The first action of the season for the Over 60’s came with a trial match at Old Buckenham on Wednesday 23rd April.


Two teams selected by John Ruddick and Richie Davies, containing a fair mix of first and second team players plus a couple of new players took to the field, hopefully to impress the selectors.

Carl Yallop captained the ‘B’ side whilst John Ruddick did just about everything else off the field however his notebook and pen were never far from his side. Richie Davies elected to bat first and opened with John Lund and newcomer Arthur Lake. Carl chose David Le Moir and Trevor Shales to spearhead his attack and they restricted the openers to 23 off the first 12 overs. At this point there was a double bowling change with Carl replacing David and Chris Palmer replacing Trevor. Unfortunately Chris only completed one over, his troublesome shoulder preventing him from finding both line and length. Bob Hunt replaced Chris and with both openers having settled in, the run rate increased. John Lund retired on 35 allowing Grenville Ireland to enter the fray. The score had moved on to 87 with 22 overs gone when the first wicket fell, Lake being well caught by the substitute fielder off the bowling of Carl Yallop. Richard Taylor was next in and scored 12 before lofting a simple catch to Trevor Shales off Bob Hunt with the score on 99.  Grenville was left stranded down the wicket as Liam Hughes pounced on the ball at square leg and although Andy Broughton broke the wicket whilst gathering the throw, he managed to pull out a stump before the batsman could make his ground. Next in was Richard Norman, who struggled to score and having just 9 against his name was stumped off the bowling of David Le Moir in 29th over. Enter Captain Richie Davies who was in no mood to hang about, even the introduction of Liam Hughes into the attack failed to curb his aggression He retired after a whirlwind 43 off just 37 balls, leaving Kingsley Eliff (18) and Joe Perry (2) the not out batsmen. The score after the allotted 45 overs being 177-4. Carl used six bowlers with David Le Moir, Carl Yallop and Bob Hunt the wicket takers.

Alan Pulsford and Martin Pearse opened the batting against Colin Jackson and Grenville Ireland and were untroubled as they steadily accumulated the runs. After seeing off both opening bowlers they consolidated against both Ron Ashdown and Mike Banham, reaching 83 in the 20th over. Alan reached his half century and immediately retired. New player Richard Ellis replaced Alan and the score moved on 98 before Martin was clean bowled by Ron Ashdown for 38. Nobby Cobb was next in and both he and Richard Ellis were finding it difficult to score runs. 7 runs being scored from the next five overs. This pressure no doubt caused the run out that saw Richard depart with just 8 against his name and the score on 113 with 31 overs gone. Liam Hughes the next batsman to walk to the wicket and this pair added 51 runs before Nobby clipped Richie Davies to short mid wicket having scored 27. With 16 runs required off the last 16 balls, Chris Palmer’s stay lasted just 4 balls before he was adjudged lbw to Mike Banham. Trevor Hales joined Liam with 13 still needed but when Liam was bowled for 21 by Richie, 10 more were still needed. Trevor and Bob Hunt both scored a couple but the innings ended just 6 runs short of victory on 172-5. Richie was the most successful of the 7 bowlers used taking two wickets. Ron Ashdown and Mike Banham having one each.

A good game of cricket enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Old Buckenham Cricket Club for hosting the game and to all those who produced the various items that made up a splendid tea. And last but not least, to John Ruddick for all the hard work he put in prior to and during the game.