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Obituary: Eric Woods 1946-2002
Martin Gaskell - Sunday 29th September 2002

Eric William Woods, who died suddenly at his home on Friday last, aged 56, began his cricketing career as a junior playing for Daisy Hill in the Bolton Association. His progress was rapid, and he was very soon plying his trade in the Bolton League with Westhoughton and later with Eagley until 1989. He took a total of 504 Bolton League wickets and in 1988 was the leading amateur wicket taker in the league.

In 1990 Eric joined Highfield and in his first season was instrumental, with sixty-nine wickets, in gaining the club promotion as Champions the season they entered the Southport and District League. They also lifted the coveted Sandhurst Shield in the same season.

Eric went on to captain the side in 1994, 1995 and 1996 whilst still continuing his prolific wicket taking. In total he amassed over 500 1st XI wickets including 45 wickets in the club’s first season in the Liverpool Competition. This season having stepped down into the 2nd XI, he took a massive 70 league and cup wickets.

Eric was youth liaison officer at the club and worked tirelessly with the younger players throughout his time at Highfield. Many players have developed greatly from working and playing alongside Eric, not just as cricketers but also as people.

He will be sadly missed by all at Highfield Cricket Club.