ST Helens walking cricketers entertained local rivals Southport at Thatto Heath ARLFC in what is thought to be the first ever match between two walking cricket groups in Lancashire.
The original plan had been for two sides of eight to play against each other, but with 12 turning up for the home team, the Southport side was augmented by Rod Mackenzie and George Davison, both of whom had joined the Dunes-based group on its original launch back in 2022, to enable a 10-a-side game.
Although Southport ran out narrow winners in a closely contested game, the real difference between the sides was Mackenzie´s superb fielding, taking seven catches.
St Helen’s chairman Geoff Bowles said: “We tasted defeat at the hands of our friends from Southport.
“It was a closely contested match played in a competitive but friendly manner. Most importantly Cricket was the winner once again.”
St Helens vs Southport Walking Cricket
Southport organiser Tony Elwood applauded the initiative, hatched during a chance meeting with Mr Davison, his St Helen’s counterpart, at Old Trafford in August, adding that he welcomed the challenge of inter-group competition and whilst competitive the match had been played in great spirit and was a tremendous advertisement for the walking game.
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Walking cricket is on the up in Lancashire, with new groups recently established in Burnley, Eccles, Trafford and Wythenshawe, with three others at the planning stage, presaging the exciting prospect of a Lancashire Cricket Foundation sponsored tournament in due course.
The St Helen’s group meets on Wednesdays at 9.30 am at Thatto Heath sports barn.
The Southport group, meets at 11am each Thursday at Dunes Leisure Centre.
Both groups welcome new members aged 50+. You don’t have to have played before and all equipment is provided.
Source: https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/sport/25545010.walking-cricket-st-helens-side-meets-southport/
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