I first played for the Rushden Mission Cricket Club in 1950 aged 13, and was only able to do so after 'switching' my 'Christian Allegiance' from St Peter's Church in Midland Road (C of E) to the Mission Church in Wellingborough Road.

I recall my first game was on a field situated near Strong & Fisher's factory in Irchester Road, and played for 20 years, interrupted only by National Service in the RAF, until I moved to Buckinghamshire.

As a youngster I believe I was more interested in the scrumptious teas of cucumber sandwiches and cream cakes rather than concentrating on my game!

After leaving Rushden I still played cricket occasionally for my village team at Chalfont St Giles and also for my company side, Calor Gas. For over 20 years I wore a pair of 'sample' cricket boots, in white buckskin, which had been made for Frank Tyson, the Northants and England fast bowler, at the CWS Footwear Works in Portland Road where I worked from 1953 to 1958. Needless to say they did not bring me as much success as Frank!!

Graham Penness
Little Sutton, Cheshire.
67 not out (my highest score ever!)