GEOFF DEIGHTON, the doyen of York area cricket, is showing no sign of hanging up his batting gloves.

Amazingly, the HPH York Vale League seasoned campaigner celebrated his 80th birthday this week.

He’s been opening the batting for Bishopthorpe II’s division three side this season and also turns out for Retreat in the Foss Evening League.

To mark the milestone, Vale League chairman Shane Hargrave presented Geoff with a framed tribute of his 65-year cricket career.

Making his debut at 15 for Askham Bryan in 1950 when the Vale League was called the Saturday League, Geoff has emerged as a giant in local cricket.

A resounding clubman, at one time he combined the role of opening bat and first change bowler with that of groundsman and club treasurer.

He also captained the village team to some notable cup final victories as well as league championship honours.

Playing for Askham Bryan was a family affair too for Geoff. His wife, Dorothy, looked after the players’ teas along with sister Doreen.

Fast bowler son, David, could be relied upon to put fear into most batsmen. So too could brother-in-law, Phil Hopwood, one of the most gifted all-rounders playing local cricket, and his son (Geoff’s nephew), Graham.

In 2007 the Askham stalwart surprised everyone by switching his allegiance across the A64 to Copmanthorpe. Four years later Geoff transferred to Bishopthorpe where he still enjoys his Saturday cricket as well as turning out for The Retreat in the Foss Evening League.

A glittering playing career, which is far from over, has already rewarded Geoff with countless trophies, including five Prendergast Cup winners’ medals. In 2013 to mark the League’s 70th anniversary, he was selected for the Legends XI and in the same year was inducted into the York Vale League Hall of Fame.

Deighton cast his mind back to 1972 for his most memorable moment. He said: “That has to be when I was captain of the Askham Bryan side which won the Prendergast Cup in 1972.

“It was such a proud moment to be presented with the trophy by the sponsor, Jack X Prendergast, a York businessman and the father of John Barry, who composed the soundtracks for 11 James Bond movies.

“I also have fond memories of winning the league’s first six-a-side tournament which was sponsored by Rothmans and staged on three Knavesmire pitches. It was a fantastic afternoon of cricket watched by a big crowd.”

On his best performances, he added: “My top score was 65 against Stockton & Hopgrove when they played on Knavesmire. With the ball I managed 5-55 for Copmanthorpe II against York and since playing for The Retreat in the Foss Evening League I have taken five wickets on two occasions.”