back row L-R: N.Chettle (Scorer), G.Neal, R.Johnson, G.Fensome, R.Barden, J.Buckby, C.J.May (Umpire) front row: R.Dunkley, P.J.Watts, M.Dilley (Capt), A.Smith, R.Peacock

Michael Reginald Dilley was born in Rushden in 1939 and lived most of his early life at Washbrook Road. Mike played his entire early cricket at Wellingborough Grammar school and at Rushden Town and he joined the Northamptonshire ground staff in 1957 at the age of eighteen.

He made his first class debut for the County team at Stanley Park Blackpool against Lancashire on the 31st July of that year, which was his only game in this his first season at the club. He made one appearance in 1958 and four in 1959. In 1960 he failed to appear but in 1961 he made 15 appearances, and in 1962 4 appearances. In 1963 which was to be his last year in County Cricket he made 8 appearances, which unfortunately did not include the championship game against Lancashire at Rushden. The highlight of Mike’s first class career was in 1961 when on the 1st of July at Trent Bridge he took a hat trick and followed this up with another and six wickets at Hove on the 7th August against Sussex. In total he took 80 wickets at 30.88 and scored 232 runs with an average of 10.54. His highest score was 31 not out scored appropriately at Lords in 1963. Mike left the County club at the end of this season after talks concerning his personal terms broke down.

Rushden Town had been champions of the Northants County League in 1959 and 1960 where Mike had played an important part when his County schedule allowed. There were still some very experienced players at Rushden who were still around in 1966 when Mike was appointed first team captain at the club. Dennis Maddams, David Roberts, Roly Dunkley, Roger Wills, Brian Smith and Wicket Keeper Jimmy Lowe were joined by youngsters who had come through the clubs youth team system Richard Barden, Peter Jackson, Tony Cox, John May, Roger Johnson and Allan Smith, Steve. Frost and Barry Upperton. Ian Wills came out of retirement to open the bowling and Bob Peacock came back full time to keep wicket. It is worth noting that the clubs Under 18 team had won the Higham and District under 18 league eight years running during this period.

The Championship trophy came back to Short Stocks in 1966 after a tense struggle with local rivals Wellingborough Town, on the last day of the season after a nail biting win at Kettering Town. In 1967 things were more straight forward as the team was joined by opening bat Graham Fensome who formed a formidable partnership with Richard Barden In 1968 the title was won in the middle of August after a draw at fierce rivals Finedon Dolben. The playing staff had been strengthened by the arrival of Jim (P.J) Watts who had joined after retiring from first class cricket with Northamptonshire.

In one never to be forgotten game he had taken all ten wickets against Kettering Town at a personal cost of ten runs as Kettering were bowled out for thirty two. Jim Bucky returned after illness and also available for selection were youngsters Gary Neal, Martyn Dobbs, Eddy Mcvarish and Leg spinner Terry Hawtin took useful wickets at important stages of games

The 1969 season started in as the previous three with Rushden again at the top of the League, but things went horribly wrong when Mike asked for the Committees help at a monthly meeting and it was refused, Mike immediately resigned his position and he left the club. The season petered out with Allan Smith taking over the captaincy finishing third in the final table.

Mike Joined Irthlingborough Town and the won the League for the first time in 1970 and followed this up in 1971.

Mike finished his playing career at Windmill Road with some outstanding personal performances and as at Rushden continued his status as a legend in the County league. Mike also played and captained the Northants County League Eleven in their annual match against the County Seconds

In those days the each club provided their own umpire and Dick Marriott was the perfect choice to officiate in this a very competitive league.

Nigel Chettle (Rushden Town First Team Scorer 1965 -1973)