Doncaster's Mike Cowan reveals his pride after being elected Yorkshire CCC vice president

Proud Doncastrian Cowan was elected at the Tykes’ recent AGM alongside Jonny Bairstow’s mother Janet, who became the club’s first ever female vice president.

The 86-year-old described it as “a fantastic honour for Doncaster”.

Former fast bowler Cowan made his Yorkshire debut as an 18-year-old in 1953, becoming the first Doncaster lad to earn a county cap.

A serious back injury stunted his development but he can still proudly look back on a White Rose career which saw him line up alongside the likes of Len Hutton, Fred Trueman and Ray Illingworth.

Cowan ended his career by captaining hometown club Doncaster Town. He later moved into after-dinner speaking and fundraising with The Rotary Club of Doncaster.

“I got the call a couple of weeks ago from [president] Geoff Cope and he said 'I've got some news for you',” Cowan told the Free Press.

“I jokingly said 'are you going to give me a benefit [year]?'

“He told me I'd been chosen to be vice president and I was delighted to accept.

“Obviously I was sworn to secrecy but since it was announced I've had some lovely cards from friends and it means a lot to me.

“I've had some old yearbooks out and had a look at some of the names of people who have been vice president in the past - and this is a fantastic honour for Doncaster.

“I was very proud to be the first boy from Doncaster to get a Yorkshire cap.

“We [Doncaster Town] won the league last year but it's nice for me to be recognised in this way.

“Sometimes it feels like Doncaster is seen as a bit of a backwater but this is a big honour for the area.”

A Yorkshire CCC statement said: “Cowan played 91 matches for Yorkshire from 1953 to 1962. He took 266 wickets at an average of 24.01. Throughout his career and since Mike has been a popular figure with teammates, members and the wider public. He is a masterly public speaker and has always been a willing contributor to club events.”