Legend Brian was a class act – on and off the pitch

Brian was a feared fast bowler during his playing days with the Deansfield outfit and equally renowned for his skills on the field and his grace off it.

He started his Brewood career in the early 1950s and established himself as one of the finest bowlers on the local cricket scene, making life miserable for opposing batsmen for 40 years.

But while he was fiercely competitive in the heat of battle, Brian was also regarded by team-mates and opposition alike as a perfect gentleman who fully respected the traditions of the game.

Brian’s wicket-taking skills earned him a call-up for a prestigious trip to the West Indies in 1976. He was one of 17 players who represented the Wolverhampton Cricket Association on the tour to the Caribbean, where they won three of the four games they played.

Brian continued to clock up the wickets during the late 70s, 80s and 90s following the formation of the Staffs Clubs Cricket Championship.

Off the field, Brian, who lived in Brewood with his wife Janet and sons Steve and Andrew, served on the club’s committee for numerous years and also spent countless hours passing on his knowledge to the club’s youngsters on training nights.

Fellow Brewood CC life member and close friend Richard Bourne was one of numerous younger players who benefited from his former team-mate’s experience.

“I have known Brian all my life,” said Richard. “There is a big connection between the Bourne family and the Bill family, that goes right back to when the club was reformed in 1919.

“Brian’s father and uncle, Percy and Frank, were a significant part of the reformation of the club along with my grandfather.

“We go way, way back. Brian was someone who was there all the time.

“His son Steve also played for Brewood and we grew up together. He was a very prominent player for Brewood as well.

“Steve was as successful with the bat as his dad was with the ball.

“The Bill name in cricketing circles around here goes very far and wide.

“Brian was the sort of guy that when you were growing up you looked up to with huge respect.

“There were many occasions where he would say something to me quite sternly and firmly, but fairly.

“You are a bit more contentious in your teenage years and I would put a little bit of resistance up. But I always knew, and as I found out in later life, that they were wise words.

“And the respect just kept on growing because he would always say the right things.”

Richard also witnessed Brian’s talent at close quarters during his days as wicketkeeper for the club.

“Brian played for the club from the early 50s right the way through until the early 90s when he hung his boots up,” added Richard. “He moved away from the area for a while when he retired and played for a club in Cambridgeshire I believe, but his main days were with Brewood.

“His wife Janet used to go around with him everywhere. She was always there supporting him as she was with Steve when he played. They are a lovely family.

“Brian was club captain for a number of years and a huge part of the team.

“I remember there were all sorts of headlines in the 70s, 80s and 90s in the Express & Star and the name Brian Bill would feature quite a few times. He was a regular wicket-taker.

“He was selected to represent Wolverhampton Cricket Association in 1976. They organised a special tour to play in the West Indies. It was quite an achievement to be selected for that tour and was something we were all very proud of.

“In those ‘olden days’ before the Staffs Clubs League took off your club was regarded as successful depending on what fixtures you got.

“If you were offered the opportunity to play Wolverhampton and Walsall you would be honoured as you were with quite a few of the North Staffs teams such as Barlaston and Stone.

“Brian played with and against some very good cricketers and more than held his own.

“I kept wicket to him for a good 10 years and he was a very clever bowler. He was very, very competitive but also a real gentleman.

“A situation never arose where he caused any controversy on the pitch.

“Matt Gibbons, the club president, and myself have talked about things over the last few days and I am sure if we can get back to some sort of normality this summer then the club will do something to recognise everything Brian did for Brewood.

“A lot of tributes have been paid and Shaun Guest, who was a very accomplished player for Fordhouses, captured it perfectly.

“He said: ‘Brian was a true gentleman, hugely competitive on the pitch but one of the most likeable and gentlemanly guys you could ever meet off the pitch’.”