Observing Leinster Cricket Club in traction at Shildon Railway, our last column suggested that Irish cricket "used to be a bit of a joke." Not in 1969 it wasn't, ripostes Martin Birtle in Billingham.

July 2 1969 was the day that Ireland played the mighty West Indies at Sion Mills, dismissed the visitors for 25 in 25.5 overs and professed disappointment because they'd once been 12-9.

It made the Aussies' little setback against Bangladesh seem like a foregone conclusion by comparison.

Six of the West Indies team had played in the Lord's Test the previous day. Clive Lloyd scored just one, Basil Butcher two; Mickey Carew and big John Shepherd didn't manage any at all. Fast bowler Grayson Shillingford, still fondly recalled at Thornaby, top scored with nine not out.

Remember Sion? There's hardly an Irishman alive who has ever forgotten it.

Legend, Irish accented, suggests that the Caribbean crew had enjoyed rather more emerald hospitality the night previously than perhaps was prudent for peak performance.

Irish bowler Doug Goodwin, who claimed 5-6, disputes it. "They were late getting in on the plane and then had a long drive from the airport. We might have had a few, but I don't think they had time to have a drink."

While the wicket may have been as green as an airsick leprechaun, it didn't stop Ireland knocking up 125-8 before, a little mischievously, declaring.

Recurring nightmare, West Indies were 2-1 in their second innings - Camacho 1, Foster 0 - before rallying to 78-4 when the one day match ended.

A two day game followed. Ireland drew and claimed the series.

The History of Irish Senior Cricket records that Sion Mills "gave our game a boost that no million dollar advertising campaign could ever have achieved."

Martin Birtle agrees. "Those Leinster boys," he says, "are walking in the footsteps of giants."

That column from sunny Shildon also recorded that a Durham University fielder had used the term apologetic "Sauce" - familiar among the young as an alternative to "Sorry" - and pondered its etymology.

Etherley cricketer John Armstrong, still in pot after that unprovoked assault by the Shildon sightscreen, supposes the word to be "Soz", as preferred by his undergraduate son.

The theory's confirmed in an another letter, the signature a little difficult but probably the indomitable Dave Lewis, still pawing the ground for Doghouse CC despite being about 300 in canine years.

"Soz" means sorry, says Dave, just as "Gaz" means Garry and "Baz" Barry. Soz for the gander, John Armstrong explains everything: "If you're young, why use two syllables when one will do."

Still in the 21st century idiom, dozens of sporting expressions make their debut in the new edition of Collins English Dictionary, out this week.

They include doosra, which cricketers can probably explain, Galactico, Ingerland, tapping-up and, from the rugby field, fetchers, loosies and scrummies.

Ian Dowie of Crystal Palace is credited with bouncebackability, Sir Alex with "squeaky bum time". After last season's disappointments, the Manchester United manager will doubtless be delighted to have made his mark at last.

The Over 40s League's 25th anniversary bash went splendidly, Sunderland Catholic Club catering for all tastes and a lengthy standing ovation for Kip Watson, the league's inspiration throughout. Next season they'll have a record 71 clubs.

Seven newcomers include the Winning Post at Redcar - across the road from the racecourse - the most southerly club yet. "We've already had someone wanting to play them on October 15, because there's a big race that day," said Kip.

They are a rejuvenated, remarkable and at times incorrigible bunch. Even the turn played Over 40s football - feller who answered to J C Peters, though he answered to Durham FA after being sent off in the League Cup final after too forcibly suggesting to the referee the error of his ways.

Top award winners included a host of former Northern League men like Bob Carney, manager of the year, Doug Grant, Geoff Mason, Geoff Hart, Neil Howie and, of course, Dave "Jock" Rutherford - who those days has something of the look of Private Fraser about him.

Doomed? Probably not.

Kevin Cooper won particular applause for managing Crook Town Over 40s to a trophies hat trick despite suffering from multiple sclerosis; remarkable feller.

Durham referee Mick Henderson, who joined the league at its birth and still manages two or three games each weekend, was also honoured. He's 70, and shows no sign of running out of official puff.

Kip Watson will similarly be polishing his administrator's boots next season. "This lot don't just keep me young," he said. "They probably keep me alive."

Holiday reading included a two page spread on 74-year-old Malton trainer Mick Easterby - who once told the column that it was brains which won races and that he didn't give a bugger about style - loaned a morning suit by a posh shop in Harrogate so that, like Cinderella, he might go to the Royal Ascot ball. A single paragraph several days later revealed that Mick still hadn't quite got over the style. He wore brown boots. Mr Stanley Holloway knew better.

It's 125 years since cricket was first recorded in Ushaw Moor, west of Durham, 40 years since the Durham County League club opened its clubhouse and ten years since the last reunion.

"I don't think the club has been as full before or since," says cricket secretary George Thompson, so they've decided - "Those of us sober enough to remember the last great event" - to have another.

It's on Saturday July 16 from 7pm at the clubhouse, George anxious to hear from any former players or officials who may have lost touch. They're also contemplating a game beforehand.

The column, in attendance in 1995 - memories of John Parkinson, the oldest seamer in town - will also be returning. George can be contacted through the club - 0191-373-0229.

And fainally...

Jock Rutherford won amateur international caps for England (Backtrack, June 10), though Colin Aldred - himself a familiar Northern League name from the 1970s - recalls that John Rutherford, capped for Scotland, played alongside his namesake at North Shields. "Great player," says Colin.

Today back to cricket, and if the Australians ever get it together, Adam Gilchrist will be hoping this summer to beat the record for the most Test match sixes. He's on 80, seven behind the former Bishop Auckland schoolboy who presently holds it.

Before the column again clears the boundary on Friday, readers are invited to name him.

Published: 21/06/2005