All those connected with Benwell Hill CC and Northumberland Cricket will have been deeply saddened by the death of N.C.D. (Nicholas Charlton Dudley) Craig which occurred on Good Friday after a long illness.
Bare statistics do not do justice to Nick`s talent – he played 218 games for Benwell Hill First X1 scoring 5,402 runs at an average of 27.85 and as a wicketkeeper of great flair he claimed 199 victims. He made three hundreds and retains the record for the highest score ever made by a Hill batsman in a game of 175 v Tynemouth in 1978. The story goes that he was in a hurry to catch a train to London that day but started to enjoy himself at the expense of the Tynemouth bowlers.
Stories of Nick Craig are legion. I was lucky enough to open the batting with him on a number of occasions. On a cold day at the start of the season he came out to bat with his whites on top of his day clothes. His inimitable ancient cords could clearly be seen sticking out under his pads and the ancient check shirt was also fairly prominent. Future England fast bowler Simon Brown was playing for Boldon that day and was summarily despatched by Michelin Man Craig.
On another occasion Nick played against West Indian Fast Bowler Ian Bishop. Nicholas punched the ball to slip standing 30 yards away and strode off at pace instructing me to “carry on Lunn, my brains are far too valuable to play against that.”
If I can be allowed one more tale a rather aggressive opening bowler once had a few words to say to Nick which prompted the following exchange between us. “Simon” “Yes Nicholas”, why is that horrible man allowed to bowl to me?” “Sorry I have no idea”. The next ball flew into the West Road which marked the end of the confrontation.
Numbers do not do justice to the talent that Nick had for the game which was borne out of his schoolboy years at Winchester where he played for the Public Schools at Lords. Nick hit the ball ferociously hard but also had a solid defensive technique which would come into play when the mood took him. He was a strong believer in the value of good coaching and had interesting views on batting and wicketkeeping when pressed.
Nick played 13 games for Northumberland in the latter part of his career with a highest score of 70 but unavailability through a busy professional life in the Law often ruled out selection. He was, however, good value on his appearance in the first ever floodlit game at Jesmond when he encountered Viv Richards, Joel Garner and Ian Botham playing for Somerset. Not the worst claim to cricketing fame.
Nick became a friend as well as a colleague on the field. He was a strong supporter of Community Sport and was a great ally in battling local Councillors on something called the Airport Trust which dispensed money to local good causes. Thanks to Nick Sport did quite well.
Elsewhere Nick knew everybody and treated everyone equally with his customary good humour. He loved playing at places like Ashington and his exchanges with another legend of Northumberland Cricket Graham Wilson were a joy that should have been recorded.
In later years I was lucky enough to play some golf in a four ball with Nick and his great friends and fellow Hill icons Michael Younger and Bill Smalley. Nick would sometimes be in full anecdote mode as he drove the ball for miles off the tee although it is fair to say that his putting was perhaps not of the same calibre.
It must be about 8 or so years ago that we got word that Nick had suffered a severe stroke and was in Hexham Hospital. Visiting Nicholas then it was clear that things were going to be tough for him both physically and mentally. It is a tribute to the tremendous spirit and the unflagging care of Victoria, their 3 boys Richard, Edward and George and the caring profession that the intervening period has been managed as well as it has.
`Never ever dull` is how I will remember N.C.D. Craig – a remarkable all round sportsman (he nearly killed me when he introduced me to the sport of rackets) and a man who lived life to its absolute fullest. A Loving Father, Grandfather and husband to the lovely Victoria. He left on the same train as Pope Francis which would have been an interesting conversation in itself.
The family will be hosting a private Cremation and there will be public Memorial Service with a reception at BHCC. Further details to follow.
Simon Lunn April 25 2025
Picture above - NIck and his wife Victoria pictured last year at Jesmond with Tom Williamson (BHCC President)and Simon Lunn (BHCC Chairman).
