The wily old Jamaican still skittles ’em

Uppermill CC veteran Cec Wright

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AGE is just a number to Cec Wright: he seems to have little interest in what it means to most of the rest of us.

The Uppermill cricketer turns 80 in December - and remains the scourge of batsmen in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Putting his much younger rivals in the shade, Cec took six wickets in a match against Friarmere over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The 79 year old bowled 10 overs in helping Uppermill’s second XI to a 16-run win.

Cec first arrived in the UK from Jamaica in 1959 after signing as the Crompton professional in the Central Lancashire League.

More than five decades on, there is no sign of his desire for the game waning.

“It wasn’t too bad,” said the typically-modest Cec about his six-wicket Saturday haul.

Cec made England his home in 1962, enjoying spells at Walsden, Colne and Astley Bridge before joining Uppermill.

So, what is the secret of his long playing career?

“I do a bit of walking and play bowls,” said Cec, who is a regular at Boundary Park to watch his beloved Latics.

“I don’t go to practice sessions much these days as Uppermill is a bit of a trail from Royton, where I live. That’s my excuse anyway!”

A day after his six-wicket exploit, he was back playing again for Uppermill, when he added three more wickets to the thousands he has taken over the years.

“I find playing the next day helps to ease aches and pains,” said the former Pride in Oldham nominee, who overcame a serious shoulder injury six years ago to carry on playing.

“As long as I feel okay and I’m selected I’ll continue to turn out.”