9:07am Thursday 17th September 2009
By Matt Donlan
RETIRING hero Peter Killelea says he had no option other than to hang-up his cricket whites as his body just couldn’t take the stress and strain of another Lancashire League season.
The popular Bacup skipper called time on his career on a high as his side beat East Lancs on Sunday – and admits he will miss his on-field battles after an 18-year Senior League career.
“It is the hardest decision I have had to make and I go out with some great memories,” said Killelea, 34.
“But I don’t think I could go on another year.
“At the start of the season I rained harder than ever doing running, kick boxing and weights and felt fine for the start.
“Then in the game at Nelson, I pulled both hamstrings, did my intercostal muscle and broke two ribs – and that was just diving for the ball!
“When that happens, it really is time to pack up.”
But Killelea, a member of the brilliant Bacup side that won three league titles on the spin at the turn of the millennium, admits it will be a wrench.
“I probably won’t know what to do with the summer weekends now,” he smiled.
“It’s all I have known since my early teens.
“I broke into the seconds at an early age and I have not stopped since.
“But I will still be about, watching the games.
“I will be sat on the sidelines moaning about how players are not as good as I used to be.
“And I have been apologising in advance to a few lads from around the league for any barracking I may do next year.
“I have had a brilliant time in the league and have played against some truly great professionals.
“I remember batting against Allan Donald. He was the fastest bowler on earth.
“You don’t get that in any other sports.
“As an amateur footballer, you can never pit yourself against the best.
“And I will miss it. The decision started to hit home on Sunday when the East Lancs lads applauded me onto the field twice.
“It was a touching moment – and I have loved every single minute.”
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