Tony WOOD

Woody joined Hythe & Dibden during the 1995 season after playing a few games for Billy Ogle's 17th Port Regiment side against Hythe. During those games Woody made 39 & 41 so we welcomed him with open arms. The next 16 years no one person brightened up our club as much as the big feller.

The 1996 season Woody played between the 2nds and 3rds but it was 1997 that he was to have his best season for the club - scoring 740 runs in all competitions. A 71* for the 3rds was followed up by 53* @ Swan Green and 60 vs Exbury. 456 runs in Sunday Cricket included smashing Zimbabwe star Gary Brent for three consecutive fours at Burridge.

1998 Woody was asked to Captain the 2nd XI League side which he did with open arms. 201 league runs included 68 vs Milford on Sea - he also scored another 230 Sunday runs. 1999 and Woody was asked to wicket-keep for the First XI where he would play 13 games. The 2000 season saw Woody score his highest league knock of 76. He shared in a 150 run partnership with Kev Luke vs Ellingham. Same season he also scored 80 for the Sunday XI vs Paultons - sharing in a 118 partnership with his best mate Mike Bowman.

With struggling knees Woody only managed to play 68 games between 2000 & 2011 scoring 754 league runs and 147 friendly runs. In 2007 he took over the mantle of Club Chairman. One of Woodys first duties (with the rest of the league committee on tour) was to addres the Parish Council Committee and argue the case why the grounds gate had to remain closed during games. Woody argued that OAP's couldn't drive into the ground and watch the cricket. Amazingly the Council reversed their decision and the big man had won his case.

2010 Woody decided to set up a 3rd XI to bring Colts into adult cricket. The lads responded by winning the league. Woody was chuffed to bits as he took his squad to the Rose Bowl Presentation Night. If you ever needed someone to help ease youngsters into adult cricket then Woody was your man. To watch the kids bamboozled with Woody's endless stories (whilst scoring) was special.

Sadly though Woody was taken from us in July 2011 aged just 44 - when he peacefully passed away with blood on the brain stem. The club was devastated and with over 500 people at the funeral it just proved what a special person the club had lost.

Tony Wood - A True Hythe Legend