A TOWN cricket ‘veteran’ proved to have the Midas touch when he came out of 20-year retirement from the field of play to help one of his club’s teams win through to a cup quarter-final.

Having last played in 2002, Willington CC chairman Dean Midas answered the call and returned to action for the club’s third team in a Banks’ Cup second round tie, against Castle Eden, on Friday evening (June 10).

The 50-year-old chairman, playing alongside some of the club’s talented teenagers, including up and coming female players Anya Lowes and Kate Million, led the side to an eight-wicket victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd at its Manor Road ground, in Low Willington.

He described it as, “an extra special night”, with one of the teenage prospects, 14-year-old Jack Turner starring, taking four wickets with the ball and knocking a top score of 31 with the bat.

Willington were also assisted by 13-year-old Kate’s contribution of two late wickets as well as a catch in the Castle Eden innings.

Read more: The Wonders of Willington: meet the men who keep a club afloat

Speaking the day after his return, the leg-weary chairman said: “I am aching all over this morning, but what a night.

“I am so proud of our team and seeing the young upcoming talent, our fantastic girls, Anya and Kate, mixed with big help from our experienced players.

“It’s left a big smile on my face, that will be with me for days.”

He praised team manager Neil Turner, for the, "great job" he has done with the team.

Despite the winning return and amid much dressing room speculation, he is not making any pledges as to whether he will extending the “comeback” or returning to retirement.

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