A LOCAL cricketer has been awarded a special certificate in recognition of his 62 years of service to the game.

William Lang, 76, joint president of Parkfield and Headstone Cricket Club (PHCC), was presented with the certificate by PHCC chairman Martin Isham, who handed over the memento at a special ceremony at the Saddlers Mead clubhouse during the rain-affected Chairman's Day celebrations on Sunday, much to Bill's surprise and the delight and appreciation of club members.

Bill, as he is know to friends, started his playing career at the tender age of 14 in 1945 and has played for many clubs in the Harrow area. Currently he turns out on Saturday for Parkfield and Headstone, where last season he was instrumental in forming and captaining the 3rd team which quickly and affectionately became dubbed "the President's XI". On Sundays Bill continues to play for Grimsdyke CC.

Bill, who still works as a watchmaker, has travelled extensively with his wife, Marion, and recently returned from a world tour which took in America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. While travelling Bill invariably finds local cricket clubs and usually gets somebody to bowl a few balls for him in the nets or outfield - which means he can truly say he has played cricket around the world.

A favourite story he recounted at Parkfield was having been invited to play at Saddlers Mead in the 1960s, but the match was called off - he actually took the field there in 2003 when Headstone CC amalgamated with Parkfield, some 40 years later.

In younger days, opening the batting for Harrow Town, Bill played against Mike Brearley, then England captain. Bill has never been short of a word or two after a game, so when Mike left he pocketed a piece of paper with Bill's name on it and promised that at the next England selection meeting, he would take it out, look at it and continue with England selection - Bill Lang is among the few who can say he was considered for England.

To keep himself fit, apart from playing cricket, Bill cycles every day, referees football matches and still finds time for his four grandchildren. While PHCC members and officials celebrated with Bill, there was no hint of a declaration from this amazing Harrow cricketer currently on 62 not out.