A former Elworth Cricket Club player had a different job on his hands at the weekend – leading England out on to the pitch as captain of England's rugby team in the Six Nations.

Tom Curry, who played for Elworth in his youth and stepped in for a match during the summer when he came back to watch the first team, captained his first match for England on Saturday.

The talented rugby player, who plays for Sale Sharks, had the residents of Elworth, including many who had packed into Elworth Cricket Club bar to watch the game, cheering him on.

Chris Regan, Elworth CC's cricket development manager, who watched the game at home and told Nub News: "It was a very proud moment seeing Tom lead England.

"He's a very calm and articulate man and we're all so proud of what he's achieved.

"He usually pops down to see us once a year.

"Last summer he came to watch the first team and ending up playing for another one of our teams the following day as we were short and scored a 100.

"It was great to see him in his first game as captain. He's still so down to earth and we couldn't be prouder of all he's achieved."

advertisement

Tom's twin brother, Ben, also plays for Sale Sharks and also played cricket at Elworth in his youth with Tom.

"We're so proud of both boys. They are amazing and so down- to-earth."

Ron Davies has fond memories of presenting Tom Curry with Elworth CC Junior Player of the Year in 2014 when he was chairman.

He joked: "I'd like to think I helped propel young Curry (T) to his current stratospheric heights.

"Had I known then what we know now, I wouldn't have washed that hand for a month!"