YORKSHIRE Over-50s should “be taken seriously as contenders to progress” in the ECB 50+ County Championship according to captain Steve Wales, writes Matthew Graves.

The unbeaten Tykes squad - which includes four York & District Senior League players - host Cambridgeshire in the last 16 at Acomb Cricket Club on Sunday, having qualified for the knockout stages with flying colours.

Captain Wales, pictured above with his squad, said: “In my first year as captain of the Yorkshire Over- 50s, I could not have wished for a better start. What has pleased me most about the side is their enthusiasm and pride they have shown in representing Yorkshire, all aspects of their disciplines have been excellent.”

The Senior League contingent is Acomb’s Neil Grant and Richard Sykes, Colin Frank, of Pickering, and Kevin Bradley, of Dunnington.

Wales said: “You will struggle to find a better top five in the country.

“We open with Sykes, who has been arguably our best batsman for the last three years, and new boy Bradley, who has brought even more flair and aggression to the team.

“Coming in at three is Frank who, in my time, has been very consistent and really values his wicket. Grant has become our number five. He is another aggressive batsman and proved this when he opened the innings for a brilliant 122 not out.”

Grant’s century led Yorkshire to victory against reigning champions Durham, while Bradley made a ton to guide the Tykes to victory over Cheshire by nine wickets.

Frank has scored more than 1,000 runs for Yorkshire Over-50s and Sykes has smashed 12 halfcenturies and two centuries on the same stage.

The 45-over match at Acomb starts at 1pm.