Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2026

whilst bowling out league teams on a regular basis. In my time at Astley Bridge he was the professional for Little Lever, whom we once played at their ground when I found myself batting with Ray Eccleshare (Keith’s brother). That day I saw the greatest shot I ever saw whilst playing, when Ray clouted Sonny for a straight six. It wasn’t a slog but a finely crafted straight drive right over his head. It went miles but - ever the sportsman - Sonny congratulated Ray on the excellence of his stroke. It wasn’t long before Sonny got Ray, myself, and our whole side out for not very many. The cricketing phrase ‘play the ball not the bowler’ was very much in evidence that day. Most of us were out in our minds before we even padded up. However, in reality, my batting achievements in the Bolton League career were few and far between. I felt on reflection that perhaps I had been ‘over coached’ and was disinclined to take risks whilst stoutly trying to protect my wicket. Yes, I had a solid defence and played with a straight bat (good qualities in an opener), but I didn’t possess a full range of attacking strokes. As a result, after getting a good start, I would often be dismissed when the time came to push the score along. I guess that probably made me a bit frustrating to watch! “Ged’s Bar” andmementos at his home Ged & Barry Richards at the Society 15