CRICKET legend David Lloyd says he was thrilled to find out his young grandson Joe had continued the family dynasty of playing for Accrington - even though he didn’t know about it beforehand.

Joe, who is just 15 and the son of former Lancashire star Graham Lloyd, made his first team debut as Accrington travelled to newly crowned Foster’s Lancashire League champions Lowerhouse on Sunday.

He made four and bowled one over as Lowerhouse roared to a 19th successive league win but ‘Bumble’ says it is a moment to be cherished.

“I am absolutely thrilled for him and I know he will be too,” said the former England star turned top TV pundit. “I knew nothing about it. Joe never told me and Graham didn’t mention it either but it’s wonderful and very nice to see another Lloyd playing for Accrington.

“I was commentating on England v India so I couldn’t have made it to the game but I would have certainly sent him a good luck message.

“I know he has been doing well in the seconds and got a few wickets and he will have enjoyed the day.”

David started his career at Thorneyholme Road and managed to play in the first team with son Graham before he went off to play at Old Trafford.

“It’s a good club, it’s my club and it is special for Joe. I know that if his mum was still alive she would be thrilled too.

“I am really happy for him. Joe and his younger brother Josh love their football and love their cricket and are as keen as anything and it’s great to see them doing well.

“And Accrington Stanley won on Saturday too so it was a great weekend.”

Although Accrington crashed to a heavy defeat, Lloyd senior says they shouldn’t be too disheartened as Lowerhouse continue to set the mark that other clubs must follow.

“They have done a terrific job,” he said. “For many, many years they were the team that everyone used to beat. They couldn’t win a thing but they have turned the whole club around.

“They have a tremendous facility at the ground and there are so many young players coming through. The work is largely down to Stan Heaton and what they have achieved is superb and other clubs have to follow them.

“I think a lot of them have cottoned onto that now and I went up to Accrington to do some junior coaching earlier in the season and there were plenty of young ones training.

“You need that if you are to have a future. I am a big believer that cricket clubs, like non-league football clubs, need to be part of their community if they are to succeed. Lowerhouse have done that and hopefully the others will.”