From Grace Road to Oakamoor: A Silverware Season to Remember

The 2025 county cricket season resulted in an historic success with the winning of the Rothesay County Championship second division title. However, it was not the only silverware garnered by one of our representative teams. After a protracted season, involving the knockout stages, the over 60s first team cantered to a commanding victory in the final of the Vase competition at Oakamoor C.C. in Derbyshire on the 2nd September.

After finishing fourth in their regional group and thus guaranteeing that the quarter and semi-finals would be played at home (Cropston C.C., in fact), the progression to the knockout phase saw a marked uplift in performance. Hampshire were the visitors in the last-eight tie, and a cracking game it proved to be. The homesters compiled 274 for five wickets, Guy Rollins again leading the way with a sparkling century. The game was in the balance right up to the end as Hants finished their effort just eight runs adrift. The semi-final against Somerset saw our lads rattle up 295 for four wickets in their 45 overs, when Brad Peake, Zed Mohamed and Baz Tailor each passed 50 whilst Craig Hendry remained unbeaten on 49. The cider men replied with 259 all out, with the bowling honours shared equally between Hendry, Johnny Reynolds, Nick Newman and Guy Rollins.

The final proved to be the most comfortable game of the three. The Cheshire captain inexplicably opted to bat first on a pitch that gave significant help to the bowlers. Their eventual total of 152 for seven in 45 overs was due in no small part to the opening pair of Craig Hendry and Baz Tailor. Craig rattled off his allotment of overs to finish with figures of 9-6-10-2. Cheshire were up against it from the off and with four other bowlers conceding fewer than four runs per bowler were never let off the leash. In reply an early wicket brought Zed Mohamed to the crease and, together with Guy Rollins a dominant partnership of 117 pretty much put paid to the issue. Zed continued his golden run of knockout form with another 78 off 70 balls, Guy was still there at the end with a composed and unbeaten 49. A terrific day and a splendid way to round off the season.

We run six teams in the seniors: two at over 50, three at over 60 and an over 70 side. If you are still playing or have recently hung up the boots and are thinking of joining us, in the first instance please get in touch at secretary.lrcccs@gmail.com. The winter nets will start in January and we are always looking to strengthen our playing numbers.