Random Scorecards

Podcast by Ellie & Derek Allan

Derek and his daughter Ellie are charity walkers, travelling 1000s miles over the last 10 years fundraising. Whilst walking they talk about Club, County and International cricket, picking fantasy teams and discussing their favourite players from the past and present. They both share a passion for all things cricket, Derek playing when he was younger and Ellie playing now, in the hopes to one day become a professional. This podcast show is a dream for them both, it’s a way of re-living "random scorecards" from the past with each other and anyone else who wants to listen.

About ELlie

Ellie, like her Dad has a love for cricket.

Having started playing catch as a toddler, she officially started her cricket journey when she was 7 years old at Morpeth Cricket Club open day for ladies and girls, going on to join the Juniors team.

Seeing her potential, her coach encouraged Ellie to take part in the Durham Summer Programme where she was approached to trial for the Durham U9 Girls Team. Due to Ellie’s home County being Northumberland, the decision was made that she would play for the Northumberland team instead. Passing yearly trials she went on to play for the U11 and U15 teams also.

Throughout these years, Ellie’s confidence grew, along with her talents. In 2022, she was named leading wicket taker and catcher for the U15 girls team.

Alongside her success at Northumberland, Ellie has also been playing for Alnmouth Cricket Club. Originally on the Juniors Team, then the Ladies Team and in 2023 she became leading wicket taker for the Mens 3rd Team. This is her home club, the club her Dad played for when he was a teenager and the club where he still holds the record bowling figures, 9 for 35.

Ellie continues to be passionate about her goal of playing for England, following the Northumberland County Cricket player pathway with great determination. In 2021 she joined the Gateshead Fell Ladies Team, allowing her to gain experience in a higher league, once again the leading wicket taker in 2023. Most recently she made her whole family proud by passing trials to become a North East Warrior bowling all rounder and taking one step closer to realising her dream.

About derek

At the age of 9, whilst in a children’s home, Derek was first introduced to the world of cricket. This is where he first picked up a cricket bat and discovered he had a natural gift for catching and bowling.

In the TV room, with the cricket playing, he would always hear the same names repeated and in time he became familiar with the players. These players became the family he wanted to join. He had a great understanding for the game and the people involved in it, it kept him company and kept him calm, just as it does now.

From the age of 17 he played 3 seasons for Alnmouth and Lesbury, he was a valued player, remembered for his talents as a bowler. Sadly, at the age of 19, Epilepsy and other illness meant he was no longer able to play the game he loved but cricket never left him and he is now known as one of crickets greatest supporters. Especially of his daughter Ellie who has followed in her Dad’s cricket footsteps.

When Covid arrived, it took Derek from his touring. Forced from the stage, he returned full time to the game he loves to write a diary of a season. He still finds time for writing, singing and charity work but from April to September, you can find him at the cricket field, where he belongs.