Members of Birmingham Citadel Band met at Stafford Grammar School for the first “Band Cricket Match” for some years.  Although some of the band were enjoying their summer holidays, 20 bandsmen and 2 “WAGS” (that’s Wives and Girlfriends for those who are not familiar with the acronym) made up the two teams to do battle over 15 overs.  The two team captains were our Bandmaster (Graham Lamplough) and Deputy Bandmaster (Mark Sharman) and the first ball was bowled by the Bandmaster shortly after 11am.

​

With ages ranging from 14-80 (although 80 year old Rtd. Songster Leader Fred Crowhurst was one of our umpires!) it was an “inclusive” and fun match in which the Bandmaster’s team ran out eventual winners, with Bandmaster Lamplough’s 3 wicket haul being one highlight.  The batsmen also did well with Rob O’Connor hitting 25 before retiring.  Lunch beckoned and everyone enjoyed a BBQ, fresh fruit and cakes before we started a second 15 over match.  

​

The crowd of supporters included current and former bandsmen and bandswomen, members of Birmingham Citadel Corps, family, friends and even a few pets!  The children also enjoyed a bouncy castle.

​

The second match was a different story as the Deputy Bandmaster’s XI set a decent target of 128 after 15 overs with Jonathan (29 n.o.) and Alex Pearce (29 n.o.) as well as Mark Sharman (24 n.o.) putting in good batting performances.

​

The Bandmaster’s XI set about chasing the target set and batsmen Gavin Lamplough (47 n.o.) and Andrew Dickinson (25 n.o.) got stuck into the bowlers.  With the Bandmaster’s XI needing 31 from the last over it didn’t look good but with some aggressive batting the Bandmaster’s XI ended only 5 short on 123.

​

So, an exciting end to a fabulous day!  An honourable draw (each team winning one game each) and some great laughs, spending time together and enjoying each others company.  

​

Have a great summer!