Ian Peck

Ian Peck, born on October 18, 1957, in Great Staughton, Huntingdonshire, is a distinguished former English cricketer and rugby union player. He began his cricketing journey at Bedford School, where he honed his skills before making his debut in county cricket for Bedfordshire in the 1976 Minor Counties Championship against Buckinghamshire.

Peck's cricket career flourished as he made his List A debut for Bedfordshire in the 1977 Gillette Cup against Northumberland. He continued to represent Bedfordshire in Minor counties cricket while pursuing his studies at Magdalene College, Cambridge. His first-class debut came in 1978 for Cambridge University Cricket Club against Essex, where he played until 1981, making 22 appearances and captaining the team in his final two years.

During his time at Cambridge, Peck also showcased his talent in List A cricket, making seven appearances for the Combined Universities in the 1980 and 1981 Benson & Hedges Cups. He scored a total of 97 runs in these matches, with a notable high score of 31. Additionally, he played a single first-class match for a combined Oxford and Cambridge Universities team against the touring Sri Lankans and made two appearances for Northamptonshire in the County Championship.

In 1984, Peck returned to Cambridge University, adding four more first-class appearances to his record. Over his cricketing career, he accumulated 483 runs at an average of 14.20, with a top score of 49 not out, and took 11 catches as a wicket-keeper. He continued to play Minor counties cricket for Bedfordshire until 1985, concluding his List A career with a match in the 1985 NatWest Trophy.

Beyond cricket, Peck was a notable rugby union player, captaining the Cambridge University R.U.F.C. in the 1979 season and coming close to representing the England national team during the 1980 Five Nations Championship. After his time at Cambridge, he returned to his roots, teaching at Bedford School, where his journey began.