The most important part of our strategy is to ensure everyone feels they can play cricket in Cumbria and say ‘cricket is a game for me.’ To make our game as open to as many people as possible, we are pleased to bring the Cumbria 50s Team on board under the Cumbria Cricket banner.
We recently spoke to Cumbria 50s captain Paul McKeown and Colin Parker to give their perspective on the team and what it brings to them both on and off the field.
“I’ve been part of this team for 12 years now and, when I first started, it was really difficult to put an XI together and, unfortunately, we had a bit of a reputation for calling off games, particularly the longer away trips” Paul says.
“However, we have had a surge of interest in the last few years and we are now seeing our performances improve in the 50+ County Championship. I think people are starting to see the competition as a great way to remain in competitive cricket and build new relationships.
“This increase has seen us form partnerships with local sponsors, which has allowed us to raise the standards. Previously, we would have to just turn up and play in our club colours, but this extra funding has allowed us to get training kit and caps, so we now actually look like a team!”
Despite the perception that 50s cricket is more ‘easy-going’, Colin highlights that county representation still carries a wonderful sense of occasion, where pride in performance remains as strong as ever.
“I think there’s a misconception that you can be out of the game for a few years and think ‘I’ll just pick up and play – these old fellas won’t be very good’, but it’s far from the truth – the standard of play is excellent,” he says.
“The competitive nature of senior cricket is often underestimated, and many assume that returning to the game after time away is straightforward. However, while we may not match the raw pace of younger players, the 50s competition is defined by the immense talent and technical ability of batsmen and bowlers alike.
Our group is recognised as one of the strongest in the competition – having produced county champions in five of the last six years – and teams often feature players from the England 50s and 60s squads.
“Paul has just been to an England 60s trial at Loughborough – the first time a Cumbrian has made it this far in 50s or 60s cricket. It shows that the England selectors are really starting to pay attention to our team and, with a World Cup in Canada in August, it’s an exciting time for players to be in the pool for selection.”
Whilst the championship is competitive, Paul feels the off-field benefits and camaraderie is one of the most important aspects of the Cumbria 50s.
“Men are notoriously reluctant when it comes to talking about the issues they have,” he points out.
“We have had lads who have had issues, and the brotherhood we have created in the team means we are very supportive of each other. We go for a curry after every game, as well as host social events throughout the season, and people start to open up.”
Colin has first-hand experience of this and says the 50s team has been instrumental in supporting him after his cancer diagnosis.
“I have suffered cancer on two occasions in the last two years and, whilst I haven’t been fit to play, I have been really keen to get back into cricket in some form, so I’ve been doing a bit of scoring and umpiring. It’s given me a real purpose and something to look forward to, and I think that’s the case with a lot of the players on the team,” he said.
“As Paul’s mentioned, we can all see beyond cricket. Getting together on a Wednesday has given us lots of different things to focus on. We have all made great friendships, not just in the team, but with players from across the country too. My story isn’t unique in the team. You find that, when you share your story, you aren’t on your own. There are people who are going through tough times, particularly when you retire and you’re on your own – it can be a lonely place – but the support we all give each other is fantastic.”
Paul adds: “This is a big part of why we are pushing the team out there for more players to join – to let them know that there is something out there.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to join a team and potentially go on to represent England, all whilst having great fun with your good mates!”
HOW TO JOIN
If you are interested in joining the Cumbria 50s Team, simply fill out the Expression of Interest form by clicking the button below.
Please note that players must currently be playing league cricket and available for as many fixtures as possible to join the team.
The fixtures for the 2026 season are as follows:
Wednesday 6th May
Cheshire (A)
Wednesday 20th May
Lancashire (H) @ Lindal Moor CC
Wednesday 27th May
Nottinghamshire (H) @ Kirkby Stephen CC
Wednesday 10th June
Yorkshire (A)
Wednesday 24th June
Durham (A)
Wednesday 15th July
Derbyshire (H) @ Whitehaven CC
Wednesday 22nd July
Northumberland (H) @ Carlisle CC
Make sure you keep an eye on our dedicated Cumbria 50s Team page to stay up-to-date with news from the team.
