14/09/2025
Frank Legge Celebration Day Match Report
Last Sunday, Mere Cricket Club proudly hosted the inaugural Frank Legge Celebration Day — a celebration of cricket, camaraderie, and our much-missed friend and long-serving (suffering) umpire, Frank Legge, who passed away earlier this year.
The day began with torrential rain hammering down, raising serious doubts about whether anyone would be playing cricket or simply learning to swim. Remarkably, not only did the weather relent, but we managed to squeeze in two matches — all in Frank’s honour.
Match One: The Young vs. The “Experienced”
The format of the day was The Hundred, with teams split between the under-30s (still with functioning knees) and the over-30s (armed with Deep Heat and excuses).
After a touching presentation of Frank Legge caps and a minute’s silence, the under-30s batted first. Things looked wobbly early on thanks to some sharp bowling from Sid Chatterjee, but the young guns soon found their rhythm. Kenton Ward (33*), and Cam Heard (31*) put on an impressive middle-order partnership, steering their side to 140–3.
The over-30s began brightly with Lawrence Yeo rolling back the years for an unbeaten 32. Sadly, the rest of the “experienced” line-up struggled to match the tempo. A spirited cameo from Kevin Whitmore (23*) wasn’t quite enough, and the golden oldies closed on 126–6. One-nil to the kids.
Match Two: Revenge of the Elders?
The second game was shortened to 80 balls due to the rain delay, but the over-30s came out swinging — well, sort of. With a reversed batting order, Lewis Wood and Mike Ryan opened proceedings in what could only be described as “Mere CC: The 2012 Reunion Tour,” albeit with slightly tighter shirts.
Mike Ryan, despite not having held a bat in six years, rediscovered his mojo in style, blasting a blistering 33*. Contributions from the veterans saw them post a very respectable 103–4.
The under-30s also reversed their line-up, but captain Charlie Cassidy clearly had energy to burn. Cassidy (30*) and Harry Bryson (34*) delivered the power hitting, though Ryan wasn’t done yet — rolling back the years again with the ball, taking 2–13 in a superb spell.
It all came down to the final over: elder brother Adam Standfield bowling to younger brother Ben, with the youngsters needing a single to win. Adam kept it tight, but Ben held his nerve and dispatched the final ball to the boundary. Cue cheers, jeers, and the smug satisfaction of youth. The under-30s claimed victory in both matches, officially retiring one or two creaking members of the opposition in the process.
The Frank Legge Trophy
The inaugural trophy was awarded to Mike Ryan for his all-round heroics with bat, ball, and in the field — not to mention his cross-country trek from London to Mere.
Thank Yous
A huge thank you to umpires Tom White and David Heard, scorers Alison Heard and Steve Porter, and everyone who helped with teas, cakes, and the dreaded washing up.
Frank would surely have been proud. The day was played in wonderful spirit, full of laughs, friendly competition, and a fitting celebration of the game he loved.
