Graham Lloyd Calls It A Day
Monday August 18th 2014

Graham Lloyd has called time on his Lancashire League playing career.

The former Lancashire and England star was appointed to the First-class Umpires list in 2014 but decided to carry on playing when his schedule allowed.

Graham said: "I have a demanding schedule and I also felt it was unfair on the players in the team who are doing well to drop out on the occasions I was available."

Rapidly rising through the ranks at Accrington, Graham developed into a regular Lancashire player, earning a place in the England 'A' tour to Australia.

An outstanding junior batsman, it was no surprise when Graham followed on the well trodden path from Accrington to Old Trafford. Strong in all areas of batsmanship, Graham was an excellent fielder on the ground and in the air. He opened the batting in the 1986 Telegraph Cup Final triumph against Todmorden.

In a First-class career spanning 15 seasons Graham hit 11279 runs at 38.4 with 24 centuries and 64 half centuries with a highest score of 241. His box office batting also secured the Sir Walter Lawrence Trophy for the fastest century of the season in 1996 and 1997. Graham also scored 5155 runs for Lancashire Seconds between 1985 and 2002.

After his retirement from First-class cricket Graham enjoyed five highly successful seasons at Bootle in the Liverpool and District Competition. A trophy laden five seasons saw Bootle win the title in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 and cup in 2003 and 2005. LCB Cup success was also achieved with wins in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. CricketArchive stats show Graham scoring 4614 runs at 48.1 with thirty half centuries and nine centuries from 122 innings.

Graham returned to Accrington in 2008. He was instrumental in the recent spell of success at Accrington with three league titles in 2008, 2009 and 2013, Worsley Cup in 2008, Colne Trophy in 2013 and he captained the side to two Holland Cups in 2011 and 2012.

Graham was appointed to the First-class Umpires list for 2014 after being on the Reserve List since 2009. Graham announced his retirement from playing in August 2014 after playing in six matches during the season when his umpiring duties allowed.

Graham's final innings for the club was an unbeaten 95 against Rishton on July 12th 2014.

In his final season, Graham averaged 54.0 in scoring 216 runs. He finished fifth on the all time list of leading run scorers for the club with 4780 runs at 34.1, including three centuries and 25 half centuries with 115 catches in 190 matches.

Including sub professional games for other Lancashire League clubs Graham scored 4937 runs at 34.3 in league matches.

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