Trotman savours special Over 50 World Cup triumph
GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S Richard Trotman reflected on “the memory of a lifetime” after helping England beat hosts South Africa by 65 runs in fading light to win the Over 50 World Cup final at Newlands in Cape Town.
Rain delayed the start of the playoff, which was reduced to a 40 overs per side contest. England reached a formidable 267-8 after losing the toss, thanks mainly to opener Giles Ecclestone’s 120 and 50 from Naseer Ahmed.
In reply, South Africa were never able to get out of second gear with the bat thanks to tight England bowling and fielding, with Richard Cooper and Martyn Gidley both taking three wickets.
Trotman said: “It turned out to be a good toss to lose! It was ironic that after an easy opening match, against Namibia, that this ended up being our second easiest game after having to work very hard to get over the line in so many of the other matches, including a group game against the South Africans.”
The 51-year-old Twyford House all-rounder appeared in seven of England’s eight tournament dates in 14 gruelling days, scoring almost 200 runs at an average of 28, taking four wickets and holding on to five catches.
He said the joy of triumphing in the final was right up there with anything he has achieved in a long and distinguished playing career.
Trotman added: “Winning the National Club Championship at Lord’s with Optimists (in 1992) was very special, but this win was probably more emotional because we’ve all worked so hard and sacrificed so much.
“My phone was going absolutely mad last night after the game, it’s been amazing how many people were watching the live feeds and following the scores ... including my boys (Max, Henry and Arthur) who were giving me a bit of stick for over-celebrating a catch at the start of the innings! The next Over 50 World Cup will be in Sri Lanka in 2025 and the thought of that will definitely keep me going and trying to score runs for Gloucestershire for another couple of years.”
There was still time in a tight itinerary for England to pack in two ‘Ashes’ internationals against Australia before returning today after recording two convincing victories to round off an unforgettable trip.
Trotman returns to Bristol with two player-of-the-match awards, one for scoring a century against the UAE and the second for runs and wickets in a victory over Wales.
He was also the proud recipient of a pair of red socks - a spirit of cricket award for informing the umpire that a ball called wide, against Pakistan, had in fact brushed his thigh pad!