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Steve Green writes:
After the heavy rain of the last few weeks (and with even more forecast), it looked as if we would have to cancel the event
as the outfield was very wet. Indeed we decided on Saturday that we would not be able to use the cricket square, so we
resorted to 'Plan B', which was for the 6 teams of 8 people to take part in a KwikCricket competition on the outfield area
between the square and the tennis courts.
As it turned out the weather was kind to us and, in fact, we saw blue skies and sun for a fair part of the afternoon. The
teams taking part were representing Wrington Cricket Club, Wrington/Redhill FC, Yeo Valley Farms, Alvis Bros, the
Cricket Club's Under 13 side and 'Jumpers for goalposts', a team of Dads who play football at the Rec each week.
The afternoon was great fun, all sides played with a great spirit and the games were thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd
which grew in size as the afternoon progressed and as the sun came out. The final was contested by Wrington CC and
the Football Club, with the cricketers running out winners by 38 runs. John Alvis presented the Micky Ball Memorial Shield
to Anton Lovatt, who skippered WCC.
Tea and cakes were provided by Karen Ball (Micky's daughter) and friends, and there was a pig roast at the end of the
afternoon, courtesy of Alvis Bros. Proceeds from the sale of tea and cakes plus the collection at the pig roast are to be
donated to the Amyloidosis Reseach Fund based at UCL Medical School, a charity supported by the Ball family.
Special thanks to Phil Parker, WCC Secretary, for organising the event.
Photos kindly supplied by Julie Green
Click thumbnail to enlarge
Report and photos by Phil Parker
A final sour note. It is possible not to find every item of dog mess that is carelessly left at The Rec
This has become a real
problem this year. On a Saturday Kwik cricket session this year one child trod in a pile that had not been noticed. He could just as easily
dived face-first into it. Those who must consciously leave this health hazard must be aware that they are doing it, and all that use the Rec
for community sport would please ask that more thought and consideration is given to the consequences.
Heavy rain on Friday and
Saturday left just a
quadrant of The Rec
available for an adult ‘Kwik
Cricket’ tournament
. Kwik cricket is
meant for children
aged 11 or under and
involves plastic bats
and a rubber ball
and underarm
bowling (as
exhibited by
Micky’s son
Andy)
Each player bats and bowls for 6 balls and so every player
is involved. Bowling is continuous and if the ball is struck
the batsman has to run. So the game is quick as intended.
The ball can be bowled as soon as it is returned to the
bowler and if the batsman is not back in time and the
bowling is accurate then he can be bowled
Many rules for this adult version were
developed (and queried by some of
the players!) during the day, but it led
to a lively and fun day for all the
participants and the large crowd.
The nature of the game is such that it is
inclusive of all ages, gender and ability. And
this format for the day is likely to be seriously
discussed by the club for consideration for
future years. All feedback is very welcome to
the club so that future plans can be developed.
And so to the tournament - 6 teams participated, the normal
four: -cricket club, football club, Yeo Valley and Alvis Bros, but
augmented by the Cricket Club U13s and ‘Jumpers for
Goalposts’ a group of local dads for whom the rebranding for the
day of ‘Dustbins for wickets’ was suggested.
After 6 group games
the final was
contested between
the football club and
the cricket club
The cricket club prevailed and Anton
Lovatt the team captain was
presented with the Micky Ball
Memorial Shield by an Honorary
Member of the club John Alvis
At the end of the tournament a pig
roast kindly provided by Alvis Bros
was enjoyed whilst the U11s and
primary school children reclaimed
their equipment and enjoyed their
own Kwik cricket game.
The Micky Ball
Memorial bench
was fittingly
enjoyed by club
supporters
Thanks to everyone who turned up and to the many people who helped. Too many to mention by name but we all know who you are!
