JB Parker – Barry to everyone – was a Workington Cricket Club legend, and his name will continue to live on.
The club organised a special match on Friday night when the Barry Parker Trophy was awarded to the winning team – in this case the club’s Under-23s.
It was basically the idea of club chairman Kristian Moffat who wanted an annual game in which the club’s younger players would take on some of the players who had represented the club over the years.
Paul McKeown (Chief), one of the senior players still turning out regularly for the seconds suggested it would be the perfect game to introduce a trophy which would be a fitting memorial to one of the club greats.
He said: “There are a few of us at the club who remember Barry. He was a Workington Cricket Club and Cumberland legend who was a gentleman and known county wide.
“He was an all-round sportsman – who also played rugby union for Workington Zebras – and a former school teacher who was a great role model. He was certainly someone who helped me in my early career.
“I am old enough to have actually played in the same team as him.”
There was a good crowd down to watch the game at the Valentine Ground in which the Under-23s eventually beat the elder statesmen by four runs. Current first teamers Thomas Fox (40no) and Ben Scott (22 off five balls) were their match-winners.
The game was played in a competitive but great spirit and it was particularly good to see former first teamers Gary James, Simon James and Andrew Reed doing their bit for the Old Boys.
“It was a great night, although I bet some of the older lads were struggling to get out of bed in the morning!” said Paul.
