Derrick Messent – 200 not out

July 23, 2024

DERRICK Messent said he was ‘shellshocked’ following a surprise presentation at Sunday’s NCCA Showcase match.

The 77-year-old was a guest in the corporate hospitality tent as Suffolk took on neighbours Essex in the 50 overs-a-side match at Woolpit CC.

What Derrick didn’t know was that he was going to be presented with a framed shirt to mark becoming the first player to represent Suffolk Seniors in 200 fixtures.

Derrick, who reached the milestone earlier this season, was presented with the shirt by former Essex and England all-rounder Derek Pringle between innings.

Derrick, who previously played club cricket for Bures and Colchester & East Essex and lives in Colchester, did not represent Suffolk Over-50s until he was in his sixties.

He has since also turned out for Suffolk Seniors at Over-60s and Over-70s level, scoring over 1,600 runs, taking 40-plus wicket and more than 20 catches for the county.

Derrick said afterwards: “I was shellshocked to be presented with the framed shirt by former Essex and England player Derek Pringle. It took my breath away.”

Derek Pringle (right) presents the framed shirt to Derrick Messent (left) at Sunday’s NCCA Showcase match at Woolpit CC.

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