With Hartlepool Cricket Club having the honour of holding the prestigious Kerridge Cup Final at Park Drive on Sunday, 4th August, 2019, it was only fitting that this was the day that Michael Gough (Senior) was inducted into the NYSD Hall of Fame, thereby joining his son, Michael, in receiving this honour. For the avoidance of any doubt, this award was in recognition of Goughie’s contribution to local cricket, as opposed to his other passion : singing!

From a very young age Michael would watch local cricket matches, always taking his cricket gear with him in the hope he’d be called upon to play. He initially played for Seaton Carew Cricket Club, playing for “Seaton” for about three years. He learned his cricket skills from Claude Hornby.

In 1968 Michael joined Hartlepool Cricket Club and soon established himself as a 1st XI opening batsman. He played in the League winning side of 1978. Across 1976 to 1978 Michael was selected to represent Durham County Cricket Club who played in the then Minor Counties.

Michael joined Peterlee Cricket Club as their “match professional coach”. Following a short break to concentrate on his sports retail business, he then joined Easington for some seven years, where he played as their club professional. He then rejoined Hartlepool and was a member of the Hartlepool Cricket Club 1st XI that won the League and Kerridge Cup in 1988. His honours record at Park Drive reads : two League championships; and three Kerridge Cup wins.

As to the Kerridge Cup, “Goughie” holds a unique record. He’s the only opening batsman to have recorded two not out innings in the Final. The first was against Middlesbrough in 1988 when he scored 55 not out in a total of 117 all out. Pools then went to to dismiss the Boro for 96. Unfortunately, Michael lost out on winning the Man of the Match Award, since a Middlesbrough bowler received this award after taking eight wickets! The second saw Michael score 37 not out against Redcar, with Pools winning after having scored 135 for 2.

In the latter stages of his playing career, Michael also enjoyed short spells at Blackhall and Wolviston.

Michael’s love of Hartlepool Cricket Club and spending time at the fantastic Park Drive has strengthened over the years, especially since his playing days ended.

Since 1995 Michael has held the position of President of Hartlepool Junior Cricket Club. He’s a qualified cricket coach and has ran the Under 17s for some 14 years. He’s renowned for always having time to help and encourage players to improve their game, especially the Club’s junior players.

To take a phrase from modern day cricket, Michael is a “cricket badger”. His passion for the game of cricket is unquestionable. Cricket has given Michael a lifetime of enjoyment, ie. in terms of playing, coaching, meeting with officials and spectators and in watching the sport that he loves. He’s an active member of Hartlepool Cricket Club’s General Committee. He takes the main lead on player recruitment issues.

In short, Michael is regarded as being the oracle, mentor and peacemaker at Hartlepool Cricket Club. He’s greatly respected by everyone at Park Drive HQ!

Michael richly deserves his admission to the NYSD Hall of Fame. He’ll no doubt be doubly proud by the fact that he joins Michael Junior in the “HoF”, the first father and son to be inducted!

Thanks goes to Club Secretary, Susanne Wilkinson, for providing the background information upon which this article is based.