Bedouins v Enville O40s – rematch – Wednesday July 3

Enville won by 51 runs

After losing several games against the Bedouins in recent history, Enville came to win this one. With a sprinkling of first and second team players in their side, it was always going to be a hard slog for the Beds. And that it was. So I’m going to skirt over most of this game as it turned out to be a bit of a farce.

Enville’s innings – well they finished on 142 for 3. There weren’t many highlights for the Bedouins except to say that Smith N, deputising behind the stumps made two very sharp stumpings, both off Gregory who bamboozled the batsmen with flight and swing. He finished with 2 for 24 from his 4 overs. Branch was skipper for the night as Jono had legged it to Benidorm, and the former was the only other bowler to claim a wicket although Robinson only conceded 15 off his 4 overs.

In reply there was really only one highlight and it wasn’t Susman’s second ball duck. Ludlow in at 3 again showed what a classy batsman he is, playing some nice shots in his 32 retired. in truth Bedouins never looked like getting anywhere near Enville’s total and the game petered out with Bedouins finishing on 91 for 3.

Bedouins v Enville O40s – Wednesday 19th June

Bedouins win by 3 runs.

Another pleasant, warm and sunny evening saw the Bedouins take on the Enville Over 40’s this week in what turned out to be very exciting game, right down to the very last ball.

The team was already depleted and got worse throughout the Wednesday afternoon with Susman and Aston both falling foul to injury and illness. In stepped Weaver Senior and Weaver Junior (Ollie), both neighbours of Neill Smith, and also Brian Pearsall who stepped in at the eleventh hour. Many thanks to Lippo for this introduction, of which proved a fantastic inclusion, as Brian just happened to be an opening bowler for Worcestershire Over 60’s. All 3 inclusions fitted in to the squad straight away.

The toss was won by the skipper and the Bedouins were to bat first. There was a good opening partnership between openers Lippitt and N.Smith, only for the latter to get out caught by an awful delivery, but a superb catch at Gully. Lippitt was back to his very best with an array of lusty 4’s and reverse sweeps, retiring on 32.

Chris Ludlow came in at 3 and showed off some of his very best shots, including 2 superbly timed 6’s on his way to a very composed 30 not out. The middle order of Taylor (13), Weaver (2) and Bastable (6) had time at the end of the innings for some lusty blows to bring the Bedouins innings to a close at 123 for 2 at the end of 20 overs.

Enville this year had a good mix of young and old starlets, and from years gone by, the Bedouins were aware of some very dangerous players at the top of the order, namely Tonks and Cox. The top and middle order were no match for the bowlers however and the beds were able to keep the score down and take wickets just at the right time.

Cox was bowled by Bastable for 2 runs and the experienced opener Tonks was caught by the skipper at cover off the bowling of Pearsall, who bowled beautifully at the Enville top order with figures of 4 overs, 1 wicket for 11 runs.

It’s fair to say that Austin Gregory lives rent free in Enville skipper Z. Mahmood’s head, with once again the bowler getting the better of the batsman with a looping in swinger that clipped the bails. Gregory finished his spell of 4 overs for 18 runs and 3 wickets, one wicket of which was expertly stumped by N. Smith, who deputised very tidily for Howells this week. The other end was held up very well by Chris Rudge who was also a relative newcomer, and was unlucky to get a wicket in his 4 overs. A noble mention to Enville chairman Rob Miller who scored a solid 30 in amongst the falling wickets.

In the last 5 overs Enville required 47 to win off 30 balls and it was down to some canny death bowling from Lippo and the skipper himself to keep the score down. Enville continued to attack the target, even though there was a couple of wickets shared between Lippitt and Hill. However, a good partnership between 2 Enville youth lads wasn’t quite enough, and Lippo kept the runs down in the final over, including just a single off the last ball with Enville needing 4 to tie the match. Enville finishing on 120 for 7.

A nail bitter down to the last ball, and as usual the game played exactly in the right spirit. The game was watched by a very pleased Bedouins Chairman, who stayed to the very end to watch the beds clinch the win.

Fingers crossed for a re-match on 3^rd July.

Bedouins v Kinlet – 29th May 2024

Bedouins lost by 21 runs

It’s pretty safe to say that one man made a big difference in this game. But more of that later. It was good to get back onto the pitch with our good friends from Kinlet. It’s always a fun competitive game with the lads from t’other side of river. And with their ground under threat, how many more chances will we get to play each other?

On a rather dull and cloudy evening, Kinlet decided to bat first and Beds made little inroad into the batting side. Robertson and Susman both got through their 4 over spells without bagging a wicket and after 8 overs Kinlet found themselves 45 for 0. Susman was a little unlucky not to take a wicket with Taylor performing one of the most outrageous juggling acts in an attempt to catch the ball. Just when it looked like he’d snaffled it at the 5th or 6th attempt, down it went. Classic Bedouins.

Bedouins fought back hard with the bowling changes. The flight and guile of Smith M seemed to unsettle the Kinlet batsmen. Maybe too much time to think about which shot to play isn’t a good thing? At the other end the skipper brought himself on to bowl and was also troubling the batters. He finished with 2 for 17 from 4 overs. But it was Smith M who took the plaudits with a super spell of 3 for 5 from his 4 overs.

In amongst those wickets there were a couple of catches for the skipper who is proving this season to have a very safe pair of hands. One caught and bowled was taken diving to his left, reminiscent of his footy days between the sticks.

Lippo came on for a couple of overs and took a wicket with his first ball. He should have stopped there. He finished with 1 for 17 from his 2 overs and Bastable finished with 0 for 22 from his 2. It was during these last few overs that Kinlet had their ringer at the crease. He was obviously not a regular at 9 in the batting order. He proceeded to dispatch the ball around the ground including three sixes in his innings of 35 retired. On a ground where it seems mighty hard to get the ball to boundary, those sixes made all the difference (plus the 4 Susman let under his boot – shocker).

Who was he? Where does he play his cricket? Nobody was forthcoming and requests to see his contract were ignored. Anyway, we’re not bitter, are we lads? Kinlet finished on 109 for 8.

Bedouins sent Smith N and Taylor out to start the innings but it wasn’t that long before the latter was dismissed LBW for 3. Smith N, who looks in fine form, was joined by Susman and they put together a decent partnership, but both struggled to find the boundary. Smith N retired on 30 and not long after Susman top-edged a full toss to square leg and trudged off for 16.

Lippo played all round a straight one for 4, which left the skipper and Bastable at the wicket. Things looked promising with three overs left and two big hitters at the crease. It looked like going down to the wire. But the skipper was castled by Kinlet’s Mooney, something that gave the bowler great cause to celebrate heartily. Branch joined Bastable but it was a lost cause. Bedouins ended on 88 for 4 with just the two boundaries in that total. Kinlet’s big hitter made all the difference.

With our game v Pedmore cancelled, we next host Beacon.

Bedouins v Oldswinford – Wednesday 15th May
Bedouins won by 54 runs

We’re not used to this, having glorious weather for our first game of the season. But Enville looked superb as the new Skipper Jono tossed up in his first game at the helm. In true Bedouins tradition, he lost the toss and Bedouins were put into bat.

If truth be told, Oldswinford didn’t bring their strongest team, but it was great to see a sprinkling of youngsters, all keen as mustard. Remember the days when we had our own youngster Jono? Taking to the field at the age of, what was it, 14, 15 or 16? I can’t remember exactly, the mind plays tricks these day, but how good to have seen his journey to becoming team captain.

The Bedouins side was missing some hardcore regulars but that gave some of the newer squad members a chance to take the field. And so it was Taylor and Bastable opened the batting in what proved to be a fruitful partnership. They never really looked in trouble until Taylor was run out, but Bastable struck the ball hard in reaching 30 and retiring. At 67 for 1 after 10 overs, Beds looked to be building a hefty total.

Things slowed a little in the second half of the innings. Stanier started slowly, supporting Bastable but was then joined by the skipper who was bowled for 8. Uncharacteristic. Is that the pressure of captaincy? Ludlow took his place but had little time to make a big impact. He finished 4 not out and Stanier 26 not out. Bedouins finished on 109 for 2.

In return, Oldswinford’s innings never really got off the the ground.They played their better batsmen in the top half of the order but it made little difference as Robertson and Tom, son or Martyn Smith quickly took control. As a result Oldswinford were four wickets down after just four overs and that was effectively game over. Robbo finished 2 for 8 from 3 overs and Tom 2 for 3 from 3.

Susman looked back to a bit of form after missing most of last season, finishing with 3 for 16 from 4. Bastable had a couple of wicketless overs for 12. Really, the last 10 overs or so were about the Oldswinford youngsters getting some batting time which was great to see. Oh to be that old again and just starting a cricket career.

Unusually, a few good catches were held by Bedouins. Tom, Jono and Smith M take a bow. Stanier, get in the naughty corner.

An enjoyable evening, good to be back out there. Hopefully more good weather and fun cricket to come this season. Next up, our friends from Kinlet at home on Wednesday 29th.

Bedouins v Fossils – Sunday May 22nd at Perdiswell Park

Match drawn

It was a makeshift side Bedouins side that travelled to Perdiswell Park in Worcester. A new venue to play the Fossils on. Into the ranks came Mick Body and Dave Goring with many Bedouins regulars AWOL.

For anyone who has never played the Fossils, they hold true to their name and are mostly very experienced wily old cricketers, and very nice chaps too. Beds won the toss and decided to have a bat. Hill A and Lippitt opened. Hill was just getting going when he missed a straight one and was bowled so Lippitt was joined his mate Dave Goring, who is obviously good with the bat (as well as fielding) and played some nice shots.

The Fossils have some shrewd bowlers in their side but their advanced age makes fielding challenging, something the Bedouins are possibly starting to find. Where is the next generation of Bedouins coming from? Hill J is now our youngest player. It is the duty of all Bedouins to start producing offspring to carry on the Bedouins tradition in years to come. Get on with it chaps.

Anyway, back to the game. Lippitt was bowled for 14 having hit a couple of boundaries. Goring was joined by said yongster, Hill J and both found the boundary regularly. Goring was eventually caught behind for 27.

Gregory came to the crease and he and Hill J looked untroubled with both retiring on the mandatory 35. Tommy Allcock was in at 6 and he didn’t die wondering. His 9 was full of determined and positive strokes until he was bowled. Smith N made a quick 8 before being stumped and Stanier and Susman saw out the innings with the former hitting three fours in his 16 not out and the latter 6 not out.

Bedouins finished on 188 from their 35 overs.

In reply the Fossils never really challenged the Bedouins total. Their rules are to win the game, Bedouins would need to bowl them all out. Gregory  opened the bowling and bamboozled the Fossils with flight and swing to finish with 2 for 9 from his 7 overs. At the other end was the unusual sight of Hill J. bowling, and what a good job he did. Regularly beating the outside edge he was unlucky to come away with no wickets in his spell of 0 for 30 from 7 overs.

For the Fossils, Gurr was the only batsman to reach retirement of 35. Bedouins shared the bowling around but Stanier was the only other bowler to take a wicket. There was one fabulous run out with Goring hitting the stumps with only one to aim at. Tommy Allcock limped off the pitch with a hamstring injury having been lively in the field. In the end the Fossils innings came to a conclusion with 105 runs on the board and five wickets down. So by their rules, a draw.

The result was not really important, it was just a pleasant game of cricket, and one that will be repeated later in the season.

After a brief departure away from our traditional venue in 2019, and having no duck supper in 2020, it was fantastic to hold this year’s end of season event back at The Cat Inn in Enville. We had a good turn out with 19 present. It would have been 20 except for one self-isolating which was a shame but those there enjoyed some good food, a few drinks, and lots of laughs although the photo doesn’t really capture the ambience.

We managed to uphold the tradition of having a quiz to do between courses and this year it was the partnership of Hill snr and jnr that were victorious, although it did go to a tie break. All very exciting. They both went home with a bottle of wine. The M I Warner trophy presented for Bedouin of the year was deservedly won by John Howells. There can’t be many septuagenarian wicket-keepers playing these days, and definitely none as athletic as John who was an ever-present in the side this year.

“So who won the averages?” I hear you cry. This year the batting honours went to Jonathan Hill with Mick Robertson topping the bowling averages. You can see the full averages for the season here, plus there are links to previous seasons.

Our chairman gave an amusing end-of-season report which was followed by our Skipper’s slant on it. This mostly focused on the sad loss of our ex-chairman Brian Susman in September. It was a difficult job for the skipper but he did a sterling job, delivering a heart-felt and at times very moving tribute to someone who had been a driving force for the club for many years.

For those who may not know, Brian’s ashes were scattered at the ground with the permission of both Enville CC and Enville Hall, for which his family were most grateful. His other club, The Celebs, are arranging for a memorial bench to be positioned, hopefully near the score box where Brian spent many a happy hour and could sometimes be heard shouting “Get on with it, it’s getting dark!”. A fixture between the two sides is planned for next season where the Celebs hope to present the bench.

It was fantastic to be able to get the duck supper up and running again and marked the end of another season of enjoyable cricket. Let’s hope we can do the same again next year. Stay safe.

A dull morning in early December might not seem like a good time to try out a new sport but the suggestion was put forward at the AGM that the Bedouins should try their hand at a bit of foot golf. You know, it’s golf but you kick a football around the course and the holes are extra large. Turns out that this activity is good fun and a great time was had by all eight players who turned up to play the nine hole course in Kingswinford.

It should be said that foot golf is a lot harder than you might expect, even for those who had a misspent youth playing football regularly. Personally, I hadn’t appreciated how much effort it takes to kick a ball any great distance and the fact that the course had a small stream running right through the middle of it made the challenge harder, and a lot balls had to be rescued. Playing in trainers was interesting, as some of tees were a bit spongy, so it was hard to stay upright. A couple of players did their best ‘Bambi on Ice’ impression.

Anyway, those that played had a tremendous laugh so all thanks to Lippo for organising the event which saw the team made up of Smith N., George, Stanier and Lippitt win, with Skipper Bywater, Lippitt and Stanier in three-way tie for the best individual score of 32 (3 under par). Let’s hope we can do it again next year.

Bedouins v Enville O40s – 21st July 2021

Bedouins won

Bedouins have always been very lucky to be hosted by Enville Cricket Club. There are not many places in this land that boast such beautiful surroundings. Enville are celebrating their 200 year anniversary this year. The Wednesday night Bedouins vs Enville Over 40’s would be a game set at the mid-point in their week of celebrations. All of the Bedouins were honoured to be a part of the week and wished our landlord all the best wishes for the future.

Bedouins arrived to a lovely summer evening with new chairs and a crowd at the front of the Pavilion. The atmosphere was already hotting up and it was clear that Enville had taken the fixture seriously fielding what seemed a strong side.

Skip lost the Toss……again! Enville elected to bat and the game was underway. Babyface George and Boom Boom opened up the bowling and almost immediately we knew a tough night was ahead. Tonks and Smith both retiring on 30 and really gave our opening partnership a tough time. All despite some accurate and unusually pacey bowling on a hard wicket. Neither picked up a wicket which was unlucky on this occasion. Sometimes you just meet good opposition players.

At this point a thank you to our umpires who stood around in the heat making sure we all stayed in check. R Farmer a particular delight saying how well I was bowling despite getting dispatched to the boundary every three balls. What a nice chap!

Bate had been sitting on his sofa watching Central News when he finally realised he should be playing cricket. Eventually turning up some 6 overs in he was worth the wait. 4 steady overs for just 18 complimented Mr Stanier at the other end who went for 22 and all of a sudden, we were back in the game.

Additional to the tight bowling was our Jonno. The youth policy of the Bedouins Team was like a ferret up a drainpipe this evening. He had more slides than a 35mm camera club (one for the oldies) and ultimately kept the score from going out of our reach. I counted at least 25 runs saved. I don’t know where he gets his energy from.

Robertson and Gregory wrapped up our overs with Mahmood retiring on 30 for Enville and Hamilton, Tranter and Goodman bolstering the target. 139 was set and the Beds had lots to do.

Bedouins were off to a flier in their Innings. Branch was back on form. No less than seven boundaries, beautiful drives and the odd heave ho and retired on 32. Lippitt was also in the groove. Another six boundaries and the dab was working just fine. 33 and Retired.

The Enville attack had been steady without the required wickets. Moran, May, Tranter, Davis all bowling through without joy.

Hill joined in at the middle and solidified his Man of the Match performance with a sensible batting innings. Defend the straight and punish the wide…..and punish he did. 31 and Retired.

N Smith quickly departed after being caught by Tranter, and then Stanier and Boom Boom joined the party. 15 Overs had gone and 39 was the score required.

Bedouins have struggled to get across the line a few times this season, you could say it’s been the theme of our season. However, today the Bedouins had a twinkle in their eyes and what seemed a 2×4 in their hand.

Stanier tickled over the singles to get Boom Boom on strike and that was that. 3 overs later and a 30 + partnership led to the final ball of the 17th Over. A crunching 6 down the ground from Skip and Beds had pulled it off.

I don’t think Enville knew what happened, I don’t think Bedouins did either!

The most important thing about this game was the social get together afterwards. We have waited for a game like this for a couple of years now. A beer, a bite to eat around friends.

And what friends we have at Enville…….

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

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.