Innings over as Jon Harris declares

The off-spinner, who is a well-known and popular figure on the local circuit, is standing down from the sport he began as a 14-year-old and feels it is the 'right time' to call it a day.

"I began at Frankwell in Shrewsbury. I went to Priory Boys Grammar School and I got noticed played a T20 game before the days of actual Twenty20," he said.

"Cricket is a fantastic sport. You work hard but you are rewarded. The social aspect is fantastic and that is what I will take with me for the rest of my days.

"I've made countless lifelong friends and you could go down a list of friends and say 'I met them playing cricket'.

"I've had some good times and some tough times. Playing in the Shropshire Leagues before making it to the Premier League and then some seasons in the Birmingham League."

The father of three, who has also worked in professional football as general manager and chief executive during spells at Shrewsbury Town, Macclesfield Town and Kidderminster Harriers, played cricket for Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Northop Hall and Whitchurch before joining up with local side Condover – his self-proclaimed 'home club'.

But for the last two seasons, Harris has skippered Wroxeter Grove in the Shropshire Premier Division where he was unable to save the side from relegation to Division One this summer.

Wroxeter is also home to Harris' two eldest sons, Dan, 25, and James, 21. The father was recently able to add another proud moment to his collection by sharing the pitch with his two children.

"To play Shropshire Premier League cricket at the age of 52 was probably not the cleverest thing to do," he admitted. "I probably got myself a bit found out.

"The standard is brilliant and nothing against them, but when there are South African lads trying to take your head off you have to rethink.

"I haven't had to have glasses or contact lenses over my time but the ball seems to be coming from further away now – which is never a good sign!

"But I've been lucky enough to play with the likes of Graeme Hick and Jimmy Adams and I've loved every minute of my career.

"Those are the stories that you tell your grandkids – though I haven't got any of those yet."

Harris' decision to call it a day from the pavilion was probably sparked by the increase in parental duties now that, after marrying his second wife, he has a four-month old son.

Markel is half-English and half-Spanish and does not just have the cricketing pedigree of his father to live up to, but also Manchester United's footballing superstar Juan Mata who is the cousin of Harris' wife, Maria.

"He's in a bit of prestigious company!" said Harris. "Which route he follows I'm not so sure, but there'll be plenty of time to adopt him into the cricket way of things.

"We visit Juan quite regularly and he is the most charming man. He probably texts me more than he does my wife, which is probably a bit worrying!"

While many positive memories will remain with the local star for life, it has not all been an easy ride with the death of close friend and former team-mate Joe Mackreth hitting him hard.

During his time with Condover, Harris, along with Mackreth and a handful of others would often enjoy time together away from the crease.

Trips away and holidays with each others' families were a regular occurrence.

"Joe suffered from an asthma attack that led to a heart attack one November time when I was working at Macclesfield Town," he recalled.

"It rocked the club and it rocked us as individuals.

"I had many special times with Joe.

"We had a tree planted at the club with a plaque for his memory and pay respect to it regularly."

The Shrewsbury-born former policeman, who now works for Interserve Healthcare Agency in Telford, recalled a number of memorable outings at the place he felt most at home – on the field.

He once achieved ever cricketer's dream, plundering an extraordinary six sixes in one over around the turn of the millennium.

"The funny thing was I just told my wife we were having a net at the game and not playing," he said.

"But I did it and the club got into touch with Lord's and I'm in elite company.

"It was a memorable 10 minutes. The next day it was on the front of the Shropshire Star, but she quickly forgave me!

"It was against Alberbury and the bowler was Neil Savage. We still speak now but he didn't want to know me for a while!

"When I was playing in north Wales for Northop Hall we had some brilliant years.

"I captained them for three years and led them to the Welsh Cup final in Swansea.

"The semi-final win over Colwyn Bay was one of the best experiences of my life. We were in front of 800 or 900 people and it was fantastic.

"We set about 180 and they needed five off the last over with nine gone.

"Their wicketkeeper smacked it to me at gully and I took the catch – the celebrations were unbelievable."

They are just a number of stories this remarkable character has to offer.

Without doubt he will continue to support Dan and James as they continue his legacy at Wroxeter Grove in Division One, where they will play his former club Condover next season.

"Perhaps not one to take young Markel to," Harris laughed.

And with his form on the golf course improving – he now plays off a handicap of 17 – you would not bet against the evergreen Salopian adding to the long list of his sporting tales.