Eamonn Moran must be the only man in village cricket who bats without gloves.

He’s survived 30 years without a broken bone and isn’t about to change his habits now.

Moran, 48, said: “I’ve never been comfortable wearing gloves. I tried it once but the bat flew out of my hands two or three times.

“I work with hammers and screwdrivers, so my hands are quite tough.

“I’ve been hit a few times but the trick is not to show pain.

“Bowlers look at me and smile when I come in and you get comments about forgetting my gloves.

“When I started playing, I used to come in lower down the order and the opening bowler would be back on.

“The ball would be pitched in short and come to me chest-high but my hand-eye co-ordination is quite good.

“I’d pull a couple for four and the bowler would realise I’ve probably batted without gloves before.

“I’ve never worn gloves but I’m glad my kids haven’t followed my example. I wouldn’t advise it.

“I don’t wear a box either. It’s a risk but I don’t think you should be getting hit there. I do wear pads but I don’t like them.

“The only injuries I’ve had are wicketkeeping – when I do wear gloves.”

Horsmonden are Moran’s main club but he also turns out for Marden team Blue House in the Kent Village League.