Last week marked the end of an era at Middle Road, with long serving groundsman Leslie Thompson preparing his final match wicket for the club, before calling it a day. Leslie, known universally as Tonto, is a former President of the Club of which as been a member for nearly half a century, and is an Honorary Life Member.
For the last 20 years he has also been undertaken a labour of love in looking after Carrick's Middle Road ground. During that time Tonto has seen the club progress into the NCU Premier League, and prepared wickets which matched the club's elevated status, gaining praise from players and umpires alike, and being rated as some of the best in NCU cricket.
The Club has been rewarded by being asked to host several prestige matches during Tonto's tenure. These include matches in the European Championships in 2000, and the ICC World Cup qualifying tournament in 2005, as well as a number of domestic representative matches and cup finals.
Tonto can now put his feet up, and will no doubt be around to give sage advice to his successor at Middle Road. It has been a job well done, and he will be a hard act to follow.
Thank you Leslie...
