Gregson CC claim last cricket match of the millennium

Friday 31st December 1999, 2pm, Salt Ayre, Lancaster

25 over match with bowling restriction

Weather: Cool, damp, darkening.Light drizzle later. Floodlit from 3.15 pm

Result: Pressbox's XI won by 37 runs

Sanity is a relative thing, but with many plans later in the day, the Gregson players decided that few other sides would be mad enough to contest a match later than 5pm on the eve of the New Year. On the basis of this decision, they laid claim to the Last Match of the Second Millennium in the UK. With 16 adult members of the squad and 6 juniors, a fine and very competitive match ensued. Pressbox's XI were inserted on a slow, low and quite sandy track. Inadequate bounce soon taught Barry that using the pace of the ball was the way to play, and benefitting from a surprisingly fast outfield, he regained the inititive for Pressbox after a disasterous start when Banks and Beale departed early. Hunt and Dow strengthened the scoring rate, North and Wain continued it with Moulsdale, and in spite of Bayton's successful attempt to close the innings early by running out Councillor John Barry, Pressbox's XI amassed an imposing 154-9 at tea.

Tea is a misnomer. Thanks to Mr Kirk and his portable inferno, the players and spectators were able to enjoy cups of piping hot soup and toast (?) prior to resuming. Stirring the soup on a gas barbecue proved to be the most popular activity whilst waiting to bat, as operating the tins, umpiring or scoring were far too chilly pastimes.

The Gregson got off to a slow and unsteady start, losing Ashton early and never afterwards being up with the runs. McAllister, Cookson and Sparks attempted to up the rate, but with more than 10 an over required at the end, wickets tumbled. Perhaps it was fitting that "Slasher" Barfoot, a man with no known scoring shots in his armoury, was left to block out the last few balls of the 20th Century.

In the final overs of the match disaster struck for one junior. Spare a thought for young Callum Paylor, who despite a tremendous ability and promising talent, was the unfortunate victim of callous captain Bayton who claimed his wicket first ball. Callum has now to go down in the history books as receiving the last Golden Duck of the Second Millennium.

The Gregson Cricket Club owes a debt of thanks to Sean Ward and his staff at Salt Ayre Sports Centre for assisting with this venture, both financially and with their time and enthusiasm. They stayed to allow us to finish the match at 4.55pm GMT which we claim as the record in the UK. Because of their efforts, and the generosity of the players, supporters and children of the Gregson CC, and the additional help from Lancaster City FC and their supporters, the match was able to raise over £300 for equipment for the Nursery at Longlands Child Development Centre, Lancaster.