A STALWART cricket scorer is retiring not out after 30 years of service to Kidderminster’s 1st Xl.
Sandra Barlow has scored several hundred games for the Birmingham and District Premier League team, and is well-acquainted with the cosy and not so cosy score boxes across the region.
The 67-year-old retired teacher and keen hockey player was first introduced to playing and scoring cricket at teacher training college and, after moving briefly to Bewdley, became an avid spectator and then scorer at the town’s cricket club for nine seasons.
She joined KCC as 2nd Xl scorer, but just three games later was promoted to the 1st team when their scorer left.
Sandra, who is also retiring from playing for Stourport Hockey Club, said: “I’ve enjoyed cricket scoring, but with the Covid restrictions last season I was on my own in the score box and that was hard work.
“I think it’s time to retire and watch the game with the spectators and my husband Geoff, as well as enjoy our garden and summer holidays, when allowed.
“I shall miss some of the Birmingham league scorers I got on well with but I won’t miss the cold and uncomfortable score boxes. Ours is quite cosy, but some aren’t.”
Sandra, who lives in Stourport, refuses to be drawn on which players she most liked watching, saying: “There’s always been someone in the team who would stand out with good batting or bowling performances, who you could rely on to put on a few runs or take some wickets when it mattered.
“I would have like to see Graeme Hick playing for Kidderminster but he left the year before I started as scorer.”
The biggest change she has seen is the introduction of electronic scoring and Sandra has learnt to multi-task, as she still likes to use her coloured pens as well.
KCC president Norman Broadfield said: “Sandra is a much-loved member of our club and her commitment and dedication over three decades has never faltered. We wish her a long and happy retirement.”
Anyone interested in the role of 1st Xl scorer for the club should email kiddercricket@gmail.com.
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