Golden oldies in search of glory

Uppermill veterans Ces Wright and Jim Bradshaw.

Moore Cup Final 1

AGE is no barrier for Uppermill seconds when they play host to Heyside in the Saddleworth League’s Moore Cup final on Sunday — in fact, in their case, the older the better.

The Leefields outfit can call upon Cec Wright and Jim Bradbury — two of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s golden oldies.

Wright, the renowned former professional of fearsome pace, is the elder statesman at 75 while Bradbury at 61 is a youngster in comparison.

But you can rest assured, despite their advancing years, no-one will be trying as hard as them in the final.

Bradbury is marking 50 years at the club this season and success on Sunday would be a fitting way to celebrate the anniversary.

With two Tanner Cups and three league titles to his name, he can boast plenty of accolades but another would not go amiss.

Bradbury said: “I was made a member by my dad Harry. It cost £5 in those days and it’s only £12.50 now.

“I’ve never fancied going anywhere else. I moved house half-a-mile from one side of the ground to the other, but I’ve got no further than that.

“There have been a few ups and downs, but that’s only to be expected over 50 years. I enjoy playing and being involved — that’s why I’ve carried on so long.”

Until this season Bradbury, who is the club’s under-17s manager and welfare officer, was a regular in the first team.

He is now doing his stuff under Mark Berry for the seconds, but can reflect on playing with and against some of cricket’s star names.

Bradbury once out-scored a young Jacques Kallis, who was deputising for Uppermill’s then pro Hylton Ackerman.

He said: “I got a hundred and Kallis got 48 — and I was playing with a broken rib!”

Bradbury was hit above the eye by West Indies Test legend Joel Garner, who was starring for Moorside at the time.

He went to hospital, but when he discovered there would be a three-hour wait, he returned to finish his innings.

Bradbury will be keen to avoid any such mishaps this weekend when he strides out alongside Wright, a friend and team-mate for more than 20 years.

Wright played a key role in the semi-final win over Stayley, recording figures of two for 10 from nine overs to help send their opponents spiralling to 75 all out.

Wright has probably played more cricket than many teams put together, but he still retains an infectious enthusiasm for the game and a steely determination to come out on top.

He said: “I like to win and I want to win on Sunday.

“If a player hits me for a boundary I’ll challenge him to do it again. He’ll try it, but this time he might fail. It’s all good banter and part of cricket.”

You can be sure that with Bradbury and Wright in the team, Uppermill won’t go down without a fight.