CRICKET. LOVELY CRICKET.

All Saints has enjoyed three very close cricket games already this summer. While the results haven’t been as successful as 2022, the main objectives have been met by giving everyone a chance to turn their arm over or swing the willow, see parent and child bat together, share fun fellowship with other churches, and witness the annual naked cycling outing down Rocks Lane

We have been blessed with fine weather on each occasion, enjoyed a cricket tea in between the innings, followed by a pint or two at the Red Lion after stumps The first match was against St Paul’s Hammersmith who, this year, included new and seemingly younger players with fresh university jumpers (electoral rolls are being doublechecked). The toss saw us bat first and post 105 with only Ed Fryer, James Medd and Richard Hamilton carrying the fight towards their bowlers. Despite some valiant bowling from David Cox, Anthony Shewell, James Hall and young Julian Hamilton, we could not prevent an easy win for the opposition.

Next up were St Mary’s Wimbledon, with great batting from Kevin Couchman, Adam Painter and David Cox Defending a target of 165, wickets fell regularly for our bowlers, led by Scott Summers, Nick Isaacs and five for Adam Painter to round off a great victory by 64 runs and introduced newcomer Siji to his first game of cricket.

Our highest ever total (maybe)

We then scored possibly our highest ever total of 188 against the Chelsea Parishes of St Luke’s and Christchurch, with Ed, Scott, Adam, Richard all retiring undefeated However, their batters produced even more lusty blows, threatening the traffic on Rocks Lane - luckily, no nude cyclists that Saturday Adam managed to clean bowl three of them and Scott was on an exciting hat-trick, but Chelsea won with two overs to spare.

Thanks to all the players for the good nature and great spirit in all games, and we look forward to more celebrations of cricket in 2024! If anyone would like to join us, whether young or mature, first timer or old hand, please get in touch with me at harry@gostelow.co.uk

Harry Gostelow