Holmfirth’s Ian Whiteley and Lascelles Hall’s Richard Shaw are this season’s recipients of the prestigious Lady Sykes Candlesticks for the selfless service devoted to their clubs.
‘Lippy’ (pictured above, centre) as Ian is affectionately known caps off a wholesome career with Holmfirth, joining 25 years ago in 1997. He began as a second teamer but made his first team debut in 1999, predominantly as a bowler and has taken over 600 wickets for the club. In 2011 he received the Frank Townend Cup for best bowler in Championship Two and his best figures in a match came in that same season with 9-20 vs Hoylandswaine 2XI. 2021 marked his final season as captain, finishing on a high by helping them to promotion from Conference Two; a feat which resulted in the club crest tattooed on his chest following a pledge made earlier in the campaign.
Off the pitch, Whiteley has contributed heavily around the club whether it’s cutting a wicket ahead of a match or helping out behind the bar following a game. His warm, infectious personality has made friends all around the league.
Richard Shaw’s divining rod-style influence at Lascelles Hall makes him an excellent natural fit for the Lady Sykes Candlestick. He first played as a ten year old at the club in 1984 and apart from a season out with both Paddock and Lepton Highlanders has always been a steadying presence at the club ever since. Shaw played in Lascelles Hall’s losing 2001 Sykes Cup final on a day where Ryan Robinson dealt out some tough punishment with the ball for Kirkburton; one of the best teams in that era. Since the 00’s he has mainly played second team cricket and helped guide the junior players through the team.
His off field roles at the club benefited them during some challenging times following the club’s relegation from the top flight in 2008. An arson attack on the club in 2010 was a huge loss and in 2016 the club was defrauded when a former treasurer embezzled nearly £30,000. Shaw has played a major role in the recovery from these damaging events and was involved with the stabilisation of Lascelles Hall where they have consolidated as one of the more competitive and well-run sides in the Championship. The club has plans for a major clubhouse rebuild in progress with Shaw involved in the resurgence.
Congratulations to both Ian and Richard for their recognition and we look forward to presenting their mementos at the Annual awards night on 17th November.
