“158 ought to be enough”

Bedouins v Kinlet at Kinlet, May 16th

Bedouins lost by 5 wickets

When the Bedouins rattled up 158 for the loss of just two wickets against Kinlet on the Moffats School ground at Kinlet, the talk in the dressing room (AKA the wooden shed at the back of the pavilion) was to the effect that it “ … ought to be enough”. But on a ground like Kinlet’s, with batsmen retiring at 25 and everyone being obliged to bowl two overs (aargh!), it would prove to be some way short of the required figure.

Having said that, it is unusual, in Bedouin terms, for a Wednesday evening 20-over-a-side game, to produce a total of more than 300 runs. Still, it was enjoyable for the crowd, even though by far the majority of them (in fact, come to think of it, all of them) were of the ovine (look it up!) persuasion. The ground does lend itself to high scoring, having an extremely short boundary on one side and a moderately short boundary on the other.

Once again, the Beds’ innings got off to a good start, with skipper John Branch continuing where he left off the previous week, hitting a succession of boundaries, plus the odd hobbled single, before reaching the somewhat meagre retirement point of 25. His opening partner, John Howells, also reached that point, but not before the pair had had the record keepers scurrying around to see if this was indeed a record combined age for a Bedouin opening partnership – decision pending.

Adrian Susman and Lee Bywater also reached the retirement score, both having included a six in their innings. Jon Stanier made 22, and Ray Bate 10 not out from the two balls he faced, bringing the final total to 158 for 2.

The Beds also made a good start to the home side’s innings. Spratters, who had earned himself copious Brownie points by being the scorer’s right-hand man throughout the Bedouins innings, when no-one else appeared to want to do it, took a wicket in each of his two overs, plus a painful blow to his foot which, no doubt, later had him wondering if it was really wise to get the toes in the way of that one.

Josh Lemm was also doing a good containing job at the other end, conceding only eight runs. But then the runs started to flow, with Kinlet benefitting from the batting abilities of a couple of guests (AKA ringers). There was a wicket apiece for Susman and Branch, but Kinlet reached their challenging target with a couple of overs to spare.

Then it was all back to the Eagle & Serpent for a couple of drinks at the “baa-baa”, where the Beds were looking a bit “sheepish” after their beating. The evening concluded somewhat better, however, for head of comms Adrian, who won a tenner on the Kinlet sweep; no doubt most of it will go on buying his old man a beer at the weekend!

Bedouins 158 for 2 (Branch 26, Howells 25, Stanier 22, Susman 28, Bywater 27, Bate 10 not out)

Kinlet 159 for 5 (Spratley 2 for 19, Susman 1 for 9, Branch 1 for 13)

Duck Supper 2017

Another raucous night was enjoyed at the Cat at Enville to mark the Bedouins end of season festivities. Those present numbered 15, or was it 17. I can’t remember, it’s all a bit of a blur. Mr Chairman had thankfully shrugged off his poor health and seemed to be in fine fettle as he recounted various goings on from the season, giving us the lowdown on what turned out to be the most exciting for many a year, with several games going down to the wire.

There was the usual picture quiz, which this year seemed to be fiendishly hard. A tie between team Hancock/Susman and team Lemm required a tie breaker, with the former snatching a lucky victory among shouts of “fix”.

The averages were closely fought again this season with Stanier winning the batting and Susman winning the bowling (full averages will be put on the website soon). Then the big award of the night, The John Warner Trophy, deservedly went to Jon Hill, for some superb performances with the bat, the usual exuberance of youth in the field and an almost unblemished attendance record for the season.

All in all another great night, no doubt to be repeated in 2018. If you didn’t make it this year, put a note in your diary. We’ll be looking at Friday 30th November for next year’s shindig.

Bedouins CC AGM 2017

BEDOUINS AGM 2017

HELD 7th NOVEMBER 2017 20.00 HRS

Chair Lee Bywater

In attendance: Adrian Susman (AS), Andy Hill (AH), Richard Spratley (RS), Austin Gregory (AG), John Branch (JB), Lee Bywater (LB), Neil Smith (NS), Mike George (MG), Mejdi Mabrouk (MM) and Jon Stanier (JS).

LB opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

  1.  APOLOGIES

Apologies received from B Susman, V Currie, N Moxon, P Barnsley, J Howells, R Morgan, I Woodhouse, T Hancock (TH), J Hill (JH), and P Lippitt

  1.  FIXTURES

LB went through the 2017 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2017.

During the course of discussions, all in attendance agreed that the Chancers team was exceptionally strong over the last couple of years and that perhaps this year a new fixture should be sought with a team of similar standard to the Bedouins.

AH indicated that J Hill would like to arrange a new Sunday fixture with Ashby Albion. AH indicated that although the team does not have access to their own ground, they are willing to travel to Enville.

LB reminded all those present that putting together a team for Sunday fixtures has been difficult in the past.

AS suggested that the club considers a new Sunday fixture to replace the Halifax SSP. This could be a ‘tour’ fixture around early August that has proved popular with Bedouins in the past. NS suggested a September tour as more teams would have availability. AS and AH agreed to investigate the option further.

LB in full agreement with those in attendance suggested the following fixtures for 2018:

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet (A)

Belbroughton (H/A)

Oldswinford (H/A)

Beacon (H/A)

Open GI (H)

Enville (H)

A Gregory XI (H)

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H/A)

Oldbury Old Boys (H)

Ashby Albion (H)

Kinlet (H)

‘New Tour’ Fixture (A) TBC

  1.  Treasurers Report

A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy showing a small profit for the year of £206.99 Total balance at present is £2621.65

As TH was unable to attend, further information on this item was deferred to the ‘Duck Supper’.

  1.  SUBSCRIPTIONS

JB and NS indicated that as the club was financially healthy, subscriptions should be maintained at the current rate of £40 per year. All in attendance agreed.

JS suggested that new players should be given a limit on appearances until a subscription is paid. JS suggested that after three fixtures we should be requesting a subscription fee.

All in attendance were in agreement as long as our ability to field a team was not affected.

 

  1.  OFFICERS

All current Officers are happy to continue in their roles and were unopposed.

LB reminded the meeting that BS has suggested that Bedouins appoint a Vice Chairman. This would be to cover very rare instances such as tonight where BS was unavailable.

JB suggested that AS was a worthy appointment. AS indicated that his Team Secretary and Communications Officer roles were keeping him sufficiently occupied and asked if another suitable candidate could be found.

MG volunteered for the role. AH proposed, LB seconded and none opposed.

MG is the new Bedouins Vice Chairman.

RS has agreed to continue as a match day contact point.

  1.  DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 24th November 2017, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs.

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

LB also requested clarification of the number of ladies attending the supper. LB will book a table for six.

  1.  NETS

LB asked MG for an update on the availability of winter nets.

MG advised that although his contact at King Ed’s had left her role, he now had a new contact point and was hopeful of securing the same weeks as last year.

AS pointed out that the shorter format of the nets this year had proved more successful and in fact gave us a small profit.

JS suggested that Oldswinford would be available for outdoor nets should Bedouins require any further practice.

 

  1. NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 6th November 2018.

  1. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Bedouins Tour

Covered in ‘Item 2’ fixtures

Cricket Teas

JB indicated that he was unsure if Sam was available to provide teas this season. AS agreed to contact to seek clarification.

New Recruits

JS suggested Mick Robertson and Martin Watts as potential new Bedouins.

JB also had a prospective new recruit.

MM indicated he would contact Keith to investigate his availability this season.

LB asked that all contact details be passed to AS.

Club Shirts/Hats

LB asked AS if we still had sufficient stock for the next season. AS stated that there was no need to order more shirts/hats at this point.

Cricket Balls

JB will continue to supply the cricket balls via Enville.

AS/LB stated that we were short of cricket balls for the new season.

JB stated that he will order a dozen balls.

LB asked RS about the trial of pink cricket balls for low light. RS said that he would purchase two pink cricket balls for the new season.

Golf Day

LB confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2018.

All agreed that Sapey was the chosen venue.

AH indicated that the Sapey Golf club has new owners.

No other business raised, LB closed the meeting at 2125hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

Credit where credit’s due

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Whilst posting the two latest match reports, I notice that they say “buy Kiddybee” (my alter ego) at the top. I wish to make it clear that it is Mr Chairman who concocts these reports, not I. There was a time when I did and believe it or not, that played a part in getting me the job I’m presently in. So thanks to Mr Chairman who has been doing a sterling job for the past several seasons (how long is it Mr C?). He always provides impeccable copy, apostrophes and all (and some in the right places) unlike the time Spratters did the job and sent his copy in nothing but cap letters.

2017 fixtures announced

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Bedouins can now look forward to kicking off their 2017 season with a home fixture against Beacon on Wednesday May 10. Not long then for our creaky old squad to limber-up, strap-up and try and eradicate all those little strains, pains and knocks. With 15 fixtures confirmed against some tough opposition, the Beds will need to be at full fitness. Find the full list of fixtures here.

News Round-up

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Happy New Year Beds. Bit late, I know. Thought it was time for a quick round-up of Beds happenings over the last couple of months.

Duck Supper

Firstly, the Duck Supper back in November was a raging success again. Good food and plenty of banter. Lee walked away with the Warner Trophy for Bedouin of the Year, and some of the cutlery. Prizes were presented to the winners of the averages (which can be seen here). Plus, there were the usual reports from Mr Chairman and the Skipper.

Winter nets

Due to circumstances beyond our control, winter nets will start later in the year than usual. King Ed’s have rather unsportingly decided they want to use their own sports hall, so our nets will run from 6th April to 11th May with one week missed for Easter.

Golf Day

Spratters, grab your clubs and your anorak, it’s nearly time for the Bedouins Golf Day for 2017. Always a lively event, we welcome golfers and novices alike. Details will be emailed out soon, but for your diary, the date will be Thursday March 23rd. So get to the driving range pronto and start swinging.

Hitched

Finally, congratulations to Austin and Deborah who got married the other week. Austin, any chance you work on extending our youth policy?

 

 

 

Bedouins AGM 2016

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BEDOUINS AGM 2016

HELD 1st NOVEMBER 2016 2000HRS

Chairman, Brian Susman

In attendance: Adrian Susman, Andy Hill, Richard Spratley, Austin Gregory, John Branch, John Howells, Lee Bywater, Neil Smith, Richard Ferguson, Mike George, Tony Hancock.

BS opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

APOLOGIES

Apologies received from V Currie, J Hill, J Stanier and P Lippitt

FIXTURES

BS went through the 2016 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2017.

BS, in full agreement with those in attendance, suggested the following fixtures for 2017:

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet (A)

Oldswinford (H/A)

Chancers (H)

Beacon (H/A)

Open GI (H or A)

Enville (H)

A Gregory XI (H)

Belbroughton (H/A)

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H)

Oldbury Old Boys (H)

Halifax SSP (H)

Kinlet (H)

JB informed the meeting that Enville CC will no longer be entering a team into the mid-week league. As a result, Bedouins should have greater flexibility and availability for Wednesday evening fixtures in 2017.

Treasurer’s Report

A copy of the Treasurer’s report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy, showing a small loss for the year of £159.25. Total balance at present is £2414.66

TH confirmed that subscriptions were collected from all regular players.

TH stated that the net sessions made a total loss of £100.

The Treasurer’s report will also be available at the Duck Supper.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

TH indicated that as the club was financially healthy, subscriptions should be maintained at the current rate of £40 per year. All in attendance agreed.

OFFICERS

All current Officers are happy to continue in their roles.

Chairman BS: proposed by A Hill, seconded by L Bywater

Captain JB: proposed by J Howells, seconded A Hill

Secretary LB: proposed by B Susman, seconded J Branch

Treasurer TH: proposed by J Branch, seconded L Bywater

A Susman happy to continue in his role as ‘Head of Communications’ but requested some assistance with team selection on match days for last minute availability.

RS agreed to be a match day contact point.

JH suggested that AS/RS make use of the Enville CC Facebook page should the Bedouins need reinforcements at short notice.

DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 25th November 2016, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs.

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

LB also requested clarification of the number of ladies attending the supper. LB will book a table for five.

LB to contact D Thomas for menu choices.

NETS

RS fully endorsed the continuance of winter nets, revealing a campaign T-Shirt.

BS asked if the club would like to continue with nets as they made a loss last year of £100.

BS revealed that nine Bedouins had responded to the ‘Bedouin Referendum’ e-mail in support of continuance of the nets sessions.

LB suggested arranging net sessions on a different evening, such as a Wednesday, to boost attendance.

LB, MG and NS all confirmed that this would make attending nets much easier.

No objections raised to the switch to a Wednesday night.

BS asked MG if he was happy to contact King Edwards to check availability for a Wednesday and try to book the same time slot as last year. MG agreed.

NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 7th November 2017.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Enville CC

JB informed the meeting that Trevor Spears has been appointed the new Chairman of Enville CC.

Cricket Teas

Bedouins Referendum’ e-mails were unsuccessful in recruiting a firm offer to provide the Bedouins post-match buffet. AS informed the meeting that Nicki would consider continuing but would require some assistance in transporting the food to the ground.

BS offered his assistance.

JB, AH and LB were all able to offer assistance with preparing Sunday fixtures teas if requested to do so.

New Recruits

BS informed the meeting that eight Bedouins had responded to the ‘Bedouins Referendum’ e-mail with prospective new recruits.

Club Shirts/Hats

BS confirmed with AS/TH that the Bedouins still have significant stock of new Bedouins shirts and caps. BS/TH confirmed that significant investment had been made from club funds and were hopeful that some of our new recruits and existing members would take the opportunity to display the club colours.

Defibrillator

BS wanted to re-affirm the work that had been followed through by D Thomas in securing a defibrillator for use at the Enville CC ground. This was following a Bedouins suggestion and offer of funding following last year’s AGM.

MG and LB attended defibrillator training held at Enville CC. This was provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Cricket Balls

JB will continue to supply the cricket balls via Enville.

AS/LB stated that we still hold a small stock of cricket balls.

RS again raised the subject of pink cricket balls for trial in low light. JB/BS suggested that RS purchase a couple to try out. RS will be able to recoup the cost from club funds.

Golf Day

BS confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2017.

All agreed that Sapey was the chosen venue.

BS stated that Sapey has been put up for sale but is still hopeful we can use the course.

LB informed the meeting that last year, following winter tees, the same deal continued to be offered into the summer months on a Monday.

BS would e-mail J Davidson about arranging on a suitable day.

Social Night

BS requested suggestions for 2017.

Several options were discussed by the membership, however enthusiasm for the event and a volunteer to make arrangements were not forthcoming.

BS suggested the Bedouins Social Night be postponed for 2017. All agreed.

No other business raised, BS closed the meeting at 2115hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

Rob Lock

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It is with great personal sadness that I must pass on news of the death of Rob Lock. Rob played for the Bedouins around 2011, and brought with him a great knowledge of the game. Not only that, he was a good bloke to have a round, as was his father who often came to games with him. During his time with us he suffered with a bad back, bad knees and ankles and this restricted the number of appearances he made for us. But those who played with him will always remember the way he threw himself around in the field, oblivious to further possible injury.

There was also the time Rob was fielding on the boundary. The ball went to him, he picked it up and shaped to throw it into the wicketkeeper but somehow managed to throw the ball back over the boundary rope. He actually injured his shoulder in so doing, but still managed to see the funny side of it. A classic Bedouins moment, and I’m sure if he could see this now, he’d have another good chuckle. That’s just how he was.

In his youth (we played together in the Oldbury Wells school team) he was a pretty nippy bowler and a good bat and I think he had trials with Warwickshire and may even have played at youth level. He was restricted to bowling off-breaks for the Bedouins, but still showed some classy strokes with the bat, which led me to christen him ‘The Flashing Blade’.

Rob eventually decided to go and live in Spain, and I know he had happy times out there. He had an apartment with a rather nice view of the sea I believe. There were a few pictures and comments on Facebook and we kept in touch via email as he continued to follow the Bedouins from afar.

It’s believed that Rob died of a heart attack on Thursday 8th September. He was found by his son who was out there with him. I’m sure all Bedouins would offer their condolences to Rob’s family.

Rob is pictured above, hitting the runs that won us the game against the Halifax boys in 2011. This is how I will always remember him. The Flashing Blade.

Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!

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The more observant of those that turned out for the Bedouins (or the OWOBs come to that) may have noticed a figure lurking around the boundary rope during last Sunday’s game with Oldbury Wells Old Boys. That lithe body was Mike George who was stalking and taking photos of the action. He has been kind enough to share some of those pictures with us and they can be found here.

Take a look, it’s worth it and okay, we lost, but it was a great day and one which will hopefully be repeated next season.

Fossils fixture falls by the wayside

despair

Very disappointingly, the Bedouins fixture away at The Fossils on Sunday 12th June has had to be cancelled. We were in the ridiculous state of having only three players available for the game with ten of the squad stating they were unavailable. A great shame as having played The Fossils for a couple of seasons now, they have proved to be a very friendly and hospitable club. We are now hoping to arrange a home and away fixture with them next season, as long as we’re not all washing our hair those days.

This follows on from the cancellation of our last planned fixture against Oldswinford. Heavy rain during the day prompted Enville to call the game off to preserve the ground, a decision which we of course as tenants have to respect from our landlords. It was of course Sod’s Law that that evening turned out to be rather sunny and pleasant. Hey ho.