“Thanks Burf!”
Oliver Edward Burford joined Sleaford Cricket Club in 2009 and has since scored over 4000
runs for the club at an average of just over 34, including 23 50’s, 4 centuries and 9 ducks! He
has also taken 142 catches (no stat available for the dropped ones from a certain ageing
bowler!), 32 stumping’s, and somehow managed 3 wickets at a strike rate of 42!
These are impressive stats under any circumstance but he has managed this whilst carrying the
added burden of the captaincy and the politics and other duties that go along with it. He was
also, for most of his tenancy as captain, representing Lincolnshire CCC. The period under Ollie
as captain has been some of the most successful in recent club history with numerous top 3
finishes and a Premier League Championship title in 2013.
Burf has brought so much more to the club than just his cricketing ability. Due to his approachable good nature he is always willing to give his time towards coaching young and old,
bringing many a player through the junior ranks into the senior teams, he has also been at the
forefront of player recruitment from the local area and further afield - some of his best
signings have been 2 tea ladies (thanks Emily and Margaret) and an assistant groundsman
(thanks Doug). He is always happy to help with the preparation and maintenance of the
ground and clubhouse.
Ollie will always have time at the bar for anyone who wants a chat to discuss his questionable
bowling changes or in which century he last won the toss! It has been a pleasure to play under
his captaincy and hopefully I will be able to play alongside him for a few more seasons to
come. Cheers Skip!
Nick Goacher
On behalf of the committee,