Players past and present, plus a larger than normal crowd, enjoyed a sunny afternoon at the Gilvenbank to mark John's last appearance in his whites before hanging up the spikes.

The JB Legends team won the toss and decided to put Chris Greaves' GCC Select in to bat. Early inroads were made with the wickets of Greig Hopcroft and Ross Mearns but firstly Ben Wilkinson and then Vasu Reddy brought up their 50s to ensure a sizeable 40 over score of 222 was set for the Legends to chase. It was fantastic to see John Bell bowl a full spell along with a return to action for Graham Payne and Mike Donaldson.

The pick of the Legends bowlers was Malcolm Neil who was well supported by Iain Georgeson, Darren Bremner, David Snook, Willie Morrison and Ian Dale.

The highlight of the fielding though was without a doubt a fantastic catch in the deep by Mike Donaldson from the bowling of David Snook to dismiss Chris Greaves.

After a fine tea and with clouds starting to loom Nigel Duthie and Ian Cadden (in his first match for just short of 20 years) headed out to open the batting. Ian was delighted to see out the first ball from Darren Lewis but succumbed to a fine delivery from the next ball and Ally Sim headed out to join Nigel.

Skipper Greaves decided to alternate his bowlers every over with all bar Alec Davies turning their arm over, much to the delight of scorer Lesley we're sure!

Chris took a fine catch to dismiss Ally Sim and the wickets of Geoff Sampson, Chris Yarwood, Ian Dale and eventually Nigel Duthie came before rain took the players off the field with Mike Donaldson and Darren Bremner poised to propel the Legends towards the winning target.

The rain then pelted down and any chance of resumption was quickly ruled out. A short presentation saw John Bell awarded with a huge cake and drinks of the stronger variety were enjoyed by all as the rain continued.

Special thanks to:

Lindsay Horne and Alan Cutter for umpiring plus Lesley Davidson for scoring.

All the players in the Legends and Select teams for making the day so memorable.

Kenny Crichton for putting so much effort in to making the day so special for John.

Kelly Shepherd and the GCC Ladies Committee for their fantastic home baking and for doing a superb spread for teas.

Brian, Susan and Hamish Corr for providing the backdrop beats - top effort.

Cammy Ross and the Ferrell family for efforts with the BBQ and also to Gary Wilkinson and others for trying to resolve some plumbing issues.

Chris Yarwood for helping prepare the wicket and Chris Greaves for helping to ensure the pitch was covered ahead of Friday night rain.

And last and by no means least to my good friend John Bell. What you have given to this club over the years is simply staggering and so long as there is a Glenrothes Cricket Club the legend of your accomplishments will continue to be told.

Never has a Testimonial Match been more befitting - a legend, a gentleman, a friend, Mr GCC; there's only one John Bell.

[ Photos - by Geoff Sampson ]

[ Photos - by Alec Davies ]

[ Photos - by Greig Hopcroft ]

[ Photos - by Ally Sim ]