Photo: The Honourable Natalie Nieta-Headley, Minister with responsibility for Sport cuts the ribbon to open the Ruddy Williams Centre for Excellence at the Kensington Oval on Tuesday August 19th, 2014. Also in photo, Ruddy Williams (left) and club chairman Mark Neita (right)
Ruddy Williams joined the Kensington Cricket Club in 1964, which means he is in his 50th year as a member and he has been a stalwart member ever since.
He played one Junior Cup match before forcing his way into the Senior Cup team where he remained until 1977. He was a member of the Cup-winning teams in 1968 and 1969.
Williams was appointed club captain in 1972 and held the position until 1978. His winning record during that time includes, three Senior Cup titles, four J.K. Holt Jnr KO titles and three Claude Cooke Trophies.
Ruddy Williams served on the club’s managing committee for a number of years and he was the first chairman of the Social Hall committee.
The 50 year veteran has been the manager of the club’s team since 1985. Firstly he managed by himself, before serving as co-manager in recent times. During this period Williams won many Senior Cup titles including 2012 and the All-Island Limited Overs KO competition in the first seven years of its existence.
Ruddy served as a national selector for 13 years, 10 as chairman and in that time Jamaica won seven regional first class (four days) titles and four one day titles.
He is arguably Jamaica’s best chairman of selectors. His record speaks for itself.
Ruddy Williams, in many ways, is Mr. Melbourne and is unquestionable, and for many reasons, has been a gift to Melbourne for 50 years.
Ruddy Williams was given a National Award, the badge of honour for Meritorious Service in 2014.
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