A Longridge man who has been picked to play for England in the over-60s Cricket World Cup hopes his involvement will shine a light on the great work of his local club.
Ian Barton is the vice president of Longridge Cricket Club and has been involved with the club for more than 45 years as a player and behind the scenes stalwart.
The 62-year-old has now been picked to play for England’s over-60s team in the upcoming World Cup in Canada this after August. This comes after impressing with the bat for Lancashire over-60s and captaining England Lions.
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For lifelong sportsman Ian, who was also a talented and combative footballer for the likes of Hurst Green and Ribchester over the years, the call-up is a ‘pinch me’ moment.
He said: “When you step back and think about it, you really do pinch yourself that this is happening.
“What I am really proud of is the fact that this raises the profile of Longridge Cricket Club and what it does for the local community.
“It is the fact we have grown the club to where it is now and the level of where we play at that really matters. To do this with England is just the icing on the cake.”
An opening batsman for Longridge first team for more than 30-years, Ian’s drive to get involved with Lancashire over-60s was the catalyst for his involvement with England seniors.
And with former England football goalkeeper Nigel Martyn playing as wicket keeper for England over-60s, Ian admits the whole experience has provided some incredible moments.
He added: “Giving a team talk in front of Nigel Martyn was slightly surreal, but his reaction was just brilliant.
“The whole thing is bizarre because, when you are playing sport, you don’t think you are any good at what you are doing. You just get on with it and when opportunities like this arise, you have to savour it.”
The World Cup in Canada starts on 9 August.
