Getting into the game

[Deleted member 22162]

I’m in my early 30s but barring a couple of schools matches and park stuff have never played organised cricket in a league. I’m fit and healthy and play football and tennis to a canny standard so I’m not a complete clogger. Have I missed the boat with cricket though? Anyone else have experience of having no previous experience and making a canny fist of joining the game at my age or older?

 

[Ghfd]

I’m in my early 30s but barring a couple of schools matches and park stuff have never played organised cricket in a league. I’m fit and healthy and play football and tennis to a canny standard so I’m not a complete clogger. Have I missed the boat with cricket though? Anyone else have experience of having no previous experience and making a canny fist of joining the game at my age or older?

There are teams that will accomadate yourself. Check out the new players thread. A lot of lads involved in local north east cricket in there, who can give you advice of how to get involved

New signings for the 2021 season

Probably a bit early in the close season but is there any gossip, rumours, fairytales,facts etc about local clubs signing new players etc

www.readytogo.net

 

[Salem Street South]

Definitely not too late, I started again mid 30s having not played since school. My advice would be look for the nearest club to you that has the most teams on a Saturday and or Sunday ie, 1s 2s 3s etc that way you’ll be pretty much guaranteed a game and should be at a level you’ll be suited to, therefore more involved in the games and enable you to get the max out of it. If it’s anything like down here your local clubs will be crying out for players. Good luck

 

[NorthCountryBoy]

I’m in my early 30s but barring a couple of schools matches and park stuff have never played organised cricket in a league. I’m fit and healthy and play football and tennis to a canny standard so I’m not a complete clogger. Have I missed the boat with cricket though? Anyone else have experience of having no previous experience and making a canny fist of joining the game at my age or older?

Where do you live mate?

 

[badger55]

Some clubs have a "midweek" 3rds, playing 20 over cricket. Could be a good starting point as most teams are a mix of older and younger players. Usually good social sides as well, when restrictions are lifted.
Then look at 3rd team Sunday cricket, again a good mix of young and older. Then, who knows where you may end up ?

 

[Paddy O'Dors]

I used to play with a bloke who didn't really get into playing in his mid 30's after football became a bit of a challenge for him (he played to a decent standard and the injuries/midweek travelling for evening games took there toll). He jacked it in and started playing cricket instead. He was playing the game til well into his 60's! Proper natural sportsman, even played off a 9 handicap at golf even though he didn't start playing that in his 30's too.

 

[Deleted member 22162]

Where do you live mate?

I'm in Essex. Bit of research and turns out my local club run plenty of teams; 3rds, 4ths and even 5ths on a Saturday.

 

[NorthCountryBoy]

I'm in Essex. Bit of research and turns out my local club run plenty of teams; 3rds, 4ths and even 5ths on a Saturday.

Great. Really hope you make the call.

You’ll see a big improvement curve when you get into it. To me batting isn’t really about getting particular shots better, it’s about learning which shot to play to which ball. And you get really quick gains on that one.

 

[brandon]

I’m in my early 30s but barring a couple of schools matches and park stuff have never played organised cricket in a league. I’m fit and healthy and play football and tennis to a canny standard so I’m not a complete clogger. Have I missed the boat with cricket though? Anyone else have experience of having no previous experience and making a canny fist of joining the game at my age or older?

Definitely haven’t missed the boat, plenty lads at my club playing in their 40’s and 50’s so if you’re fit you’re already a valuable asset to any club - will be very useful chasing the ball in the field for a start.

Good luck with it!

 

[SAFC2403]

I’d say find a club local to you and contact them and see if they run net practices. Be honest with them about your experience and I’m sure they can accommodate. Most clubs have Saturday, Sunday and midweek teams now.
Good luck and watch the ball and whack it!!

 

[Rick O Shea]

It's never too late - up here the local organisation has introduced a Sunday league - Recreational and Development - specifically for kids and older folk who want to get started or get back into the game without having to be overly competitive. I would imagine there will be similar set ups elsewhere.

The social side of cricket is great too.

 

[NorthCountryBoy]

It's never too late - up here the local organisation has introduced a Sunday league - Recreational and Development - specifically for kids and older folk who want to get started or get back into the game without having to be overly competitive. I would imagine there will be similar set ups elsewhere.

The social side of cricket is great too.

How’s the game’s health up your way? Someone once said that Aberdeenshire had more clubs than Durham...

 

[Paddy O'Dors]

How’s the game’s health up your way? Someone once said that Aberdeenshire had more clubs than Durham...

Lots of ex-pats around Aberdeen.

 

[Rick O Shea]

How’s the game’s health up your way? Someone once said that Aberdeenshire had more clubs than Durham...

It used to be more cricketers per head of population than Yorkshire.

Sadly not the case now - I reckon we've lost about 20 out of 50 teams in the last decade. We've lost a lot of pitches as well.

Lots of ex-pats around Aberdeen.

Aye - we've had a few 'Lads' play for us over the years - and the odd skunk and smoggie.