ROGER FRANCE is set to call time on his chairmanship of the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League after fulfilling the demanding role for 22 wonderful years.

A man who has Huddersfield cricket imprinted through him like a stick of rock, France has helped steer the League down a sometimes rocky road through many ups and downs with a firm, but steadying influence – he’s respected and will be sorely missed.

A former player with the now defunct Lockwood before moving to Elland, he retired from playing in the Drakes League in 1981 – although he did finish with three seasons playing for Old Almondburians in the Central League.

Having served both Lockwood and Elland as the League representative, he was later elected onto the management committee and then took over the chairmanship from Raymond Smith at the annual meeting in 1989.

“After 22 years, I think it’s about time to have a rest and let someone else have a crack at it, with some fresh ideas,” reflected France, who, now in his late 60s, is still busily managing his own hardware business and is a familiar face in Huddersfield’s Queensgate market.

“I was very lucky when I took over the reins from Raymond (Smith) because when I started I had the two Hedleys (Dawson and Collins) occupying the roles of general secretary and fixtures secretary respectively, while Jim Dawson was president.

“And in the wings there was Alec Lodge to give me reassurance and support, along with Philip Oldfield, who was always strong for the League, along with current Life Vice Presidents Donald Earnshaw and Roy Kilner, who were also very strong people and gave you all the support you wanted, so it was easy back then.

“Following on from Jim Dawson, Bob Platt took over as president and he also gave me 150% support and has been tremendous throughout my time as chairman, while Paul Whiteley came on board and helped bring the League into the new century, so I considered myself very lucky.

“But over the last few years it has definitely not got any easier, with more and more little niggles and countless appeals from players and clubs these days – which all contribute to making life that little bit more difficult.

“That said, however, I’ve no problems with any of our clubs and I certainly have no intentions of going away (he has already been nominated as a vice president). I just feel it’s time to take more of a back seat.”

France’s involvement with the Huddersfield League began back around 1964 when he started his playing career down at the picturesque Birks Bottom ground with Lockwood – with whom he reached the Sykes Cup final in 1973, scoring 14 not out during a six-wicket defeat to Kirkheaton at Fartown.

Among his teammates that day were Jeff Senior (who top-scored with 59 out of a total of 124-9), current League umpire Tom Rockett and Ian Rangeley, with France making the third-highest score.

“Along with that Sykes Cup final played in front of more than 3,000 people, I think my other highlights at Lockwood were in skippering the second team to two Paddock Shield finals, which unfortunately we lost, and for a spell being club secretary and League rep.”

He later moved to Elland, where he enjoyed even more success, when he captained the Hullen Edge Second team to the League and Paddock Shield double in 1979, and where he was also to take on the responsibility of League rep.

“I realise this is a chapter of my life that will never come back, and when I hand over the office to someone else, it will be tinged with a touch of sadness as well as an element of relief that I don’t have to worry any more about the unexpected problems that crop up,” added France.

“Having said that, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and been very proud of the position that I’ve held in the Huddersfield League, and there have been a lot of good times. In fact, overall they have been mainly good times and I am sure I’m going to miss it.”

The Drakes League’s Executive Secretary Trevor Atkinson (one of three candidates standing for chairman, (alongside Whiteley and Ron Tindall) said in tribute to France: “During my time as Executive Secretary I’ve found Roger’s experience and wisdom to be very beneficial when dealing with some of the problems which have arisen.

“Therefore it is pleasing to hear of measures to ensure that these qualities remain available to help his successor, if and when required.”