John not going to be Stuck on 200

Long Melford cricketer John Stuck has completed another milestone by racking up 200 centuries — and has revealed he has no intentions of retiring just yet.

The 72-year-old compiled his landmark 200th century earlier this month while guesting for the East Herts Cavaliers against the Chelmer Veterans.

The former Sudbury Grammar School pupil and Bures resident, who now lives in Clacton, passed the 100,000 runs mark back in the summer of 2013 and, after reaching another incredible milestone, is aiming for plenty more runs yet.

“It was obviously nice to get it,” he said. “It wasn’t a target I was looking to achieve but I’ve always played cricket.

“I still play a lot of cricket during the week and also play on Sundays for Long Melford.

“I’ve played for the Essex Over-60s and Over-70s and the Two Counties Over-50s, Over-60s and Over-70s teams this year so I’m still busy!”

Stuck, who represented Suffolk in the Minor Counties Championship for 11 years from 1969 to 1979, played his last game of 2016 on Sunday and believes his updated records of his competitive matches will show he has now scored more than 110,000 runs in his career.

“I used to play football for Clacton and Halstead Town but cricket always got the priority,” Stuck said.

“I don’t know how long I’ll keep playing for, but as long as I’m fit and healthy I’ll keep playing cricket.”

In a cricket career which spans more than 50 years, Stuck has enjoyed plenty of memorable moments at the crease, and he highlights two particular innings as his most precious.

“The century I got in Minor Counties cricket stands out,” he said. “It was in 1972 when I was playing for Suffolk against Buckinghamshire.

“Another one which stands out was last October in Brisbane playing for the England Over-70s. I don’t care what team you’re playing for, to score a 100 against Australia is special!

“It was a very, very hot day and I remember I had to keep wicket for 50 overs after. It was quite a draining day.”

The first of Stuck’s 200 centuries came on February 2, 1962, when he scored an unbeaten 103 in a home match for Bures against Whitton, while his 100th ton was a knock of 104 playing for the Two Counties Over-50s against Mistley on August 26, 1998.

It has taken him less than 20 years to complete the next 100 centuries, with his 200th coming on September 14 and it was the eighth time he has compiled a three figure score this year.

Richard Kemp, the president of Long Melford Cricket Club, added: “We go back to junior school days, he is a fine example to younger players, a top batsman and wicket keeper, and played over 60 games in Minor Counties cricket for Suffolk when he was a young man.”