8th March
Gordon Rishman’s obituary
Gordon Rishman, who passed away on Monday shortly after his 92nd birthday was Woodlands Cricket Club through and through.
Before Woodlands moved to their present ground, opposing sides would travel to Oakenshaw by tram and had to walk the half mile or so from the terminus to the original ground in Woodlands hamlet.
This meant they had to pass the Rishman family home, and a very young Gordon would sit on the wall outside checking the opposition team which he would then report to his father Ralph.
As he got older, he would make his way to the ground itself to see his heroes in action.
To start with, he turned out for the 2nd XI when they were short and so when junior cricket was restarted at the club after the war he was experienced enough to skipper the side and skilled enough to head the league batting averages when he led his team to the title in 1949.
He soon established himself in the 1st XI and continued playing well into the 1970s.
Established as the team’s No 3 he would nudge and nurdle his way as the backbone of the innings. In those days of uncovered wickets, little protective wear and no helmets, it took some courage to get behind every ball.
Gordon was up to the task and proved to be one of the most difficult batsmen to dislodge throughout his career during which he batted throughout the innings on a remarkable eight occasions. He also skippered the 1st XI during the 1959 and 60 seasons.
Off the field of play, Gordon played his full part in the administration of the club and in 1983, having previously been Chairman, he became club President, a position he held until he died, as the club’s longest-serving President.
Gordon was immensely proud to be President and Life Member of the club and watch it grow from an archetypal village cricket club to become Bradford League champions in 2005. Then to follow that success with nine further league trophies and go on to become Yorkshire club champions in 2022 and 2023.
He was the perfect ambassador for the club and represented it with distinction.
Gordon’s connection with Woodlands was a family affair. His father Ralph was Captain and President. His nephew Anthony Throup was a spin bowler and Uncle Sid played for the club as wicketkeeper prior to a Bradford League career with Bankfoot and Bowling Old Lane.
Privately, Gordon had a major career change during his 40s when he undertook a university degree in podiatry. Such was his determination to succeed that when Huddersfield University opened a School of Chiropody, Gordon was its first Principal.
Throughout his life Gordon was supported by two wonderful wives. Cynthia gave her full support particularly during the time of his studies until she unfortunately passed away. After some years of living alone Gordon met Christine who has given fantastic support in the latter years of his life when Gordon often endured ill health.
Gordon will be sadly missed by Christine, family, everyone at Woodlands and all who had the good fortune to know him.
5th March
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart we have to announce that club President Gordon Rishman has passed away.
A gentleman and friend to all, he will be sorely missed.
Our love and thoughts are with Christine and his family.
Love WC
20th February
Sponsor a match ball for only £25!
Match ball sponsors will be featured on social media for that match!
Contact us to sponsor.
woodlandscricketclub@gmail.com
18th February
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024!
We are looking for new sponsors for the 2024 season and offer a wide range of sponsorship opportunities.
Check out our sponsorship packages here:
https://woodlandscricketclub.co.uk/sponsorship
If you are interested in sponsoring please contact us via direct message or through email: woodlandscricketclub@gmail.com
15th February
Back for 2024 is player sponsorship!
For £150 you can sponsor an individual player from either our 1st XI or our 2nd XI.
What you will receive:
Website advert including logo and link to your website.
An advertisement within our programme.
Social media acknowledgement
Feature on social media with chosen player if that player has produced a notable match performance.
If you would like to sponsor a player please contact us directly or via email:
woodlandscricketclub@gmail.com
14th February
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ossett stalwart Bob Schofield.
Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and all of our friends at Ossett
Love WCC
5th February
Our junior nets start tomorrow 6pm till 7pm in the sportshall. All welcome.
30th January
Maintenance work continues throughout the year. A mild winter’s day allowed a start to be made on the staining of the fixed seating outside the Sports Hall - the seats having been earlier stripped back to bare wood.
28th January
LAST MAN STANDS!
Entries close tomorrow at 4pm, only £10 to enter!
All are welcom
23rd January
Congratulations to our Last Man Stands winner who won over £500
We start again with a new game. £10 to enter. All entries by 4pm on Monday.
All welcome
22nd January
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Hartshead Moor chairman, Tony Dickinson. Our thoughts are with his family and our friends at Hartshead Moor at this sad time
Love WCC
18th January 2024
The draw for the 1st round if the Heavy Woollen cup has been made and sees us away at Carlton with the game scheduled for 21 April.
We have a bye in the first round of the Crowther Cup but are away to Townville in the second round with the game to be played on 2 June
1st January 2024
Happy New Year, love all at WCC
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