Former Cricketer Becomes Honorary ‘12th Man’ At Weymouth Match

An ex-cricketer was thrilled to be reunited with his beloved former club with support from his Weymouth care home team.

Gerry, who lives at Buxton House care home in Radipole Lane, was invited to watch the home match between Weymouth Cricket Club and Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club at Redlands Community Sports Hub. Gerry played for Weymouth Cricket club from the late 1950s to the late 1970s as a wicket-keeper.

Before the match started, Gerry got to meet the team from Weymouth Cricket Club, put on some wicket-keeper’s gloves and was presented with a cap emblazoned with his initials. The team also listed Gerry as their honorary ‘12th player’ in their match programme.

Gerry said: “I would never dream that I would get to do this. I’ve had a lovely time. I want to come back here every week.”

Andy Anderson, former captain of Weymouth Cricket Club and now a member of the committee team, said:
“It was a real honour and a privilege for us to welcome Gerry to meet the team and for our captain, Lloyd, to present him with a cap. You could tell that he loved being around people who love cricket as much as he does. We look forward to seeing Gerry again to watch another match.”

Lauren Taylor, Home Manager at Buxton House, said:
“Gerry was very emotional when he received the cap from the captain, Lloyd, as it reminded him of playing cricket with his brother in his younger years. At Care South, we love helping the residents to enjoy activities that they used to do but no longer feel able to do it without some assistance. Gerry beamed all afternoon as he watched the cricket match and has been talking about it ever since, so we are pleased that we could make that happen for him.”