Wakefield walking cricketers get chance to play for Yorkshire at ​Lord’s

The Yorkshire team were taking part in an MCC Walking Cricket festival against other county sides at the world famous Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Their 14-person squad included players from Leeds and Barnsley plus the 10-strong contingent of Wakefield players – Mel Wood, Michael Slater, Mark Johnson, John Smith-Warren, Diane Allison-Collin, Jill Booth, Muriel Johnson, Penny Cliffe, Sue Procter and Carol Smith.

​The format of the tournament saw each mixed team play a selection of 40-ball matches in a round robin tournament.

Yorkshire played five matches and finished a very close second on the day, losing out on the title by just eight runs.

Player Jill told the Express: ”A magical day was enjoyed by everyone, followed by a tour of the ground."

Wakefield Walking Cricketers play under the U3A banner every Tuesday at the Indoor Football Centre at Thornes.

Walking Cricket was developed as a new concept in 2019 by the Yorkshire Cricket Federation and U3A – an organisation to support older people.

There are a number of health benefits to Walking Cricket, including aiding mobility and increasing health and wellbeing – including those living with mental health conditions.