Author Archives: Kiddybee

Cold Beds feel the heat

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Pedmore v Bedouins – 23rd June 2021
Bedouins lost by 8 wickets

Bedouins fielded a debutante for this away fixture with Pedmore in the shape of Kev Taylor who proved to be a good signing. His unbeaten 30 whilst opening with Smith N, proved to be the highlight of a pretty unremarkable Bedouins innings.

Taylor was well supported by MacConnell who again showed good form with the bat on his way to 20 before being caught. Smith N and Bywater failed to get a start and both went cheaply. Stanier looked to be getting back to his best with an innings of 19 including a six over long on and Howells rode his luck somewhat, being dropped three times in his innings of 8 not out.

Thankfully Pedmore clocked up 25 extras to help contribute to Bedouins final total of 112 for 3.

Beds never really had Pedmore under any sort of pressure during their innings. Bywater was accurate as usual and was unlucky not to take a wicket with Susman dropping (another) catch at mid-off. There can’t be any excuses he didn’t see the ball, it was fluorescent pink.

At the other end Paul Moran, who had made a couple of cameo appearances for the beds before, bowled an over before pulling up lame with a tweaked achilles. Bate took over and bowled one of the Pedmore openers and Stanier took a wicket in his spell, but on the whole Bedouins appear to have lost their mojo with Pedmore reaching their target in the 19th over.

Beds were treated to a curry after the game which sure spiced things up a bit. It was interesting to see the squad sweating more over their tea than they did on the pitch. Next up, the Sunday fixture away at Birlingham against the Fossils.

Beds snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

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Bedouins v Kinlet – Sunday 20th June 2021

Bedouins lost by 5 wickets

The second of Bedouins three fixtures with Kinlet this season ended in a disappointing defeat when it looked like Bedouins had bowled well enough to secure a victory.

This fixture was played on a very dismal Sunday at Enville with weather you could best describe as overcast. Beds batted first with an opening partnership of Branch and Lippitt. The first 10 overs had a run rate akin to a test match innings. Branch batted diligently at one end, while Lippet and Hill J both departed cheaply and at the end of the first 10 overs of this 35-over-a-side game, Beds had amassed 23 runs for those two wickets.

Branch was joined by Thomas and the two put on a good partnership before Branch retired on 53, smashing a six off his last ball. Hill A. joined Thomas but by this time Bedouins were looking to up the tempo for the last five overs of the innings. Thomas was bowled on 43 trying to find the boundary and Hill A. was caught having made 13.

Stanier struggled to get going and was stumped on three whilst dancing down the wicket. Bywater weighed in with 11 runs at the end and was not out. Bedouins had finally scrambled their way to 144 for 5. It didn’t look enough.

In reply Bedouins had Kinlet pinned down at the start of their innings with some tidy bowling from Bywater and Bate. At the end of their allotted seven overs, Bywater had finished with 1 for 14 and Bate 1 for 6, with his spell including four maidens. When Kinlet had finished their 20th over and had only scored 43, Bedouins looked to be in complete control.

Susman took over from Bywater and after a couple of overs found some sort of form to finish with 3 for 27 with one of those wickets being a blinding one-handed catch from Branch. Stanier at the other end finished with 0 for 32 from his seven overs. Kinlet’s hard-hitting number three, Bishop, retired on 53 and with Kinlet reaching the 28th over and still needing 62 from the last seven overs, Bedouins still looked favourite.

Then it all fell apart. Kinlet with Engleheart and Millington at the crease set about the bowling change with some vigour. Runs started flowing with Bedouins stiff legs and dodgy hamstrings failing to protect the boundary. Surely they couldn’t? But they did. Kinlet reached the target with an over to spare and were quite rightly cock-a-hoop.

Beacon beat Bedouins black and blue

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Bedouins v Beacon – Wednesday June 16th

Beacon won by 30 runs

We tend to forget what a dangerous sport cricket can be. Over the years Bedouins have had their fair share of facial injuries from top edges. Who can forget Vernon Currie’s black eye, or Bill O’Neill’s split lip. I seem to remember a certain B. Susman’s nose also having an altercation with a ball on one occasion. Whether that was a Bedouin’s game I can’t quite remember. It didn’t spoil his good looks anyway.

The game with Beacon on Wednesday night was pretty unremarkable. It was quite a high scoring affair, but mostly it will stay in the memory for the injury that befell Mick Robertson. It was nasty as the picture shows, but it could have been so much worse. More on that later.

Beacon brought a strong side to Enville. Batting first, they quickly got runs on the board, although two quick wickets may have tipped the balance in favour of the Beds for an over or two. Skipper Bywater opened the bowling despite an injured hand (another cricket injury) and was rewarded with a wicket in his first over. At the other end George struggled with a dodgy shoulder and came off after two overs to be replaced by Gregory, who also claimed a wicket in his first over.

Beacon then got a grip on the game. One of their openers retired on 32 and three batsmen further down the order got to the 30 mark, or close to it, with some hard hitting. Ask Mick Robertson. He was on the receiving end whilst bowling. The batsman in full flow, hit the ball straight back to Robertson who instinctively tried to catch with his favoured left hand. With the ball hit so hard, all he managed to do was deflect the ball onto his shoulder. He was lucky, very lucky that it was his shoulder it hit. The picture shows Mick a couple of days later with the huge lump still clearly visible. Beacon continued to pile on the runs and ended with 152 for 3.

Bedouins start to the run chase didn’t go according to plan. Branch and Gregory were both quickly back in the pavilion but after that bad start Bedouins fought back with Hill J (30) displaying a fine mix of straight bat and bit hitting, well supported by MacConnell (30) who was back in the Bedouins line-up for the first time in a few years, and looked in good form. Earlier he had also held a catch. There haven’t been many of those from Bedouins this season.

Stanier regularly found the boundary before he was run out on 27 but by this point the required run rate was rocketing and the rest of the Beds batting order failed to reach double figures although the team did finish with a respectable 122 for 6. Now onto another Sunday fixture with the boys from Kinlet. Get well soon Robbo.

Bedouins not in awe of Celebs

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Bedouins v Celebs – Sunday 6th June 2021

Bedouins won by 8 wickets

When I was asked to play for the Celebs against the Bedouins little did I realise what trauma lie in wait. For those of you who don’t know the history of The Celebs, they were a team of personalities from various parts of the insurance industry, put together by the editor of Brokers’ Monthly magazine, Brian Susman. You will of course recognise that name if you are a Bedouin. He is, of course, our previous chairman.

The Celebs gained a reputation for playing on some of the finest grounds in the country; the Oval, Trent Bridge, Chatsworth House, and New Road, Worcester to name but a few, usually playing against some of the larger insurance companies. On Sunday 6th June, the Celebs came to Enville for a 30-over-a-side match.

Early Sunday, it looked the game would never happen. It rained. A lot. But of course, the sun always shines on the righteous, and The Celebs, with few supporters in tow, descended on Enville from all over the country to find reasonable weather conditions.

Before the game, Celebs skipper Dave Haynes presented Brian Susman with a trophy (as pictured) donated by the Celebs, to be used by the Bedouins in whatever way they see fit. A lovely gesture and a great way to mark the occasion.

The Celebs batted first and seemed to be in little trouble with openers Oakley and Fowles retiring on 30, they made it look pretty easy, as did Tom Evans in at three, who is obviously a class act. He didn’t hang around long before he got to the retirement point of 30. George, Bywater and Bate all toiled hard in the warm conditions but without much success. Aston pulled up abruptly whilst chasing the ball to the boundary. He was soon to depart for home. That made it 10-a-side.

So there I was enjoying myself, when all of a sudden I have to go and bat. I was ready for the ‘bants’ as I got to the wicket. “Look, they’ve sent the tail in!”. What I wasn’t ready for was the sound of ball hitting stumps with my first delivery. Stanier looked sheepish at the bowler’s end. Oh well, I thought, perhaps I could redeem myself with a brilliant bowling performance.

Celebs survived a mini collapse after this. Hames and Parkinson also departed and it was left to Doyle and Wilshire to grab some valuable runs at the end. Celebs finished on 145 for 3. Stanier was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 10 from his four overs. A mention too for Rhys Thomas who had disappeared into the wilderness for a few season, but returned like he’d never been away, with 1 for 29 from 6 overs.

So the Bedouins opened their innings with Branch and Lippitt at the crease. I was asked to open the bowling (poor judgement from the skipper). Here’s my chance, I thought. Make a name for yourself and take a few wickets. No such luck. Andy Parkinson at the other end was economical and beat the bat a few times. Just as well, because at the other end I was getting pummelled by both batsmen. If Parky hadn’t been so tight, the game could have been over after 20 overs.

In a comical mix up, Branch was told to retire although it was discovered afterwards he had only made it to 22. Lippitt retired on the full 30. Then the Celebs brought on some proper bowlers. Neil Hames is an over 70s county player and Tom Evans is as good with the ball is he is with the bat. With that, bedouins lost two quick wickets with Thomas and Hill A. going cheaply.

A much younger Hill, the J version, came to the wicket as did Stanier, and the two set about chasing down the total with vigour. Hames finished with 2 for 21 and Evans 0 for 15 both from a six over stint. At that point it looked like the game had swung the Celebs way.

Then I came back on to finish my spell… It ended with Hill J hitting my last ball over square leg for a well-timed 6. A great shot. I disappeared the boundary with my tail between my legs thinking it couldn’t get much worse. I was wrong. An over or two later, I ‘sprinted’ to save more runs, only to feel that twang as my hamstring waved the little white flag.

Skipper Haynes and Ben Parkinson finished the bowling but by this time most of the damage was done. Hill J and Stanier had both retired and it was left to Bywater and Howells to get Bedouins across the line in the last over, finishing on 148 for 2 and completing their first victory of the season.

Game over, I hobbled from the far end of the ground towards the pavilion contemplating a personally dreadful performance. What was the point? Is it time to give up? Why do we do it? I’ll tell you why, the performance is relatively unimportant, the fact is, despite the low points, it’s enjoyable. If you were there, hopefully you enjoyed it too.

Thank you to Mike George for the photos.

Could do better!

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Bedouins v Kinlet – Wednesday June 3rd

Bedouins lost by 33 runs

Turning up at the Enville ground to be greeted with fairly heavy rain and dark skies, it looked for a while as if the game with Kinlet might be another to fall victim to the weather. Thankfully, just as Jon Stanier predicted with his trusty weather app, the rain abated and play finally got underway around 6.30pm. Boy was it dark though!

It was good to get reacquainted with our good friends from Kinlet. Always fun to play against but competitive too, and this game was no different.

On paper Bedouins were fielding a strong side, however this season so far the team has generally flattered to deceive. Their school report would say ‘could do better’. Kinlet batted first with Bedouins traditional pair of opening bowlers, Bywater and George, trying to get to grips with a wet ball. George’s first ball after many months of inactivity pitched a yard in front of his toes, but he soon got back in the swing. Skipper Bywater was economical finishing with 1 for 4 from his four overs.

Susman dropped what should have been a straightforward catch off the skipper’s bowling and was condemned to some fierce ribbing for the rest of the Kinlet innings. Meanwhile Branch standing close in at first slip took a catch that required the reactions of a cat. No mean feat in the gloomy conditions and with a wet ball.

Gregory bowled superbly from the pavilion end to halt any momentum Kinlet were building with their innings, taking three quick wickets in his spell of 3 for 10 from four overs, which included a double wicket maiden in his last over. Smith M also weighed in with a couple of wickets in his two overs. Kinlet reached what looked like a gettable total of 93.

Never underestimate Kinlet though. Their bowling was tight from the start and Bedouins, opening with Branch and Lippitt, struggled to get the ball away. And that theme continued right through the Bedouins innings.

Lippett looked the most dangerous of the Beds batsmen as he made his way to 20 before being caught behind and a partnership between Susman and Stanier promised much but delivered little. With the required run rate climbing steeply Susman took a wild heave ho at a straight ball and was bowled and although Stanier stayed at the crease Bedouins never looked like getting anywhere near the target of 94. In the end they finished well short on 60 for 5.

Let’s hope Bedouins can up their game for the Sunday fixture with The Celebs.

“Hello, hello, it’s good to be back, it’s good to be back”

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Belbroughton v Bedouins – at Belbroughton – 26/5/21

Bedouins lost by 8 wickets

After missing a whole season of cricket in 2020 and possibly more importantly, having no indoor nets to help get back in the swing of things, Bedouins played their first game of 2021 away at Belbroughton.

Our first two fixtures fell victim to the inclement weather so it was a relief to finally get a game on. A few Bedouins had already played a little with their club sides. Thank goodness. Those that hadn’t looked a little stiff and rusty.

Beds batted first on a wicket that could best be described as a ‘pudding’. Very slow and with little bounce it proved hard for both sides to get the ball off the square. Branch and Howells opened with the former departing quickly, losing his stumps when on one. However, the evergreen Howells showed his quality and even ran four twos in one over on his way to 20 before being bowled.

The wicket wasn’t conducive to Jono Hill’s big hitting although he did manage a six in his total of eight before being bowled. Stanier took a while to find his rhythm but once he did he found the boundary several times in his 26 before being stumped going for another big hit.

Wickets tumbled quickly towards the end of the Beds innings as they tried to add to a low total and in the end they scraped together a total of 87 for the loss of nine wickets.

Things looked promising for the Bedouins at the start of the Belbroughton innings. Bywater and Robertson opened the bowling and both made it very hard for the batsmen to get any momentum. In fact they had only amassed 14 from the first seven overs. Robertson’s spell proved to be the pick of the bunch, returning figures of 2 for 12 from his four overs.

Two new batsmen settled in for Belbroughton and after a while they started to show their dominance, regularly finding the boundary. The result then only ever looked like going one way and they reached their target of 88 at the end of the 19th over and for the loss of just the two wickets.

Towards the end of a dull evening the sun broker through and it all ended with a very enjoyable curry supplied by the host club. As the photo above shows, we ate outside and watched the sun disappear over the trees. It’s great to be back.

Bedouins Virtual AGM 2020

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BEDOUINS AGM 2020
Held 3rd November 2020 20:00hrs

Chaired by Lee Bywater
In attendance: A Susman, A Hill, J Branch, L Bywater, A Hancock, M George, A Gregory, N Smith and J Stanier
LB opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

APOLOGIES
Apologies received from B Susman, J Hill J and Howells.

FIXTURES
LB went through the 2020 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2021.

LB in full agreement with those in attendance suggested the following fixtures for 2020:
Wednesday Fixtures
Kinlet (H TBC)
Oldswinford (H/A)
Beacon (H/A)
Enville
A Gregory XI
Belbroughton H/A
*Blakedown H/A
*New Fixture
Sunday Fixtures
Fossils (H/A)
Ashby Albion
Sunday home games subject to availability.

TREASURER’S REPORT
A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy but there was a loss for the year of £364.74 as a result of COVID 19. Total balance at present is £1407.72

SUBSCRIPTIONS
AH suggested that despite the loss this season, subscriptions should be retained at the current rate of £45 per year. Memberships were not collected during the 2020 season as there was no cricket played by the Bedouins due to COVID 19.

OFFICERS
Prior to the meeting Brian Susman had circulated his intention to stand down as Chairman after over 35 years.

Brian’s Message is below:

I hope you enjoy the first ever remote AGM of the Bedouins and I offer my sincere apologies for not being able to attend in person.



As you may know, it had been my intention all along to stand down as chairman at this AGM. My fading eyesight had made it necessary. But now, the need to resign is more acute, as ill health has taken over lately. That is why I was shipped off to PRH Telford a few weeks ago, where I spent a jolly week incarcerated – no visitors, and nothing to read, as I couldn’t see it. With time hanging heavy, it was a sheer delight to have phone calls from some Beds. To those who took the trouble to make contact, my sincere thanks. It was very kind of some of you to take the trouble, and I want you to know that it was very much appreciated.



Standing down this year, while Covid is still ruling our lives, is not ideal for my successor. But we do have one volunteer, prepared to take on the chairmanship, so I will leave that for the proper electoral process to take place before saying any more.



Being the Bedouins chairman for the last 35 years or more has been a rare privilege and a real pleasure. We have had some wonderful times together, and many happy memories to look back on. It has given me real pleasure to see that, as some members have come and gone, we have always been able to stick to Bedouins principles of playing the great game “seriously for fun”. Long may that continue, and I am sure that, under the newly elected chairman, it will be the case.



Have a good meeting. And I look forward to seeing you all in the 2021 season.



Regards

Your ever loving Chairman

LB wished to have it recorded in the minutes the fact that Brian has done an amazing job for which every Bedouin was grateful.

LB also indicated he was aware of a Bedouin interested in becoming the new Bedouins Chairman and proposed Mike George.

A Susman Seconded. None opposed.
Mike George welcomed as new Bedouins Chairman.
Captain LB proposed by M George, seconded A Susman
Secretary LB proposed by M George, seconded A Susman
Treasurer TH proposed by A Hill, seconded M George
Head of Comms AS proposed by A Hill, seconded by M George

DUCK SUPPER
LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper for 2020 was cancelled due to COVID 19.
LB indicated that work commitments were impacting on his ability to arrange the DS and requested the assistance of another Bedouin to take up the arrangements for next year.
AH offered to take over this task for 2021 and moving forward.
JB indicated that last years caterers would not be available moving forward.
AH suggested the return to the Cat at Enville due to the facilities and ease of arrangements.
General consensus at the meeting was that this was a good idea.

NETS
NS to investigate local Nets availability and report back to the Chairman.

NEXT AGM
The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 2nd November 2021.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cricket Teas
MG/AS to contact Sam to check her availability to provide Wednesday night teas.
AH and AS confirmed Jo and Nicky happy to continue to assist with Sunday teas.
LB also confirmed Claire happy to assist when required for Sunday Fixtures.

Golf Day
LB confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2021.
Sapey was unanimously voted the preference for this year’s event.
LB indicated that COVID may still impact on the event.
No other business raised; BS closed the meeting at 2115hrs.

Cricket Balls
LB will arrange for cricket balls for the new season through previous supplier.
*Note – JB has since been in contact with LB and a dozen balls have been ordered through Enville.

Match Reports
MG asked if there was a volunteer for match reports. AS indicated that he would be willing to take on this task.

Meeting closed 2110hrs
Minutes L Bywater

Duck Supper 2019

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This year, Bedouins CC broke with tradition, taking the Duck Supper away from its long-term venue, The Cat in Enville, and ensconced themselves in Enville’s club house. Spratters volunteered a contact of his to do the catering, so everyone waited with bated breath to see whether the food would be up to the high standards expected by a group of gentlemen who are used to fine-dining in the highest circles, like Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s. They also waited with bated breath to see if Spratters would actually turn up. He did so, fashionably late.

The signs were good. The tables were well presented and in a change from previous years at The Cat, we all had some elbow room. Spratters breathed an audible sigh of relief as the starters were met with approval, followed by excellent main courses, and sumptuous puds. So much so, the cheese course was all but written off.

Lippo receives the Warner trophy

Some things are set in stone. We had the usual quiz which, as always, was hard fought, but eventually won by Paul Lippitt and Trevor Spears (Enville’s chairman and welcome guest for the night). We also had the Warner trophy for Bedouin of the Year which was won by Paul Lippitt (there’s a pattern emerging here). But we also had a new trophy, the Barry Cottle trophy, which from now on will be awarded to recognise the champagne moment of the year. This year it went to… no not Lippo, but our esteemed chairman. What was the moment that won him this treasured accolade? It was that moment when, sat eating tea in the last game of the season, away at Kinlet, a dog darted between his legs to half-inch his eggy sandwich. Full story here.

Mr Chairman receives the Barry Cottle trophy

Probably more importantly though, the Barry Cottle trophy is a means by which we can all remember the Bedouins founding member and ex-chairman. The man responsible for the ethos by which we still proudly play today – “Playing seriously for fun”.

The averages for the 2019 season were revealed, with many presuming that Lippo would claim himself another win in the batting category after his epic 92 retired lame. However it was good to see Andy Hill back at the top of the charts with an average of over 60, in his first full season back after a long injury lay off. The bowling plaudits went to Adrian Susman. Full details of the 2019 averages are available here.

The new skipper tells it like it was.

We also enjoyed the new skipper’s inaugural speech, which was spot on. Short, witty and entertaining. Lets face it though, who would dare tell him if it wasn’t? Finally, we had some emotional words from our Chairman as he divulged his plan to stand down at the next AGM. That will leave some big boots to fill. Quite literally. Who will step up to the mark?

Mr Chairman delivers his overview of the season

So, as usual, a good night was had by all. Long may it continue.

Bedouins AGM 2019

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BEDOUINS AGM 2019

HELD 5th NOVEMBER 2019 20:00HRS

Chairman, Brian Susman

In attendance: A Susman, A Hill, R Spratley, J Branch, L Bywater, P Lippitt, M George and J Stanier

BS opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

  1. APOLOGIES

Apologies received from J Hill, J Howells, A Gregory and A Hancock

  1. FIXTURES

BS went through the 2019 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2020.

BS in full agreement with those in attendance suggested the following fixtures for 2020:

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet

Oldswinford (H/A)

Beacon (H/A)

Enville

A Gregory XI

Belbroughton

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H/A)

Kinlet

Ashby Albion

  1. Treasurers Report

A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy but there was a significant loss for the year of £432.94. Total balance at present is £1772.46.

As AH is unavailable at the meeting, the Treasurers report will be deferred for discussion at the Duck Supper.

BS also suggested that regardless of a return fixture, all teams playing at Enville should be asked for a contribution towards tea. All present agreed.

  1. SUBSCRIPTIONS

JS suggested a small rise in subscriptions in order to replenish club funds. All present agreed that a £5 increase in annual membership (Adults) would be appropriate.

  1. OFFICERS

All current Officers are happy to continue in their roles.

Chairman BS proposed by A Hill, seconded by M George

Vice Chairman MG proposed by A Hill, seconded by JB

Captain LB proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Secretary LB proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Treasurer TH proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Head of Comms AS proposed by A Hill, seconded by M George

  1. DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 29th November 2019, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs. The Enville pavilion will host the supper this year.

LB will contact the remaining Bedouins yet to clarify their attendance and gather remaining menu choices.

BS to update Trevor Spiers with the choice in wine.

  1. NETS

PL offered to check availability and arrange nets for the Bedouins this winter.

Crestwood School to be contacted by PL

JS also offered to contact Mr Spooner at Oldswinford.

  1. NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 3rd November 2020.

  1. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cricket Teas

BS to contact Sam to check her availability to provide Wednesday night teas.

AH and AS confirmed Jo and Nicky happy to continue to assist with Sunday teas.

LB also confirmed Claire happy to assist when required for Sunday Fixtures.

New Recruits

LB Confirmed Craig Aston has indicated he would like to join the club formally next season.

Golf Day

BS confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2020.

Multiple venues were suggested, including Chesterton, Ombersley and Cleobury Mortimer.

BS stated he would ask JD to source a suitable location with competitive rate.

Barry Cottle Trophy

AH indicated that the trophy will be ready for the first awarding at the Duck Supper.

BS suggested that the award should be a discussion on the night of the Duck Supper and should be for the ‘most memorable’ moment of the season in the spirit of Barry. Votes will be taken from the membership to decide the winner.

No other business raised; BS closed the meeting at 21:15hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

……. and the Dog ate the Chairman’s egg sandwich!

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Bedouins v Kinlet at Kinlet

August 18th 2019 – Bedouins lost by 13 runs

We should have known what to expect. In the pre-match conversation between skippers, we learned that the home side required a “no retirement” rule for batsmen, instead of the usual 40-over match restriction of retiring at 50. Sure enough, Kinlet produced an opening batsman with Minor Counties potential, who cut and drove his way to an elegant and punishing 100, including five sixes and 12 boundaries, before deciding he had feasted enough and retiring. It was particularly galling that he could, and should, have been dismissed when only on 9.

Meanwhile, his opening partner was less forthright in his play but still managed to work his way to 50 before he, too, decided enough was enough. It was much to the credit of the Beds’ bowlers that they stuck to their task and never lost their sense of humour, and to the credit of the batsmen that they finished only 13 runs short of Kinlet’s 221 for 2. And it should be noted that one of the Beds players made the highest individual score ever recorded by a Bedouin. But more of that in a moment.

The Kinlet ground was looking at its picturesque best for our Sunday afternoon game in mid-August. The sun was shining; sheep were safely grazing; skylarks were skylarking. The welcome from the Kinlet players was as warm as usual. In fact, the whole game was played in the usual friendly spirit between Beds and Kinlet.

The only wicket for a bowler went to Mick Robertson, who completed 8 tidy overs for 34 runs. Vying for bowling honours was David Pearson, who once again showed his devotion to the Bedouins cause by travelling down for the day. He completed 8 overs for 36 runs, although 7 of those went for only 19 runs. Meanwhile Mike George wheeled away for 8 overs that went for a mere 28 runs.

All round, an impressive performance by the Beds attack, supported by some excellent ground fielding.

Between innings there was another of those tasty Kinlet teas, taken alfresco in spite of the freshening wind. There it was that the unfortunate “incident of the chairman’s sandwich” occurred. Taking a seat with a plateful of goodies in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, the chairman decided to place his plate on the ground while sorting himself. As he sat down, a dog belonging to one of the Kinlet ladies poked its head through the chair legs and snaffled one of his sandwiches. To add insult to injury, the dog selected the chairman’s favourite egg sarnie for the smash-and-grab. Well, I ask you! Sympathy from fellow Beds? Not a lot!

The Bedouins openers, Paul Lippitt and Andy Hill, began the pursuit of 222 in fine style, but the latter fell to a boundary catch after making just 14, including one six. Son Jono was just getting going when he was lbw for the same score as the old man. Then followed quick dismissals for Lee Bywater and Neill Smith. The latter to another lbw decision (there’s no such thing as a “good” lbw decision, is there, Neill?).

All of which brought Paul Lippitt and Jon Stanier together in a fifth wicket stand of 106 that almost gave the Beds an unlikely win. Stanier was out to another boundary catch for 61, but Paul Lippitt was definitely the star. He batted almost right through the 40 overs, hitting 15 boundaries in completing 92 not out, at which point he went in the fetlock and was forced to retire. It established a Bedouin record for highest individual score (he actually made more runs than his age!), and it was just a shame that he was unable to complete the century that his terrific effort merited.

The game thus finished much closer than many had expected, with the Bedouins falling short by only 13 runs. Quite a game to finish the Bedouin season. So now we all try to find somewhere to store those huge cricket bags that everyone uses these days and look forward to another successful season next year. Bedouins’ next get-together is the agm on Tuesday, November 5th (should be a cracker!), followed by the Duck Supper on Friday, November 29th. Get those dates in the diary.

Kinlet 221 for 2 (Robertson 1 for 34)

Bedouins 208 for 5 (Lippitt 92 (retired hurt), Stanier 61, A. Hill 14, J. Hill 14)

Postscript: There has been some speculation among Bedouins as to the identity of the writer of these website reports – they want to know who to sue! Well, it’s time to reveal that identity. The writer of the reports is ….. aaaargh!