KVCC honour ‘legend’ Rob (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

KVCC honour ‘legend’ Rob

12:00pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria honoured a club legend as they said a fond farewell to retiring junior head coach Rob Wood.

The 58-year-old has decided to call it a day after 25 years of sharing his passion for cricket with thousands of young players from the district.

KVCC’s junior section marked the end of an era on behalf of the senior section and Chester Road Sports and Social Club at their awards evening on Friday night.

They presented him with an engraved glass tankard, camera equipment, a brass cricket bat door knocker, a signed shirt from England and Surrey wicketkeeper Steven Davies and a cheque for £300.

Wood, who started coaching as a hobby with Victoria Carpets and became head coach when they merged with Kidderminster CC, admitted he was taken aback by the club’s efforts.

He said: “I had a feeling something was going to happen but I didn’t know what, so it was lovely to have my efforts recognised in this way.

“It has always been very gratifying to help people do something they love.”

The Kidderminster coach has overseen the development of generations of Wyre Forest players. Many have gone on to play for KVCC’s first team and a higher level, including Kidderminster-born England and Surrey wicketkeeper Davies and Worcestershire batsman Neil Pinner.

He also had to overcome adversity when a stroke, caused by a bout of meningitis, left him impaired down the left side of his body 17 years ago.

Now after years of dedication the coach believes it’s time for someone else to take the reins, with sports coach Mark Bennett stepping into the role.

“I’ve been spread thin by the coaching in recent years,” added the coach.

“There are different types of coaching; I still enjoy working with a good player, but when you’ve got 20 six, seven and eight-year-olds of varying abilities, you need energy and dynamism. It’s time for someone else to take over.”

KVCC junior chairman Sarah Beadsworth led the tributes to the coach.

She said: “At our annual awards presentation we celebrated the amazing work, dedication and countless hours that Rob has freely given to the club, to the former Victoria Cricket Club and to coaching juniors in general throughout Kidderminster.

“He is a legend throughout the county and is held in the highest esteem. “He is one of those rare people who really makes a difference and he will be truly missed.”