Cricket

Dear Tim,

I want to write and jerk people’s memories over Oldton Cricket Club. 

I first visited Oldton CC when our club, Bessborough CC was on tour; I played there each year for a period of seven years.  Our annual tour involved visiting five sides over a week playing a different team in a different town from a Monday to Friday, playing a game in each town.  In addition to Oldton we played Westbury, Frodston, Sodbury, Pintag and Busk.

Oldton had some fantastic characters, not so many good players, but some exceedingly good drinkers.  A visit to Oldton CC was always a night to remember.  With Bob Park leading the players like a conductor leading a choir.  His choristers belting out “We’re going up to Sunshine Mountain”, “Singing in the Rain”, “Four and Twenty Virgins” and of course “The Cow Kicked Nelly in the Belly in the Barn”.  With whistles being wet by several pints of Whoosh (I never found out what its’ real name was). 

Never a great singer but life and soul of the throng was “The Chunk”.  Famous for outskulling (involves drinking a pint very quickly and then turning the glass upside down and placing it empty on your head) allcomers at the age of 14.

Some fabulous friends and acquaintances were met on tour, can’t remember everyone’s name but they were all great.  As I understand it the club folded a while ago; if anyone else has memories, particularly ex-players, please post them up.  I’ll dig out the photo albums soon and send some over.

Thanks,

Andy Kerr.