Melton cricketers pay tribute to '˜Tilly' Taylor

More than 100 people turned out for a memorial cricket match in tribute to former Melton Mowbray CC player Jon '˜Tilly' Taylor.
The Melton Mowbray CC and Select XI teams line up before the memorial match in tribute to former player Jon Taylor EMN-160926-104741002The Melton Mowbray CC and Select XI teams line up before the memorial match in tribute to former player Jon Taylor EMN-160926-104741002
The Melton Mowbray CC and Select XI teams line up before the memorial match in tribute to former player Jon Taylor EMN-160926-104741002

The weather stayed fine for Saturday’s special match as a Melton team took on a Select XI from clubs throughout the town.

The home team was captained by Ryan Taylor and the visitors by Gary Potter in the 20-overs-a-side game.

The Select XI batted first and were immediately in trouble with two quick wickets falling to Mike Roberts.

And when Potter was bowled for 21, his team had slumped to 40-4.

However, a rapid 46 by Paul Stevenson well supported by Carl Parker (16) increased the scoring rate. Wickets fell regularly throughout the match, with both Lee Freer and Darren Smith taking three apiece off their three overs.

When Ben Redwood took the final wicket in the last over of the innings, the visitors had reached a challenging total of 135.

In reply, the home team lost their first wicket quickly which brought Ben Redwood to the wicket with opener Freer. These two built up a strong partnership, although Lee rode his luck a few times.

And when he was finally bowled by Spencer Handley for 39, the hosts were well in control of the match.

Despite a late wicket for Carl Parker and two for James Culy, Redwood batted through for an unbeaten 46 as they reached the target with five balls to spare.

A raffle, auction and other activities raised £630, which will be shared between the Kidney Foundation and Melton Mowbray Junior Cricket.

Special thanks must go to Lindsey Birch for arranging the raffle, games, food and auction. Credit also to Jon Cropper for his commentary on the game, playing the music and running the auction.

Thanks are also due to Ben Redwood, who selected the teams with assistance from Paul Stevenson and everyone else who made the event such a success.

Jon Taylor died suddenly last September at his Melton home a day after a man of the match display for the club.