David Beach just cannot wait for the cricket season to start even though he will neither score a run nor take a wicket, writes Malcolm Pratt.

Instead, he will aim to extend his remarkable record as scorer for Darlington Building Society NYSD League side Marske. When the last campaign ended, he had not missed officiating in 300 consecutive matches and David is hoping to chalk up another 100 per cent record this year.

"I was born near Guisborough's ground and used to put the tins up on the old scorebox when I was 11. I first started scoring in the 60s and really enjoy the work.

"When I moved to Marske I quickly got involved with the club and I also now score for the league when they play in the Presidents Trophy and the White Rose Cup. I have scored in two finals and also twice when Marske reached the final of the Kerridge Cup although they were beaten on both occasions," he said.

In the close season, he spends considerable time compiling statistics of Marske's records since 1947. He has managed to acquire every scorebook and throughout the season is able to tell players how many runs or wickets they require to reach a particular milestone.

"They seem to like getting to know in advance and it all adds a little bit of interest to the game," added David whose wife Susan is also involved with the club as secretary of the ladies' section.