Landmark fixture for Seniors’ side

August 11, 2023

DURING the last four decades hundreds of Suffolk Seniors have played for the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Seniors Representative sides, who have a landmark fixture next month.

Monday, September 4th will see the Two Counties Seniors, whose players are drawn from Suffolk and Essex clubs, play their 1,000th game against the Forty Club at Mistley CC.

Two Counties Seniors’ manager John Gallant said that so that as many people as possible can be involved in celebrating this momentous achievement, a second game will be played on the adjoining pitch between some of their other players.

Hot food will be provided free of charge for everyone after the games. Normal match fees will be collected, and together with other monies raised, these will be donated to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

The Two Counties Seniors was formed in 1987 when the Over-50s played their first game against Suffolk Over-50s.

Keith Croton of Ipswich side Browns CC was the first manager of The Two Counties Seniors and Geoff Newman of Maldon CC was the first captain.

Gallant said: “The tremendous work performed since then by Geoff and many others has produced the organisation as it is today with three sides, Over-50s, Over-60s and Over-70s, and a mailing list of over 200 players, officials, and supporters. Many of these take an active part in the games and other events.”

In addition to regular fixtures, each season there is a four-match tour to the beautiful Dales area of Yorkshire, while there is also an annual dinner and two golf days.

Gallant, who played for Abberton CC, took over the role of Seniors Manager from Newman, who sadly passed away in 2018.

He said: “We aim to provide competitive cricket for our players, but with an emphasis on enjoying playing sport, with the added aspect of an entertaining social programme. We are a friendly, sociable and inclusive cricket club.

“We exist essentially, to provide opportunities for people who have played for teams in the Two Counties league, to continue playing in their senior years.

“We are also able to include players who have moved into the area.  We are most grateful to all the many clubs in the area who kindly host our games. We also play some games at our opponents’ grounds.

“We are fortunate in that we do continue to attract a good number of new players each year, which is an important aspect of the long-term sustainability and success of The Seniors. Long may this continue.”

The match versus the Forty Club at Mistley CC will start at 11.30am and be 40 overs-a-side.

For further information about The Seniors, visit the Two Counties website www.twocounties.com and click on the Seniors tab at the top of the home page.

The Two Counties Seniors are pictured alongside opponents Sutton-in-Craven CC before their match during their Yorkshire Tour last month.

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