Ernie Bewick has played six decades for Greenside but has vowed not to bat again!

He turned out for his first game way back in 1958 at the tender age of 14. "I well remember the day. The match was against Consett at Blackfyne which at the time was regarded as one of the best grounds in the North East. Durham County regularly played there so it was a tremendous honour to make my debut at that venue," said Ernie who is now 55.

After playing regularly for Greenside, he became a professional in the mid-70s and spent five years with Leadgate and one season at Sacriston before returning to his village club.

But in 1985 he was off again and spent a couple of seasons as professional with Clara Vale in the former North West Durham League. Back at Greenside, he was elected second-team captain and chairman before deciding to call it a day.

"Now I only play when they are short but this season I have played for the first team against Burnopfield, Swalwell and Consett and also turned out for the Second XI. I really enjoyed playing and at the end of the season I was included in a former Greenside XI which played the current team.

"I never batted very much so I was over the moon to finish unbeaten on 51 and I've decided that the innings would be my last. I wanted to go out on a high," quipped Ernie who lives right next to the ground.

"I'm Greenside born and bred and I am now living in the house in which I was born. I did move away for seven years when I was first married but it is great to be back and I still help on the ground.

"Cricket has been my life and when I was chairman of the club I used to encourage parents to get their kids involved. My son Tony, who is in the Royal Marines, plays when he is at home and my daughter Gillian used to turn out for the U-13s but I don't suppose either of them will match my record of playing for Greenside for six decades," added Ernie