...of the death of one of Irish cricket's most amazing characters, the inimitable William Andrews.
Born in Comber into privilege in 1886 Willie Andrews died on 22 December 1966 after a life full of service, commitment and in no small measure-cricket! He was a tall gaunt figure with a piercing squeaky voice and from an early age saw cricket as the passion of his life. The Andrews family gave him a fast-track into local commerce, high society and sport as they were not only the principal employers in the town, but they took a prominent role in many aspects of Comber's social and business culture.
Perhaps it was inevitable he would aspire to greatness given that his three his elder brothers distinguished themselves in Northern Ireland history. The eldest John Miller became Northern Ireland Prime Minister, James became Lord Chief Justice and was knighted for his service, and perhaps the most famous of all, Tommie, designed the Titanic and lost his life when this great ship sank in 1912. All four brothers played cricket and in keeping with other members of the family they took a dominant role in promoting and developing North Down Cricket Club. Each in their own way served the club well, but it was Mr. Willie who gave cricket the greatest service and in the process left an indelible imprint on Irish cricket archives. Of the many words that could be used to describe this amazing man, perhaps 'service' is the one that captures his personality more than any other.
Not the most naturally gifted cricketer Willie Andrews made the most of his talent with commitment, focus and dedication. He understood the game better than most and he applied simple, but effective techniques to ensure he could compete at the highest level in the local game. A stoic batsman with a broad bat and endless patience he was ideal for time cricket and over the years he exasperated bowlers with his ability to occupy the crease and offer few chances. He would have hated the smash, wallop and bang culture of modern cricket as his biggest love was test cricket and he travelled the world with the MCC to watch many of the big games. He was also weaned on success at The Green and as a youngster meticulously recorded all of the successes of the great North Down teams of the 1890s when they dominated the embryonic years of competitive club cricket.
Willie had a passionate, but undistinguished sports background at Inst where he is reputed to have started his 1st XI career with three successive 'ducks,' and his entry into North Down teams in the early 1900s was far from flattering. He played in the 1904 Junior Cup Final and then progressed into the 1st XI, which was rebuilding after the retirement of many of the successful old brigade. As an Andrews Willie's place on the team was never questioned and it was no surprise that he succeeded his brother James and became North Down Captain in 1910. What is surprising is that over the next 30 years he became the most successful club captain in Irish cricket. Affectionately known as "Big Willie" the new skipper donned the mantle of captaincy an astonishing 39 times, a record unlikely to be broken. He won the NCU Challenge Cup 13 times and played in 20 finals. He won the Senior League title nine times including 1910. Off the field he was a born administrator. A stickler for etiquette and playing by the rules he was a dominant presence in NCU committees from 1906 and eventually became Chairman of the Senior Committee, the prelude to NCU Chairman. He held the position from 1948 to 1966 stepping down just a few months before his death. Willie was also President of the Irish Cricket Union in 1948 and 1952 and chaired numerous NCU committees, not least the all-important pre-season appointment of umpires. And woe beholds the official who gave Mr. Andrews out LBW the previous season!
Alongside his dedicated service to the game as an administrator Willie was a totally committed player. He scored 111 in the 1911 cup final win over Waringstown and was capped by the Gentlemen of Ireland in 1928 at the ripe old age of 42. Such was his status in the game that he could have played much earlier had he wanted, as he not only captained many Ulster teams, but he also selected them. At club level he held several key offices including Chairman for a total of 41 years
Willie also served his country, his school, his church and his home town manfully. He enlisted in both World Wars, he served on the board at Inst for 26 years, he was a stalwart in the Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church until his death, and as a Director at the local spinning mill he employed many of the townspeople. Stories of him abound in the older community as he was such an eccentric, but engaging character, the like of which we shall never see again.
Even in death he was meticulous and totally prepared. The instructions for his burial were clear and concise and the beneficiaries in his will included a number of cricket clubs and the Northern Cricket Union.
Rest in Peace Mr. Willie, your memory live on.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
