CRICKET: WHEN Stuart Paul played for Dorridge on Sunday, he reached the impressive landmark of playing for the club for 50 consecutive years.
He joined the club when it was called Shirley Cricket Club in 1967 while he studied at Sharman’s Cross School.
Teachers Pete MacLauchlin and Ralph Pearson asked him if he would like to play for the club.
Stuart joined with his brother Dave and started his cricketing career as a batsman and wicket keeper at school – but on joining Dorridge he started bowling.
It was not long before he started opening the bowling, and one of his finest memories with the ball came when taking a hat-trick – though he’s reminded on a regular basis by his brother that two of the three batsmen that fell were aged 14.
As a batsman, Stuart was never a big hitter but he passed 50 many times – although his ability to stick at the crease meant a slow but inevitable drop down the order to the point where he became the first name on the team sheet – at number 11.
He now plays for the third team when they are short and umpires for the second and third teams on the days when he cannot get a game.
He also represents Warwickshire Over 60s.
Stuart said: “I have always loved playing the game it will be a sad day when I have to call it a day.
“I am delighted to have made good friends over the years through the sport.”
