The Axe and Compass was the local as we were in the South Leicestershire League. Taking these three under age drinkers in and trying to hide them in a corner the landlord ask's are these boys old enough to drink Manns Brown to which Smut replied, don't worry landlord just keep pouring. The good old days! Have you seen my picture on the wall from 1974 presentation night check it out.(a drink to the one that points me out.) It didn't take to long before I got the odd game with the first team, then being a regular since about 1975.

Playing evening matches, Saturdays and Sundays, I became one of the first down on the team sheets batting number 3 or 4 as a steadying influence, never giving my wicket away. One real disappointment was to miss out on a final against I think sharnford, at Hinckley Cricket Club, I had my cartilage out a few weeks before and I was still on crutches. Up to date I have never hit the magic three figures my best being 99 not out against wolvey, they didn't tell me it was the last over and I was knackered. I have hit one of the fastest 50's in minimum balls faced in this club. I was picked twice to represent the senior league team, losing both games.

At Stapleton I have mixed memories the first being stumper and taking 2 magnificent full length one handed diving catches off Wayne Smith, the other being not on the end of a bouncer but a ambulance after pulling chest and rib muscles driving. I have won the single wicket trophy 3 times, the last time last year (2000). I have been a committee member 15 years Treasurer for 6 years and at present 1st team captain. I also captained our recent tour of Benidorm which was a great success and look forward to returning next year. I am very pleased to see many younger players at Huncote coming of age who are willing to help as well,(reminds me of myself in my younger days) This old dog will still fight for his place I'm not retiring YET!