A player's thanks for a wonderful day

Posted: August 9, 2006

Only hours after being part of the Bowling Old Lane side defeated by East Bierley in the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Shield final, Gaz Rehman wrote to the website to give his thanks for a special day. The warmth of his sentiments, particularly those about his opponents, are printed in full below. They demonstrate that true sportsmanship is very much alive.

Dear Editor,
I would just like to say a big THANK YOU to: the Bradford League, Pudsey Congs and their tea providers and our opponents East Bierley.

To the Bradford League I say thank you for continually supporting us through our 'Dark Ages', giving us assistance and help and offering a kind word when hope was the only thing the club had to hold on to.

I thank you for giving us every opportunity to try and bring Bowling Old Lane's ground up to the high standards demanded by the league. As you know, we like British Rail in the eighties are still getting there, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

to Pudsey Congs I say what a great set of people you are. You made our big day a memorable one. The ground was in great condition and the ground staff are to be congratulated 9/10.

But the best performance was for me put in by the tea ladies or should it be tea 'people' A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU...10/10

To East Bierley I say what a great Shield team you are. Your experience of being in three finals and a great batting display by young Aaron Brook was there for everyone to see.

The Second Division is like the Coca Cola Championship - hard to get out of. If we can hang in there we would love to play you again in the First Division next season along with all the other great teams.

Your competitiveness and professionalism was noted by us - particularly when you knew you would win.You did not have any nasty digs or display any cockiness etc that accompany these circumstances. THANK YOU.

I have not spoken to anyone at the my club, I am writing this email off my own back. Once again Thank you and thanks for making us history makers. Old Lane and East Bierley were the first to wear coloured clothing. It's my view that Old Lane's kit looked smarter than Bierley's so at least we beat them in one thing on Sunday.

Many thanks
Gaz Rehman BOLCC