Over 70’s side suffer inaugural Roses match defeat
With clubs up and down the county posting proud messages about the achievements of their young players, it went largely unnoticed that the County’s first ever over 70’s side made its debut in the National Over 70 County Championship on Thursday.
On a sweltering day in Tickhill, near Doncaster, what was penned as the “wrinkly roses” battle took place as the County’s most senior side sought to emulate the recent championship successes of the over 50 and over 60 sides.
Sadly, victory in the inaugural game was not to be, as a number of injuries and tweaks during the game and a match winning 87 by Yorkshire’s former England over 60 opening bat Neil Calvert in a 50-run victory, sent the team limping (in some cases literally) back down the M62.
Yorkshire won the toss and elected to bat, making a slowish start and losing three wickets with just over 50 on the board, before a partnership of 66 in quick time, turned the game.
Despite Chris Hall and skipper Geoff Allen picking up three wickets apiece in the latter overs, Yorkshire’s total of 190-9 was always going to be challenging.
Hall and Allen opened up with a stand of 50, before Hall was out and Allen had to leave the field suffering from heat exhaustion.
Ian Caunce (41) weighed in with some lusty blows, including the day’s biggest six, but the innings fell away somewhat after his dismissal despite Allen returning to the fray and finishing on 54 not out, as his side finished a disappointing 140-6, which was not a true reflection of the events on the day.
So it’s onwards to Rishton on May 23rd to do battle with Leicestershire and a second opportunity to get off the mark for the County’s most senior citizens.
Scores
Yorkshire 190-9, Lancashire 140-6.
The team on the historic day were:
Geoff Allen of Great Harwood CC (Captain).
Chris Hall, played at Worsley CC (now of the GMCL) from the age of 12.
Chris Melia, played his early cricket at St Helen’s Recs before moving to Leigh of the Liverpool Competition, where he has spent the last 40 years.
Steve Eccles, played the vast majority of his career at Clifton CC (now GMCL) and is currently club President.
Ian Caunce who played most of his cricket around Merseyside and in Oxfordshire.
Ian Huyton in his 60th season with St Helen’s Town (formerly St Helen’s Recs). Gareth Thomas who has played at many places around the country but regards Withnell Fold as his home club.
Robert Dickinson, Dennis Johnson, John Murray who has plied his trade in the Oldham hills at Greenfield, Heyside and now Royton.
Dave Rees who played for various Palace Shield clubs before he retired from playing in 2010 – or so he thought!
