Andy Dimbleby

It is difficult to imagine many other players who have contributed more to Shelf Cricket Club than current opening batsman and club secretary, Andy Dimbleby. Andy has been associated with the club for the past 23 years, having moved from Bowling Old Lane in Halifax at 18. His obsession for cricket began when he used to watch his father play every Saturday with his family. He believes his passion for sport was unavoidable, stating that, "you could say I was brought up with cricket as part of my life from the day I was born."

While playing for Old Lane, Andy was fortunate enough to bat with ex- Yorkshire stars Alex Ramage and Martyn Moxon. He vividly remembers sharing a 50-run partnership with ex-England international Moxon, of which he believes he contributed ?about five or so runs?.

However, after this remarkable start to his cricketing career, Andy experienced the worst part of his playing days. Following his move from Bowling, and despite now playing at a lower level, Andy was not picked for the first team for two years. This was made even more depressing by the fact his brother opened the bowling for Shelf at the time. Moreover, despite expecting to score heavily in every game, he only managed an average of less than 20 for the 2nd XI. Andy was shocked and confused by his inability to score runs. It wasn?t until a year later, after a routine eye test, that he found out he needed to wear contact lenses to correct his impaired vision!

After this Andy proved his worth to Shelf, helping the team clinch the second division title on two occasions. He was also a regular in the Waddilove Cup- winning team in 1989. Sports-mad Andy is also a keen footballer, and played for Shelf FC before the birth of his two sons: Liam and Sam. He now prefers what he describes as the "less strenuous pastime of fishing?and the odd game of golf."

The devoted family man also makes time to be club secretary and has recently succeeded in gaining Shelf entrance to the Halifax League. "Although the job takes up a lot of my time, it is just one I love to do," he said. Andy also continues to work with the junior section of the club, and has helped refurbish the pavilion in time for the new season.

Thanks to David Febrero and Peter Davies from The Cricket History Of Calderdale for their contributions with this profile.