George and Ben awarded caps

TWO Suffolk players were awarded their county caps on the final day of the National Counties Championship match versus Lincolnshire at Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC.

George Rhodes, who was presented with his beforehand, and Ben Parker, who received his after Suffolk’s ten-wicket win, were handed their caps by head coach Adam Mansfield.

Rhodes, who is the county’s professional, made his debut versus Norfolk in 2022.

He scored his 1,000^th NCCA Championship run for Suffolk when striking a four to reach his century versus Staffordshire at Stafford CC during his second innings knock of 130.

Rhodes (pictured above) reached the milestone in just ten matches, and following his undefeated 94 in the first innings against Lincolnshire, has now scored 1,123 runs with four centuries in just 20 innings with two not outs at an average of 62.39.

The 30-year-old, who plays for Barnards Green CC in Premier Division One of the Birmingham & District League, has also taken 17 wickets at an average of 32.53 apiece and held nine catches.

Rhodes said: “It was a proud moment for me to receive my Suffolk cap. I believe that the core group of players at the county possess some valuable talent and experience, which will no doubt at some point win some well-earned silverware.

“I look forward to continuing to contribute and hopefully play a part in a successful era.”

Parker, who is pictured (above left) receiving his cap from Adam Mansfield, debuted versus Norfolk in 2015. He has played 26 matches and batted 46 times, twice being not out, and has scored 1,004 runs at an average of 22.81.

His sole century so far came at Tring Park CC versus Buckinghamshire in 2016.

Parker, who plays for Sudbury CC, has bowled just 2.3 overs and conceded 19 runs and held 13 catches.

The 27-year-old said: “It was an extremely proud moment for me to be awarded my county cap.

“Growing up in Felixstowe, just playing for Suffolk was a massive achievement for me, so to get a thousand runs after many years’ hard work it is a nice time to reflect on lots of great moments and great memories along the way.”

Tags: Adam Mansfield, Ben Parker, Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC, County Cap, George Rhodes, Lincolnshire, NCCA Championship

Categorised in: Suffolk CCC