Callington Cricket Club were proud to host a 2021 season finale match on Sunday, held in tribute to Geoff Husband. Geoff was a well known cricketer throughout Devon and Cornwall, and represented the County on a number of occasions as a wicket keeper and batsman. He was still playing for Gunnislake well into his eighties before passing away in May 2020.
The match was held between a Gunnislake Invitation XI and Cornwall Over 50s, which Geoff ran for many years. Both teams sported a range of players from Geoff’s past, which included playing for Tavistock, Callington and Lanhydrock, as well as Gunnislake and the Cornwall Over 50s side. In a nod to tradition a timed match was played, and no limited overs, something that Geoff had been very keen on! Gunnislake batted first, reaching a total of 194 all out, with major contributions from James Boundy, Peter Tancock and captain for the day Brian Martin. After a full cricket tea Cornwall’s reply built steadily, but was always behind the run rate. A middle-order flourish from Mark Southcott and Bob Fleming and gave Cornwall some hope, but in the end they were forced to shut up shop. Closing on 137 for 7, the match was duly declared a draw.
Guests of honour at the match were Geoff’s widow Pauline and other members of the family. Among them was another Geoff Husband, (son), who came over from France with his family for the occasion. Pauline Husband also presented the Geoff Husband Memorial Trophy, a new award for the person contributing most to Cornwall Over 50s and Over 60s cricket. The first winner was Chris Dennis (photograph) who organised the successful Over 60s team that recently won the National Vase Championship.
