THE remarkable Bill Robinson is still going strong at the age of 84 as he continues to shore up the Yorkshire Terriers disabled cricket team middle order.

The Wibsey man's longevity and dedication were recognised at the end of this cricketing summer, as he won the Disability Achiever of the Year prize at the Yorkshire Cricket Board's Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards.

His achievements have also been recognised by another cricketing stalwart from Yorkshire. Former test umpire Dickie Bird, who is vice-president of the Terriers, sent Bill a letter, congratulating him on his "wonderful, wonderful career."

Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus about his past, present and future, Bill, who is one-handed, said: "I'm a slow bowler now, coming on third change, and I'm still in the middle order to keep things steady.

"My eyes aren't what they used to be but we've got a couple of younger lads in the team now and I like to give them some tuition if I can.

"Next season might be last one though, and I'd love to play at Bradford Park Avenue again because the last time I did was 70 years ago.

"We were supposed to face a transplant team there this year but unfortunately it didn't go ahead."

Bill's dreams of playing at Avenue for one final time seem modest when considering the calibre of grounds he has featured at during his time with the Terriers.

He said: "The team was founded in 1993 and I joined a year or two or after, but I'm the last of the magnificent seven originals.

"I love cricket, I always have done, and I'd played lots of league cricket before I joined the Terriers. It was wonderful when (former captain) Bob Middleton asked me to play for them in my mid-60s.

"I'd always played normal cricket despite my disability so I was a bit surprised to be asked, but I've been able to play at some beautiful grounds since I started here, such as Lord's, Trent Bridge and Headingley.

"Around here, I've played several times at Undercliffe, as well as quite a lot in South Yorkshire at the likes of Haxey CC in Doncaster and Bradfield CC in Sheffield."

Asked about family ties in the sport, Bill said: "I used to play a little with my son but he retired and moved out of Bradford.

"My wife used to help out with the teas but we're well looked after at the Terriers and they put the food on for us. There's even the odd barbecue in summer."

Bill's career may be winding down, but there is no denying his contribution to the sport he began playing as a teenager. If he does retire next year, they may never find anyone quite like him again.