Former England cricketer to attend historic international match in Bury thanks to Rome encounter

Monday, 9 June 2025 19:15

By David Murphy

England 60s Cricket. Credit: Jill Watson

A cricket match sparked by a chance meeting in Vatican City will see Elton Cricket Club host its first ever international fixture this Fathers’ Day.

Elton Cricket Club in Bury is preparing to host a milestone event on Sunday 15 June, its first ever international match, and the occasion will be marked by the attendance of ex-England cricketer Roland Butcher.

Butcher, who in 1980 became the first black player to represent England, is set to attend as a guest when England Lions 60s Cricket face West Indies Masters in a 45 over match at the club’s Leigh Lane ground. The Barbados born former Middlesex player is now vice president of the Seniors County Championship.

Entry to the event is free, with national anthems played before a 1pm start, and a live commentator providing match coverage throughout the day. Food and drinks will be available, and junior players from the club will form a guard of honour for the two teams.

The fixture came about through an unexpected encounter in Rome last year. Elton committee member Mark Burns was on holiday with his family when he received a call from a contact needing an emergency player to compete against the Vatican Cricket Team. Burns flew to Italy and ended up playing in the match, during which he met England 60s team manager Paul Bradley.

“I got talking with Paul,” said Burns. “When he found out we were associated with a cricket club, he asked if we’d be interested in hosting a match. It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”

Since then, Elton Cricket Club members have rallied round to support the event, organising a post-match celebratory meal and offering a warm welcome to the international guests.

Club chairman Warren Hornby described the match as a landmark moment for one of Bury’s oldest cricket clubs, which now boasts over 400 members and is a founder member of the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

He said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the England Lions and West Indies teams to Leigh Lane and hope the community will come and join us for this historic event.

“Bringing international cricket to Elton Cricket Club has really captured the imagination of our members, who are working hard to make sure the day is a huge success. Clubs like ours couldn’t function without the support of volunteers, and it’s fitting that so much of the preparation has taken place during Volunteers’ Week.

“It should be a great day with some fantastic cricket, a real community occasion, and we’d like to thank both teams for the opportunity to showcase what Elton Cricket Club can do.”