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22 Jun, 2025
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Grandad cricketer, 86, finally calls time on his career
@Source: walesonline.co.uk
A grandad who helped start a Cardiff cricket club has retired from the sport at 86 years old. John Prior, who worked as an actor and drama teacher, helped set up Cardiff Casuals XI in the 1960s and has been a lifelong servant of the club ever since. The Wenvoe-based club honoured the 86-year-old during his last match on Sunday, with dozens of players past and present gathering for the game. The club played an interclub game against two sides known as The Foxes and The Hounds. John's final over was a maiden and both teams gave the lifelong cricketer a guard of honour as he stepped across the boundary rope for the final time. The former teacher had played cricket when he was in school before he helped found the Cardiff Casuals and later adopted the nickname 'Foxy' for his canny legspin bowling. John said: "It was a lovely day - one of the best in my life. Old friends who had been with us at the start came to gather round and reminisce. "I was so proud to have been the excuse for so many old friends to get together if only for the day." Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here . He explained that the team was founded "when a group of players, broke away from a rather authoritarian local club to form a club that would play cricket in a friendly way that would never make winning the sole objective." Club leading run scorer Will Mason-Wilkes said: "Foxy is a true Casuals legend. Most would be more than happy to be getting out of bed at 86 so for him to still be turning out on a cricket pitch is a remarkable testament to his fitness, character and commitment. "A real custodian of the club's democratic and welcoming ethos, Foxy set the tone for how we play the game - not always with the most talent but always with a smile on our faces. "Well played Foxy - retired but not out!" Cardiff Casuals Cricket Club described themselves as "an amateur cricket club based in Cardiff, South Wales". They play Sunday friendlies and in a mid-week league (Willow League). During the first innings, the Foxes batted first reaching 121/4 from their 20 overs. The Hounds scored 115/2 from their 20 overs in reply. For the second innings the Foxes scored 122/6 from 20 setting at total of 129 to win. The Hounds chased down the score with an over and a two balls to spare.
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