Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2015

41 Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society at last. But the off-stump was still cartwheeling when every player on the field, yours truly included, stopped to applaud. From that day I, too, believed that this lad was special and it has been a pleasure to watch his ascent to the top of the game. In later years, I got to know Joe personally and he is a class act off the field, as well as on it. His emerging reputation as one of the world’s finest young players comes as no surprise to anyone in Sheffield, and I look forward to the day when the ‘Future’ prefix is dropped from FEC’s early nickname. There won’t be many people prouder than that 14-year-old who faced him for the first time, all those years ago. Oh, while we’re back to that U17 game... We lost, I dropped Joe at that short-midwicket position and then Billy, his younger brother, came in and smashed us all over. He may have even been batting right-handed at one point! I’d like to think that I made a similarly positive impression when I batted, but that would be a lie and, eventually, Joe got me out caught with the rankest long-hop I think I’ve ever seen, never mind faced. Of course, in my mind it was an absolute ripper - and bearing in mind his future scalps of Michael Clarke et al, I don’t suppose I’m in bad company. Keep up the good work, mate. www.sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk The Barrel Inn, Bretton Nr. Eyam, Hope Valley S32 5QD Telephone 01433 630856 The Barrel Inn is the Highest Pub in Derbyshire with views over five counties. Inside, the 16th Century Inn is a delight, with roaring log fires, home cooked food and hand pulled Real Ale. First Class en-suite bedrooms available. The ideal place for an evening out A warm and friendly welcome at any time of year For more information visit our website at www.thebarrelinn.co.uk