Colin Hilton: Fast bowler forced into retirement by a change in the laws of cricket
Hailed as 'the White Flash', the superbly built paceman was a bowler of immense heart and enthusiasm
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Your support makes all the difference.Hailed as “the White Flash”, the Lancashire and Essex cricketer Colin Hilton was one of the most exciting bowlers of his generation. On a good day his talents suggested a lengthy career, but his inability to cope with a change in playing conditions in 1964 brought a sudden and premature end to his first class days.
Breaking all manner of records in schoolboy cricket, Hilton effortlessly made the transition to league cricket with his local team, Atherton. While working as a miner, aged 17, he became a professional with Ribblesdale Wanderers.
Superbly built, strong and using his height to full advantage, Hilton was a right-arm fast bowler of immense heart and enthusiasm. With a somewhat ungainly action, though quick off the pitch, he perhaps lacked the necessary control and consistency for sustained success.
Aged 19, he made his first class debut for Lancashire at Liverpool in 1957, when the hosts famously lost to Cambridge University. He made a duck but a couple of weeks later against Middlesex at Lord’s, he astounded the Long Room with a commendable 17 towards a last-wicket stand of 72 with Geoff Pullar.
It took him until 1960 to cement a regular place. Beginning the season by breaking Dickie Bird’s finger, he ended it by re-arranging Henry Blofeld’s stumps, Lancashire beating Norfolk to claim the Minor Counties Championship. Two years later, with the county approaching its lowest ebb, Hilton had an outstanding season, his 94 victims earning him his county cap.
A persistent knee injury meant that apart from the inaugural Gillette Cup encounter with Leicestershire he rarely figured for Lancashire in 1963. He joined Essex the following season, his 58 wickets proving hugely expensive. Worst of all, he gave away no less than 232 no balls, unable to cope with the new front-foot law.
Making 115 first class appearances, Hilton took 321 wickets at an average of 28.15. His best bowling return, 6-38, came against Nottinghamshire at Liverpool in 1962, when he recorded match figures of 11-127. He hit 685 runs and had 40 catches to his name.
Back in league cricket, Hilton played for Oldham, Morecambe, Daisy Hill and Walkden, before ending his career back at Atherton. He had great success at Morecambe: in 1968 his 113 wickets helped the club to a notable league and cup double. The following year he again entered the record books, taking all 10 wickets against Lancaster.
Colin Hilton, cricketer: born Atherton, Lancashire 26 September 1937; married 1958 Barbara Poole (marriage dissolved; two sons); died Wigan 30 October 2015.
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