Stewart Rice and Mathew Burns achieve cricket milestones

Two Derwent Valley cricketers achieved major milestones during the week for their respective clubs.

New Norfolk Cricket Club's Stewart Rice played his 650th game on Tuesday night, and Gretna Cricket Club's Mathew Burns also played his 500th club game last Saturday.

Both cricketers are life members of their clubs and now hold club games playing records.

The pair are considered to be the best all-rounders to have played the game in the Derwent Valley.

As batters, Burns has racked up 12,755 runs at an average of 31.26, with his best of 133, while Rice also smacked 14,362 runs with an average of 27.41, with a best of 324 not out back in season 2013/14.

As bowlers, Burns has taken 376 wickets at an average of 20.60 with best bowling figures of 7 wickets for 17 runs off 9 overs, with Rice taking 806 wickets at an average of 19.24 with best figures of 9 wickets for 17 runs off 10 overs.

Both cricketers have won numerous awards over the long time they've been playing, whether that's bowling or batting averages/aggregates, and more, across numerous divisions, as well as several premierships with their respective clubs.

Rice, who amazingly turns 58 early in March, continues to accumulate accolades alongside Burns, who has also hit his age half-century and continues to prove age is just a number.