Ossie keeping wicket at Sion MillsOssie keeping wicket at Sion Mills
Almost twenty years ago a thirteen-year-old boy found himself suddenly elevated from the ranks of Schoolboy Cricket, where he had shown considerable form as an up-and-coming wicket keeper, to a place behind the stumps for the Sion Mills Senior XI cricket team.

This was a promotion which might well have daunted the heart of a lad of much riper age, but if Osmond Colhoun felt any qualms on that momentous occasion it certainly was not in evidence, and his performance behind the wicket that day brought not only the applause of the spectators and fellow players, but tue prophecy from competent judges of the game that "that boy will play for Ireland some day."

Succeeding years have proved how true this prophecy has been, for, with the closing of another cricket season, Osmond has completed his twelfth year as wicketkeeper forIreland, with a record never approached — never mind equalled — by any of his predecessors.

Chosen to play against Lancashire in 1959, Osmond has since been capped 55 times for his country — a record only surpassed by the famous JC Boucher, who was capped 61 times. His record of victims, however, is more than twice that of any Ireland wicketkeeper who has gone before him. FJ Hillier claimed 55 victims and held the record for many years.

To date, Osmond has claimed 115, and may yet reach his double century. Among his victims has been the famous Sir Leonard Hutton, whom he disposed off in a most workmanlike manner in the Ireland v MCC match in Dublin in 1965. It was also a brilliant piece of stumping by Osmond which gave Scott Huey his 100th wicket in international cricket.

PLAYED AGAINST MANY COUNTRIES

In the course of his career he has played against West Indies (twice), Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Holland and Denmark. He has played six times at Lords, and been offered the chance to train for English county cricket on many occasions, but as one who prefers to play cricket for the love of the game rather than for material gain, Osmond has preferred to remain at his chosen occupation as a fitter with Herdmans Ltd. He has always had however, a particular affection for his native village, and feels he would find it difficult to put down roots elsewhere.

PROWESS AS A BATSMAN

His record for his local team over the years needs no recapitulation. Not only has his number of victims been legion, but his prowess os a batsman, his keen eye and cool head has brought a steadying influence to his team when on many occasions all has seemed "over bar the shouting".

Going out to open the batting for Sion Mills with Aubrey FinlayGoing out to open the batting for Sion Mills with Aubrey Finlay

His last wicket stand against Brigade, with Billy Warke, which brought Sion victory in the first round of the North-West Senior Cup, when the cream of Sion's batsmen were all back in the pavilion for 59 runs many years ago, is still vividly remembered. He has since opened for Sion on many occasions and laid the foundation for a score which has brought victory to his team.

Back, in 1955, when John Flood amassed more than 100 wickets for Sion Mills, Osmond had a hand in the dismissal of no less than 64 of Flood's victims.

Nor has Osmond's life been all cricket. Like his famous cousins — the brothers Victor and Alan Hunter — he has also taken his place with credit on the football field as well. When Sion won the City Cup in 1962, his performance in goals helped Sion to the 5-0 victory which brought them the trophy.

Osmond's other famous cousin, Aubrey Finlay, has also been capped for Ireland on several occasions in the field of cricket, and is also no mean footballer as well.

At 33, Osmond still retains his youthful vigour and appearance, and it is confidently expected that he will still continue to represent his country for many years to come.