In a week that saw the passing of well known onetime Hampshire scorer Vic Isaacs, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the role of the scoring fraternity in recreational cricket.
As I travel around the Southern Premier League & to a lesser degree the Hampshire League circuit one thing stands out - more often than not, year upon year, it is the same scorer “notching” for their Club. A permanent fixture on the team sheet, vastly experienced, their key contribution to the game largely unheralded, undertaking their scoring duties with a minimum of fuss.
I will not embarrass these loyal servants by naming them (they know who they are) as they seek no recognition for the hundreds of games under their belts; purely the satisfaction of a job well done to facilitate the running of the game we love.
Whilst the majority seek no advancement being content to be an integral part of their respective Clubs it would be remiss not to mention the current Hampshire scorer, Alan Mills, left. For many years Alan served his apprenticeship in the Southern League & numerous other competitions - his dedication unparalleled. Graduating via the Hampshire 2nd X1 a vacancy arose to become the 1st X1 scorer - his application was successful
In addition to County Championship games, Alan has scored ODI’s for England. However the climax of his scoring career to date must be Hampshire’s thrilling one run win in the T20 Vitality Blast versus Lancashire in the cauldron of an Edgbaston full house. One run - no pressure on the scorers. The margin just emphasises the importance of accurate record keeping & a cool head when all around you are losing theirs!!!
Scorers - a special breed but ever vital to cricket.
MV
As I travel around the Southern Premier League & to a lesser degree the Hampshire League circuit one thing stands out - more often than not, year upon year, it is the same scorer “notching” for their Club. A permanent fixture on the team sheet, vastly experienced, their key contribution to the game largely unheralded, undertaking their scoring duties with a minimum of fuss.
I will not embarrass these loyal servants by naming them (they know who they are) as they seek no recognition for the hundreds of games under their belts; purely the satisfaction of a job well done to facilitate the running of the game we love.
Whilst the majority seek no advancement being content to be an integral part of their respective Clubs it would be remiss not to mention the current Hampshire scorer, Alan Mills, left. For many years Alan served his apprenticeship in the Southern League & numerous other competitions - his dedication unparalleled. Graduating via the Hampshire 2nd X1 a vacancy arose to become the 1st X1 scorer - his application was successful
In addition to County Championship games, Alan has scored ODI’s for England. However the climax of his scoring career to date must be Hampshire’s thrilling one run win in the T20 Vitality Blast versus Lancashire in the cauldron of an Edgbaston full house. One run - no pressure on the scorers. The margin just emphasises the importance of accurate record keeping & a cool head when all around you are losing theirs!!!
Scorers - a special breed but ever vital to cricket.
MV