CRICKET really is a family affair for the Elwoods after dad and his 12-year-old twin sons all played in the same team.

Steve Elwood, captain of Cherry Tree Thirds, got the chance to line up alongside Owen and Charlie - and admitted it was a dream come true.

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And Elwood Senior said it was a day to remember when the trio all played and contributed to a victory over Whalley in a Ribblesdale League fixture.

While they have since played a handful of games together, the first time three Elwoods were penned in the same team selection was extra special.

“As a parent involved in sport, you always want to get the chance to line up in the same team as your children and thankfully for me, I got to do that,” said the 47-year-old. “It was great to be able to walk out in the same team as Owen and Charlie.

“I suppose it was a dream come true, really.”

Cherry Tree took on a strong Whalley side that included a first team player who was on his way back from injury and looking for some game time.

His inclusion did raise a few eyebrows but the Elwood boys did not bat an eyelid especially after the Whalley danger main was dismissed - caught Owen, bowled Charlie.

“When that happened I just shouted out ‘let me retire now!’ It was superb because there was a lot of talk about whether the player should be in the team or not.

“As it turned out, the boys made sure he wasn’t around for too long anyway!”

And the day was made all the more special as right-hander Owen scored 20 with the bat and took a wicket while left-hander Charlie finished with figures of 3-21 and scored eight runs.

Not to be outdone, Steve - a hard-hitting first team regular until recent times -weighed in with 39 as Cherry Tree recorded a memorable win over Whalley.

Despite their success, Elwood is reluctant to throw his sons in at the deep end too soon and both play most of the cricket for Cherry Tree Tigers Under 13s - a team he coaches.

“They have played a few senior games, even a couple in the Seconds but you have to be careful because there are some big, fast lads and you don’t want to put them off,” he said.

“So they have played the odd game here and there and they have enjoyed it.”

But Elwood believes the pair could be first team regulars some time in the future - and certainly before he made his debut at the ripe old age of 25 back in 1993.

But he remembers that day as if it was yesterday.

“Tennis was my sport as a youngster because my parents used to run the tennis section,” he recalled. “I had played Second and Third team cricket but I had never had played in the first team.

“But then I got the call from Alan Robinson to say I was playing. Unfortunately I had been out the night before and was a bit worse for wear and I had no kit. But he managed to get some kit together for me and out I went.

“I remember the innings vividly. I could have been bowled out for a duck, was dropped seven or eight times but went on to make 98 not out and that is all that counts when you look back at the scorecards.

“I remember Rob Ince and Paul Doherty made their debuts on the same day. Rob went on to take five wickets and Paul scored 55 runs so it was a day all three of us remember pretty well. “ As well as starring for Cherry Tree Tigers Under 13s - who are currently top of their division - Charlie and Owen also play for the club’s Under 15s team and helped them to victory against Feniscowles.

Cherry Tree posted 139-7 with Luke Entwistle and Amaan both scoring 30 before having to retire while Charlie weighed in with 26 runs.

In reply, Feniscowles were dismissed 20 runs short of their target.

Owen recently scored 104 not out and Charlie an unbeaten 82 to help St Wilfrid’s reach the final of the Lancashire Cup.