Cricket Club Issue 39 | Page 34

Boldon FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG Northants and ultimately spearheading the Durham County side with great distinction from 1991 to 2002. Gareth Smith (Northants and Warwickshire) and Simon formed an effective and fearsome opening attack before they departed for their respective first class careers, with Gareth now back home and a stalwart of the second XI. Volunteers are very much at the heart of the Boldon scene and groundsman Michael Fitzsimmons is a great example. Having played for the club with distinction he now tends the ground in a volunteer capacity and has for many years consistently prepared superb wickets for club and county fixtures. A young Nick Knight scored a double hundred for Essex 2nds some years ago, despite remarking before play that ‘It looks a bit green’. ‘Fitti’s repost was typical, ‘Aye, it’s a popular colour for grass up here’. 2014 into 2015 Mid table respectability was achieved in 2014 with notable achievements with bat and ball from Joe Coyne (586 runs and 27 wickets), teenager Laurence Wood (20 wickets) and captain Chris Ellison (500 runs). The prestigious Matthew Oswald Cup was won to continue the club’s excellent record in cup competitions