It is with great sadness that were learnt of the sudden passing of Nigel on Wednesday 14th August 2024 aged 78. Nigel excelled at both cricket and hockey being a formidable force in both 1st XI's, was a clubman through and through playing his whole club career at Timperley - something that is rarely seen today.

With some justification, it could be claimed that Nigel Wood was the best Cricket and Hockey player at Timperley in the last 50/60 years; certainly he was one of the most consistent and for many years through the 60s-80s, together with his brothers John, (our current Patron), Mike (in the 1960s) the Wood brothers were synonymous with any mention of Timperley Sports Club. Nigel played his sport with a determination and competitiveness that was uncompromising, and which was the epitome of a generation of players who excelled at both cricket and hockey and was also part of wider club life on and off the pitches.

Our records first mention Nigel playing cricket in 1962 which he did until 1994 during which time he was both 1st XI Captain and Chair of the Cricket section. His was an all-rounder, batting at number 3 and a slow left arm bowler, and his record of over 1100 wickets and 10,000 runs for the Club will be hard to beat. He has on record three centuries and in 1985 achieved the very rare feat of taking all ten wickets for 14 runs in a league match against Cheetham Hill CC. He played for Lancashire CCC 2nd XI and was known across Cheshire and the Manchester Association to be a tough but scrupulously fair opponent.

In Hockey he displayed no less ability; as a very uncompromising left half he played for our 1st XI for over twenty years playing alongside brother John, countless times for Cheshire, the North and was selected for England U21/U23. He stopped playing in the early 90s due to injury. Nigel and the Wood family were also at the heart of the many annual hockey tours from Llandudno and further afield in the 1960's and 70's down to Weymouth at Easter.

On the list of Vice Presidents, Nigel’s name is the only one to appear on both Cricket and Hockey Section lists and at a time when he might well have secured a more direct route to representative honours by joining other more prominent clubs, he remained at Stockport Road. Nigel's memory remains around the club house in photos from cricket and hockey and the hearts of those who played with, competed with and enjoyed a beer with him after the game.

Messages received from the wider cricket and hockey families across Cheshire echo the respect for Nigel as a player, friend and person. There will be a minutes silence before tomorrows Cheshire Hockey Association Cup Finals Day games, fittingly being hosted at Stockport Road, Nigel being a former Cheshire Cup winner with Timperley.

Details of funeral arrangements to follow.

Our thoughts are with Bev, Emma, Sophie, John, Janet, Woody and Susan Nigel's grandchildren and the wider family.

Rest well 'fella' from all at Timperley.