Sussex cricket stalwart is 1,000 not out...

Singleton stalwart John Baker took to the field for the 1,000th time for Singleton Cricket Club when they met local rivals Tangmere.

In a career spanning more than 40 years, Baker has scored more than 17,500 runs, taken 355 wickets and held 348 catches – many of them behind the stumps.

In addition Baker is the chief groundsman at the club, and was one of the original members who helped to construct the awe-inspiring timber-framed barn which serves as the club’s pavilion.

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This year he has also been the leader of the team of members who have built two new extensions to the clubhouse to improve the facilities for players, guests and visiting teams.

“It’s safe to say Singleton Cricket Club owes a great deal to Bakes, both on and off the field,” said club chairman Martin Davies.

“We’re a very small club and we rely on players like John to be there week in and week out not only playing but preparing the wicket and cleaning out the clubhouse, as well as encouraging the young players to improve.”

To keep himself busy, John is also the club’s fixture secretary and skippers the evening side, where all the young players are given a chance to show what they can do.

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It’s a policy that’s working for the club as those younger players are now playing for the senior side on Sundays and performing admirably.

Unfortunately Bakes’ 927th innings ended when he was controversially given out lbw for the 98th time.

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