A 51-YEAR-OLD making an international return some 34 years after his debut sounds like the plot to a movie.

But for Pontblyddyn ace Glenn Chambers it’s a reality as he looks to help Wales make their mark on the Over-50s World Cup in South Africa this month.

“It’s mindblowing,” said Chambers. “To be 51 and representing your country in a World Cup is something, and I mean this wholeheartedly, that means an awful lot to me.

“You get to a certain age in life and you don’t think about things like this, but to be picked to represent Wales 34 years after Australia is something I bristle with pride at.

“You don’t realise the magnitude of what you’ve achieved until you are selected. It’s something to tell the grandchildren about.”

Rewind nearly three-and-a-half decades and a teenage Chambers was heading to Australia with Wales Under-19s relishing the chance to experience the game Down Under.

“I’ve still got the jumper and shirts from that trip,” said Chambers, who recalled: “I remember being nervous when I was picked, but then we all felt like we’d made it when we touched down. There were definitely nerves kicking about though, especially playing on fast, bouncy wickets, which was a culture shock, but something I enjoyed.

“It was great to see how other teams played in what was a completely different environment and mentally challenging.

“We were playing regional teams, but they were streets ahead in terms of how they played.”

As the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. That’s not something Chambers signs up to, however.

“I expect to learn a lot this time around,” he continued. “Instead of just Australian teams, this is a competition with players from all over the world, which will represent a number of different challenges.”

Anyone who knows Chambers - or has come up against him in the North Wales League or for Flintshire - will be aware that the all-rounder is not heading to South Africa to take in the sights.

“This is about representing the country and making a mark on the tournament,” declared Chambers, who hopes to tick three things off during his time away.

“Number one is playing in coloured kit, which is something I’ve never, ever done in all the years I’ve played,” said Chambers, allocated squad number two for Wales with Dolgellau’s Phil Leeds to wear four.

“The second thing is the final at Newlands. Whether that’s playing in it or watching the final, it will be spectacular.

“Finally, I want to go on safari.”

Chambers will no doubt head on safari with partner Mel, who has headed to South Africa in support, but between now and then is the serious matter of trying to win cricket matches.

Wales will play seven games in just under two weeks, starting with a clash against the tournament hosts on Wednesday.

“It will be great to play the hosts on the opening day of the tournament,” said Chambers of a side coached by Allan Donald, who could make an appearance out in the middle. “After that we’ve got the likes of England, India and Pakistan, which will be great.”

On Wales’ hopes for the competition, Chambers added: “We can surprise a few.”

And Chambers signed off with a poignant message.

“There is a lot of focus on youth in sport, and rightly so,” he said. “But this shows that if you start playing a sport at 10 or 11, you can still be competing at a good level at over 50.”