Uppermill’s Cec: still going strong at 80!

STILL GOING STRONG: Cec Wright, who turned 80 last December, and Uppermill first XI skipper Dave Roberts.

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CRICKET: HE may be in his 81st year, but Cec Wright’s love of playing cricket shows no sign of diminishing.

Donning a cream sweater and baggy grey tracksuit bottoms, Cec lined-up alongside some of Uppermill junior players and senior members at the club’s first net session of the winter at West Hill School, Stalybridge.

It is a routine Cec, who turned 80 last December, has gone through many times before.

The session started the countdown to the new Saddleworth and District Cricket League season, from April 19.

Cec is raring to get going “If they give me a game.” There isn’t much doubt of that after he claimed 52 wickets at 13.4 in the club’s second XI last season.

Uppermill’s new first-team captain Dave Roberts (30) has to pinch himself when he sees the octogenarian roll-up with his kit bag.

“Cec was swinging the ball and taking wickets, so nothing has changed really,” said Dave. “He’s an unbelievable man, a smashing bloke and so humble as well.

“No one can believe he is 80. He must wrap himself up in cotton wool in the winter.”

This is Roberts’ second spell in charge, taking over from Matt Taylor, who steered the Leefields club to Tanner Cup success in 2013 after a replay.

“I did it about eight years ago and fancied it again,” said the all-rounder.

“Matt has done a great job and will still be at the club helping out, but he has family commitments.

“It won’t be easy, but we’ll have a go at retaining the Tanner Cup and hopefully push hard in the league this time. We got off to a slow start last year, so our aim is to be a bit quicker out of the blocks.”

Michael Brooks has returned to Uppermill after a season away — he will boost the batting department — but professional Darren Shadford has not been retained.

Alex Griffiths will be vice-captain to Roberts, who said about his wicketkeeper: “He’s the best in that position in the league.”