Once again, August Bank Holiday Monday saw the club come together and play their annual T20 inter club competition in memory of two Belvoir legends, Chris Jones and Euan Coulthard.
In a changed format this year, using the rules of the Hundred series, four teams played each other in the group stages in matches of 80 balls. A new team this year, “Bealbys Broncos” won their first two matches to book a place in the 100 ball final. There was a tense shoot out in the final game of the group stages to find the other finalist between holders “Robbies Royals” and another new team “Nicolsons Nighthawks” with the latter prevailing in a low scoring game. Forbes Foxes did not come away empty handed , winning their final group match.
Under grey skies and a hint of drizzle in the air the final got underway with the Broncos electing to bat first as they had done throughout the tournament. However a flurry of quick wickets, inluding an amazing run out by Fraser Fentem saw the Vice Chairmans side at 50-4 at the halfway stage and well below par. A re-build was needed and Tommy Bealby (45*) joined George Drewery (52*) at the crease and together they put on an unbeaten 101 run partnership for the 5th wicket leaing the Nighthawks chasing 138 for victory.
The Broncos bowlers were on top from the start with two of the leading Nighthawks batters , Scott Nicolson and Greg Willows both falling early to LBW decisions to Phil Irvine and George Drewery respectively. Ishaq Salem took wickets with his crafty Off spin as did Olly Elson and Konara Weerasinghe bowled a tight opening set.
So in the end a comfortable victory for the Broncos which was followed by a BBQ and a few beers.
Special thanks to Dan Gibson for all his hard work with help from Matt Harland in organising a fantastic day.
A full set of pictures can be found at Gallery – Belvoir Cricket Club
