A friendship stretching back 25 years will be put to its first competitive test on the cricket field in an eagerly awaited Marston’s Shropshire Premier League local derby clash this weekend.
Chris Speake and Andy Wigginton, two of the league’s most consistent bowlers, will line up on opposing sides for the first time when leaders Reman Services welcome Shelton to Albert Road on Saturday. The two close friends – Wigginton was Speake’s best man when he got married – have, until this season, always been on the same side as team-mates for Perkins (the old name for Reman) and Shelton.
But all that will change this weekend, with Wigginton admitting it’s a clash both men will be keen to come out on top in.
“We’ve played together for the last 25 years at Perkins and Shelton,” said Wigginton, Shelton’s vice-captain. “It will be very strange to be on different sides for the first time but we’re looking forward to it. I might be cheeky and ask him for a lift on Saturday as we only live a stone’s throw from each other, not that he would be able to throw a stone to my house these days with his arm!
“We got on well as soon as I joined Perkins from Nalgo in 1983. We used to work together at Royal Mail and we’ve shared a few houses in Shrewsbury. He also asked me to be his best man when he got married, but don’t ask about the speech . . .”
Speake, who returned to Albert Road after five years with Shelton in the close season, is equally excited about Saturday’s clash, admitting he would love to collect his pal’s wicket.
“Hopefully I will get to bowl at him and we’ve got a jug of beer resting on it if either of us gets the other out,” said Speake.
“He can’t play me in the nets so it will be interesting what happens on the pitch.
“Whatever happens we’re going out afterwards as it’s my birthday on Sunday.”
Speake added Saturday’s derby was a big game for both sides with Reman keen to maintain their place at the top of the table.
“I’m glad Shelton’s youngsters are doing well but this is a local derby and it’s one we want to win,” he said.
Wigginton accepts Shelton, boosted by the return of skipper Neil Salisbury, will be underdogs. “They’re a strong side but we’ll go there and hope for the best,” he said. “It’s great being the underdogs and it doesn’t bother me at all.”