My 2013 season starts in April at Bluecoats School. It’s a Under 14 friendly County Game in which Berkshire will play Bedfordshire, I will be standing with Clive Robinson and we have got lucky because there will be a visit from David Gower and Angus Fraser to unveil a plague commemorating a partnership between Berkshire Cricket, Bluecoats School and the Head Partnership.

It a bitterly cold overcast day but everyone involved puts that behind them to make the event a success.

Throughout the season I will stand in 18 games. A mixture of Berkshire Cricket League (BCL), County Age Group and District Games. The most memorable game is played at Hungerford, Reading District play East Berks my colleague for the day is Errol Carrington, it’s the day D.R.S saves the day for England at Trent bridge in the first Ashes Test and East District win on the final ball of the day with a boundary, the ball flew over a short third man’s head for four, great game!

Another interesting game is Sulhampstead v West Reading. My partner for this game is Gordon Wickman. A west reading batsman looking to hit the ball to miles missed it in front of him but manages to hit the ball as he spun round and it popped up to the keeper, Gordon is totally unsighted by the batsman’s body . I can tell him what I have seen and the batsman is given out. Helicopter shot gone wrong quite funny really.

Twice in the season I see a non-striking batsman run out at bowlers end after the bowler gets a touch in the ball. In a game at Checkendon Simon Webb will be forever grateful to Matt Wickens for holding on to a firmly struck drive shot and preserving his good looks, also in this game we lose a ball up a tree!

Another first for me this season is umpiring in my granddads cup match. Nettlebed play Swyncombe for the Ron Vines cup. I usually play but this year I umpire with my Uncle Steve who is an Oxfordshire and Home Counties umpire there is plenty of banter between us an enjoyable afternoon. Talk about a full circle Uncle Steve was one of John’s Tutors on his first ACU&S course!

 

 

 

 

 

The season ends for me at Mortimer West End their opponents are Checkendon. Checkendon sadly are already relegated and West End are mid table so there is nothing to play for. It is also Kenny Allsobrook’s last game as captain for West End. He has led his side to 3 Premier Division Titles, Kenny takes 4 wickets and West End win. Father and son Matt and Henry Wickens put up a stubborn last wicket stand it takes me back 25 years or so batting with dad at a young age usually attempting to bat it out for a draw.

 

At our monthly meeting in November I receive my Level 1A Certificate from Charlotte Edwards meaning this year I have shaken hands with 2 greats of the game, Gower and Edwards.