The Constant: Joe Martin’s 350 and Counting
Foreword by Paul Hargreaves
Today we are very pleased to congratulate our outstanding wicketkeeper Joe Martin on his record breaking 350th consecutive Lancashire League appearance.
One of Joe’s many qualities is modesty, and he’ll not get carried away with this achievement. Indeed he needs to take his outstanding record even further to emulate some of the consecutive appearance records in sport. These include Tranmere Rovers footballer Harold Bell who played 401 consecutive games for that team. In the rough and tumble of the NFL, Brett Favre played 297 consecutive games at quarterback, mostly for the Green Bay Packers. Alistair Cook, between 2006 and 2018, played a record 159 consecutive Test matches. Perhaps the greatest ‘Iron Man’ record is that of shortstop Cal Ripken junior of the Baltimore Orioles, who passed the great Lou Gehrig’s 2,130 consecutive games record in 1995, and advanced it to an incredible 2,632.
Joe, like these other sportsmen, has needed some luck with injuries in keeping the streak going, but it would be very naive to think he’s not played many times through some pain and discomfort. Joe made his Lowerhouse debut in 2009 and by 2010 had established himself as the regular ‘keeper. From the beginning he had big boots to fill. His predecessor, Jack McGregor, was one of the most stylish and proficient glovemen in team history.
When I think of Joe’s qualities, I think selflessness, enthusiasm, consistency and loyalty. We’ll take those in order.
Joe unselfishly accepts any position in the batting order he’s allocated. Many fans think he should play a more leading role. After all he was a top order batter in a Championship winning side and yet is largely batting at No. 11. He’s been good enough to score a Lancashire League hundred and 9 fifties. He, along with his older brother Paddy, came through in the clutch, to help win the 2012 League Championship, in the Club’s 150th year. Even in 2025, he helped rescue an absolutely hopeless position to beat Walsden. All this, and yet, there is no resentment from Joe at his lesser batting role, despite him being such a ‘correct’ player.
Enthusiasm next. Just watch him sprint into position between overs. Speeding up the pace of the game is important in retaining the popularity of the sport in an increasingly impatient world.
Consistency will soon have its rewards for Joe, with Brian Higgin’s dismissal record very much in sight. One thing is for sure, and that is he’s going to set a mighty high bar for future ‘House ‘keepers. It might take Joe longer in a pursuit of Hall of Fame status as a batter but I’m sure he’ll get his deserved place eventually.
Last of all loyalty. Joe is famous for doing a lap or two around the ground during Lowerhouse’s innings. He sometimes talks to critics and jerks like yours truly. Never once has he criticised his fellow teammates or thrown them under the bus, even if he might rightly, in my opinion, think he should be batting higher than some of them.
So congrats again Joe, and I hope and pray that 500 consecutive appearances isn’t out of the question.
A Powerful Early Moment
This is a powerful little photo – Joe Martin, with Mark and Jonny Whitehead at the 2004 Worsley Cup final, selling CDs…
Who knew what his wicket keeping career would bring.
Since Enfield, 2010
The last time Joe Martin missed a Lancashire League game for Lowerhouse was July 24th, 2010, away at Enfield.
What has followed is one of the most remarkable runs of consistency the club and the league have ever seen.
Week after week. Season after season. Different teammates, different opponents, different pressures. One constant behind the stumps.
Now, 15 years on, Joe reaches 350 consecutive league appearances, a milestone built not on headlines, but on something far rarer, reliability.
More Than Just Turning Up
Longevity alone does not define this achievement. What Joe has done within that run elevates it even further.
At the time of writing:
- 369 league matches
- 349 catches
- 109 stumpings
That is 458 victims, an average of more than one dismissal per game across his career.
It places him 17th on the all-time Lancashire League list, and just 39 dismissals away from becoming Lowerhouse’s all-time leading wicketkeeper.
This is not just a milestone rooted in the past. It is one that is still moving forward.
The Demands of the Gloves
Wicketkeeping is relentless.
There are no quiet spells. No hiding places. Every ball demands concentration, movement and precision. Hands take the strain. Knees absorb the workload. Fingers rarely escape untouched.
To do that once is expected. To do it every week for over a decade is exceptional. To do it 350 times in a row is extraordinary.
Tributes
Cobus Pienaar
“During the 2014 season, I had the privilege of meeting a young man who struck me as shy, organized, and incredibly down to earth. It didn’t take long to realise there was so much more to Joe Martin, and for two seasons we built not only a great partnership, but also a meaningful friendship. This achievement is truly outstanding and a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifices, and commitment you’ve put in. It also speaks volumes about your remarkable talent and resilience. To go so long without a broken finger or serious injury is no small feat! We are incredibly proud of you. Enjoy this special day, and we look forward with excitement to the seasons ahead.”
Dan Salpietro
“350 consecutive games is an incredible achievement and says everything about his commitment and consistency. But for me, that’s not even his greatest quality, it’s the person he is. He’s someone everyone respects and admires, and I’ve got a huge amount of love and gratitude for him and everything he brings to our group. Much Love from the Salpietro’s.”
Joe Hawke
Where do I even begin? Mr consistent himself, a true gent, remarkable glovesmen my favourite batting partner, and a top mate to boot, a real Lowerhouse legend and I’m glad I’ve been a part of your 350 consecutive games for the yellow and blue. Now start working on that appeal 😉
Paddy Martin
“What an achievement, Joe. Being able to see my best mate keep performing on such a consistent level, make the sacrifices and commitment to the club is something that makes me really proud. There is no one else I would want taking those catches and stumpings for me. Here’s to many more games together, we’ll try to keep doing Grandad proud.”
Chris Bleazard
A fantastic clubman, unselfish to the point of undervaluing himself, talented and a cornerstone of how the club functions. A truly magnificent achievement.
Will Driver
“Congratulations Joe on 350 consecutive Lancashire League games. What an achievement. I played against Joe back in 2010 as he was just starting and it was clear he was going to be a superb cricketer for Lowerhouse. An outstanding wicketkeeper and very under rated batsman, he’s an absolute credit to himself and his club. Well done mate, here’s to the next 350.”
Gary Moorhouse
The thing with Joe is that he would still be reaching this milestone even if the team hadn’t have been as sucessful as it has over that time. i.e. others with his talent would have gone elsewhere. A true dedicated, loyal, club legend and I can’t see this record, whenever it ends, ever being bettered in this league.
Tom Walker
“Joe Martin is and will always be the greatest Lancashire League wicket keeper to ever live. Which, for such a humble person, is quite the achievement. Well done Joe. Love you buddy.”
Stuart Gaynor
Joe Martin is one of the greatest amateurs we’ve ever had but he would never agree with you because he is so humble and self deprecating about his talents. It’s also his dedication and commitment to the team that makes him loved by teammates and fans alike, happy 350 pal!
Stan Heaton
“I was Joe’s coach and manager when he made his LHCC and u11 debut. He was 9. He was a bowler back then and as he was only 2’6″ he skimmed the ball like pebbles on the sea. He took a 5 for at Burnley and not long after decided to be a keeper. He was a delight back then and still is. It’s a remarkable achievement and in my opinion puts Joe as a Lowerhouse and Lancashire League legend and amongst the top league keepers of all time. Well done Joe Martin.”
Francois Haasbroek
Absolute legend and fantastic human, always has time to help anyone with no favour too big. Selfless, loyal and best keeper in league cricket I’ve played with. Talent batter, big six hitter and a privilege to have shared the changing room with him.
The Next Milestone
At 350 consecutive appearances, many would pause and reflect.
This does not feel like a finish point. It feels like another step in a longer journey.
With records in reach and form still intact, the question is not how far he has come, but how far he can still go.
“So congrats again Joe, and I hope and pray that 500 consecutive appearances isn’t out of the question.”
A Standard Set
Records are there to be broken, but some set a standard that lasts far beyond the number itself.
Joe Martin’s consecutive appearance run is one of those.
For future wicketkeepers at Lowerhouse, the bar has been set. And it has been set very high.
Congratulations, Joe
350 consecutive Lancashire League games. A remarkable achievement built on consistency, resilience and character. And a legacy that continues to grow.
#UTH 💛💙