Bill Clements 1949
The great bridge captain, Bill Clements was one of the great constants as Maghull navigated from Pre-War to Post-War in the 1940s. The highlight of Bill’s season in charge was almost certainly his bowling deeds against Knowsley, after Maghull were dismissed for a mere 55. Bill claimed eight wickets as the opposition could only muster 41.
Bill Whitlow 1950-1955, 1957-1959
A true stalwart for Maghull Cricket Club, Bill Whitlow played a whopping 540 games for the club. In his two stints as 1st XI captain, Bill led Maghull longer than any other person, his two tours of duty taking in eight seasons during the 1950s. Bill scored 4,069 runs for the club with two half-centuries during his playing days. But his more notable work came with the ball in his hands, as he took 835 1st XI wickets with 19 five-wicket hauls. His most prolific season came in 1951, when he claimed a career-high 67 wickets. He also hauled in 228 catches.
Stan Millichip 1956, 1960-61
Stan Millichip, who served two spells as 1st XI captain for Maghull, had a voracious appetite for runs during his 1st XI career. Stan is one of only three players to amass 10,000 runs for the club (though John Ring could join this elite club very soon), finishing his career with 10,276.
Stan crossed 50 in an innings 56 times in his career, but was only able to convert three of these knocks into centuries. His best season with the bat came in his final season as captain, when he scored 656 runs in 1961. Stan was involved in a 144-run opening partnership with Doug Bayliss against Electric Supply in 1955, a partnership that would stand as the 1st XI’s highest opening stand until 1993. To show that cricket was in the Millichip blood, Stan’s son John is the leading wicket taker in the history, taking an incredible 1,191 1st XI wickets during his playing days.
Bob Webster 1962-64
Bob Webster played for Maghull from 1956 to 1964, the last three of these seasons spent as captain of the 1st XI. He played 140 games for the club and scored 1,547 runs, with five half-centuries and a top score of 84. Bob hauled in 44 catches, including a career-best 11 in 1964, and chipped in with 24 wickets, 21 of which came in his three seasons as skipper.
Ken Wright 1965
Ken Wright, a left-handed batter, was a consistent run scorer for the 1st XI during his playing days, notching 8,158 runs with 27 half-centuries. In 1971, he added an unbeaten 139 for the fourth wicket against Cheshire Lines with Dave Ferguson. This stood as a club record until 2011, when Greg Gillespie and Liam Crilly surpassed it with 148 against Alder. Ken was also a regular wicket-taking threat, snaring 780 victims in his time with slow left-arm bowling. Ken took five wickets in an innings 31 times. Just to complete the trifecta, he was also a handy fielder, adding 212 catches to his 1st XI output, many coming his way in the covers.
Jack Bodsworth 1966-67
Jack Bodsworth, who skippered the club for two seasons in the mid 1960s, notched 4,138 runs during his 345-game playing career, hitting seven half-centuries with a top score of 76*. When the club decided to start a 3rd XI in the early 1980s, Jack was a logical choice as its first captain, given his desire to develop the young players and pass on what he knew to a new generation. If his charges were paying attention, they would have been well decked out, as Jack never looked anything less than elegant when wearing his cricket attire.
“Jack was an old school gentleman cricketer of yesteryear. He was always polite and fair, and always had an encouraging word for junior players coming through the ranks. He was a great example to young players of how the game should be played.” – Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Iain Howie 1968, 1974, 1982
One of the finest players to ever play for Maghull, Iain Howie is the only man to have three spells as 1st XI captain. He started his playing career at Formby before moving to Maghull, and during his long career for the club, Iain scored an incredible 14,453 runs for the 1st XI with 10 centuries. His top score of 143* came against Liscard in 1966, and his best season with the bat came in 1973 when he scored 949 runs. This was one of his five seasons with at least 600 runs for the 1st XI. Not content with this, he was also an incredibly safe pair of hands, often fielding at gully, where he snagged the bulk of his 237 catches. Once his 1st XI days were behind him, Iain continued to play at the lower levels, where at least twice he hit the opening deliveries of a new season back over the bowler’s head for a boundary. He was also an exceptional rugby player who represented Waterloo Rugby Club with distinction. Iain died in 2014 at the age of 77.
“I made my 1st XI debut in 1985 against Eccleston, and Iain put on a century opening stand with Dave Barlow…with Iain scoring 92 of the hundred!” – Martin Fitton, former 1st XI Captain.
“Given how hard he could straight drive in his 60s, I would have loved to see how hard he hit the ball in his 30s! An absolute gentleman, who played with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
“Where do you start? I’ve come across a lot of well known names and test players over the years, but the best player I’ve ever played with has to be my late father-in-law. A proper gentleman and sportsman in the Corinthian mould, plus one of the most destructive batters I’ve ever seen. That he was still dispatching fast bowlers back over their heads even in his later years says it all.” – Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Ken Williamson 1969-70, 1975-76
Ken Williamson, a proud Yorkshireman (is there any other kind?) and another of the individuals who had multiple spells leading the 1st XI, is one of the most prolific wicket takers in club history. He is one of only three men to take over 1,000 wickets, finishing his career with 1,078 in his 237 games. Only John Millichip, with 1,191, took more. Ken picked up five wickets in an innings 55 times, trailing only Ray Rigby’s 56 five-wicket hauls in the club annals. Ken’s finest season came the year before his second stint as captain, when he claimed 75 scalps in 1974. At the time, this was a new single-season record for the club that stood until 1982, when Ray took 76 wickets. Ray’s record was unbeaten until 2008, when overseas player Suwanji Madanayake claimed 77 scalps in all competitions. Ken also took two hat-tricks almost a decade apart, claiming his first against Highfield in 1965 and a second in 1974, with Eccleston the opposition. Ken was quite a unique bowler, gripping the ball in his hand rather than between his fingers. But this quirk allowed him to achieve movement off the pitch remarkably, and he gave very little away with the ball in his hand.
“As competitive a cricketer as any to ever pull on a Maghull shirt. Ken was still making life uncomfortable for opening batters and umpires right through to his final games. Ken was part of the early 3rd XI backbone with Pete Berry, Mike Hagan and Alan Jones that gave generations of Maghull CC juniors their introduction to competitive senior cricket.” – Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Dave Ferguson 1971-72
Dave Ferguson, another of the all-time great Maghull batters, sits behind only Iain Howie in runs for the club. A left-handed batter, Dave finished his playing days with 12,855 runs, crossing the 50-run mark 66 times but only converting two of these scores into centuries. Still, only Iain has more half-centuries for the club than Dave. His finest year with the bat came in 1979, when he scored 904 runs. But as well as being prolific with the bat, Dave was also a regular wicket taker, claiming 619 scalps with 23 five-wicket hauls with his right arm slow bowling. And just for good measure, he also possessed a safe pair of hands, snaring 269 catches in his time. Dave was the senior player for whom correct kit was essential, and was never slow in his calling out of a younger player for having their shirt untucked, or – sin of sins in his eyes – wearing white and not grey socks. The reprimand was delivered with a chuckle…but he was deadly serious.
Brian Fitton 1977-80, 1983
Brian Fitton is one half of the only Father-Son pair to captain the 1st XI at Maghull. Brian had two spells at the helm, first from 1977-80, which included the club joining the Southport and District Amateur Cricket League in 1979, then again in 1983. Maghull won three consecutive promotions in their new league, the first two under Brian’s captaincy, and reached the 1st division in 1981, where they remained until joining the LDCC in 1999. Brian scored 6,796 runs in 529 games for Maghull, with 14 half-centuries to his credit and a career top score of 86*. In 1985 against Eccleston, he put on 128 for the sixth wicket with his son Martin. Brian also claimed 144 catches in his career and took 119 wickets. Brian was instrumental in the creation of the junior section at Maghull in the late 1970s, befitting his desire to teach a new generation. This new youth section provided many prominent future players for Maghull, including Dave Barlow. Brian, who was a dedicated member of the club’s management committee, served as chairman and president for many years. Brian died in 2016.
Ian Poole 1981
Ian Poole, the second Ian to lead Maghull after Mr. Howie, played 120 games between 1978 and 1984. He scored 2,202 runs for the club, passing 50 eight times while recording a top score of 110* in 1982. Ian notched 50 catches for the 1st team during his playing days.
John Butterworth 1984-89
John Butterworth was primarily a bowler during his days with Maghull, a long stint that saw him lead the club for six seasons to close out the 1980s. In total, he took 491 wickets for the club at a tick under 15 runs per scalp, with 187 of those coming in the last five seasons he played. John snared 56 catches too, and while no mug with the bat, he did most of his best work with the ball in his hands. He scored 1,749 runs at an average of 10.7, with a top score of 38.
“Butty was a tough skipper with the character needed to take over an aging 1st XI and revamp it into a team in his own image. He was a fierce competitor and a larger than life personality, ruthless on the field AND in taking the mickey in the dressing room. He was not afraid to introduce emerging talent into the 1st XI at the expense of established players, which pushed the team to new heights. He was an excellent captain but also one of the most consistent performers with a ball ever to grace Hall Lane, a legitimate “land it on a sixpence” bowler.” – Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain.
Paul Johnson 1990-91, 1999
Paul Johnson was a talented all rounder who broke into the U18s side from the age of 13, showing great courage and above all else great quality as he took his first steps in the game against much older players. He had two spells as 1st XI captain at the beginning and end of the 1990s, and was the captain when Maghull joined the LDCC in 1999. Up to 2002, “Johnno” scored almost 4,000 runs for the club with nine 50s and two hundreds, his highest score of 152* coming against Hesketh Bank in 1992. He added 386 wickets to his stat sheet, with nine five-wicket hauls amongst them, while also claiming 79 catches. Johnno continued to play for the 2nd XI through the mid 2000s, where his cunning bowling was often brought in to break stubborn partnerships, but he still turned up for the 1sts if called upon. He took 5-19 from 12 overs to help Maghull defend 170 away at S&B in 2004, bowling in tandem with overseas player Kiran Powar who took 2-35 from his 15.5 overs.
“I remember Paul made a “guest” appearance for the 4th XI during my first season at the club. I was fairly green at the game but it was clear that this guy was playing FAR below the level he was used to! I think Johnno enjoyed my occasional stints umpiring 2nd XI games. He took a six-fer in one of them with four LBWs given…and they were all stone dead, I assure you. “I only appeal when they’re out” he claimed…” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
“Johno once bowled Kenny Burton at Mawdesley with a ball a bystander described in the local press as ‘unplayable’!! Also probably the only man for MCC to take 4 in 4 balls at Halsall in 1991. A very popular character at the club, so much so that the juniors created a banner in his honour for the Sandhurst Shield final of 1989! – John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Ged Keeley 1992-93
Ged Keeley was a fine all round cricketer who was quite capable of making his presence felt with either bat or ball in his hands. He played in over 250 games for the club and scored more than 4,000 runs, with his dogged determination evident by his half century of not outs. He hit 16 half centuries but was never able to crack three figures, with a top score of 95 to his name. Ged also took 410 wickets, claiming five wickets in an innings 13 times. Just to show he was a complete package, he also snared 89 catches.
“Ged and his family will always hold a special place in my heart, in terms of cricket at Maghull. I took my first ever catch for the club, at square leg away to St Helens Recs, off the bowling of Ged’s son Phil. I think he was as surprised as I was that it stuck!” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
A brilliant competitor and a great cricketer. Ged was a top man on and off the pitch but was always keen on moving you in the field to ‘thingy’.” – John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Phil Weston 1994
Phil took over the captaincy with the club in transition, with the club stuck in Division 2 of the Southport League. The club had lost several players to the Liverpool Competition and the younger players who had come through in the early 1990s were away at University. Phil very much led the bowling attack during this season and took the bowling honours that year. Despite being a local GP and all round nice man, Phil did display ‘white line fever’, often giving batsmen a two fingered send off in the heat of battle!
Martin Fitton 1995-98
The first son to follow his father as the club captain, Martin Fitton was a canny all-rounder, capable of solid contributions with either bat or ball. He scored more than 4,500 runs for the 1st XI, hitting 15 50s and a century against St Paul’s in 1994, when his unbeaten 101 propelled Maghull to 197-2, before Ged Keeley and John Miller both took 5fers to dismiss the opposition for a mere 37. Martin also added 57 wickets with one five-wicket haul while reeling in 96 catches. Martin continued to play at the lower levels after his 1st XI days came to an end, scoring a century against Prestatyn for the 2nds in 2021 and taking a staggering 9/21 to dismiss Prescot and Odyssey for the 3rd XI in 2018. Martin remains involved with the club, sitting on the management committee and coaching the youngsters on Friday nights.
“The 1995 promotion season will live long in the memory for all involved, a pivotal season for the club. Fitto was a brilliant skipper who knew how to get the best out of the players, this one included”. – John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Dickon White 2000-04
An elegant left handed batter, Dickon White came to the club after meeting John Murphy at university and set about establishing himself at the top of the order. Dickon scored at least 350 runs in six consecutive seasons from 1999-2004, with a best of 551 coming in 1999. Dickon noted 15 half centuries and hit three centuries, with a highest score of 103 coming in a draw away at Orrell Red Triangle in 1999, where he shared a second wicket partnership of 151 with Andy Hewitt. Dickon also took more than 50 catches for the club.
“A great man, and an underrated captain, ruthless and considerate in equal measure. He always put the team before his own ego, and has the ability to mix with anyone from any background. I remember him playing mind games with the late Ian Cockbain by delaying the toss, really wound him up!” – Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain
“A great captain who really pulled the club up to a real competitor in the Premier League. As a bowler you dreaded the head shake and double teapot!” – John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Niall McDonnell 2005-08
One of a select few Maghull cricketers to be included in an International squad (if not the only one!), Niall McDonnell hails from Strabane in County Tyrone and joined the club in 2002 whilst attending John Moores University. He spent a couple of seasons serving as vice captain under Dickon White before being named captain ahead of the 2005 season. In his first year in charge, the club won promotion to the Premier Division of the LDCC, winning 14 and losing only three of their 26 games. McDonnell chipped in with 577 runs in the promotion campaign. Maghull retained their premier division status in 2006 and 2007 before sadly suffering relegation at the end of the 2008 season, but it wasn’t for the want of trying. Niall enjoyed his best season with the bat, scoring 941 runs at an average of 55.35 with six 50s and two centuries. It was also his last season, as he left to pursue employment opportunities abroad. Niall continued to enjoy himself with the bat in his hand and was named in the Ireland full international squad in 2011 for their series against Pakistan. Niall made 136 for Ireland A against an MCC side in 2016 and made his first-class debut for North West Warriors against the Northern Knights in 2017. Niall scored 30 in his only at-bat and chipped in with two catches. For Maghull, Niall scored 3,198 runs at an average of just under 31, with 12 50s and four hundreds. His highest score of 151 came against Wallasey in 2006, when he came to the crease with the score on 38-3! Niall returned to Maghull in 2025 as coach of the prestigious Strabane Academy as his charges took on a Maghull XI.
“Quite possibly the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen at any level playing for Maghull. Mad as a box of frogs, too.” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Ryan Swiers 2009-10
One of the rare out and out bowlers to have captained Maghull, Ryan Swiers hailed from Yorkshire, starting his cricketing journey at the famous Scarborough Cricket Club where matches would often be disturbed by batters “ducking and diving when them bloody little ships started shooting at each other” as the Peasholm Park recreation of the Battle of the River Plate took place a stones throw from North Marine Road. Ryan made his way to Maghull via Liverpool John Moores in 2004, and over the course of the next 12 seasons (with one year off playing for Liverpool) he took 476 wickets at an average of 23. Ryan claimed five wickets in an innings 20 times, with his best performance of 8/25 coming in his first season as captain, as Skelmersdale were rolled for 77 in pursuit of 186. His best season in terms of wickets came in the 1st XI’s title winning campaign of 2005, when Ryan claimed 57 wickets with three 5fers. Usually batting way down the order, Ryan did eclipse 1,000 runs for the club in his 175 innings, 47 of which saw him unbeaten at the end, with a high score of 31 coming in a win over Prestatyn in 2008. He did beat this score in a game featuring Maghull however, finishing with an unbeaten 41 as Maghull beat his Liverpool side by 25 runs in 2011.
“One of the more colourful characters to play for the club, and almost certainly one of the best storytellers!” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
“He was to me what Darren Gough was to Nasser Hussain, a man who always wanted to bowl and genuinely believed he’d get a wicket.” – Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain
Jon Ring 2011-12
The most prolific Maghull batter of the 21st century, Jon Ring found himself at Maghull via Scholes Cricket Club in Yorkshire, Liverpool John Moores University, and New Brighton CC, while also spending time with Coleraine CC and Carrickfergus in Ireland. “Ringo” made his presence felt in the 1st XI in 2005 before nailing down a regular spot in 2007. He has made 347 appearances for the 1st XI and scored the small matter of 9,536 runs. He has passed 50 on 66 occasions, converting 11 of those innings into hundreds. His highest score of 165 against Alder came in 2019, a season in which Jon made 1,023 runs with six 50s and two centuries. Jon has passed 900 runs in a season four times, with the first occasion coinciding with his first season as skipper. He finished with 955 runs and played his part in a stunning 191-run stand with Aussie James Broadbent against Liverpool in August of that season, one of 11 wins for his side that season as they claimed the 1st Division title. Jon has been part of two double-century opening stands, adding 203 with Greg Gillespie against Fleetwood Hesketh in 2012 (contributing 88) and 217 with Macauley Lawrenson against Norley Hall in 2023. Jon finished with 128 that day. Jon possesses a safe pair of hands and has taken 204 catches in total, with six stumpings coming in his occasional stints as wicketkeeper.
“Jon is unflappable in crunch situations and important 50/50s. He keeps his cool and knows what needs to be done. He was my vice captain for four years and someone I could always rely on as a sounding board, knowing he’d always give me the right advice. Besides being unflappable, what a player.” – Paul McKenna, former 1st XI Captain
“An absolute class act. Wonderful batter, fantastic pair of hands, and an almost dictionary definition of the word “unflappable”. A true Maghull great.” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary.
Greg Gillespie 2013-15
A home grown player, Greg Gillespie played his junior cricket at the club before breaking into the 1st XI at around the same time Maghull joined the LDCC. An aggressive opening batter by trade, Greg has scored at least 500 runs in eight different seasons, with a career-best of 867 coming in the 1st XIs First Division title winning season of 2011. He scored four half centuries and two hundreds, including a career-high 138* in a 100-run win over Alder, when he added 148 for the fourth wicket with longtime team mate Liam Crilly. Greg has 47 scores of 50 or more for the club, with seven converted into centuries. In addition to his runs, of which he has more than 8500 for the club, Greg has also taken 244 catches, often at slip where his quick reflexes allowed him to snaffle chances others would have got nowhere near. Greg’s dad Danny also played for the club and spent many seasons looking after junior teams, while his younger brother Matthew was also an opening batter, playing most of his cricket in the 2nd XI.
“Greg is the best tactician I’ve ever played under. He knows how to work a batter out and set plans and fields accordingly. When I was captain, there were so many times he would come to tell me what a batter was doing wrong with his hands or feet, and explain why we should put someone in a certain fielding position, and more often than not, we’d get them out. That was down to Greg. He was certainly authoritative as a captain, but someone I would personally do anything for. Plus, he’s easily the best slip fielder I’ve ever seen!” – Paul McKenna, former 1st XI Captain
“Horse (GG) is a gentleman who deserves a medal for the grief he took from John Murphy and John Fitzgerald over the years! I didn’t really appreciate how resilient a character he was when I played with him. I think batting with Paddy McKeown really helped him develop into a premier level opening batter. He put Maghull and cricket on the same level, one could not exist without the other!” – Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain
Paul Walters 2016-19
A truly home-grown player, Paul Walters truly began to carve a name for himself with the freshly formed 5th XI between 2005 and 2007 as an opening batter of some promise, particularly through the offside. He began to break into the higher level teams in 2009, playing 12 games for the 1st and 2nd XIs, making an elegant 81* against Highfield for the 2s on the May Day Bank Holiday. He made his first senior hundred for the 2nds in 2010, a 105* effort in a six-wicket win over Parkfield Liscard. It took him until 2012 to finally hold down a regular spot in the 1st XI, although he didn’t truly start to kick on from a run-scoring point of view until he became captain in 2016. In his first season at the helm, Paul scored 411 runs with a top score of 87, but was unable to prevent Maghull falling into the second division of the LDCC. Maghull finished third in 2017, missing out on promotion by just five points, with Walters contributing 528 runs. But his best season with the bat came in 2018, when he scored 735 runs, including his first (and to date only) 1st XI century, 101* in a tie against Parkfield. 2019 saw another 400 runs from Paul, a figure he managed in all four of his seasons with the armband. But at the end of the campaign, Paul stood down as captain with a move overseas in his immediate future. He has played sporadically since. In his 1st XI career, Paul scored 3881 runs at an average of just over 17.6, hitting 17 half-centuries and one hundred.
“From the early days of the 5th XI (when I captained him), you could tell Paul had some serious talent. He was probably more of a bowler than a batter to begin with, but something just seemed to click with his batting in 2006, and you could tell he was going to be some player. One of the best cover drivers I’ve ever seen.” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Paul McKenna 2020-24
Almost certainly the only man to combine leading the 1st XI while standing behind the stumps, Paul McKenna’s five seasons leading the club is the second longest streak behind only Bill Whitlow’s six seasons between 19950-1955. “Mash” started his career at Bootle, joining Maghull for his first stint in 2013 when he played mainly for the 2nd XI. He returned to Wadham Road, where he played between 2015 and 2016, before once again joining Maghull ahead of the 2017 season, now firmly established as the primary gloveman. The club finished third in the second division in 2021 and looked set to earn promotion in 2022 before stuttering just past the halfway mark in the season, around the same time as Paul became seriously ill during a family holiday, leading to an extended period in foreign hospitals. It is a measure of his standing around the league that a massive fundraising campaign was launched and supported by clubs and individuals all across the LDCC on his behalf. Paul was well enough to return to lead the club in 2023, and it was a case of third time lucky as the club swept to the second division title and returned to the 1st division, where they have remained ever since. In his more than 200 games for the club, Paul has scored 1,186 runs in addition to his 167 catches, 78 stumpings, and five run-outs, a whopping 250 total victims. Since standing down as captain, Paul has continued to sit on the management committee of the club and was elected Director of Cricket ahead of the 2025 season. He is also an active junior coach, overseeing the U9s and U11s in recent seasons.
“A winner, as simple as that. He took the responsibility of not only leading the 1st XI, but the whole club, seriously, and threw himself into the role with gusto. He has an incredible ability to spot subtle technical issues, whether it’s in coaching a junior player or sizing up an opposing batter. A very dry sense of humour, too!” – Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Anthony Molloy 2025
A talented all rounder, capable of winning games with bat or ball, Anthony Molloy started his playing days with Bootle CC before moving to Maghull in 2015. His initial stay was short, as he returned to Wadham Road in 2016, only to return to Hall Lane in 2017. Anthony has notched 3,195 runs for the 1st XI, with 15 50s and a century in a 20 run victory over Southport Trinity in 2019. He also has 226 wickets, including all ten for 40 runs as Maghull bowled Prescott & Odyssey out for 191 in pursuit of 205 in 2017. This is one of six 5fers Anthony has claimed for Maghull, a tally which includes 8/42 against Hightown in 2025, an identical bowling analysis to that of his opposite number in the second innings.
Bill Clements 1949
The great bridge captain, Bill Clements was one of the great constants as Maghull navigated from Pre-War to Post-War in the 1940s. The highlight of Bill’s season in charge was almost certainly his bowling deeds against Knowsley, after Maghull were dismissed for a mere 55. Bill claimed eight wickets as the opposition could only muster 41.
Bill Whitlow 1950-1955, 1957-1959
A true stalwart for Maghull Cricket Club, Bill Whitlow played a whopping 540 games for the club. In his two stints as 1st XI captain, Bill led Maghull longer than any other person, his two tours of duty taking in eight seasons during the 1950s. Bill scored 4,069 runs for the club with two half-centuries during his playing days. But his more notable work came with the ball in his hands, as he took 835 1st XI wickets with 19 five-wicket hauls. His most prolific season came in 1951, when he claimed a career-high 67 wickets. He also hauled in 228 catches.
Stan Millichip 1956, 1960-61
Stan Millichip, who served two spells as 1st XI captain for Maghull, had a voracious appetite for runs during his 1st XI career. Stan is one of only three players to amass 10,000 runs for the club (though John Ring could join this elite club very soon), finishing his career with 10,276. Stan crossed 50 in an innings 56 times in his career, but was only able to convert three of these knocks into centuries. His best season with the bat came in his final season as captain, when he scored 656 runs in 1961. Stan was involved in a 144-run opening partnership with Doug Bayliss against Electric Supply in 1955, a partnership that would stand as the 1st XI’s highest opening stand until 1993. To show that cricket was in the Millichip blood, Stan’s son John is the leading wicket taker in the history, taking an incredible 1,191 1st XI wickets during his playing days.
Bob Webster 1962-64
Bob Webster played for Maghull from 1956 to 1964, the last three of these seasons spent as captain of the 1st XI. He played 140 games for the club and scored 1,547 runs, with five half-centuries and a top score of 84. Bob hauled in 44 catches, including a career-best 11 in 1964, and chipped in with 24 wickets, 21 of which came in his three seasons as skipper.
Ken Wright 1965
Ken Wright, a left-handed batter, was a consistent run scorer for the 1st XI during his playing days, notching 8,158 runs with 27 half-centuries. In 1971, he added an unbeaten 139 for the fourth wicket against Cheshire Lines with Dave Ferguson. This stood as a club record until 2011, when Greg Gillespie and Liam Crilly surpassed it with 148 against Alder. Ken was also a regular wicket-taking threat, snaring 780 victims in his time with slow left-arm bowling. Ken took five wickets in an innings 31 times. Just to complete the trifecta, he was also a handy fielder, adding 212 catches to his 1st XI output, many coming his way in the covers.
Jack Bodsworth 1966-67
Jack Bodsworth, who skippered the club for two seasons in the mid 1960s, notched 4,138 runs during his 345-game playing career, hitting seven half-centuries with a top score of 76*. When the club decided to start a 3rd XI in the early 1980s, Jack was a logical choice as its first captain, given his desire to develop the young players and pass on what he knew to a new generation. If his charges were paying attention, they would have been well decked out, as Jack never looked anything less than elegant when wearing his cricket attire. “Jack was an old school gentleman cricketer of yesteryear. He was always polite and fair, and always had an encouraging word for junior players coming through the ranks. He was a great example to young players of how the game should be played.” - Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Iain Howie 1968, 1974, 1982
One of the finest players to ever play for Maghull, Iain Howie is the only man to have three spells as 1st XI captain. He started his playing career at Formby before moving to Maghull, and during his long career for the club, Iain scored an incredible 14,453 runs for the 1st XI with 10 centuries. His top score of 143* came against Liscard in 1966, and his best season with the bat came in 1973 when he scored 949 runs. This was one of his five seasons with at least 600 runs for the 1st XI. Not content with this, he was also an incredibly safe pair of hands, often fielding at gully, where he snagged the bulk of his 237 catches. Once his 1st XI days were behind him, Iain continued to play at the lower levels, where at least twice he hit the opening deliveries of a new season back over the bowler's head for a boundary. He was also an exceptional rugby player who represented Waterloo Rugby Club with distinction. Iain died in 2014 at the age of 77. “I made my 1st XI debut in 1985 against Eccleston, and Iain put on a century opening stand with Dave Barlow…with Iain scoring 92 of the hundred!” - Martin Fitton, former 1st XI Captain. “Given how hard he could straight drive in his 60s, I would have loved to see how hard he hit the ball in his 30s! An absolute gentleman, who played with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary “Where do you start? I’ve come across a lot of well known names and test players over the years, but the best player I’ve ever played with has to be my late father-in-law. A proper gentleman and sportsman in the Corinthian mould, plus one of the most destructive batters I’ve ever seen. That he was still dispatching fast bowlers back over their heads even in his later years says it all.” - Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Ken Williamson 1969-70, 1975-76
Ken Williamson, a proud Yorkshireman (is there any other kind?) and another of the individuals who had multiple spells leading the 1st XI, is one of the most prolific wicket takers in club history. He is one of only three men to take over 1,000 wickets, finishing his career with 1,078 in his 237 games. Only John Millichip, with 1,191, took more. Ken picked up five wickets in an innings 55 times, trailing only Ray Rigby’s 56 five-wicket hauls in the club annals. Ken’s finest season came the year before his second stint as captain, when he claimed 75 scalps in 1974. At the time, this was a new single-season record for the club that stood until 1982, when Ray took 76 wickets. Ray’s record was unbeaten until 2008, when overseas player Suwanji Madanayake claimed 77 scalps in all competitions. Ken also took two hat-tricks almost a decade apart, claiming his first against Highfield in 1965 and a second in 1974, with Eccleston the opposition. Ken was quite a unique bowler, gripping the ball in his hand rather than between his fingers. But this quirk allowed him to achieve movement off the pitch remarkably, and he gave very little away with the ball in his hand. “As competitive a cricketer as any to ever pull on a Maghull shirt. Ken was still making life uncomfortable for opening batters and umpires right through to his final games. Ken was part of the early 3rd XI backbone with Pete Berry, Mike Hagan and Alan Jones that gave generations of Maghull CC juniors their introduction to competitive senior cricket.” - Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain
Dave Ferguson 1971-72
Dave Ferguson, another of the all-time great Maghull batters, sits behind only Iain Howie in runs for the club. A left-handed batter, Dave finished his playing days with 12,855 runs, crossing the 50-run mark 66 times but only converting two of these scores into centuries. Still, only Iain has more half-centuries for the club than Dave. His finest year with the bat came in 1979, when he scored 904 runs. But as well as being prolific with the bat, Dave was also a regular wicket taker, claiming 619 scalps with 23 five-wicket hauls with his right arm slow bowling. And just for good measure, he also possessed a safe pair of hands, snaring 269 catches in his time. Dave was the senior player for whom correct kit was essential, and was never slow in his calling out of a younger player for having their shirt untucked, or - sin of sins in his eyes - wearing white and not grey socks. The reprimand was delivered with a chuckle…but he was deadly serious.
Brian Fitton 1977-80, 1983
Brian Fitton is one half of the only Father-Son pair to captain the 1st XI at Maghull. Brian had two spells at the helm, first from 1977-80, which included the club joining the Southport and District Amateur Cricket League in 1979, then again in 1983. Maghull won three consecutive promotions in their new league, the first two under Brian’s captaincy, and reached the 1st division in 1981, where they remained until joining the LDCC in 1999. Brian scored 6,796 runs in 529 games for Maghull, with 14 half-centuries to his credit and a career top score of 86*. In 1985 against Eccleston, he put on 128 for the sixth wicket with his son Martin. Brian also claimed 144 catches in his career and took 119 wickets. Brian was instrumental in the creation of the junior section at Maghull in the late 1970s, befitting his desire to teach a new generation. This new youth section provided many prominent future players for Maghull, including Dave Barlow. Brian, who was a dedicated member of the club's management committee, served as chairman and president for many years. Brian died in 2016.
Ian Poole 1981
Ian Poole, the second Ian to lead Maghull after Mr. Howie, played 120 games between 1978 and 1984. He scored 2,202 runs for the club, passing 50 eight times while recording a top score of 110* in 1982. Ian notched 50 catches for the 1st team during his playing days.
John Butterworth 1984-89
John Butterworth was primarily a bowler during his days with Maghull, a long stint that saw him lead the club for six seasons to close out the 1980s. In total, he took 491 wickets for the club at a tick under 15 runs per scalp, with 187 of those coming in the last five seasons he played. John snared 56 catches too, and while no mug with the bat, he did most of his best work with the ball in his hands. He scored 1,749 runs at an average of 10.7, with a top score of 38. “Butty was a tough skipper with the character needed to take over an aging 1st XI and revamp it into a team in his own image. He was a fierce competitor and a larger than life personality, ruthless on the field AND in taking the mickey in the dressing room. He was not afraid to introduce emerging talent into the 1st XI at the expense of established players, which pushed the team to new heights. He was an excellent captain but also one of the most consistent performers with a ball ever to grace Hall Lane, a legitimate “land it on a sixpence” bowler.” - Paul Johnson, former 1st XI Captain.
Paul Johnson 1990-91, 1999
Paul Johnson was a talented all rounder who broke into the U18s side from the age of 13, showing great courage and above all else great quality as he took his first steps in the game against much older players. He had two spells as 1st XI captain at the beginning and end of the 1990s, and was the captain when Maghull joined the LDCC in 1999. Up to 2002, “Johnno” scored almost 4,000 runs for the club with nine 50s and two hundreds, his highest score of 152* coming against Hesketh Bank in 1992. He added 386 wickets to his stat sheet, with nine five-wicket hauls amongst them, while also claiming 79 catches. Johnno continued to play for the 2nd XI through the mid 2000s, where his cunning bowling was often brought in to break stubborn partnerships, but he still turned up for the 1sts if called upon. He took 5-19 from 12 overs to help Maghull defend 170 away at S&B in 2004, bowling in tandem with overseas player Kiran Powar who took 2-35 from his 15.5 overs. “I remember Paul made a “guest” appearance for the 4th XI during my first season at the club. I was fairly green at the game but it was clear that this guy was playing FAR below the level he was used to! I think Johnno enjoyed my occasional stints umpiring 2nd XI games. He took a six-fer in one of them with four LBWs given…and they were all stone dead, I assure you. “I only appeal when they’re out” he claimed…” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary “Johno once bowled Kenny Burton at Mawdesley with a ball a bystander described in the local press as ‘unplayable’!! Also probably the only man for MCC to take 4 in 4 balls at Halsall in 1991. A very popular character at the club, so much so that the juniors created a banner in his honour for the Sandhurst Shield final of 1989! - John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Ged Keeley 1992-93
Ged Keeley was a fine all round cricketer who was quite capable of making his presence felt with either bat or ball in his hands. He played in over 250 games for the club and scored more than 4,000 runs, with his dogged determination evident by his half century of not outs. He hit 16 half centuries but was never able to crack three figures, with a top score of 95 to his name. Ged also took 410 wickets, claiming five wickets in an innings 13 times. Just to show he was a complete package, he also snared 89 catches. “Ged and his family will always hold a special place in my heart, in terms of cricket at Maghull. I took my first ever catch for the club, at square leg away to St Helens Recs, off the bowling of Ged’s son Phil. I think he was as surprised as I was that it stuck!” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary A brilliant competitor and a great cricketer. Ged was a top man on and off the pitch but was always keen on moving you in the field to ‘thingy’.” - John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Phil Weston 1994
Phil took over the captaincy with the club in transition, with the club stuck in Division 2 of the Southport League. The club had lost several players to the Liverpool Competition and the younger players who had come through in the early 1990s were away at University. Phil very much led the bowling attack during this season and took the bowling honours that year. Despite being a local GP and all round nice man, Phil did display ‘white line fever’, often giving batsmen a two fingered send off in the heat of battle!
Martin Fitton 1995-98
The first son to follow his father as the club captain, Martin Fitton was a canny all-rounder, capable of solid contributions with either bat or ball. He scored more than 4,500 runs for the 1st XI, hitting 15 50s and a century against St Paul's in 1994, when his unbeaten 101 propelled Maghull to 197-2, before Ged Keeley and John Miller both took 5fers to dismiss the opposition for a mere 37. Martin also added 57 wickets with one five-wicket haul while reeling in 96 catches. Martin continued to play at the lower levels after his 1st XI days came to an end, scoring a century against Prestatyn for the 2nds in 2021 and taking a staggering 9/21 to dismiss Prescot and Odyssey for the 3rd XI in 2018. Martin remains involved with the club, sitting on the management committee and coaching the youngsters on Friday nights. “The 1995 promotion season will live long in the memory for all involved, a pivotal season for the club. Fitto was a brilliant skipper who knew how to get the best out of the players, this one included”. - John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Dickon White 2000-04
An elegant left handed batter, Dickon White came to the club after meeting John Murphy at university and set about establishing himself at the top of the order. Dickon scored at least 350 runs in six consecutive seasons from 1999-2004, with a best of 551 coming in 1999. Dickon noted 15 half centuries and hit three centuries, with a highest score of 103 coming in a draw away at Orrell Red Triangle in 1999, where he shared a second wicket partnership of 151 with Andy Hewitt. Dickon also took more than 50 catches for the club. “A great man, and an underrated captain, ruthless and considerate in equal measure. He always put the team before his own ego, and has the ability to mix with anyone from any background. I remember him playing mind games with the late Ian Cockbain by delaying the toss, really wound him up!” - Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain “A great captain who really pulled the club up to a real competitor in the Premier League. As a bowler you dreaded the head shake and double teapot!” - John Murphy, former Maghull bowler
Niall McDonnell 2005-08
One of a select few Maghull cricketers to be included in an International squad (if not the only one!), Niall McDonnell hails from Strabane in County Tyrone and joined the club in 2002 whilst attending John Moores University. He spent a couple of seasons serving as vice captain under Dickon White before being named captain ahead of the 2005 season. In his first year in charge, the club won promotion to the Premier Division of the LDCC, winning 14 and losing only three of their 26 games. McDonnell chipped in with 577 runs in the promotion campaign. Maghull retained their premier division status in 2006 and 2007 before sadly suffering relegation at the end of the 2008 season, but it wasn’t for the want of trying. Niall enjoyed his best season with the bat, scoring 941 runs at an average of 55.35 with six 50s and two centuries. It was also his last season, as he left to pursue employment opportunities abroad. Niall continued to enjoy himself with the bat in his hand and was named in the Ireland full international squad in 2011 for their series against Pakistan. Niall made 136 for Ireland A against an MCC side in 2016 and made his first-class debut for North West Warriors against the Northern Knights in 2017. Niall scored 30 in his only at-bat and chipped in with two catches. For Maghull, Niall scored 3,198 runs at an average of just under 31, with 12 50s and four hundreds. His highest score of 151 came against Wallasey in 2006, when he came to the crease with the score on 38-3! Niall returned to Maghull in 2025 as coach of the prestigious Strabane Academy as his charges took on a Maghull XI. “Quite possibly the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen at any level playing for Maghull. Mad as a box of frogs, too.” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Ryan Swiers 2009-10
One of the rare out and out bowlers to have captained Maghull, Ryan Swiers hailed from Yorkshire, starting his cricketing journey at the famous Scarborough Cricket Club where matches would often be disturbed by batters “ducking and diving when them bloody little ships started shooting at each other” as the Peasholm Park recreation of the Battle of the River Plate took place a stones throw from North Marine Road. Ryan made his way to Maghull via Liverpool John Moores in 2004, and over the course of the next 12 seasons (with one year off playing for Liverpool) he took 476 wickets at an average of 23. Ryan claimed five wickets in an innings 20 times, with his best performance of 8/25 coming in his first season as captain, as Skelmersdale were rolled for 77 in pursuit of 186. His best season in terms of wickets came in the 1st XI’s title winning campaign of 2005, when Ryan claimed 57 wickets with three 5fers. Usually batting way down the order, Ryan did eclipse 1,000 runs for the club in his 175 innings, 47 of which saw him unbeaten at the end, with a high score of 31 coming in a win over Prestatyn in 2008. He did beat this score in a game featuring Maghull however, finishing with an unbeaten 41 as Maghull beat his Liverpool side by 25 runs in 2011. “One of the more colourful characters to play for the club, and almost certainly one of the best storytellers!” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary “He was to me what Darren Gough was to Nasser Hussain, a man who always wanted to bowl and genuinely believed he’d get a wicket.” - Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain
Jon Ring 2011-12
The most prolific Maghull batter of the 21st century, Jon Ring found himself at Maghull via Scholes Cricket Club in Yorkshire, Liverpool John Moores University, and New Brighton CC, while also spending time with Coleraine CC and Carrickfergus in Ireland. “Ringo” made his presence felt in the 1st XI in 2005 before nailing down a regular spot in 2007. He has made 347 appearances for the 1st XI and scored the small matter of 9,536 runs. He has passed 50 on 66 occasions, converting 11 of those innings into hundreds. His highest score of 165 against Alder came in 2019, a season in which Jon made 1,023 runs with six 50s and two centuries. Jon has passed 900 runs in a season four times, with the first occasion coinciding with his first season as skipper. He finished with 955 runs and played his part in a stunning 191-run stand with Aussie James Broadbent against Liverpool in August of that season, one of 11 wins for his side that season as they claimed the 1st Division title. Jon has been part of two double-century opening stands, adding 203 with Greg Gillespie against Fleetwood Hesketh in 2012 (contributing 88) and 217 with Macauley Lawrenson against Norley Hall in 2023. Jon finished with 128 that day. Jon possesses a safe pair of hands and has taken 204 catches in total, with six stumpings coming in his occasional stints as wicketkeeper. “Jon is unflappable in crunch situations and important 50/50s. He keeps his cool and knows what needs to be done. He was my vice captain for four years and someone I could always rely on as a sounding board, knowing he’d always give me the right advice. Besides being unflappable, what a player.” - Paul McKenna, former 1st XI Captain “An absolute class act. Wonderful batter, fantastic pair of hands, and an almost dictionary definition of the word “unflappable”. A true Maghull great.” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary.
Greg Gillespie 2013-15
A home grown player, Greg Gillespie played his junior cricket at the club before breaking into the 1st XI at around the same time Maghull joined the LDCC. An aggressive opening batter by trade, Greg has scored at least 500 runs in eight different seasons, with a career-best of 867 coming in the 1st XIs First Division title winning season of 2011. He scored four half centuries and two hundreds, including a career-high 138* in a 100-run win over Alder, when he added 148 for the fourth wicket with longtime team mate Liam Crilly. Greg has 47 scores of 50 or more for the club, with seven converted into centuries. In addition to his runs, of which he has more than 8500 for the club, Greg has also taken 244 catches, often at slip where his quick reflexes allowed him to snaffle chances others would have got nowhere near. Greg’s dad Danny also played for the club and spent many seasons looking after junior teams, while his younger brother Matthew was also an opening batter, playing most of his cricket in the 2nd XI. “Greg is the best tactician I’ve ever played under. He knows how to work a batter out and set plans and fields accordingly. When I was captain, there were so many times he would come to tell me what a batter was doing wrong with his hands or feet, and explain why we should put someone in a certain fielding position, and more often than not, we’d get them out. That was down to Greg. He was certainly authoritative as a captain, but someone I would personally do anything for. Plus, he’s easily the best slip fielder I’ve ever seen!” - Paul McKenna, former 1st XI Captain “Horse (GG) is a gentleman who deserves a medal for the grief he took from John Murphy and John Fitzgerald over the years! I didn’t really appreciate how resilient a character he was when I played with him. I think batting with Paddy McKeown really helped him develop into a premier level opening batter. He put Maghull and cricket on the same level, one could not exist without the other!” - Niall McDonnell, former 1st XI Captain
Paul Walters 2016-19
A truly home-grown player, Paul Walters truly began to carve a name for himself with the freshly formed 5th XI between 2005 and 2007 as an opening batter of some promise, particularly through the offside. He began to break into the higher level teams in 2009, playing 12 games for the 1st and 2nd XIs, making an elegant 81* against Highfield for the 2s on the May Day Bank Holiday. He made his first senior hundred for the 2nds in 2010, a 105* effort in a six-wicket win over Parkfield Liscard. It took him until 2012 to finally hold down a regular spot in the 1st XI, although he didn’t truly start to kick on from a run-scoring point of view until he became captain in 2016. In his first season at the helm, Paul scored 411 runs with a top score of 87, but was unable to prevent Maghull falling into the second division of the LDCC. Maghull finished third in 2017, missing out on promotion by just five points, with Walters contributing 528 runs. But his best season with the bat came in 2018, when he scored 735 runs, including his first (and to date only) 1st XI century, 101* in a tie against Parkfield. 2019 saw another 400 runs from Paul, a figure he managed in all four of his seasons with the armband. But at the end of the campaign, Paul stood down as captain with a move overseas in his immediate future. He has played sporadically since. In his 1st XI career, Paul scored 3881 runs at an average of just over 17.6, hitting 17 half-centuries and one hundred. “From the early days of the 5th XI (when I captained him), you could tell Paul had some serious talent. He was probably more of a bowler than a batter to begin with, but something just seemed to click with his batting in 2006, and you could tell he was going to be some player. One of the best cover drivers I’ve ever seen.” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Paul McKenna 2020-24
Almost certainly the only man to combine leading the 1st XI while standing behind the stumps, Paul McKenna’s five seasons leading the club is the second longest streak behind only Bill Whitlow’s six seasons between 19950-1955. “Mash” started his career at Bootle, joining Maghull for his first stint in 2013 when he played mainly for the 2nd XI. He returned to Wadham Road, where he played between 2015 and 2016, before once again joining Maghull ahead of the 2017 season, now firmly established as the primary gloveman. The club finished third in the second division in 2021 and looked set to earn promotion in 2022 before stuttering just past the halfway mark in the season, around the same time as Paul became seriously ill during a family holiday, leading to an extended period in foreign hospitals. It is a measure of his standing around the league that a massive fundraising campaign was launched and supported by clubs and individuals all across the LDCC on his behalf. Paul was well enough to return to lead the club in 2023, and it was a case of third time lucky as the club swept to the second division title and returned to the 1st division, where they have remained ever since. In his more than 200 games for the club, Paul has scored 1,186 runs in addition to his 167 catches, 78 stumpings, and five run-outs, a whopping 250 total victims. Since standing down as captain, Paul has continued to sit on the management committee of the club and was elected Director of Cricket ahead of the 2025 season. He is also an active junior coach, overseeing the U9s and U11s in recent seasons. “A winner, as simple as that. He took the responsibility of not only leading the 1st XI, but the whole club, seriously, and threw himself into the role with gusto. He has an incredible ability to spot subtle technical issues, whether it’s in coaching a junior player or sizing up an opposing batter. A very dry sense of humour, too!” - Neil Dutton, Club Secretary
Anthony Molloy 2025
A talented all rounder, capable of winning games with bat or ball, Anthony Molloy started his playing days with Bootle CC before moving to Maghull in 2015. His initial stay was short, as he returned to Wadham Road in 2016, only to return to Hall Lane in 2017. Anthony has notched 3,195 runs for the 1st XI, with 15 50s and a century in a 20 run victory over Southport Trinity in 2019. He also has 226 wickets, including all ten for 40 runs as Maghull bowled Prescott & Odyssey out for 191 in pursuit of 205 in 2017. This is one of six 5fers Anthony has claimed for Maghull, a tally which includes 8/42 against Hightown in 2025, an identical bowling analysis to that of his opposite number in the second innings.