The most successful captain in Drakes Huddersfield League history is stepping down at the end of this season.

Robert ‘Archie’ Moore has led Honley to six Byrom Shield successes in the Drakes Premiership since 2005 (the club were promoted from the old Section B as champions in 2000).

They also won the Sykes Cup twice – doing the double in 2005 and 2006 – under his leadership and landed the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy.

He has been the respected guiding light at Far End Lane for over a decade and officials at the club are delighted he will remain involved.

So, too, are teammates who have flourished under Moore’s astute tutelage.

Richie Howarth – the doyen of Drakes League opening bowlers (62 wickets again this summer) – says Moore’s influence in making Honley the ‘Team of the Noughties’ cannot be over-estimated.

“Archie has been a fantastic captain for Honley Cricket Club and it’s been an honour and a privilege to play under him,” said Howarth, who has led the attack in all those successes.

“I am sure I can say that on behalf of everyone who has been in his teams and, when he takes charge of his final home match against Elland tomorrow, I know it will be a moving and emotional day for all of us.

“Everybody plays for Archie. Everybody at the club appreciates what he has done and he’s a great guy to play for. For him to be the most successful captain of all time in our league is the perfect accolade.”

So what has been the secret of Moore’s success in a spell where Honley have reigned supreme?

“Archie is a man’s man and a great thinker on the game,” said Howarth.

“Apart from being captain he is a friend and a father figure to all the lads and he’s willing to listen at any time – not just about cricket but about life in general.

“When he sat down with Peter Green 13 or 14 years ago, I know Archie knew exactly what he wanted to do with the club, and for him to have achieved that and been as successful as he has is an incredible testament to his qualities.

“He gives 110% to everything he does at the club and I know he is keen to see Honley progress even further in the upcoming years, both with facilities and with our junior teams.

“His enthusiasm rubs off onto everyone, he’s now coaching as well and he’s delighted that his son, Harry – who has been part and parcel of the club since he was first able to walk – is now playing in the Under 9s and loving the game as part of a flourishing junior section.

“Archie will continue to be a calming and influential figure, I’ve no doubt about that, and he’ll do everything in his power to make sure future years at Honley are just as exciting as the past.

“He’s a great bloke, and none of us can speak highly enough of him and of what he has done for Honley Cricket Club.”