and remains, a great servant of Hyde Cricket and Squash Club.

Keep going Lee, we all hope to see you at the club for many years.
Historian and writer of the best match reports ever to come out of these pages....

Everyone is welcome this Sunday. MATCH STARTS AT 1PM.
Join Lee and the 4th team, in celebrating his great career.

See you there.

John