Keith Gillhouley was a slow left-arm bowler who played First-Class cricket for his native county of Yorkshire and for Nottinghamshire in the 1960s. Curiously, his most productive season for each of the counties was his first in their colours.
In 1961, he made his debut for Yorkshire and took 77 Championship wickets at 22.10, with a career-best return of 7-82 against Middlesex. In 1964, his first season at Trent Bridge, he had similarly impressive figures – 74 wickets at 27.82 and a best of 6-95 v Surrey. He did not match those figures again – his last year at Trent Bridge he managed just 10 wickets at 57.90. For Notts he also played in two List-A matches, taking four wickets – all in one spell against his former county, Yorkshire. Gillhouley represented the MCC once, also against the Tykes, at Scarborough in 1963 when he reminded the opposition of his potential, taking eight wickets in the match.
Keith Gillhouley was born in Huddersfield on 8 August 1934. His death was announced on 25 March 2026 at the age of 91.
Keith made 85 appearances for Notts in the 1960s, taking 174 wickets, and later became Chairman of the Notts Cricket Coaches Association.
Born in Huddersfield, Keith and his wife, Mitzi, had lived in Guiseley since returning from their home in Nottinghamshire. They have a son, John, and a daughter, Kim, and four grandchildren, one of whom, Jack, has played cricket for Guiseley CC.
Upon his return to Yorkshire, Keith became a keen member of Yorkhire CCC Players’ Association and was a regular attender at their meetings and other functions.
March 2026
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 436