Hull’s cricketing hero returns to roots for testimonial year

While not generating the same headlines as the fiery Yorkshire bowlers of yesteryear – Trueman, Gough and Hoggard spring to mind – Patterson can undoubtedly hold his head up as one of the most important bowlers in the county’s history.

Standing at 6ft 4ins, the rangy right arm medium fast bowler, best-known to teammates as Dedders, was a key part of the Yorkshire team that claimed back-to-back County Championships in 2014 and 2015.

During his career he’s played more than 230 first class matches for his county, taking more than 450 wickets and scoring more than 1,600 runs. No wonder he’s known as Yorkshire’s Mr Reliable.

Now the 33-year-old is celebrating his testimonial year with the club by holding a number of events back in Hull – back where it all started for the amiable sportsman.

Last week he was feted with a testimonial dinner at the KCOM stadium and later this year he’ll step out for 18 holes at Hull Golf Club, in Kirk Ella, for a charity golf day.

Speaking ahead of his testimonial dinner, which welcomed players including Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance, England Ashes winners Tim Bresnan and Ben Stokes, the most expensive player in the Indian Premier League, Steve said he was delighted to be back on home soil.

He said: “I wanted to come back to Hull for some of the events in my testimonial year because this is where it all started for me. In fact, I started playing cricket for Hull in the old Circle ground where the KCOM Stadium is now. So it’s fitting that my dinner is there, it’s come full circle.

“When I played at the Circle I always supported Yorkshire and wondered if one day I’d get to play for my home county. Now 13 or 14 years later here I am in my testimonial year.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been that long to be honest,” he adds. “The seasons seem to pass very slowly at the time and then suddenly you look back and all this time has passed. It’s been fun though, really enjoyable.”

Looking ahead Steve says he’s not setting himself any major career targets – although he admits it would be nice to pass 500 career wickets for Yorkshire during next season. As long as he’s contributing to the team he’s also willing to carry on knocking over those stumps for as long as he’s needed.

At the moment, he’s busy concentrating on his testimonial celebrations and raising money for charities including the Professional Cricketers’ Association Benevolent Fund, The British Lung Foundation and SNAP, a Leeds-based charity helping youngsters with physical disabilities.

He’s also hoping to donate some of the proceeds from his Hull events to Castle Hill Hospital for its important work in its Teenage Cancer Trust Unit.

For more information on any of Steve’s forthcoming testimonial events visit info@stevepatterson17.com