A record number of players represented Warwickshire Seniors this summer as the Club’s Over 50s, 60s and 70s sides continue to prosper.
A total of 146 players, including 12 who’ve made more than 100 seniors appearances, competed for national honours on eight fronts.
And two players – Over 60s teammates Mark Eames and Mike Palmer – have been selected for England’s Over 60s “Grey Ashes” tour of Australia this winter.
Warwickshire Over 70s First XI came closest to picking up silverware as six wins saw them make the national Vase final before falling at the final hurdle to Sussex.
Dave Swinburn – the Over 70s Player of the Year – amassed 710 runs (54.60 ave) while Rob Ball led the bowling with 23 wickets as their side won four group games before beating Cheshire and Somerset in the quarter and semi-final.
There was group stage success for the Over 50s Second and Third XIs as they both qualified for the national Cup Quarter Finals.
The Seconds topped their group and an unbeaten 115 by Paul Jacob in the last 16 set up a quarter final against Surrey, while the Thirds made the knockouts for the first time before losing out not Essex.
Seniors Player of the Year Mike Palmer helped the Over 60s First XI win their regional group but they missed out on a semi-final spot following a rain-disrupted second group phase.
Palmer scored 289 runs at an average of 72.25 and took 16 wickets at 17.25 apiece. Eames (454 runs at 50.44) and Mo Azam (368 at 61.33) also starred with the bat, while Knowle & Dorridge’s Nigel Moore and Vic Clements both claimed 14 wickets.
David Rogers led the Over 60s Second XI, contributing of 323 runs (46.10 average) as five group wins secured qualification to the second group phase, while Mike Thornton hit a century and five 50s in a tough league campaign for the Third XI.
Elsewhere, the Over 50s First XI won three league games but it wasn’t enough to make the knockout stages, while the Over 70s A team enjoyed a first win in five attempts against rivals Worcestershire in the annual Bates-Day memorial match.
Peter Wreford, Warwickshire Seniors Cricket Association Secretary, said: “It’s been a really encouraging season all round. Our player base continues to grow.
“We’re seeing new recruits and promotions through the age groups keeping the teams fresh and raising standards.
“Naturally we want to win competitions but the seniors ranks are also very welcoming to players of varying standards, we train regularly and there’s a great camaraderie among the groups.
“We’re always on the lookout for new players, so if you’re interested please get in touch.”
If you’d like to join Warwickshire Seniors email Phil Budd at philgbudd@hotmail.com
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