Author Archives: Kiddybee

Wicketkeeper – wears the gloves ….. or “WHERE’S the gloves?”

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Bedouins v Belbroughton Strollers at Enville, June 7th

Bedouins won by 5 runs

Ever known a game in which neither team turns up with wicketkeeper’s gloves? It happened in this one – not an auspicious start to a new fixture for the Beds. Opponents Belbroughton Strollers apparently have no fewer than three wicketkeepers on whose services they can call. None of them was available, and no-one thought to organise the gloves for the stand-in keeper.

The problem was compounded by the fact that the Bedouins have still not managed to solve the mystery of the disappearing wicketkeeper gloves, in the absence of the regular stumper John Howells, who, of course, has his own.

The result – Austin Gregory jumping in his car and dashing off home to pick up a pair that resides there.

Last season it was a case of the missing stumps, with beer crates having to be used as substitutes. Now, no wicketkeeping gloves. What’s left? Probably no balls …. but perhaps that’s tempting providence!

So what of the game itself? Under glowering skies (see how poetic Beds’ cricket reports are getting these days?), and with light rain falling throughout most of the game, the Bedouins had first knock. Regular skipper John Branch was missing as opening bat, having gone in the fetlock or something, so it was Jon Stanier and Adrian Susman who got things under way. The latter went early but Stanier, after a slow start, got the scoreboard moving, eventually retiring with 31 to his name; he’ll have to get out sometime, to get himself an average.

There were also 30s for new recruit Keith Dawson (he’s already been invited back) and Jono Hill, showing a welcome return to form, resulting in a 20-over total of 118 for 3.

Belbroughton made a good start to their innings, one of their openers reaching the 30 retirement point in just the fifth over. Josh Lemm did well to take 1 for 20 in his four overs, while Adrian Susman, at the other end, did his best to grasp a wet bar of soap masquerading as a cricket ball and recovered well, after an expensive first over, to take 2 for 23.

The wily (though perhaps not “wiry”) Austin Gregory, having recovered from his glove-snatching escapade, included a precious wicket-maiden in his 2 for 12 in four overs. Leaving Jon Stanier and skipper Lee Bywater to see out the remaining four overs, aided by just three extras (one of them a wide) conceded by Jono Hill behind the stumps, to give the Bedouins a well-earned five-run victory.

This was a most successful first encounter with the Belbroughton Strollers, who seem to embody the same spirit in their play as the Beds – playing to enjoy the game and each other’s company but, at the same time, playing to win. We look forward to a return meeting later in the season.

Bedouins 118 for 3 (Stanier 31, Dawson 30, Hill J. 30)

Belbroughton Strollers 113 for 5 (Gregory 2 for 12, Susman 2 for 23, Lemm 1 for 20)

“You need hands …”

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Bedouins v Oldswinford at Enville, May 24th

Bedouins won by 14 runs

To use a literary allusion (a novelty at the start of a Beds cricket report), “It is a truth universally acknowledged” (Austen, J.) that it is generally preferable to stop a well-struck cricket ball with your hands rather than the end of your nose. It is a precept to which Andy Hill will now readily attest.

Here was A. Hill thoroughly enjoying a return to a regular Bedouins spot, after some years nursing a – medical term here – “badly bent back”, and hitting 27 not out in a 50-run stand with son Jono, when Spratters delivered what looked suspiciously like a half-volley to the Oldswinford opening batsman, who promptly despatched it, full pelt, at the unfortunate Andy Hill, standing fairly close at mid-on. The ball ran through his outstretched hands and straight into the Hill hooter. At least he had the decency to sink to his knees, thus ensuring that the blood spatter was not too widespread on the hallowed Enville turf.

We were all mightily relieved when he was able to walk off, ice pack clutched to the throbbing proboscis, for an early shower and the chance of an early pint – it’s an ill wind …..

It had all been going so well for the Beds. After the early departure of Ian Woodhouse (at least he now has an average), Jon Stanier confirmed suspicions that he had been on the red meat again by hitting his erstwhile Oldswinford colleagues for six boundaries and a six in his 32 (retired). Adrian Susman also passed 30 (runs, that is, not age!) and, with Jono Hill hitting 28 not out, in company with his dad, the Beds’ total reached an excellent 144 for 4 after 20 overs.

Oldswinford made a slow start to their reply, largely due to Spratters justifying his previous “parsimonious” tag, by bowling four overs for just 8 runs and one wicket, well backed up by late substitute Lee Bywater, whose four overs cost only 17 runs. The visitors could not quite reach the required scoring rate and, with one run out and one wicket for newcomer Ray Bate (a catch behind, by John Howells after a late review, from the last ball of the innings). The final total of 130 for 3 left Oldswinford 14 runs short of the Beds total.

Bedouins 144 for 4 (Stanier 32, Susman 31, J. Hill 28 not out, A. Hill 27 not out, Branch 13)

Oldswinford 130 for 3 (Spratley 1 for 8; Bate 1 for 15)

Bedouins beaten by Beacon ….. Bugger!

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Bedouins v Beacon at Enville, May 10th 2017

Bedouins lost by 7 wickets

The first game of the 2017 season “went down to the wire”, as the saying goes, before the Bedouins snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Visitors Beacon scored the winning run off the final ball of the last over in a game in which the home side appeared to be cruising to victory at one stage. But Beacon managed to get just the right pair at the crease at the vital time to accelerate the scoring rate and enabling Mr Beacon, Alan Green, to hit the winning runs off the last ball of the 20th over.

In spite of playing out the first over as a maiden, the Beds made a good start to their innings. Ian Woodhouse has clearly decided that running between the wickets is not a good idea; his 31 (retired) included seven boundaries and one six, to add to just one single. At the other end skipper JB was more inclined to deal in singles, but had his share of boundaries too in 30 (retired).

John Howells contributed a brisk 15 and Jon Stanier 23 not out, as the Beds completed their 20 overs with a reasonably competitive total of 113 for 4.

Lee plays through the pain barrier

Having confessed to the skipper that he was carrying an injury, Lee Bywater was immediately, of course, asked to open the bowling. He responded well – in spite of great pain (he says) – with four overs for 21 runs. At the other end, Spratters was even more parsimonious (look it up!) in completing four overs for just 10 runs.

Spratters in full flow

After seven overs, Beacon had just 32 on the board, but they managed to step up the scoring rate, in spite of losing one opener to a smart bit of stumping by John Howells, and a second wicket to a run out. Austin Gregory was the only wicket-taking bowler for the Beds (2 for 17).

The visitors needed two runs off the last ball to win, and Alan Green was able to pull it to the boundary to complete the seven-wicket win.

Which just left the Bedouins and their visitors to enjoy the fruits of Sam Chambers’s first — and very successful — effort at provision of a Beds buffet. Top marks for eggy sandwiches!

Bedouins 113 for 4 (Woodhouse 31, Branch 30, Stanier 23 not out, Howells 15)

Beacon 116 for 3 (Gregory 2 for 17)

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.

Oldswinford curry favour – Beds favour curry!

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Bedouins v Oldswinford at Oldswinford, August 10

Bedouins won by 4 runs

After two abortive attempts to get a new fixture under way between the Beds and Stanier CC – also known as Oldswinford CC –the weather finally turned favourable enough, if somewhat gloomy, to enable the teams to meet at OCC’s Stourbridge home on July 10th. Once again, the Bedouins did their bit by arriving in time for a prompt 6 p.m. start – well done, lads!

Thank heaven we did finally get the game on; it turned out to be just the kind of fixture we like, against a side determined to enjoy themselves but still playing the game “properly”. This could be the start of annual meetings, we hope.

Batting first, the Beds suffered a couple of early setbacks, with Ian Woodhouse making an unusually early exit, and Paul Lippitt following immediately for an unlucky first-ball duck – thanks for coming, Paul! John Branch was doing his best to avoid running at all costs at the other end, and he was joined by Jon Stanier, who was determined to make a decent score against his old team-mates. Both did well, the skipper finally dismissed for 28, and Stanier going on to retire with 33 to his name.

A couple of quick exits followed, before Lee Bywater and Austin Gregory came together and put on 34 priceless runs in the last four overs to take the final score to 107 for 5, Bywater finishing on 16 not out and Gregory on 19 not out.

Josh Lemm had the misfortune to find himself bowling to an in-form opening batsman as Oldswinford began their innings. He was hit for a number of boundaries in his second over, as the Oldswinford opener scored a rapid 33 before retiring, having hit five fours and two sixes. But Josh more than made up for it, with two catches, running back towards the boundary, off the bowling of Spratters – doubtful if any other Bedouin would have got near either of them. Richard Spratley therefore finished his three eight-ball overs with 2 for 7.

There were also wickets for Jon Stanier, Austin Gregory, Lee Baywater, and Adrian Susman. The latter had turned up for a nice restful evening, snapping a few unsuspecting Bedouins (photos here). With one no-show member of the team, he found himself nabbed by the skipper, to come and join in, so that he could contribute a few overs of leg breaks. He did so, to good effect, with two wickets for eight runs. One of those was a superbly rapid bit of stumping by John Howells, who had another a little later.

In the gathering gloom (and with the Bedouins scorer rapidly losing the will to live), it was left to Austin Gregory and Lee Bywater to come together again, this time as “death” bowlers, to see off the Oldswinford innings just four runs short of the target.

Then it was back to the pavilion, for a most acceptable curry and chips, happily rounding off an excellent evening’s entertainment and a season for the Beds that was finally rescued by some late-season activity, as the weather relented somewhat, and a few good performances with bat and ball.

Bedouins 107 for 5 (Stanier 33, Branch 28, Gregory 19 not out, Bywater 16 not out)

Oldswinford 103 for 8 (Spratley 2 for 7, Susman 2 for 8, Stanier 1 for 18, Gregory 1 for 12, Bywater 1 for 11)

“I enjoyed the splash”

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Bedouins v Beacon at Wombourne, August 3

Bedouins won by 8 wickets

Most normal people would simply enjoy hitting a six. At Beacon’s beautifully manicured ground, where a straight hit can often finish in the canal that runs alongside the ground, there is the prospect of the added frisson (look it up!) of watching the splash as the ball hits the surface – and that’s what Ian Woodhouse reckoned was the biggest thrill of his innings. Well, he doesn’t get out much these days, you see.

In fact, splashing out in that way was only one of Woody’s excitements for the evening. His second six cleared the canal, and the towpath (narrowly missing an elderly couple out for an evening stroll), and the hedge, and disappeared into the farmer’s field beyond. “New balls, please.”

For once, the evening got off to a prompt start. Congratulations to the Bedouins players, who managed to get themselves on parade, “booted and suited”, for a start at 6 p.m. sharp. That, combined with hustle and bustle between overs, meant that the game was completed in reasonable light. And all the better for it.

Spratters was back to his accurate best, as the Beds were asked to bowl first. His four overs went for just nine runs, and he had one wicket to add to a good evening’s work. Josh Lemm opened at the other end and was similarly miserly, giving away just 17 runs in his four overs. It was Lee Bywater who fared best for wickets, having two Beacon batsmen clean-bowled.

On a fast-scoring outfield, the Bedouins did well to restrict the home side to 118 for 3.

A start of just two runs in the first two overs was scarcely promising in the Beds’ reply, but Ian Woodhouse got going with a couple of boundaries, as John Branch also hit the occasional boundary at the other end – none of that “all-run three” nonsense this time! Woodhouse retired on 33, and, in fact, all five Beds batsmen who got in reached double figures, Adrian Susman rolling back the years with a cleanly struck straight six in his 18 not out.

Neill Smith made 19 and Jono Hill 14 not out, as the Bedouins reached their winning target, 119 for 2, with nearly two overs to spare. An unbiased view – this was the Beds’ best all-round performance for this and many other seasons.

Beacon 118 for 3 (Bywater 2 for 27; Spratley 1 for 9)

Bedouins 119 for 2 (Woodhouse 33; Branch 22; Smith 19; Susman 18 not out; Jono Hill 14 not out)

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.